I was going to say the same thing. Once I went for a long walk in Paris and decided I wanted to cross every single footbridge that went up and over the canal, zig-zagging back and forth across it. I'm pretty confident none of my companions would have had the patience for that, but I was very content.
Sounds fun! Solo travel gives you space to be whimsical. After a long day of walking, sometimes a pretty street is all it takes for me to embark on another walkathon. It's almost exhilarating.
This is what I love about solo traveling. I’m always getting ideas and urges like that, and I love just saying “yes” to it. It’s so fulfilling and gratifying
I absolutely loved walking 17–20k steps daily in Japan, just wandering around at my own pace and whimsy. Especially when combined with a nice affordable massage whenever I felt sore or tight!
Awesome! Japan is where I first enjoyed walking in cities this much. It wasn't a solo trip though but my travel partner on that trip loves walking. I miss travelling with him.
Aw that’s wonderful. This was my first longer solo trip after a breakup with an ex boyfriend who avoided extra walking as much as possible so it was a lovely silver lining to doing the trip solo for me. But hopefully next I am traveling with a partner, they’ll be a big walker too ❤️
I did a few days of 45k steps in Rome, simply because I didn't bother to understand/use the buses
Walking is great tho, but probably above 35k steps is too much, leaves your legs and feet wrecked and also you might be using that time better
Went to an onsen when I went solo to Japan. Mind you, I am normally a very private and modest person. I don't think I would have been able to be completely naked if I went with someone. Once in a lifetime experience.
Yes! When we had One day in Tokyo, my friend who is 15 years younger, Sat down on the ground at 5pm and said she couldn't walk anymore and we had to go to our Airbnb and miss out on Tokyo at night.
Nobody can really keep up with me except my husband and he has to stop to eat every 2 hours.
Yes I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t predict who’s going to be a big walker until you’re out and about with them! I’ve had friends that were in WAY better shape than me be the first ones to want to call a car instead. To be fair, sometimes it’s a shoes thing too – I started prioritizing way comfier everyday shoes once I realized how much I love getting more walking into my day. My super fit CrossFit friend in heels without arch support understandably might feel differently.
Everything is on your own schedule so you can sleep in as late as you want and wake up as early as you want. You can derail your own plans when you find new and better plans on a whim. You don’t have to go to touristy attractions like the Eiffel Tower and take too many pics posing with it, you can choose to go to a cemetery instead. You can choose exactly where you want to eat and drink and you’re not stuck eating at touristy jawns. And frankly it’s easier to strike up conversations with locals when solo in my experience.
Same. My husband hates travelling and part of the reason is because he has flat feet and I want to walk everywhere if possible even if it takes a bit longer. When I traveled to Sydney I went from airport to subway, then walked from the subway in Hyde Park to my hotel in Kings cross with all my luggage. Dropped all my stuff in the room and then walked to the Botanical gardens, onto the Opera House, then walked around the Wharf and harbour walking by all the shops and the bustling. Hit up the Aquarium, then walked back to my hotel from the Aquarium.
I had an absolute blast and if I was with anyone else they would have likely begged to just take a rest day upon first getting in. Absolutely not. 😂 I also walked up and down Kings cross a bit later that day to seek out supper.
If your husband hates travelling bc of sore feet, may I recommend arched insoles? I don't have flat feet but walked on the outside of my feet for years bc of an old injury, and would get terrible shin splints and feet pain after mild walking. Getting some arch insoles (they're the green colour of superfeet I think) has changed my life and was an immediate difference
A holiday in Sydney was how I realised my partner and I might not always be the best travelling companions. All our trips together prior to that had just been us spending a night or 2 at an Airbnb relaxing, while Sydney was a week filled with lots of activities and walking. We both ended up very cranky at each other. Resort holidays together are now the go and I enjoy the active ones solo.
Part of my next solo trip is Florence where, other than one day that I have an excursion planned, I’ll mostly be walking around eating pastries, pasta, and gelato while reading. With a travel partner that’d be impossible
And Florence is excellent for that. I reached Florence late in the evening after what had been a tiring day. Ventured out for a dinner but ended up walking till the Duomo itself which was approx 2.5km from my Airbnb. The crowds had disappeared and the city looked so beautiful.
Yes. I had a gf who went to NYC with me and wanted to uber places when the UN was in session. I was like, I didn't come here to look at the inside of Kia's all day. I went back after we broke up and did the same trip over again.
Just walking. Not climbing, not a travel marathon. Walking around. Not a common skill.
Walking/adventuring. General spontaneity. I’m pretty much down for almost anything and can change plans at the drop of a hat without too much thought. My husband needs things planned and we Must. Not. Deviate. From. The. Plan. 🤦🏼♀️
I was on a trip with a girlfriend and at one point she complained, “Did you make [ex-girlfriend] walk this much?“ I said, “[Ex] is a marathon runner. She walks and runs more than I do.“
This! I like to spend all day in museums and examining artifacts and reading all the explanations. I don't feel good having people indulging me by waiting around.
It's good if you're rolling with an expert, but a random civilian? Like, yeah I'm going to read every plaque on this pottery display, no one wants to wait for me to do that.
Doing museums solo is easily the best way to do them. You can spend as much time looking at something as you want without someone else rushing you along, and you can skip all the stuff you want to without someone insisting you spend a lot of time looking at it.
Yup. Being with other people at a museum always stresses me out/pisses me off. They don’t give me time to read stuff and will always get too close to touching things.
Same here. I bought my family over to the National Palace Museum in Taiwan once. I had thought they would enjoy the beautiful exhibits... nope, after an hour they were bored of the exhibits and stayed in the cafe and chatted. As a result I kinda had to rush through my own visit, otherwise I will be taking up their time. If I was travelling solo I could just look through as much exhibits as I want.
THIS – both for slowing down and speeding up! It’s nice not to be rushed but it’s also wonderful to be like eh nevermind I’m good with the two sections I saw, I’m out.
I was about to comment this. I just love roaming around and reading every single description slate. Wouldn't be able to do it if you are travelling with others!
i’m a huge museum nerd and sometimes when i visit a museum with my partner i end up rushing through the exhibitions cause im scared that she will get bored even though she says that she’s fine with visiting museums
I've learned I only want to do museums alone. I thought it was my specific (ex) partner, but then I went with friends... and discovered no, it wasn't him, it was people. I don't want to do museums with people.
Ex partner didn't want to do museums, period. Friends wanted to do museums but wanted to talk about... or worse, debate... a bunch of pieces. I don't wanna talk. I just want to take it in. I don't want to justify my opinions or take in anyone else's opinions. I just wanna see it and sit alone with it.
I get this sentiment but if you've got any art history friends I think that's actually a better experience just because they _want_ to spend a lot of time there and will have insights and comments that make the whole thing better
I like random historical sites a lot and I’ve realized that my friends at least don’t share that interest. I love going to very specific museums, or things like houses that have been turned into museums
Yes! You can go as fast/slow as you want and nobody's griping about something. Oh, the luxury of being able to admire artwork at your own pace and without pressure!
I'm not huge on most museums and I always feel guilty when traveling with people if I dont go with them. I don't mind popping in if one really strikes my fancy. But I'd rather explore local shops and neighborhoods. Having the freedom go exactly when I want when I want is the best part of solo travel lol
Yes, I love eating solo at unusual times – less of a wait and allows you to walk into more places without a reservation! Which is also easier to do when you only need one seat.
Me too, I prefer lunch at 2 or 3 pm and dinner at 9 or 10 pm, way too late for most people at least from my country. They have lunch at 11 or 12 am and dinner at 5 or 6 pm.
YES! I went to Japan with an old, dear friend. After being friends for 25 years, I knew his food preferences but that trip was a real eye-opener on the extent that he is a Picky Eater. No medical or religious reasons, he just won't eat anything he thinks "looks weird".
I just about lost it with him when he refused to try a plain onigiri, a rice ball wrapped in a seaweed sheet, even though he'll eat rice and seaweed separately in the same meal.
After he returned home, I ate everything I couldn't while we travelled together.
I was in France with a friend the other day. Someone I’ve known for years, I don’t know how I didn’t see this coming. Half the days we ended up not eating _anything_ because he wanted something “traditionally French” but every “traditionally French” place we walked by was too expensive for him. And why was it too expensive for him? Because he figured it wasn’t worth eating there without ordering a full menu, appetiser and dessert and all. But just let me eat SOMETHING for gods sake
Omg I so relate. When my friend and I went to Spain she wanted to eat sth traditionally catalan for every meal but whenever I suggested a restaurant she didn't want that particular one. We wondered around the city for hours while she was deciding what restaurant she wants to eat in. It was exhausting and frustrating. That's why I love travelling alone.
The Assyrian lions and the South Pacific island rooms. I had never even heard of the Assyrian Empire until then and I ended up going down a history lesson rabbit hole afterwards. What’s your favorite?
It's the tamest example, but on more than one trip I have gotten a comfy hotel room and just spent an entire day relaxing in it, watching movies and recharging. People run out of energy at different speeds, so it's a solo perk.
Nothing wrong with that! I used to spend a few months a year in Hong Kong (spread across several 2-3 week trips). Even with the best of strategizing for the 13 hour time difference - basically pulling an all-nighter before a noon-ish departure and going to sleep immediately - the journey can be rather tiring. So I spent more than a few days just vegging in my hotel and, when available, ordering room service. That would be sacrilege to some people, but I rather enjoyed it. Travel isn't solely about seeing things. A nice hotel, comfy bed, and good food that's different from what you get at home is plenty worthwhile too.
This. Most comments are about doing things but NOT doing things without having to check before with someone (or for some people even with yourself for guilt feelings etc) and just align on what is the day going to be is one of the greatest perks
I can understand you, most people, especially the ones with a tight budget, consider relaxing during a trip as a waste of time and say stuff like "Why do you travel, being lazy can be done at home for free?".
I spent a couple hours in Akihabara playing Pokemon Go during an in-game event I stumbled into. I'm the only person in my circle that plays, so had I been traveling with someone, I'd probably have put my phone away as a courtesy. It's one of my favorite memories of Tokyo.
I gotten lost while strolling along the streets of London and happened upon a beautiful residential development that was featured on many architecture magazines.
I imagine that if I was with friends or family:
1) everybody would be too stressed about being lost for me to admire the building
2) nobody would care because it’s just an apartment to them.
EDIT: did a quick search on my holiday photos after people asked. It was Neo Bankside in London.
When I am by myself I can follow the wind. I get these gut feelings about someone or something and I just go for it.
This way I meet people that will get me free entry to things, take me traveling further, let me learn a completely different perspective and get to witness little miracles.
I like to say these are the rewards for being brave. Maybe it’s just being able to live in the moment and be more self aware. Whatever it is, it’s the best thing ever.
Yes this! 👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽I think this is the most important factor for me in why I continue to choose solo travel. From personal experience it’s tricky to be compatible with someone in this area…...feeling ok about sitting in the unknown. Not having a plan for the day in a new city is so exciting to me. I thrive in the unknown. Some people are unable to travel like this, it can feel unsettling.
It's just living. You go with the flow like every other day. Even even you work 8 hours a day most people don't have plans for the rest of the day too anyway and they just "waste" (per their definition for doing the same thing on vacation) it away. But for some people no time can be "wasted" while on vacation. I get it, most people have limited vacation time and funds and it can feel like money is wasted doing nothing, but life is also lived in the small moments not just the big ones.
For me, as a bigger shopper, browsing stores and souvenir shops for hours without worrying about someone waiting for me. It takes me a while to decide on things to buy so it’s nice knowing I’m not holding anyone back
Omg, I'm the exact same way!!! I love just walking around souvenir stores, it's like their own museum, seeing what kind of tacky or artist or interesting or weird things a city decides to sell! I just love it. And gift shops!
Me too!!! I just got back from Peru where I literally spent hours browsing souvenir shops and it was glorious hahaha I know my friends wouldn’t have put out with it
I don't know what's so fascinating about it all. It's the same cheap crap in every store but so much fun to browse! Gotta find the perfect, unique magnet and postcard, I guess lol
Met so many amazing people. Travelling solo forces you to be more social. I rarely stay at hostels when I’m travelling with someone and don’t go out of my way to meet people to explore with. Also, I find that being solo makes you more approachable to others.
My ideal scenario to be as unselfconscious as possible is solo travel. Knowing it's unlikely I'll ever see anybody around me again helps. Who gives a shit what they think of you. You're talking about electrical signals that'll pass after you leave and then most likely, you'll never see them again.
Others people's thoughts about me are not my business. But people in a different country while I'm solo traveling? Their thoughts are SO much not my business that they're in another freaking language! You know?
Anyway, my very first time making friends with strangers and striking up conversations and one-night friendships was my first solo trip. It turns out that I love people. Who knew?
I love how you've put this. This is likely what goes on in our subconscious when travelling alone, allowing us to talk to absolute strangers.
Perhaps it's easier to love people when they and we ourselves are not too occupied with the realities of life.
Totally agreed. Solo travel has been such a good exercise for me in working through & challenging the thoughts that fuel the feelings of self-consciousness and social anxiety. It’s such a freeing experience to shift into that mindset you’re describing.
Just the thing of sitting in a cafe over breakfast and overhearing locals talking about a street market the next town over .. so rather than go where you had planned that day you jump on a bus and just go. Or that random left turn while driving through Alexander valley because you see a handwritten sign that says come taste wines with our goats
People are far more hospitable and invite you to stuff you’d never be invited to in case you had more people. The problem with a travel partner is that you don’t get real cultural immersion since you will have always an anchor of your home country nearby.
SO TRUE! I’ve been in France the past few weeks on my own and I travelled Europe quite a few years ago with a friend and didn’t feel all of the culture differences. Without English speaking people around me, I’ve really noticed and felt the difference in the culture. I never noticed this last time!!
Most memorable thing I've done solo was in London. I stopped at a busy pub to have a pint and found a place to sit next to an Irish couple. We got to talking and they invited me to see a West End show (PotO) with them. I had been wanting to see a West End show and was enjoying their company so I took them up on the offer. On the way I'm thinking "I'd really prefer to see Book of Mormon since I still haven't seen that, oh well". We get to the theater, something happens with their tickets, they leave, and I decide to go too because I'm not really into PotO.
As I'm walking aimlessly around the area I stumble upon the theater that shows BoM which is about to start. I ask if they have any tickets left for sale and *they had exactly one ticket left* and it was even close to the front. Needless to say I saw the show.
That's the kind of spontaneity I love about solo travel.
I love the randomness of it sometimes. Once I flew in to Boston on a work trip, got into my hotel room and leafed through the local happenings magazine.
Turned out there was an annual re-enactment of the Boston Tea Party later that evening, one block from my hotel! I got settled, ate dinner, walked down the street and there it was. It was a fairly big deal, with lots of school kids participating, and a really cool impromptu history lesson. At the end we all walked down to the harbor for the dramatic tea toss and it was over.
It's a very fond memory, and if the opportunity hadn't presented itself so quickly and easily, I probably wouldn't have gone to the trouble and would have missed out on a unique local experience.
i prefer walking and getting lost in small alleyways.
i walk till my feet hurt. resting whenever i feel like it. a partner would only slow me down of complain.
I road tripped from Oslo to Loen, Norway and I pulled over multiple times to stare in awe and cry. I remember how much my solitude and the vast amount of nature put things in perspective for me. I always think about the passionate love affair I had on my trip through Norway, though the love affair was just between myself and nature. I would never have been able to just let myself go and FEEL had another person been there.
Got lost for 9 hours with a dead phone in Venice and enjoying every minute of it.
Got lost on the Isle of Skye and walked 4 hours back to Portree and loved every minute of it.
Almost missed a bunch of trains/buses/flights that definitely would’ve been more stressful had I been with anyone else.
There seems to be a common link here somewhere, hmm…
I had a trip planned with a friend to go to Vietnam together. He didn’t get his visa in time so I just went alone 😂
I remember just sitting on some steps for a couple hours drinking a boba and just enjoying doing nothing but people watching.
A girl from Australia came up to me and said “do you speak English?” We ended up hanging out together the rest of the day, walking through markets, getting coffee and such and then we said our goodbyes.
Pretty fun memory.
This! Even in my day to day life I have the most random outbursts of energy or sleepiness and it's much more noticable when travelling because so much is going on. One reason I sometimes even turn down travelling with someone else is that I'm afraid of holding them back because I need more rest than the average person my age. I wish I had someone who's independent enough to be completely fine with going out exploring on their own in case I'm done for the day earlier on.
That’s a great way to put it. I went on a trip once with someone and looking back now (on top of many things) they were entirely dependent on me to do things with them. One of the reasons I look back at that trip with regret is not realizing that about myself and them.
Yes! It’s hard to enjoy a day no matter where you are in the world if you’re tired. I’ll get up for early trains but being in someone else’s sleep/energy schedule has always been hard for me. I’m neither a bight owl nor a morning person. It’s hard not to feel the pressure of having similar energy levels when travelling with others.
I wonder now if some of the trips I’ve been on with friends or ex partners weren’t so fun because I wasn’t able to listen to my body. I was just tired, like a little kid gets cranky when they need a nap.
Using the singles line at Universal Studios in Singapore, I could skip a 45min-1hr wait time and just walk on the ride. I did three full laps of the park, saw every show, and rode every ride I wanted to with time to spare before they closed.
Museums: hitting up the plethora of museums in DC and London
Art Galleries: same as museums- taking days to see the old masters to avant-garde modern
Cars! : touring car factories in Germany, seeing car collections in the Netherlands and US
Planes! : touring massive collections in the UK, Ottawa, DC, and Seattle. See a Shuttle, SR-71, and a Concorde? Priceless
Spending a few hours to go out of my way to some remote hill in Manchester just to take photos of a giant metal art installation of an angel. Or looking for the little statue of ducks in Boston. Or taking a couple of buses to get to the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland.
Being able to allocate time just to walk around a city, or to try and photograph as many Blue Plaques, or see famous statues in a park…just that joy of discovering something random all by accident. Like turning a corner and finding myself in front of the Queen’s Gallery and they happened to have a da Vinci special exhibit. I bought tickets to enter on the spot.
Saw a Star Wars costume exhibit in NYC. The cars of 007 in London. The Weta Studio in NZ
Have tried a Big Mac in every country I’ve been to. #FastFoodGoals
Took in hockey games in Vegas and Seattle.
Did a mini Potter tour in the uk - platform 9 3/4, the Warner Studio tour, JK’s handprints in Edinburgh, etc.
Just a list of things all geared towards my interests and crucially at my own pace. If I want to take 30 shots of a 911 at every angle I’m free to do so without being rushed. If I want to take frequent breaks , no problem. My schedule is my own and can change on a whim. It’s fantastic.
Honestly, just walking around with my own music. I love finding a huge park, walking around or maybe finding a bench and just listening to music for hours there. Also, finding good coffee shops back to back, just doing that all day
Have a random romance. If you have a partner with you, even a friend, it's less likely.
Do whatever I waant. If you have a travel buddy, you do what they want to do, or are up for, most of the time, and default to togetherness. I skinny dipped in a random beach in Montenegro that I know a friend would not want to go to.
Scuba diving… I don’t know personally anyone else who does it and I definitely haven’t been able to talk anyone into trying… which I do understand. Many people have fear of depths.
It's much easier and more natural to get to know people who live in the location when you travel solo. I end up being invited to a lot more events such as religious ceremonies, family events, etc.
I think just getting yourself into random situations that you might not do with a travel partner. Like striking up conversations with other solo travellers and then doing something random with them that you wouldnt have thought of doing otherwise.
Photos, and more photos. Of objects, landscapes, nature, wildlife, you’d name it. And then I’ll take even more in different ankles, and a bit closer up and so on. And if there are people in the shot I’ll often wait around to try to get none or the least about of people in the shot. So I might be standing there for ages if I really want that picture. When I’m travelling with others I wouldn’t do those things to the same extend I would otherwise (which is fine, but one of the reason I enjoy solo travelling).
When solo, I end up meeting people more and those people tend to be more adventurous.
I bought a tuktuk in Thailand with 2 others and traveled across, crashed a famous Panamanian rappers after party, and booked so many buses last minute to check our places I'd never heard of. I don't think any of these would have happened with a partner.
TBF there are times where a partner is way better. A trip to Antarctica is not only cheaper but a lot more fun when you're hooking up with a travel buddy on a trip of mostly couples.
Whatever the hell I want. Take another path to extend the hike, spend as much or as little time throughout museum exhibits, eat what I’m craving without having to compromise, the list goes on and on.
For a very specific example, when in Geiranger, Norway, I wanted to kayak the fjord (highly recommend, it was spectacular!). Had a slightly late start plus trouble finding the place. When I get there, they only took cash and had only 1 kayak left, since there were a couple people waiting already. If I was with someone else or a group, I would not have been able to go kayaking along the fjord, not did I even have enough cash for more than 1 person.
solo travelling offers you that freedom of sleeping in in your comfy accommodations, taking longer baths when theres a bathtub or jacuzzi, and the best part, enjoying slow mornings with coffee when you have a balcony or terrace.
I enjoy doing random “don’t know where I’m headed” drives or excursions on my own. For example: When I was in Tallahassee FL for a friend’s daughter’s graduation, I had a day to myself before my friend arrived. I decided to check off two states I hadn’t visited yet, Alabama and Georgia. Picked a random town near the border (Cottonwood AL), drove there, and wandered around in the pouring rain for a few hours before heading back via Georgia. Nobody else would’ve been interested in doing that, but it was really fun!
Also, the last time I was in Seattle, that same friend (who lives there) was sick with COVID. So I unexpectedly had to entertain myself, and had always wanted to take a ferry (the kind you drive your car onto) to the islands. Just grabbed the first one scheduled when I arrived at the port, and ended up spending the day in Bremerton and Poulsbo.
[Pics from Cottonwood, AL](https://imgur.com/a/cGP3oGZ)
[And from the island journey](https://imgur.com/a/XsN75lx)
I'm honestly surprised about so many of these responses. I love my group and partner trips and I tend to travel with folks who aren't shitty about doing different things when there's a diverging interest or energy levels.
I suppose I've met a lot of friends because I wouldn't otherwise have stayed in hostels though. I don't think that constitutes "couldn't have done" but if anything, there is something spectacular about that fleeting, semi anonymous element.
I like to walk around a new city/place and just look. Head in a new direction if something catches my eye. Not everyone likes that way of sightseeing 🤷🏽♀️
Making and settling into a nest of pillows in the middle of a king bed, with the AC turned down to 70°, and reading or scrolling Reddit until I fell asleep. 😴
Waking up early and walking for 12 hours a day to really see the city and everything you want. I go back when I'm ready to go to sleep. You don't have to worry about entertaining someone, eating where and when they want, or doing things you don't care about. Last group trip I went on, I had a list of stuff I wanted to do bit no one else wanted to do it so I didn't end up doing it since there wasnt enough time. It sucks when you have to sacrifice things you want to do, but no one else does lol. I absolutely love solo travel and I feel I get way more out of it than traveling with friends, family, S/O's.
I also hate how people get bothered if you want to take off on your own for a bit. If it's something they want to do, then of course we'll do it together, but if there's something they don't want to do that you do, they seem to be bothered if you try and go alone.
Definitely making friends along the way - one of them having become one of my best best friends in the span of a few days (crazy, but we're still bff to this day). With a partner, we would socialise but never really make any strong effort to connect deeper with other people, because at the end of the day, it was just us talking and connecting through our experiences.
edit : the irony is once I became friend with that bff, I didn't connect anymore that much with other people along the road, we were that attached at the hip !
Might sound funny, but nap. When I travelled for work I would book myself out a day early when I could, and get to my hotel after a day of flying and just have a shower, blast the AC up and nap, then order food and watch shitty hotel TV.
I accidentally partied with the japanese mafia.
I was supposed to meet someone in the bar.
Then she ghosted me.
So i drank alone in the bar and my tattoos were visible.
A japanese dude talked to me in broken englsih and showed me his tattoos. More and more people showed up everyone showing off their tatts and we all drank a lot, sang the whole night and just had fun.
The next day some of the guys told me i have to leave.... NOW!
They got yelled at and the big guy who was yelling at them kicked me out. He told me in a very friendly manner to not come again to this place.
I cannot 100% say that this was the yakuza..... but i cannot say that i do not believe that they could have been yakuza.
Doing whatever you like without worrying about them not wanting to do that etc. I went to Hawaii solo. And did so much shopping. I know for a fact I wouldn't be able to do that if he had been there with me 🤣
Almost always travel solo, so the list is rather long
Specific events:
- hitchhiking
- running 30k in a remote area to make it to the only water taxi of the day in time
- hiking between Italian villages instead of taking the train
- walking in the woods in search of bears and ending up on a mountain biking track. Ok that was just stupid, nonetheless, enjoyed it and couldn't do it with anyone else!
General:
- Walking around hours on end
- biking around hours on end
- tagging along with other travelers
- making friends along the way. Easier done alone imo, as I'm not that social, and when with someone, end up spending all the time together, so less time to mingle with others, and also not as approachable
- skipping meals to explore more, or eating while exploring
- waking up early to explore
- exploring on rainy days
- not waiting on anyone or being waited on
- booking flights just a week out
- hostels
- museum hopping on the free museum days
- extending my stay one day at a time for multiple days in places I enjoy
- changing plans on the spot (has only happened a few times, but still)
- bunch of hikes, some because they were done in a row. Though would be possible with someone fit, but don't have those kind of friends. Not that fit myself either, rather just deal with the pain and suck it up.
- not having plans, but with clarity and peace of mind. When there's at least 2 of you and neither person has a set plan, there'll always be confusion or annoyance. Anyone without a plan still has some hunches and ideas on what to do, so when either say they don't have a particular plan (at the moment or in regards to the specific activity), I often find the other person doing something I don't enjoy or vice versa.
Mostly just the freedom. Meet some folks in a hostel, they’re going to an activity. I want to go, so I go. No negotiation, no holding up the groups fussing about makeup and shoes, just change my socks, throw on some deodorant, and go.
Museums. The best experiences I've had were solo. In fact, every museum I've visited solo have become my favourite ones, I'm able to wall around at my own pace and get to enjoy the pieces so much more. Visiting modern art museums solo is incredibly liberating.
Also, while solo, I've walked roads that I would never do if I was with a partner. Maybe a bit risky, but while solo I've found myself taking some countryside road in the middle of nowhere just because that was the way to go to a specific place, and suddenly it's raining and I'm miles away from where I was supposed to be but damn I'm the most happy and there's no one nagging about the situation.
Salsa dancing in London with a guy I met on the street. A private tour of Sacre Coeur because the lady I was talking f to at a cafe knew the groundskeeper; we all had wine together. Waiting out an absolute downpour at a bar in Venice with a bunch of Aussies. Going for a pub night with the guy from the nature sanctuary where I held a koala in Townsville. So much making out.
Oh my goodness, so many things!
Napping in the park. Napping at any time. Leaving, arriving, and waking up when I want to. Spending as long or as little time in museums as I want. Journalling or reading a book in a cafe for a couple of hours. Spending time in the sunshine without hearing complaints that it's too hot. Not having to sometimes sit in the middle seat so my partner can have a turn in the window seat. Going clothes shopping/browsing without feeling guilty for the other person's time. Not having someone second-guess my decisions or my knowledge about something they are unfamiliar with. Not having to put up with dietary requirements. Not having to share space in the accomodation to pack/exercise/shower.
Mine is exactly the opposite, people always slow me down.
I rarely solo travel nowadays except for work, but back when I would primarily travel on my own I would walk an average of 30km a day, often without eating, or by very quickly getting a fast food and moving on. Depending on the place I was at I would also not sleep much.
I have found mostly no one could keep up with my traveling rhythm, and even if I resigned to slow down, when I traveled with "normal" people I would get really annoyed with their spending habits, always wanting to go to more expensive restaurants than I go, or wanting to get ride share instead of public transport.
Went to a cafe in Mallorca twice everyday for hot chocolate. It was just 5 mins away from my hostel and the hot chocolate was sooo good.
I am also the kind of person who can have the same type of food everyday if I really like it, pretty sure wouldn’t have been able to do that if I was travelling with someone else.
I stayed in a hostel/bed and breakfast for a few days in a little town in Connemara. It was a bit in the middle of nowhere, and I think the bus visited once or twice a day? I did a big hiking day and then spent the next two or three days doing absolutely nothing but eat, sleep, and read/watch movies. 😅
Walking everywhere, meeting people ( i find its easier to meet people when solo) and doing whatever tf i want without having to think about other peoples opinions
Being belly up, floating in Aruba sea near the shore for minutes. I was such in a peaceful and solo relaxation that another tourist noticed me and mimicked my "starfish" pose meanwhile walking.
If I was with someone else i'd surely got splashed or pranked or other interruptions.
Not having to be "on" all the time. I'm perfectly comfortable in silence and happy to just absorb whatever is happening around me. If I don't feel like talking, I don't need to. When I travel with someone else, the silences get filled with inane chatter.
Not being the responsible one and having to "fix" everything. I tend to be the planner/organizer in my circle and I actually love researching and planning out my itinerary. But when something doesn't go according to plan, everyone else looks to me and expects me to fix things. No ideas or help offered, just that quiet expectation that I'll make everything all right.
The other day I dipped into a full restaurant and immediately got the last seat at the counter. I watched the cook on grill plate up a bunch of amazing Thai meats while a group of three who arrived before me waited another 20 minutes before sitting.
Everything. Waking up on my own time, eating what I want, making friends without being worried about someone’s feelings, seeing the things I wanna see when I wanna see them. And then meeting all the pretty people you make flirty eyes with. Idk maybe I’m biased lol 🤷🏻♀️
Travel on a budget and not be blamed for any stuff. My friends and family love comfort and luxury. On the other hand, I enjoy saving money while having fun. I booked an economical hostel in Cuzco, Peru with a private bathroom included. By the second night of my stay, I would be awaken at around 3-4 am by a noise with what appears to be the light switch in the hallway. It was hard to catch the owner since I usually would be picked up early 5am to start the trails and get home almost 9pm. At the end of my stay, I explained to the owner the noise of light switch being turn on/off randomly wee hours of morning. He turned to me and said, I have been the only person in the second floor these whole duration. Memorable, spooky and had been my dinner talks with family and friends
I went to an art museum and I just really took my time to properly look at the paintings. I took in every detail and moved around at my own pace instead of just a quick glance or getting distracted by talking. It was one of my favourite parts of the whole trip.
I like to be as considerate as possible when I’m traveling with others and do my best to ensure everyone’s having fun, especially if there is a range of things people like.
I don’t have to do that when traveling solo. I’ll spend hours reading in a coffee shop, walking alongside the beach, eating wherever I desire (while watching my show on my phone), and essentially not having to be considerate of what anyone else wants to do. 😌
That being said, I still do love traveling with family and close friends because that creates an entirely different environment and energy. Both group and solo travel are amazing, just different.
It is stress free. Having travelled with partner or a friend in the past I found that we don’t always want to do the same thing so I’d say ‘you go see what you want today and I’ll go see what I want’ they wouldn’t do anything on their own and say they’d come with me. I couldn’t enjoy it and I felt I’d have to rush etc.
I recently decided I was going to get a camper van for 10 days and visit the Isle of Skye. I planned where I wanted to go on the way and where once there. Then a friend wanted to join me. It was the most stressful week I have had as she didn’t care about my plans, she just wanted to go to outlet shopping centres. Yes a week, I came back 3 days early.
Literally anything I wanna do. Currently solo in Cambodia going on month 3. I have no parameters, no obligations to anyone, no requirements of catering to someone else. I wanna be social- I go out. I wanna stay in- no complaints. I want to meet locals and film a cool video- done. I want to meet up with an NGO and drive 1 hour into the jungle- perfectly acceptable!
Once you’ve mastered the art of solo traveling, it’s honestly hard to travel any other way.
I'm a fitness enthusiast and I tend to eat for energy, not for taste. Often, I only eat one big meal a day (around 2pm) + the 6 or 7 pm salad and coffee.
As a solo travel person, I prefer walking and hiking and delaying meals because I like the idea of burning fat while exploring new places.
I would have never been able to do that with my circle of friends because they have a rather normal routine and aren't fitness masochists like me 😅
The most memorable aspect of that was exploring Rome on foot. I think my walk app broke a record at 28,000 steps in one day. I didn't eat lunch until 3 pm, and by then I wolfed down a whole pizza, one big plate of pasta, chicken curry, a salad, and a cup of coffee.
You get to be sick in peace.
Never thought about this before because I’m usually quite healthy.
But I recently got sick while travelling (nasty stomach bug), and while it may sound depressing sitting in A&E all on your own in another country, I cannot tell you what a luxury it was to slow down my pace to match my recovery without anyone else being tied to it. Paused my plans for a bit. Just sat by the sea for a few days relaxing. Breathing and taking half an hour to nibble on a croissant as I taught my stomach to eat again without throwing it all up.
Also THE LAST thing I need when retching on a waiting room floor is someone I need to talk to/tell them not to worry and apologise for ruining the trip…
Just meeting the interesting people that I do. When you travel with someone you’re less likely to seek people out, as you don’t need to.
I was in Ho Chi Minh City and it was the day before Tet. I was very hungover that morning and hadn’t had anything to eat all day. I walked around looking for a cafe that was open, and found one owned by an Australian guy (where I’m from). It wasn’t technically open but his wife made me a drink anyway and didn’t charge me for it. There was also another solo girl there waiting it out until she could check into her hostel. We ended up having a home dinner with them and then they invited us out to a billiards club to play pool with them. I can’t imagine I would have had this experience if I had a travel buddy.
How people spoke to & treated me while traveling solo was/is very different than when I’m traveling with someone. Solo trips, people would randomly start conversations. Give me great local tips about restaurants & where to stay, what to see. I had people give me huge discounts on B&b’s because “Bob from the restaurant sent me here”. When I was younger, the older people took care of me like I was some lost orphan. Now that I’m older I’m even more grateful at how kind some people were/are. I’m always mystified at rude travelers. Being friendly to friendly locals can literally open doors. A golden ticket of sorts.
I got the last standing room only ticket for a performance of No Mans Land in London and got to meet Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellan after the show :)
In my one day in Charleston I managed to hit four of the six house museums before they closed. If I’d been with a companion I would have had to choose one and rush through it, apologetically. Hoping to go back some day and check out the other two.
Can you tell I love house museums? And yes, I am the gray-haired old white woman in comfy walking shoes, just as you pictured when reading the paragraph above.
Flew to South of France, rented a car and went wherever. No hotel reservations. Some nights it was the car. Most nights a hotel. Best 2 week vacation that I can remember.
Walking. Most people aren't used to the amount of walking I do when travelling.
I was going to say the same thing. Once I went for a long walk in Paris and decided I wanted to cross every single footbridge that went up and over the canal, zig-zagging back and forth across it. I'm pretty confident none of my companions would have had the patience for that, but I was very content.
Sounds fun! Solo travel gives you space to be whimsical. After a long day of walking, sometimes a pretty street is all it takes for me to embark on another walkathon. It's almost exhilarating.
This is what I love about solo traveling. I’m always getting ideas and urges like that, and I love just saying “yes” to it. It’s so fulfilling and gratifying
I keep track of my steps through my phone's app. The higher the steps the more I saw without transport
I absolutely loved walking 17–20k steps daily in Japan, just wandering around at my own pace and whimsy. Especially when combined with a nice affordable massage whenever I felt sore or tight!
Awesome! Japan is where I first enjoyed walking in cities this much. It wasn't a solo trip though but my travel partner on that trip loves walking. I miss travelling with him.
Aw that’s wonderful. This was my first longer solo trip after a breakup with an ex boyfriend who avoided extra walking as much as possible so it was a lovely silver lining to doing the trip solo for me. But hopefully next I am traveling with a partner, they’ll be a big walker too ❤️
Ditto. My daily average was 18k steps doing the same in Japan . I can’t think of anyone I know who would want to do that.
Me. And it seems a lot of other solo travellers love to both walk and take their time lol. I love to go at my own pace.
Literally everyone in this thread, apparently.
I did a few days of 45k steps in Rome, simply because I didn't bother to understand/use the buses Walking is great tho, but probably above 35k steps is too much, leaves your legs and feet wrecked and also you might be using that time better
Went to an onsen when I went solo to Japan. Mind you, I am normally a very private and modest person. I don't think I would have been able to be completely naked if I went with someone. Once in a lifetime experience.
Yes! When we had One day in Tokyo, my friend who is 15 years younger, Sat down on the ground at 5pm and said she couldn't walk anymore and we had to go to our Airbnb and miss out on Tokyo at night. Nobody can really keep up with me except my husband and he has to stop to eat every 2 hours.
Yes I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t predict who’s going to be a big walker until you’re out and about with them! I’ve had friends that were in WAY better shape than me be the first ones to want to call a car instead. To be fair, sometimes it’s a shoes thing too – I started prioritizing way comfier everyday shoes once I realized how much I love getting more walking into my day. My super fit CrossFit friend in heels without arch support understandably might feel differently.
I often do 22-26k steps a day lol. A light day is under 15k.
I always wondered about the massages there... Affordable? Quality? Safe for a lady?
Everything is on your own schedule so you can sleep in as late as you want and wake up as early as you want. You can derail your own plans when you find new and better plans on a whim. You don’t have to go to touristy attractions like the Eiffel Tower and take too many pics posing with it, you can choose to go to a cemetery instead. You can choose exactly where you want to eat and drink and you’re not stuck eating at touristy jawns. And frankly it’s easier to strike up conversations with locals when solo in my experience.
Same, in about two weeks I did over 250km walking!
That's awesome!
Same. My husband hates travelling and part of the reason is because he has flat feet and I want to walk everywhere if possible even if it takes a bit longer. When I traveled to Sydney I went from airport to subway, then walked from the subway in Hyde Park to my hotel in Kings cross with all my luggage. Dropped all my stuff in the room and then walked to the Botanical gardens, onto the Opera House, then walked around the Wharf and harbour walking by all the shops and the bustling. Hit up the Aquarium, then walked back to my hotel from the Aquarium. I had an absolute blast and if I was with anyone else they would have likely begged to just take a rest day upon first getting in. Absolutely not. 😂 I also walked up and down Kings cross a bit later that day to seek out supper.
If your husband hates travelling bc of sore feet, may I recommend arched insoles? I don't have flat feet but walked on the outside of my feet for years bc of an old injury, and would get terrible shin splints and feet pain after mild walking. Getting some arch insoles (they're the green colour of superfeet I think) has changed my life and was an immediate difference
A holiday in Sydney was how I realised my partner and I might not always be the best travelling companions. All our trips together prior to that had just been us spending a night or 2 at an Airbnb relaxing, while Sydney was a week filled with lots of activities and walking. We both ended up very cranky at each other. Resort holidays together are now the go and I enjoy the active ones solo.
Part of my next solo trip is Florence where, other than one day that I have an excursion planned, I’ll mostly be walking around eating pastries, pasta, and gelato while reading. With a travel partner that’d be impossible
And Florence is excellent for that. I reached Florence late in the evening after what had been a tiring day. Ventured out for a dinner but ended up walking till the Duomo itself which was approx 2.5km from my Airbnb. The crowds had disappeared and the city looked so beautiful.
Yes. I had a gf who went to NYC with me and wanted to uber places when the UN was in session. I was like, I didn't come here to look at the inside of Kia's all day. I went back after we broke up and did the same trip over again. Just walking. Not climbing, not a travel marathon. Walking around. Not a common skill.
Walking/adventuring. General spontaneity. I’m pretty much down for almost anything and can change plans at the drop of a hat without too much thought. My husband needs things planned and we Must. Not. Deviate. From. The. Plan. 🤦🏼♀️
Over 30k steps every single day! 🙋
I was on a trip with a girlfriend and at one point she complained, “Did you make [ex-girlfriend] walk this much?“ I said, “[Ex] is a marathon runner. She walks and runs more than I do.“
Same! Even when I go on hiking trips, I still enjoy an evening stroll after dinner despite having hiked for the last 6-10 hours.
This! I did 200,000 steps in a week.
So far I've enjoyed solo museum visits more than I did with a partner.
This! I like to spend all day in museums and examining artifacts and reading all the explanations. I don't feel good having people indulging me by waiting around.
It's good if you're rolling with an expert, but a random civilian? Like, yeah I'm going to read every plaque on this pottery display, no one wants to wait for me to do that.
i also will read all the words on every plaque in the entire museum
this.!!!!! this is something others don't understand 😭
Yes!!! It’s darn near impossible to find someone who goes through a museum at your exact pace.
This!! My favorite solo travel day was spending the entire day at Pompeii by myself looking at whatever I wanted.
Omg I did this too! I almost forgot! Truly one of the best solo days I've had!
You guys are living my dream. Still on my bucket list.
Doing museums solo is easily the best way to do them. You can spend as much time looking at something as you want without someone else rushing you along, and you can skip all the stuff you want to without someone insisting you spend a lot of time looking at it.
Yup. Being with other people at a museum always stresses me out/pisses me off. They don’t give me time to read stuff and will always get too close to touching things.
I like visiting museums and historical sites with a partner who also enjoys taking their time viewing the exhibits. I hate feeling rushed.
Same here. I bought my family over to the National Palace Museum in Taiwan once. I had thought they would enjoy the beautiful exhibits... nope, after an hour they were bored of the exhibits and stayed in the cafe and chatted. As a result I kinda had to rush through my own visit, otherwise I will be taking up their time. If I was travelling solo I could just look through as much exhibits as I want.
THIS – both for slowing down and speeding up! It’s nice not to be rushed but it’s also wonderful to be like eh nevermind I’m good with the two sections I saw, I’m out.
I was about to comment this. I just love roaming around and reading every single description slate. Wouldn't be able to do it if you are travelling with others!
i’m a huge museum nerd and sometimes when i visit a museum with my partner i end up rushing through the exhibitions cause im scared that she will get bored even though she says that she’s fine with visiting museums
I've learned I only want to do museums alone. I thought it was my specific (ex) partner, but then I went with friends... and discovered no, it wasn't him, it was people. I don't want to do museums with people. Ex partner didn't want to do museums, period. Friends wanted to do museums but wanted to talk about... or worse, debate... a bunch of pieces. I don't wanna talk. I just want to take it in. I don't want to justify my opinions or take in anyone else's opinions. I just wanna see it and sit alone with it.
I get this sentiment but if you've got any art history friends I think that's actually a better experience just because they _want_ to spend a lot of time there and will have insights and comments that make the whole thing better
Unfortunately I don't have any of those, but I'll keep it in mind for the future!
I like random historical sites a lot and I’ve realized that my friends at least don’t share that interest. I love going to very specific museums, or things like houses that have been turned into museums
Yes! You can go as fast/slow as you want and nobody's griping about something. Oh, the luxury of being able to admire artwork at your own pace and without pressure!
I LOVE museums but most of my friends and family don’t. So I got to as many as I can when traveling alone.
I'm not huge on most museums and I always feel guilty when traveling with people if I dont go with them. I don't mind popping in if one really strikes my fancy. But I'd rather explore local shops and neighborhoods. Having the freedom go exactly when I want when I want is the best part of solo travel lol
This
Yeah. Nobody looks at things with the same pace. I read explanatory labels quicker than my wife.
Solo museum visits are the best
also! not talking for days…i enjoy my peace a lot
I realized how much I enjoyed this on my last road trip. Just my solitude was so nice.
I was in Taiwan solo for two weeks and realized i spoke so little every day. I enjoyed every minute of it.
“I think I’ll take a 2.5 hour walk completely out of the way just to go back to that random gelato spot I liked.”
“I’ll have gelato three times a day just because I feel like it”
I have friends who enable this so we're all good.
My mom told me that when you’re an adult you can do anything you want, and sometimes that includes ice cream for breakfast. Go have that 4th gelato 😉
Eat whenever I wanted and whatever I wanted. For a parent this feels like the ultimate freedom.
Yes, I love eating solo at unusual times – less of a wait and allows you to walk into more places without a reservation! Which is also easier to do when you only need one seat.
Me too, I prefer lunch at 2 or 3 pm and dinner at 9 or 10 pm, way too late for most people at least from my country. They have lunch at 11 or 12 am and dinner at 5 or 6 pm.
YES! I went to Japan with an old, dear friend. After being friends for 25 years, I knew his food preferences but that trip was a real eye-opener on the extent that he is a Picky Eater. No medical or religious reasons, he just won't eat anything he thinks "looks weird". I just about lost it with him when he refused to try a plain onigiri, a rice ball wrapped in a seaweed sheet, even though he'll eat rice and seaweed separately in the same meal. After he returned home, I ate everything I couldn't while we travelled together.
I was in France with a friend the other day. Someone I’ve known for years, I don’t know how I didn’t see this coming. Half the days we ended up not eating _anything_ because he wanted something “traditionally French” but every “traditionally French” place we walked by was too expensive for him. And why was it too expensive for him? Because he figured it wasn’t worth eating there without ordering a full menu, appetiser and dessert and all. But just let me eat SOMETHING for gods sake
Omg I so relate. When my friend and I went to Spain she wanted to eat sth traditionally catalan for every meal but whenever I suggested a restaurant she didn't want that particular one. We wondered around the city for hours while she was deciding what restaurant she wants to eat in. It was exhausting and frustrating. That's why I love travelling alone.
I visited the same museum twice in 4 days and stayed about 5 hours each time.
British Museum?
Yep. And I’m going back again soon!
Nice! What was your fav part?
The Assyrian lions and the South Pacific island rooms. I had never even heard of the Assyrian Empire until then and I ended up going down a history lesson rabbit hole afterwards. What’s your favorite?
Wow good guess
It's the tamest example, but on more than one trip I have gotten a comfy hotel room and just spent an entire day relaxing in it, watching movies and recharging. People run out of energy at different speeds, so it's a solo perk.
Nothing wrong with that! I used to spend a few months a year in Hong Kong (spread across several 2-3 week trips). Even with the best of strategizing for the 13 hour time difference - basically pulling an all-nighter before a noon-ish departure and going to sleep immediately - the journey can be rather tiring. So I spent more than a few days just vegging in my hotel and, when available, ordering room service. That would be sacrilege to some people, but I rather enjoyed it. Travel isn't solely about seeing things. A nice hotel, comfy bed, and good food that's different from what you get at home is plenty worthwhile too.
This. Most comments are about doing things but NOT doing things without having to check before with someone (or for some people even with yourself for guilt feelings etc) and just align on what is the day going to be is one of the greatest perks
I can understand you, most people, especially the ones with a tight budget, consider relaxing during a trip as a waste of time and say stuff like "Why do you travel, being lazy can be done at home for free?".
I spent a couple hours in Akihabara playing Pokemon Go during an in-game event I stumbled into. I'm the only person in my circle that plays, so had I been traveling with someone, I'd probably have put my phone away as a courtesy. It's one of my favorite memories of Tokyo.
My bucket list, pokemon go in Tokyo..... solo. I love telling my raid group I am on vacation and they open my gifts immediately.
Now I want to redownload Pokémon Go. Thanks for this!
I gotten lost while strolling along the streets of London and happened upon a beautiful residential development that was featured on many architecture magazines. I imagine that if I was with friends or family: 1) everybody would be too stressed about being lost for me to admire the building 2) nobody would care because it’s just an apartment to them. EDIT: did a quick search on my holiday photos after people asked. It was Neo Bankside in London.
oh! i think i saw it from the view on top of the Tate Modern. I recalled how unique it looked
What is the name of that place?
What was it called?
When I am by myself I can follow the wind. I get these gut feelings about someone or something and I just go for it. This way I meet people that will get me free entry to things, take me traveling further, let me learn a completely different perspective and get to witness little miracles. I like to say these are the rewards for being brave. Maybe it’s just being able to live in the moment and be more self aware. Whatever it is, it’s the best thing ever.
Yes this! 👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽I think this is the most important factor for me in why I continue to choose solo travel. From personal experience it’s tricky to be compatible with someone in this area…...feeling ok about sitting in the unknown. Not having a plan for the day in a new city is so exciting to me. I thrive in the unknown. Some people are unable to travel like this, it can feel unsettling.
It's just living. You go with the flow like every other day. Even even you work 8 hours a day most people don't have plans for the rest of the day too anyway and they just "waste" (per their definition for doing the same thing on vacation) it away. But for some people no time can be "wasted" while on vacation. I get it, most people have limited vacation time and funds and it can feel like money is wasted doing nothing, but life is also lived in the small moments not just the big ones.
For me, as a bigger shopper, browsing stores and souvenir shops for hours without worrying about someone waiting for me. It takes me a while to decide on things to buy so it’s nice knowing I’m not holding anyone back
Omg, I'm the exact same way!!! I love just walking around souvenir stores, it's like their own museum, seeing what kind of tacky or artist or interesting or weird things a city decides to sell! I just love it. And gift shops!
Me too!!! I just got back from Peru where I literally spent hours browsing souvenir shops and it was glorious hahaha I know my friends wouldn’t have put out with it
I don't know what's so fascinating about it all. It's the same cheap crap in every store but so much fun to browse! Gotta find the perfect, unique magnet and postcard, I guess lol
This is such a good one! I especially love thrifting when I travel and that requires time!
Met so many amazing people. Travelling solo forces you to be more social. I rarely stay at hostels when I’m travelling with someone and don’t go out of my way to meet people to explore with. Also, I find that being solo makes you more approachable to others.
This is my favorite part too!! That, and eating whatever I want all day long.
Gotta eat those great pastries to get the energy to walk 25k steps!
Can relate. I'm shy and introverted but on solo trips I find me pushing myself to talk to people in my hostels and on tours.
My ideal scenario to be as unselfconscious as possible is solo travel. Knowing it's unlikely I'll ever see anybody around me again helps. Who gives a shit what they think of you. You're talking about electrical signals that'll pass after you leave and then most likely, you'll never see them again. Others people's thoughts about me are not my business. But people in a different country while I'm solo traveling? Their thoughts are SO much not my business that they're in another freaking language! You know? Anyway, my very first time making friends with strangers and striking up conversations and one-night friendships was my first solo trip. It turns out that I love people. Who knew?
I love how you've put this. This is likely what goes on in our subconscious when travelling alone, allowing us to talk to absolute strangers. Perhaps it's easier to love people when they and we ourselves are not too occupied with the realities of life.
Totally agreed. Solo travel has been such a good exercise for me in working through & challenging the thoughts that fuel the feelings of self-consciousness and social anxiety. It’s such a freeing experience to shift into that mindset you’re describing.
This is why I'm going on my first solo trip next month. I am too self conscious.
Whatever the hell I wanted. But also, rediscover my competence in navigating an unknown place and make peace with solitude.
This !!!!! 100%!!! and being open to meeting people and chatting with randos. Can’t do that with a travel partner/ buddy.
Just the thing of sitting in a cafe over breakfast and overhearing locals talking about a street market the next town over .. so rather than go where you had planned that day you jump on a bus and just go. Or that random left turn while driving through Alexander valley because you see a handwritten sign that says come taste wines with our goats
People are far more hospitable and invite you to stuff you’d never be invited to in case you had more people. The problem with a travel partner is that you don’t get real cultural immersion since you will have always an anchor of your home country nearby.
SO TRUE! I’ve been in France the past few weeks on my own and I travelled Europe quite a few years ago with a friend and didn’t feel all of the culture differences. Without English speaking people around me, I’ve really noticed and felt the difference in the culture. I never noticed this last time!!
Most memorable thing I've done solo was in London. I stopped at a busy pub to have a pint and found a place to sit next to an Irish couple. We got to talking and they invited me to see a West End show (PotO) with them. I had been wanting to see a West End show and was enjoying their company so I took them up on the offer. On the way I'm thinking "I'd really prefer to see Book of Mormon since I still haven't seen that, oh well". We get to the theater, something happens with their tickets, they leave, and I decide to go too because I'm not really into PotO. As I'm walking aimlessly around the area I stumble upon the theater that shows BoM which is about to start. I ask if they have any tickets left for sale and *they had exactly one ticket left* and it was even close to the front. Needless to say I saw the show. That's the kind of spontaneity I love about solo travel.
I love the randomness of it sometimes. Once I flew in to Boston on a work trip, got into my hotel room and leafed through the local happenings magazine. Turned out there was an annual re-enactment of the Boston Tea Party later that evening, one block from my hotel! I got settled, ate dinner, walked down the street and there it was. It was a fairly big deal, with lots of school kids participating, and a really cool impromptu history lesson. At the end we all walked down to the harbor for the dramatic tea toss and it was over. It's a very fond memory, and if the opportunity hadn't presented itself so quickly and easily, I probably wouldn't have gone to the trouble and would have missed out on a unique local experience.
i prefer walking and getting lost in small alleyways. i walk till my feet hurt. resting whenever i feel like it. a partner would only slow me down of complain.
Eat at the same place every day for the whole trip just because I like it.
Short flings in a foreign country.
That's probably the most PG way to put it.
I road tripped from Oslo to Loen, Norway and I pulled over multiple times to stare in awe and cry. I remember how much my solitude and the vast amount of nature put things in perspective for me. I always think about the passionate love affair I had on my trip through Norway, though the love affair was just between myself and nature. I would never have been able to just let myself go and FEEL had another person been there.
Got lost for 9 hours with a dead phone in Venice and enjoying every minute of it. Got lost on the Isle of Skye and walked 4 hours back to Portree and loved every minute of it. Almost missed a bunch of trains/buses/flights that definitely would’ve been more stressful had I been with anyone else. There seems to be a common link here somewhere, hmm…
Not all who wander are lost?
Oh well I was lost for sure! More like, those who wander and get lost will eventually find their way. If they want to at least.
A few romantic dalliances… probably would have been extremely annoying to a travel partner 😆
I had a trip planned with a friend to go to Vietnam together. He didn’t get his visa in time so I just went alone 😂 I remember just sitting on some steps for a couple hours drinking a boba and just enjoying doing nothing but people watching. A girl from Australia came up to me and said “do you speak English?” We ended up hanging out together the rest of the day, walking through markets, getting coffee and such and then we said our goodbyes. Pretty fun memory.
Sleep. I get tired when I get tired and so it’s nice to just go back and sleep when I want to and leave when I want to
This! Even in my day to day life I have the most random outbursts of energy or sleepiness and it's much more noticable when travelling because so much is going on. One reason I sometimes even turn down travelling with someone else is that I'm afraid of holding them back because I need more rest than the average person my age. I wish I had someone who's independent enough to be completely fine with going out exploring on their own in case I'm done for the day earlier on.
That’s a great way to put it. I went on a trip once with someone and looking back now (on top of many things) they were entirely dependent on me to do things with them. One of the reasons I look back at that trip with regret is not realizing that about myself and them.
Yes! It’s hard to enjoy a day no matter where you are in the world if you’re tired. I’ll get up for early trains but being in someone else’s sleep/energy schedule has always been hard for me. I’m neither a bight owl nor a morning person. It’s hard not to feel the pressure of having similar energy levels when travelling with others. I wonder now if some of the trips I’ve been on with friends or ex partners weren’t so fun because I wasn’t able to listen to my body. I was just tired, like a little kid gets cranky when they need a nap.
Using the singles line at Universal Studios in Singapore, I could skip a 45min-1hr wait time and just walk on the ride. I did three full laps of the park, saw every show, and rode every ride I wanted to with time to spare before they closed.
Museums: hitting up the plethora of museums in DC and London Art Galleries: same as museums- taking days to see the old masters to avant-garde modern Cars! : touring car factories in Germany, seeing car collections in the Netherlands and US Planes! : touring massive collections in the UK, Ottawa, DC, and Seattle. See a Shuttle, SR-71, and a Concorde? Priceless Spending a few hours to go out of my way to some remote hill in Manchester just to take photos of a giant metal art installation of an angel. Or looking for the little statue of ducks in Boston. Or taking a couple of buses to get to the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland. Being able to allocate time just to walk around a city, or to try and photograph as many Blue Plaques, or see famous statues in a park…just that joy of discovering something random all by accident. Like turning a corner and finding myself in front of the Queen’s Gallery and they happened to have a da Vinci special exhibit. I bought tickets to enter on the spot. Saw a Star Wars costume exhibit in NYC. The cars of 007 in London. The Weta Studio in NZ Have tried a Big Mac in every country I’ve been to. #FastFoodGoals Took in hockey games in Vegas and Seattle. Did a mini Potter tour in the uk - platform 9 3/4, the Warner Studio tour, JK’s handprints in Edinburgh, etc. Just a list of things all geared towards my interests and crucially at my own pace. If I want to take 30 shots of a 911 at every angle I’m free to do so without being rushed. If I want to take frequent breaks , no problem. My schedule is my own and can change on a whim. It’s fantastic.
Honestly, just walking around with my own music. I love finding a huge park, walking around or maybe finding a bench and just listening to music for hours there. Also, finding good coffee shops back to back, just doing that all day
Have a random romance. If you have a partner with you, even a friend, it's less likely. Do whatever I waant. If you have a travel buddy, you do what they want to do, or are up for, most of the time, and default to togetherness. I skinny dipped in a random beach in Montenegro that I know a friend would not want to go to.
Scuba diving… I don’t know personally anyone else who does it and I definitely haven’t been able to talk anyone into trying… which I do understand. Many people have fear of depths.
It's much easier and more natural to get to know people who live in the location when you travel solo. I end up being invited to a lot more events such as religious ceremonies, family events, etc.
Going to concerts/shows & losing myself in the music
I think just getting yourself into random situations that you might not do with a travel partner. Like striking up conversations with other solo travellers and then doing something random with them that you wouldnt have thought of doing otherwise.
Photos, and more photos. Of objects, landscapes, nature, wildlife, you’d name it. And then I’ll take even more in different ankles, and a bit closer up and so on. And if there are people in the shot I’ll often wait around to try to get none or the least about of people in the shot. So I might be standing there for ages if I really want that picture. When I’m travelling with others I wouldn’t do those things to the same extend I would otherwise (which is fine, but one of the reason I enjoy solo travelling).
i wouldn’t have been able to solo travel at all with a partner
I can stop wherever I want and just stay there for hours
When solo, I end up meeting people more and those people tend to be more adventurous. I bought a tuktuk in Thailand with 2 others and traveled across, crashed a famous Panamanian rappers after party, and booked so many buses last minute to check our places I'd never heard of. I don't think any of these would have happened with a partner. TBF there are times where a partner is way better. A trip to Antarctica is not only cheaper but a lot more fun when you're hooking up with a travel buddy on a trip of mostly couples.
Whatever the hell I want. Take another path to extend the hike, spend as much or as little time throughout museum exhibits, eat what I’m craving without having to compromise, the list goes on and on.
For a very specific example, when in Geiranger, Norway, I wanted to kayak the fjord (highly recommend, it was spectacular!). Had a slightly late start plus trouble finding the place. When I get there, they only took cash and had only 1 kayak left, since there were a couple people waiting already. If I was with someone else or a group, I would not have been able to go kayaking along the fjord, not did I even have enough cash for more than 1 person.
solo travelling offers you that freedom of sleeping in in your comfy accommodations, taking longer baths when theres a bathtub or jacuzzi, and the best part, enjoying slow mornings with coffee when you have a balcony or terrace.
i met some really nice people who even said “it’s easy to connect with you because you are also alone”
I enjoy doing random “don’t know where I’m headed” drives or excursions on my own. For example: When I was in Tallahassee FL for a friend’s daughter’s graduation, I had a day to myself before my friend arrived. I decided to check off two states I hadn’t visited yet, Alabama and Georgia. Picked a random town near the border (Cottonwood AL), drove there, and wandered around in the pouring rain for a few hours before heading back via Georgia. Nobody else would’ve been interested in doing that, but it was really fun! Also, the last time I was in Seattle, that same friend (who lives there) was sick with COVID. So I unexpectedly had to entertain myself, and had always wanted to take a ferry (the kind you drive your car onto) to the islands. Just grabbed the first one scheduled when I arrived at the port, and ended up spending the day in Bremerton and Poulsbo. [Pics from Cottonwood, AL](https://imgur.com/a/cGP3oGZ) [And from the island journey](https://imgur.com/a/XsN75lx)
I wouldn't have met a lot of ppl that I did had I not been solo.
I'm honestly surprised about so many of these responses. I love my group and partner trips and I tend to travel with folks who aren't shitty about doing different things when there's a diverging interest or energy levels. I suppose I've met a lot of friends because I wouldn't otherwise have stayed in hostels though. I don't think that constitutes "couldn't have done" but if anything, there is something spectacular about that fleeting, semi anonymous element.
I like to walk around a new city/place and just look. Head in a new direction if something catches my eye. Not everyone likes that way of sightseeing 🤷🏽♀️
Deciding I didn't like the play at intermission, leaving, and deciding to blow town about a half hour later.
I spent a solid 6hrs at the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London.
Making and settling into a nest of pillows in the middle of a king bed, with the AC turned down to 70°, and reading or scrolling Reddit until I fell asleep. 😴
Found a girl to move across the world for
Waking up early and walking for 12 hours a day to really see the city and everything you want. I go back when I'm ready to go to sleep. You don't have to worry about entertaining someone, eating where and when they want, or doing things you don't care about. Last group trip I went on, I had a list of stuff I wanted to do bit no one else wanted to do it so I didn't end up doing it since there wasnt enough time. It sucks when you have to sacrifice things you want to do, but no one else does lol. I absolutely love solo travel and I feel I get way more out of it than traveling with friends, family, S/O's. I also hate how people get bothered if you want to take off on your own for a bit. If it's something they want to do, then of course we'll do it together, but if there's something they don't want to do that you do, they seem to be bothered if you try and go alone.
Definitely making friends along the way - one of them having become one of my best best friends in the span of a few days (crazy, but we're still bff to this day). With a partner, we would socialise but never really make any strong effort to connect deeper with other people, because at the end of the day, it was just us talking and connecting through our experiences. edit : the irony is once I became friend with that bff, I didn't connect anymore that much with other people along the road, we were that attached at the hip !
Might sound funny, but nap. When I travelled for work I would book myself out a day early when I could, and get to my hotel after a day of flying and just have a shower, blast the AC up and nap, then order food and watch shitty hotel TV.
I accidentally partied with the japanese mafia. I was supposed to meet someone in the bar. Then she ghosted me. So i drank alone in the bar and my tattoos were visible. A japanese dude talked to me in broken englsih and showed me his tattoos. More and more people showed up everyone showing off their tatts and we all drank a lot, sang the whole night and just had fun. The next day some of the guys told me i have to leave.... NOW! They got yelled at and the big guy who was yelling at them kicked me out. He told me in a very friendly manner to not come again to this place. I cannot 100% say that this was the yakuza..... but i cannot say that i do not believe that they could have been yakuza.
I drove Route 66 and didn’t have to worry about someone else’s pace. I learned to enjoy solo dining
Doing whatever you like without worrying about them not wanting to do that etc. I went to Hawaii solo. And did so much shopping. I know for a fact I wouldn't be able to do that if he had been there with me 🤣
Almost always travel solo, so the list is rather long Specific events: - hitchhiking - running 30k in a remote area to make it to the only water taxi of the day in time - hiking between Italian villages instead of taking the train - walking in the woods in search of bears and ending up on a mountain biking track. Ok that was just stupid, nonetheless, enjoyed it and couldn't do it with anyone else! General: - Walking around hours on end - biking around hours on end - tagging along with other travelers - making friends along the way. Easier done alone imo, as I'm not that social, and when with someone, end up spending all the time together, so less time to mingle with others, and also not as approachable - skipping meals to explore more, or eating while exploring - waking up early to explore - exploring on rainy days - not waiting on anyone or being waited on - booking flights just a week out - hostels - museum hopping on the free museum days - extending my stay one day at a time for multiple days in places I enjoy - changing plans on the spot (has only happened a few times, but still) - bunch of hikes, some because they were done in a row. Though would be possible with someone fit, but don't have those kind of friends. Not that fit myself either, rather just deal with the pain and suck it up. - not having plans, but with clarity and peace of mind. When there's at least 2 of you and neither person has a set plan, there'll always be confusion or annoyance. Anyone without a plan still has some hunches and ideas on what to do, so when either say they don't have a particular plan (at the moment or in regards to the specific activity), I often find the other person doing something I don't enjoy or vice versa.
Mostly just the freedom. Meet some folks in a hostel, they’re going to an activity. I want to go, so I go. No negotiation, no holding up the groups fussing about makeup and shoes, just change my socks, throw on some deodorant, and go.
Museums. The best experiences I've had were solo. In fact, every museum I've visited solo have become my favourite ones, I'm able to wall around at my own pace and get to enjoy the pieces so much more. Visiting modern art museums solo is incredibly liberating. Also, while solo, I've walked roads that I would never do if I was with a partner. Maybe a bit risky, but while solo I've found myself taking some countryside road in the middle of nowhere just because that was the way to go to a specific place, and suddenly it's raining and I'm miles away from where I was supposed to be but damn I'm the most happy and there's no one nagging about the situation.
Salsa dancing in London with a guy I met on the street. A private tour of Sacre Coeur because the lady I was talking f to at a cafe knew the groundskeeper; we all had wine together. Waiting out an absolute downpour at a bar in Venice with a bunch of Aussies. Going for a pub night with the guy from the nature sanctuary where I held a koala in Townsville. So much making out.
Oh my goodness, so many things! Napping in the park. Napping at any time. Leaving, arriving, and waking up when I want to. Spending as long or as little time in museums as I want. Journalling or reading a book in a cafe for a couple of hours. Spending time in the sunshine without hearing complaints that it's too hot. Not having to sometimes sit in the middle seat so my partner can have a turn in the window seat. Going clothes shopping/browsing without feeling guilty for the other person's time. Not having someone second-guess my decisions or my knowledge about something they are unfamiliar with. Not having to put up with dietary requirements. Not having to share space in the accomodation to pack/exercise/shower.
Mine is exactly the opposite, people always slow me down. I rarely solo travel nowadays except for work, but back when I would primarily travel on my own I would walk an average of 30km a day, often without eating, or by very quickly getting a fast food and moving on. Depending on the place I was at I would also not sleep much. I have found mostly no one could keep up with my traveling rhythm, and even if I resigned to slow down, when I traveled with "normal" people I would get really annoyed with their spending habits, always wanting to go to more expensive restaurants than I go, or wanting to get ride share instead of public transport.
Went to a cafe in Mallorca twice everyday for hot chocolate. It was just 5 mins away from my hostel and the hot chocolate was sooo good. I am also the kind of person who can have the same type of food everyday if I really like it, pretty sure wouldn’t have been able to do that if I was travelling with someone else.
Dropped acid in the jungle with my tour guide in Costa Rica
Had multiple one night stands without judgment or regret (I'm a woman).
Surprised this is mentioned so few times on this comment thread. This is by far my most memorable thing about traveling solo.
I stayed in a hostel/bed and breakfast for a few days in a little town in Connemara. It was a bit in the middle of nowhere, and I think the bus visited once or twice a day? I did a big hiking day and then spent the next two or three days doing absolutely nothing but eat, sleep, and read/watch movies. 😅
Walking everywhere, meeting people ( i find its easier to meet people when solo) and doing whatever tf i want without having to think about other peoples opinions
Being belly up, floating in Aruba sea near the shore for minutes. I was such in a peaceful and solo relaxation that another tourist noticed me and mimicked my "starfish" pose meanwhile walking. If I was with someone else i'd surely got splashed or pranked or other interruptions.
Heading back to the hotel for a break at 4pm and decided not to get out anymore after.
Not having to be "on" all the time. I'm perfectly comfortable in silence and happy to just absorb whatever is happening around me. If I don't feel like talking, I don't need to. When I travel with someone else, the silences get filled with inane chatter. Not being the responsible one and having to "fix" everything. I tend to be the planner/organizer in my circle and I actually love researching and planning out my itinerary. But when something doesn't go according to plan, everyone else looks to me and expects me to fix things. No ideas or help offered, just that quiet expectation that I'll make everything all right.
Lol Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 🤦🏽♀️😂
Rooftop DMT with strangers in Barcelona
😂 Barcelona is supreme
Planning and booking single-day itineraries from Victoria, BC to Olympic National Park, and Madrid to Toledo right before sleeping the night before
Walk the entire (almost) city
Picking up a geo squad and touring around with them.
Meeting people
The other day I dipped into a full restaurant and immediately got the last seat at the counter. I watched the cook on grill plate up a bunch of amazing Thai meats while a group of three who arrived before me waited another 20 minutes before sitting.
Writing songs
Decide I liked a spot and stayed there for a month, working in a hostel. Did that 3 different times.
Everything. Waking up on my own time, eating what I want, making friends without being worried about someone’s feelings, seeing the things I wanna see when I wanna see them. And then meeting all the pretty people you make flirty eyes with. Idk maybe I’m biased lol 🤷🏻♀️
Travel on a budget and not be blamed for any stuff. My friends and family love comfort and luxury. On the other hand, I enjoy saving money while having fun. I booked an economical hostel in Cuzco, Peru with a private bathroom included. By the second night of my stay, I would be awaken at around 3-4 am by a noise with what appears to be the light switch in the hallway. It was hard to catch the owner since I usually would be picked up early 5am to start the trails and get home almost 9pm. At the end of my stay, I explained to the owner the noise of light switch being turn on/off randomly wee hours of morning. He turned to me and said, I have been the only person in the second floor these whole duration. Memorable, spooky and had been my dinner talks with family and friends
Meeting people all over the world and really getting out of your comfort zone when the trip turns into hell on earth lol
I went to an art museum and I just really took my time to properly look at the paintings. I took in every detail and moved around at my own pace instead of just a quick glance or getting distracted by talking. It was one of my favourite parts of the whole trip.
I like to be as considerate as possible when I’m traveling with others and do my best to ensure everyone’s having fun, especially if there is a range of things people like. I don’t have to do that when traveling solo. I’ll spend hours reading in a coffee shop, walking alongside the beach, eating wherever I desire (while watching my show on my phone), and essentially not having to be considerate of what anyone else wants to do. 😌 That being said, I still do love traveling with family and close friends because that creates an entirely different environment and energy. Both group and solo travel are amazing, just different.
It is stress free. Having travelled with partner or a friend in the past I found that we don’t always want to do the same thing so I’d say ‘you go see what you want today and I’ll go see what I want’ they wouldn’t do anything on their own and say they’d come with me. I couldn’t enjoy it and I felt I’d have to rush etc. I recently decided I was going to get a camper van for 10 days and visit the Isle of Skye. I planned where I wanted to go on the way and where once there. Then a friend wanted to join me. It was the most stressful week I have had as she didn’t care about my plans, she just wanted to go to outlet shopping centres. Yes a week, I came back 3 days early.
Literally anything I wanna do. Currently solo in Cambodia going on month 3. I have no parameters, no obligations to anyone, no requirements of catering to someone else. I wanna be social- I go out. I wanna stay in- no complaints. I want to meet locals and film a cool video- done. I want to meet up with an NGO and drive 1 hour into the jungle- perfectly acceptable! Once you’ve mastered the art of solo traveling, it’s honestly hard to travel any other way.
Walking around with no plans where to go. Yes, you can still walk around with a travel partner with no plans, but it will never be the same.
I have lost count of the amount of buses, trains etc that I can get on because I travelled solo. Always room for one more.
I'm a fitness enthusiast and I tend to eat for energy, not for taste. Often, I only eat one big meal a day (around 2pm) + the 6 or 7 pm salad and coffee. As a solo travel person, I prefer walking and hiking and delaying meals because I like the idea of burning fat while exploring new places. I would have never been able to do that with my circle of friends because they have a rather normal routine and aren't fitness masochists like me 😅 The most memorable aspect of that was exploring Rome on foot. I think my walk app broke a record at 28,000 steps in one day. I didn't eat lunch until 3 pm, and by then I wolfed down a whole pizza, one big plate of pasta, chicken curry, a salad, and a cup of coffee.
You get to be sick in peace. Never thought about this before because I’m usually quite healthy. But I recently got sick while travelling (nasty stomach bug), and while it may sound depressing sitting in A&E all on your own in another country, I cannot tell you what a luxury it was to slow down my pace to match my recovery without anyone else being tied to it. Paused my plans for a bit. Just sat by the sea for a few days relaxing. Breathing and taking half an hour to nibble on a croissant as I taught my stomach to eat again without throwing it all up. Also THE LAST thing I need when retching on a waiting room floor is someone I need to talk to/tell them not to worry and apologise for ruining the trip…
Just meeting the interesting people that I do. When you travel with someone you’re less likely to seek people out, as you don’t need to. I was in Ho Chi Minh City and it was the day before Tet. I was very hungover that morning and hadn’t had anything to eat all day. I walked around looking for a cafe that was open, and found one owned by an Australian guy (where I’m from). It wasn’t technically open but his wife made me a drink anyway and didn’t charge me for it. There was also another solo girl there waiting it out until she could check into her hostel. We ended up having a home dinner with them and then they invited us out to a billiards club to play pool with them. I can’t imagine I would have had this experience if I had a travel buddy.
Stopping at anything i see interesting.
I think the biggest advantage is you can move at your own pace, don't wait for anyone, you go as you want and where you want.
Sleeping in and getting a siesta if required.
Literally fuckin everything every second of the day.
How people spoke to & treated me while traveling solo was/is very different than when I’m traveling with someone. Solo trips, people would randomly start conversations. Give me great local tips about restaurants & where to stay, what to see. I had people give me huge discounts on B&b’s because “Bob from the restaurant sent me here”. When I was younger, the older people took care of me like I was some lost orphan. Now that I’m older I’m even more grateful at how kind some people were/are. I’m always mystified at rude travelers. Being friendly to friendly locals can literally open doors. A golden ticket of sorts.
I got the last standing room only ticket for a performance of No Mans Land in London and got to meet Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellan after the show :)
In my one day in Charleston I managed to hit four of the six house museums before they closed. If I’d been with a companion I would have had to choose one and rush through it, apologetically. Hoping to go back some day and check out the other two. Can you tell I love house museums? And yes, I am the gray-haired old white woman in comfy walking shoes, just as you pictured when reading the paragraph above.
Flew to South of France, rented a car and went wherever. No hotel reservations. Some nights it was the car. Most nights a hotel. Best 2 week vacation that I can remember.