Solo Travel – Dating the World With My Passport

Okavango Delta Sunset
Solo Travel Easter Island Moai Dating the World
This Moai was all alone far from the road and rarely visited – he is different from the others

While I’m grounded at home until the world is open to Americans again, I’m revisiting my travel love life through fun posts like this.  Hope you enjoy!

“Where is Your Husband?” is a question I’ve been asked so many times over the years as I’ve traveled solo that I wrote a post about questions to stop asking solo travelers.  At first, I laughed it off and said “my parents would love to know that too so let me know when you find him” and then I went through a bit of anger phase asking myself the same “why haven’t I met that guy yet to travel and have a life with”? I even tried online dating (unsuccessfully) as no one matched my requirements of “owns passport, wants to explore the world and is open to adventure”. Now I’ve settled into a phase of contentment with myself and my solo-ness.  When someone recently asked me “aren’t you lonely traveling solo?” I replied “not at all, I’m dating the world” and each city is my “new blind date with potential”.  Snarky works to shut down people’s preconceived notions of what my life should look like.

Just like any date or relationship, there are a few places that linger as first loves, a few in the love/hate relationship, a few bad boys that still tempt me and yet a few more with the potential to be the “the one” – that long term image of walking hand in hand as we grow old together with memories (yes, too many movie moments in my head).  Of course, just like dating, there have been some duds along the way (it really was you not me) but each time I’ve learned something new about myself, my beliefs and how I need to be open to the world. I’ve had peeks at what my life should look like vs. what my life could look like.  I’ve laughed that the world is too big to keep returning to the same places and yet there are places (and people) that I keep in my heart that call me back on a regular basis (my home and heart are definitely in more than one place).

New Zealand – Pushing My Limits

Some places give you the taste of being “fearless”, some relationships are so raw that you can’t help but be afraid to be vulnerable but once you establish that trust, wow! What a feeling to discover your kick ass power and potential.  This is the guy that believes you can do anything in the world as life is an adventure every day!  The downside to the everyday adventure is wanting to just be still and enjoy the surrounding.

The view of Queentown, New Zealand Pure Adventure Solo Travel
The view of Queenstown, New Zealand – you can glide to the bottom

New Zealand is one country that wants you to experience pure adventure – it’s their marketing tagline “Pure Adventure”.  Whether in the thrill of adventure or savoring the food & wine scene, New Zealand pushes you out of your comfort zone to let you experience fun, tempt your taste buds and gasp at the incredible beauty of the landscape.  Fly in a helicopter to put on crampons and walk across the icy surfaces of the Franz Josef glacier.  Learn to kayak for the first time even if you are scared to flip over in the massive lake.  I swear the air whispers “you can do it” (ok, maybe the cute guide trying to get me to push past the fear and catch up to the group was a bit of incentive but in the movie version it was the air).

London – Friends with Benefits

London was my first international destination, the city that gave me a taste of what the world outside of Philadelphia had to offer.  With the funny accents and phrases like “the weather is pants”, London told me “to look left” and continued to offer up just enough to keep me coming back anticipating something new and left me wanting so much more.  We understood each other, it was (and still is) easy to be in London.  We shared ups and downs. With a great history of over twenty years, I tried to make it more permanent but London said “sorry Tier 2 visa hurdle, you’d actually need to meet (and marry) an actual British guy to change our status” so alas we remain friends with benefits.  We have fun, I find comfort in my visits, enjoy my favorite London chocolates and for now can’t be more than that. During the lockdown, I missed my annual transatlantic cruise to London and I’m longing to return.  I’ve not been away from the city for this long in a very long time.  I miss my friend with benefits a bit more than I thought, chances are London is my deep true love but without the opportunity to live/work there, I have to dream.

London Tower Bridge at Sunset Solo Travel
London Tower Bridge at Sunset
Big Ben and London Eye in London Dating the World
Classic London – Big Ben and the London Eye

Venice & the Amalfi Coast – My First Travel Love(s)

Venice & the Amalfi Coast continue to be my first “love at first sight” cities.  Over the years, I cherish the memories and look with sadness at the changes each has gone through as we’ve aged.  They knew that they had the allure, the romance, the views – they had it all.  But everyone wanted them, to preserve their beauty and not let them change and grow – and over the years, all the beauty is still there but underneath their souls have been changed and it makes me sad.  It’s harder to find the unique experience of my youth, we are still friends and I can visit and act like a local, happy to stroll the streets (drive the roads) of my travel youth and relive the memories of the first time we locked eyes and shared the weekend. We are in the “remember when…..” stage of first love(s).

Venice Grand Canal sunny day Dating the World
A gorgeous day in Venice on the Grand Canal
PhilaTravelGirl Positano View Amalfi Coast
I’ve visited this Positano viewpoint three times now – this is a favorite photo

Paris – Torn between Two Lovers (Love & Hate)

Ah…..Paris.  Paris is that one city that evokes either love or hate with travelers and rarely a middle ground. For me, it was awkward at first as I wandered lost in a city of foreign language, culture and (at the time) currency.  I had to find my own way back to the flat to find my friend (before mobile phones).  On our second date, Paris loved me back but my friend hated it and she left me in the city abandoned at Valentine’s Day and I learned to be a solo traveler.  It was my third time lucky that we fell into our love/hate relationship which has matured over the years.  Yes, we still have differences but it’s those differences that make it such a strong, passionate, relationship.  I’ve reignited my love of the city the past few years with visits for Paris at Thanksgiving (when Mom boycotted the holiday) on the way home from my Round the World trip, Paris with my niece (the 11 yo foodie), on my European travel sabbatical and the Paris visit with my mom.  I’ve reliving my past in the present and future with my family now. Seeing the city with fresh eyes and years of experience make it memorable again.

Eiffel Tower Paris Solo Travel Dating the World
A lovely view of the Eiffel Tower from the park
Paris
Paris is one of my favorite cities in the world

Bad First Travel Impressions

Budapest, I’m looking at you twenty years ago.  We started off on the wrong foot (or in my case the wrong hotel in a sketchy part of town) but found a common ground (once I moved to the five star Intercontinental Budapest Hotel) and I saw past the surface to see a great beauty of a city.  I’m hopeful to return soon to see how much you’ve changed in the years as I continue to see your photos everywhere as a travel rock star.

Gozo – The Ugly Duckling Blind Date

Gozo Azure Window in Malta - Solo Traveler Dating the World
I wanted the boy to move from the frame but now happy he provides scale for how massive the Azure Window is on Gozo

When I arrived from the ferry and saw the limestone sameness, the unpaved roads, the unending construction in the villages and only one traffic light, I wondered where the hell I was and why I had said yes to this island in Malta. It wasn’t pretty…at first.  The island of Gozo would slowly reveal all of the hidden gems on the island, it was definitely a trust issue.   We started off fumbling with “did we like each other” but after three weeks, it was a torrid love affair, one I was hesitant to leave as I was lost in a world of wonder….far away from the drama at home.  My island home became a beauty once I stopped being all judgey with it. We met locals, dined on local wine and learned to tune out the church bells that rung every fifteen minutes to tell time. We fell into a comfortable routine that I hadn’t experienced with anyone else.  The five star Kempinski Gozo helped wash away the bad start to help me hit reset and be open to discovering so much more.

 

Houston: We Have A Problem

Houston, Texas (USA) – At first I thought it’s me, there’s more to the city than the cold highways, megachurches and shopping malls.  I even agreed to a second date to give you another chance.  You are Oil and I’m Water there is just no future for us.  I don’t even have a photo to share!

Sydney – The Supermodel Guy Who Surfs

Sydney Opera House view from the Harbour bridge Dating the world
Awesome view of the Opera House and a bit of traffic in the harbour

Sydney, Australia is the cover model who is a smart businessman by day, cultured food & wine connoisseur at night and a surfer on the weekends.  He is multi-faceted and constantly surprising you.  He won’t commit to just you because he doesn’t realize you are smitten with him (everyone is in love with him) but he’s too nice to notice.  He’s happy with his awesome life and wants you to be happy too.  He shows you the beach, pours his friend’s wine from the Hunter Valley and introduces you to his family and friends.  You feel special with him because his attention is all on your happiness.  There’s no long term to this relationship but your ego (and photos) definitely get a confident boost when you are with him.

Sailing in Sydney Harbour Solo Travel Dating the World
If I lived here and had a friend with a boat, I’d be using all of my sick days to be on the water

Miami – It’s Definitely Me Not You

Miami – we are so different that even in the opposites attract category….we don’t.  You are the perennial party-er with money, you keep saying we’re all good but I don’t feel we travel in the same circle. It’s probably my insecurities but I don’t fit in your world.  I’ll still say a transient “hello” on the way to the cruise terminal and maybe meet you for a drink or two but thats all.

Miami Waterfront Solo Travel Dating the World
The gorgeous Miami waterfront – a world away from my real life
Miami Waterway Dating the World
Miami waterway in downtown amid the yachts and posh condos

Solo Traveler: Independent & Brave

I’ve had many more blind dates with the cities of the world (and small towns) and I still enjoy the awkward first meeting, the getting to know you stage and then waiting to see if it will be love, lust, like or loathing.  So I’m “still single” because I’m still dating the world, Mom says “I’m too picky”.  For the rest of the world, I’m independent, bold and brave and yet missing “my husband”.  As for me?  I’m still having a good time exploring the world. What about you – what’s your travel love life look like? How would you label your dates with cities/countries? Are you dating the world too?

Statue of David Florence replica courtyard Uffizi
Statue of David in Florence (replica in courtyard) thought to be perfect statue

10 thoughts on “Solo Travel – Dating the World With My Passport

  1. It’s disappointing that even in 2016, people feel they have the right to question your life choices. It’s your life, live it however you wish.
    Travel the world, see your friends and make new ones along the way. Happy travels.

  2. I bet every female solo traveller has experienced the same snarky questions and preconceived statements from strangers who see us as aliens. I have too. I love the way you label your travel love life and your dating with the world. Funny enough, I’ve fallen in love with a country many years ago – while on a career break – and now after 12 years of travels and neary 100 thousands km around the country, I would expect something more to step forward, get engaged but don’t know, I’m not sure Australia loves me so to committ 😀 Sometimes I think love should be unconditional but finally we are humans and expectations are part of our (travel) love life! Great article! I really enjoyed it so much and will share it! 🙂

  3. Such a fun way to tell of your travel experience as a relationship with each destination.

  4. Love this article! Really well written! Keep up the good work. And please keep travelling and exploring the globe for the love and fun of it. That is why we are here, to enjoy ourselves! 🙂 xxx

  5. I am dating the world right now too. I started with Paris as my summer fling last year (with some brief dalliances in other parts of France and Europe). Then, my relationship was with the Balkans, mainly Romania, in the fall. And now, I’m with Madrid (and a future 2-week fling with Andalucía in March) for the winter. Each relationship has had its ups and downs, but I’ve grown from them all. In the Spring, I hope to be with Mexico for several months if it seems right. Not sure when I’ll return to my “committed” country (U.S.)–I don’t like what it’s become since I’ve been away.

  6. This is great!! Travel even with my love feels like dating. Each destination teaches me something, many steal pieces of my heart and it is hard to settle down with any one:)

  7. I love this post, so much! I think I cheat on my greatest loves, back & forth between Paris & Rome. Shanghai & Hong Kong are the HS beau with whom I’m still in love, but have probably changed in the decade since I used to go bi-annually. Vienna, Madrid, Florence, London & Amsterdam are good friends. NYC my childhood bestie who I don’t love that much any longer, but who I’ll always be loyal to. And St Barths, Beaulieu-sur-Mer & Sardinia (la Maddalena in particular) are my secret lovers for when I want to feel sexy. Thank you for giving me such fun thinking about this! Have now subscribed. Hope to see you & your niece again soon!

    1. I love your list! It’s such a great way to think about the cities we travel to and why we return. Glad you enjoyed the post – I had fun writing about it and hope others embrace new ways to enjoy the world.

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