I spent a year backpacking around the world by myself. Struggling with loneliness taught me lessons I didn't expect.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Woman staring out at Slovenia from above
In my year of solo travel, I found my happiest moments were spent with others.

Michelle Polizzi

I took my first solo trip to Iceland. It didn't transform me, but it did wonders for my anxiety levels and confidence.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Woman smiling in selfie
I built my confidence and worked on my anxiety while traveling alone on my first solo trip.

Lily Voss

After a breakup, I put my belongings in storage and traveled full-time for 3 years. It was the best chapter of my life.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The writer posing in front of a colorful yellow door in Mexico City.
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Samantha Caffrey

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

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

After years of traveling full-time, the lifestyle caught up to me. I quit to find a home base, and couldn't be happier.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author walking across a bridge in Bhutan; his back is to the camera.
After years of travel, I finally decided I was ready to find a home base and slow down.

Adam Turner

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

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