The first trip without a companion is the toughest, especially if you're going to a place you haven't visited before. I took my first trip to Europe at the age of 24 solo. Throughout college, my friends talked about "backpacking through Europe," but travel plans never materialized. Truth be told, I wouldn't make a good backpacker. Tramping through the world with limited access to wash facilities and wearing the same clothes day in and day out does NOT qualify as a vacation in my book. I like going to off the beaten trail locales and accomodations needn't be 4-star, however, I like my creature comforts.

I was on my way to Zurich to attend my first Jungian seminar. I recall experiencing an extreme case of jitters as I boarded the airplane. By nature, I'm shy and introverted; it was also my first trip overseas. It took me a day or two to relax, but once I did, I met several fascinating and wonderful people. I connected so well with the directors of the program that they hired me as onsite liaison and curriculum coordinator, which began my 8-year biannual journey to Switzerland.

Since my first solo trip abroad, I no longer hesitate traveling on my own. I always get to do exactly what I want when I want. I've made several lifelong friendships (and began a few romantic relationships) with people I met whilst traveling that I wouldn't have met had I been traveling with a companion. The only downside is getting my luggage to and from the airport on my own and not splitting the cost of hotel rooms and taxis.

Bon voyage!

Have you ever stood in a long line and all of a sudden people start talking to one another? Usually they are bonding because they are all standing in the same long line. I find the same thing happens during travel. Most visitors have chosen where to travel for a specific reason. So right off the bat, you DO have something in common with others who are there. Also, when people travel with the hopes of exploration, it doesn't take very long to find your fellow explorers. Keep your eyes open...they'll be the ones with the smiles.

Tara and Beth, I just returned from the trip I had in mind when I first wrote. I don't think I'll ever be reluctant to travel on my own again - it was such a successful experience. Loved every minute, met great people who are from my area and I will see again. Thanks for your earlier encouragement.

Noticing this thread was the first time it occurred to me that some people might not rather travel alone. When you're with someone else (or worse, a group) from where you're from, you become a little island of home, and you interact with each other instead of with the people along the way. And it's much easier to slip into a local pub and absorb the atmosphere, or see something out the bus window and jump out at the next stop on a whim, or abandon your plans for the afternoon and take off down a curious looking sidestreet instead, when you're by yourself.