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

I take solo trips to Japan every year without my kids. It may seem selfish, but it makes me a better parent.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Environment
Author Ashley Franzen smiling in front of mountain, water in Japan
As an introvert with a rich and complex inner world, I use the time I spend traveling alone to recharge while pursuing my passions.

Ashley Franzen

I left my Hollywood stunt career for 15 months to travel to 35 countries. I came back ready to plan my future beyond LA.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
A woman with yellow hair walking with white lions in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Sharonda Scott's spent 15 months traveling to 35 countries (including Zimbabwe, pictured).

Provided by Sharonda Scott

I rang in 2025 on a solo trip. Now, I'd happily celebrate every New Year's Eve abroad and surrounded by strangers.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The writer posing on a ledge in Portugal, overlooking houses.
caption tk

Chelsia Durkee

I'm alone for the holidays for the first time, and I'm thrilled

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
The author with her kids and dog in Christmas pajamas.
The author has been the holiday planner for her family in previous years.

Courtesy of Asha Dore

I take solo trips despite being in a committed 3-year relationship. It's my secret to being a better partner.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author posing in a yellow rain jacket in Belgium.
I've been in a relationship for three years and still enjoy taking time to travel alone.

Catherine Work

I used to love traveling solo. Now that I'm in my 30s, I might never do it again.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author posing on a bridge overlooking the trees during her trip to Vietnam.
Solo travel isn't as fulfilling to me in my 30s as it was in my 20s.

Vaishali Gauba

I'm an empty nester and spent 6 months on my own in 3 countries. It helped me figure out what I wanted next.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Jennifer McGuire in a scarf and winter coat, drinking a glass of wine in Rome.
After becoming an empty nester, Jennifer McGuire spent six months traveling around Europe.

Provided by Jennifer McGuire

I'm 39 and unmarried, but I proudly send out holiday cards every year to celebrate all I've accomplished

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
A holiday card with six photos of Emily traveling, and the message
Now, solo cards are part of my holiday tradition. I send them to family and friends every year to celebrate my accomplishments.

Emily Hart

Disappointing photos show what it's really like to backpack across Europe

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A cluster of arms holding phones to capture a tourist attraction in Rome
Business Insider's reporter expected an Instagram-like backpacking adventure in Europe, but the reality was much less glamorous.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

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