I went on my first solo trip to celebrate turning 29. Being alone on my birthday felt scary, but it was so worth it.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
The writer lounging in front of the pool on a solo trip in Cancún.
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Sukhman Rekhi

I lived abroad by myself when I was 22. I wish I'd waited until I was older.

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The writer posing in front of a building and tiled floor in Morocco.
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Syeda Khaula Saad

My first solo trip at 52 helped me prepare for the empty nest. I'm now looking forward to more alone time.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Cheryl Maguire standing in front of the ocean in the Caribbean
The author went on her first solo trip to the Caribbean.

Courtesy of Cheryl Maguire

I visited New Zealand for the first time. These are the biggest mistakes I made, even as a seasoned solo traveler.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Author Ashley Probst smiling over aerial view of New Zealand
Even seasoned travelers get things wrong, but every misstep serves as a lesson to help the next trip — or traveler — avoid the same pitfalls.

Ashley Probst

I always find the best local recommendations when I travel solo. My strategy involves dating apps and clever prompts.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A woman stands on a balcony and looks out at a city.
I get some of the best travel recommendations from dating apps.

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I visited an island just a 20-minute flight from Maui. Its empty beaches and local gems made it feel like a true paradise.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Author Ashley Probst with sunglasses on smiling
The empty beaches, beautiful drives, and lack of traffic lights make Molokai feel like a paradise for the right kind of travelers.

Ashley Probst

I started taking solo trips for my birthday years ago. Now that I'm in my 40s, it's my favorite way to celebrate.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Man in hat with glasses taking selfie
I don't like organizing parties or events, and planning a trip for more than two people is stressful. So, a birthday solo trip is perfect.

Matthew Lubin

My boyfriend and I broke up hours before the international trip we'd planned together. I still went by myself.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Woman with sunglasses taking selfie in Portugal
Instead of going on a trip with my partner, I headed to a new country all by myself and don't regret it.

Leanna Coy

I thought I'd planned my first solo trip perfectly. After just 3 nights, I was desperate to go home.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
The author smiling at his seat before a Little Mix concert.
I went on my first solo trip and realized that I prefer traveling with friends.

Sean Abrams

I left the US to start over after a tragedy — and fumbled through 5 classic first-timer mistakes

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Author Melanie Gordon smiling with trees behind her
If you're traveling solo for the first time, especially after a significant life event, I hope this helps you avoid some of the pitfalls I fell into.

Melanie Gordon

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