How A Journey Of A Lifetime Turned Into My First Solo Journey

Solo Traveler Snapshot

Deborah Ives on a train in Sri Lanka

Deborah on a practice in Sri Lanka

Picture credit score: Deborah Ives

  • Identify: Deborah I.
  • Age: 62
  • Location: London
  • Marital Standing: Divorced
  • Favourite Solo Journey: Sri Lanka

Deborah has all the time cherished to journey. An sudden divorce compelled her to view journey in a different way. Now she’s serving to different ladies solo vacationers. She began a Fb group aimed toward ladies over 50. Up to now, greater than 150,000 members verify in and share tales. Deborah explains a few of her favourite journeys and ideas for getting out and touring!

First Solo Journey

TravelAwaits: What was your first solo journey?

Deborah: I keep in mind my first solo journey as if it was yesterday! Popping out of an sudden divorce, there was no method I used to be ready to lose the deposit already paid on a visit of a lifetime to Borneo for 2, so I made a decision to go alone. There have been some moments of sheer panic — situations of unhappiness at being in such a superb place alone. However the unbelievable and rewarding experiences gave me the arrogance to proceed my solo travels and to essentially embrace the liberty and delight that it brings.

Favourite Facet Of Solo Journey

TravelAwaits: What’s your favourite a part of touring solo?

Deborah: I take pleasure in touring with family and friends however, for me, one of many joys of being solo later in life is that I will be completely egocentric on the subject of my vacation. It’s all about selecting the journey that I actually wish to go on and making my very own journey reminiscences, one expertise at a time.

My fashion of journey is to go independently, reserving most of it prematurely. I just like the safety and peace of thoughts this offers me and I completely have to know that somebody will likely be ready for me on the finish of a really lengthy journey!

Favourite Solo Journey

TravelAwaits: What was your favourite solo journey and why?

Deborah: With so many fantastic solo journeys, it’s arduous to decide on my favourite. I feel I’d say Sri Lanka. I’ve been there on a few events. My final journey was my favourite as a result of I mixed it with every week on an area island within the Maldives.

Sri Lanka is stunningly stunning, has essentially the most superb tradition and meals, the friendliest individuals, unimaginable seashores, fantastic wildlife, and could be very secure. It checked all of my bins. I’m a eager scuba diver and added every week to go diving with whale sharks on the island of Dhigurah. Being an area island, I stayed in a small lodge, no frills and proper on the seashore. However every little thing was on the seashore as a result of it was such a small island. I had the time of my life. I noticed whale sharks, which continues to be probably the most stand-out moments of my life, and had such a soothing keep, with out the trimmings of the bigger resorts. The truth is, I’ve additionally stayed solo in a type of however desire the native island any day of the week. 

Greatest Solo Journey Concern 

TravelAwaits: What was your largest concern earlier than your first solo journey and the way did you overcome it?

Deborah: I had so many considerations after I first set off. I suppose security was the most important one. I advised all my pals the place I used to be going, stored in contact alongside the best way, had my itinerary all deliberate and re-confirmed. In the long run, I simply went for it! It took some time for me to essentially loosen up, however my first solo journey to Borneo was unimaginable and possibly modified my life. 

Group Or Impartial Journey

TravelAwaits: Do you journey with a bunch or independently and why?

Deborah: I do each relying on the place I’m going and for a way lengthy. Largely, I am going independently, however I all the time have every little thing booked and I do know precisely the place I’m going.

An enormous assist for me is to all the time have pick-ups on the airports after I arrive in a brand new place.

I all the time meet individuals alongside the best way and one of many largest issues I hear about solo journey is that folks all the time find yourself making new pals. I’ve not too long ago booked a bunch tour to Jordan as a result of it’s an space the place I’d recognize some professional steerage alongside the best way. I additionally be a part of diving group holidays, which find yourself being superb. 

TravelAwaits: Do you might have a favourite group tour firm for solo vacationers?

Deborah: I don’t use that many, however I all the time search for corporations that journey in an eco-friendly method and assist native communities, corporations, and people. 

Favourite Journey Product

TravelAwaits: What’s one product you can not stay with out in your journeys?

Deborah: A beautiful buddy of mine has her personal model of natural, pure skincare, Alexandra Soveral. Her first-ever product was Angel Balm. To this present day, I can’t depart with out it. It’s a excellent product to tackle a visit as it’s multifunctional, serving as a cleanser, moisturizer, balm for burns or dry pores and skin, and regenerative facial therapy. Plus it smells heavenly!

I Want I Would Have Joined A Group For This Journey…

TravelAwaits: Is there a solo location/vacation spot that may have been higher in a bunch and why?

Identify of traveler: My second solo journey was to Argentina and it wasn’t an enormous success. I began in Buenos Aires and selected a lodge a bit of out of the town that was small and had no bar or restaurant. I didn’t communicate a phrase of Spanish and I felt uncomfortable strolling alone. I actually didn’t see that a lot as I hung round one space the place I felt secure. I not too long ago noticed a documentary in regards to the metropolis and it regarded fabulous. I assumed, Oh my goodness, I didn’t see any of that! I’d love to return and actually discover with a information within the security of a bunch.

Finest Recommendation For Solo Vacationers

TravelAwaits: What recommendation would you give somebody who’s contemplating solo journey?

Identify of traveler: Do it. Plan effectively, be courageous however wise, be open to each expertise, and revel in! 

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