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6 lessons I’ve learned as a solo traveler

Here are six things traveler Cheryl counts on every time she hits the road as a solo traveler with Go Ahead Tours.

Thinking of seeing the world solo? Traveler Cheryl has been there, done that—and has rave reviews about the experience! Wanna meet her? Click play on her video below, and then read on to find six things she’s learned she can bet on every time she hits the road as a solo traveler with Go Ahead Tours.

1. Being brave pays off

“I retired from teaching after 25 years and my husband passed away several years ago, and I knew once I retired I’d want to travel more. The only way I could do that was to step out of my comfort zone and travel solo. It’s a great experience. Sure, I was nervous at first, but it all just works out so well.”

2. A friendly (and trusted) face is always there

“I knew Go Ahead would be the group I would travel with because they’re the best. I knew that when I took my luggage off that turnstile and walked down into the foyer of the airport, my fabulous Tour Director would be standing there smiling, waiting to whisk me and the other excited travelers off to a new adventure.”

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3. Everyone is a new-friend-to-be

“I’ve never been on a group trip where there weren’t other solo travelers. We quickly made friends and we’ve experienced things together. There’s never any time that you’re alone—unless you choose to be, that is! The thing about Go Ahead Tours is that by the end of the tour, you’re all just one big happy family. There’s never a loss for anybody to eat with or sit down with or have wine with. It’s just a lot of fun.”

4. You’ll thank yourself for adding excursions

“Some advice I can give you about solo travel is to sign up for all the excursions. They’re fabulous and you’ll be with the group of people. Cooking classes, going for a day visit to a new town—I mean, they’re all just wonderful.”

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5. Diving head-first into culture is part of the fun

“Try the foods! And also, learn a bit of the language. Learn all the polite words and phrases—'please,' 'thank you,' 'bathroom,' 'how much?'”

6. Remember: It’s a big adventure!

“Don’t let being solo stop you from seeing this beautiful world! I mean, it’s a great adventure and your life is a great adventure. Go Ahead Tours is also the best tour company to do this with. Take my advice: Go! Go solo, go with a group, go any way you can, and see this world. Ciao!”

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Have you traveled solo? Head to our Facebook page to tell us about your adventure!

About the author

Jamie Gallerani

It was Jamie’s homestay in Germany that made her fall in love with travel (and her studies in Florence that really sealed the deal). When she’s not writing and sharing the magic of seeing the world with others, she’s usually on the lookout for her new favorite memoir, testing out recipes at home, or visiting her family on Cape Cod.

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