Reflections
What I Learned
There’s something about navigating foreign train stations, figuring out bus routes in another language, and ordering dinner when you’re not entirely sure what you just asked for that builds quiet confidence. You solve one small problem at a time. You adjust. You laugh when things go sideways.
I learned that plans are helpful… but flexibility is essential. A missed metro stop, a delayed flight, or unexpected rains often led to something fun and memorable. The “perfect” moment usually wasn’t the one I planned. It was the one I didn’t see coming. Like when our gondolier fell off our boat into the water. Ha-he laughed too. I'll never forget that moment.
And maybe most importantly, I learned that beauty is everywhere — in mountain air that feels brand new, in waterfalls that don’t even look real, in cows with bells echoing across green hillsides, and in the quiet pride of figuring things out on your own.
Why Solo Travel Isn’t a Problem, No Matter Your Age
I know solo travel can feel intimidating, especially later in life. There’s a narrative that it’s for twenty-somethings with backpacks and unlimited energy.
But here’s what I found: traveling solo when you’re older is actually a gift.
You know yourself better.
You move at your own pace.
You care less about what anyone thinks.
You notice more. You appreciate more. You’re not trying to check boxes — you’re absorbing moments.
And the world did not feel scary. It felt welcoming.
"To stay is to exist. To travel is to live" - Gustave Nadaud
Travel Tips I’d Share
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Pack lighter than you think you should. You will thank yourself on cobblestone streets and ancient stairways.
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Give yourself more time than you think you need. Rushing steals joy.
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Build in free time. Some of the best moments happen when nothing is scheduled.
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Talk to people. Ask questions. Most people are kind and helpful.
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Don’t overthink dining alone. Bring a book, people-watch, or just enjoy your meal. No one is judging you — they’re too busy living their own lives.
And take the picture. Even if your hair is windblown. Especially if it is.
Would I Do It Again?
Without hesitation. I did go again, as this was my second RS tour. And I am planning my third.
Not because everything went perfectly — does it ever?— but because every challenge stretched me in the best way. Every view, every bus ride, every slightly confusing street corner added up to something bigger: confidence, gratitude, and a deep sense of accomplishment.
If you’re considering traveling solo, especially if you’re wondering, “Am I too old for this?” — the answer is no.
You’re not too old.
You’re not too late.
And you are far more capable than you think. Surprise yourself. Go.
