Solo Traveler Snapshot
- Name: Bridget H.
- Age: 51
- Location: Hudson, Wisconsin
- Marital Status: Married
- Favorite Solo Trip: St. Augustine, Florida
Bridget is her own travel agent when it comes to traveling solo. She enjoys exploring the U.S. and finds it refreshing. Bridget does have one item she never leaves home without no matter where she goes.
Solo Traveler Inspiration
TravelAwaits: What inspired you to travel solo?
Bridget: As a mom and wife, being able to take a solo trip is a chance to rejuvenate and reset from the fast-paced and sometimes chaotic home life.
First Solo Trip
TravelAwaits: What was your first solo trip?
Bridget: My first solo trip was to Texas to see a friend. It was exciting to know I didn’t have to keep track of any kids in the airport and rush anyone along.
Favorite Aspect Of Solo Travel
TravelAwaits: What is your favorite part of traveling solo?
Bridget: Besides traveling with my family, I would also travel with friends. That eventually started feeling like I was traveling with family. Traveling alone sounds lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. You can do what you want, when you want, and go wherever you want without having to compromise, make decisions, or wait on anyone. If you want to just sit and read a book, take a nap, or watch your favorite movie; you can without interruption!
Favorite Solo Trip
TravelAwaits: What is your favorite solo trip so far and why?
Bridget: St. Augustine, Florida, is my favorite solo trip and I have been back a few times to visit. The city is steeped with history, beautiful buildings, and delicious restaurants. Bonus: the beach is just across the bridge!
Biggest Solo Travel Concern
TravelAwaits: What was your biggest concern before your first solo trip and how did you overcome it?
Bridget: I think anytime you travel alone, the unknowns are a little scary. You have to be your own navigator, driver, and planner. The best way to overcome this is to be prepared before you go. Do some research on places you want to see, have hotel and car confirmations handy, and check your driving routes. Even with the best of planning, things might not go completely the way you want. But guess what… no crabby kids or spouse to deal with! It’s just you and the open road.
Favorite Travel Product
TravelAwaits: What is one product you cannot live without on your trips?
Bridget: My pillow! Pillows contain so many allergens. If you wake up stuffy in the morning after sleeping on a hotel or vacation home rental pillow, it could be all the dust mites living in the pillow. Yuck!
I Wish I Would Have Joined A Group For This Trip
TravelAwaits: Is there a solo location/destination that would have been better in a group and why?
Bridget: Being a female, I’m hesitant to travel to another country alone. There is something to be said about traveling within the U.S. and having a bit more sense of security than you do outside the country. A different language, different rules, and a different government are a little intimidating to me.
Best Advice For Solo Travelers
TravelAwaits: What advice would you give someone who is considering solo travel?
Bridget: If you are considering it, then I say just do it! Solo traveling isn’t for everyone. My husband likes to have people around and doesn’t like going places alone. It just depends on the person and what their preferences are. I enjoy solo traveling because I need that break from the demands of everyday life to treat myself. Don’t be afraid or feel guilty about taking some time for yourself. Maybe you try it just once and decide it’s not for you. Maybe you discover that you can give so much more to your family after taking a little time for yourself.
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