Additional Coverage:
- I began traveling solo after my 20-year marriage suddenly ended. These are my 5 favorite places I’ve visited alone. (businessinsider.com)
After a 20-year marriage ended unexpectedly, Lisa VanderVeen found solace and empowerment in solo travel. Having now explored 21 countries on her own, she shares some of her favorite destinations and experiences.
New York City, a frequent destination for VanderVeen, offers the unique experience of anonymity amidst millions. Weekend trips often revolved around Billy Joel concerts at Madison Square Garden, followed by brunches, strolls along the High Line, and exploring diverse neighborhoods.
The city’s density allowed for varied experiences, making each visit feel fresh and exciting. For VanderVeen, these trips solidified the joy of her own company.
Paris, a city she’d previously visited with family, offered a different perspective when explored solo. Free to follow her own interests, VanderVeen delved into the city’s art scene, taking self-guided tours of literary landmarks frequented by the “Lost Generation.” Exploring the haunts of Hemingway and Fitzgerald proved a captivating experience, unavailable on previous trips with family who didn’t share her passion.
Budapest provided a blend of planned activities and spontaneous adventures. VanderVeen welcomed the New Year in the Hungarian capital, taking in the Hungarian Parliament Building, enjoying a Danube River cruise, and even attending an operetta despite not understanding the language.
Impromptu moments, like a nighttime photography tour and a local lunch recommended by her Uber driver, added to the city’s charm. Budapest’s walkability proved a significant advantage for solo exploration.
Antigua, Guatemala, offered a welcome escape from winter’s chill. The city’s colonial architecture and volcanic backdrop provided a stunning setting for VanderVeen’s exploration of ancient ruins, local breweries, and jade markets. Group day trips to Lake Atitlan and the Chichicastenango market provided a balance of social interaction and independent exploration.
Luang Prabang, Laos, fostered a sense of peaceful solitude. VanderVeen took advantage of her hotel’s complimentary bike rentals and Mekong River cruise, enjoying stunning views.
Participating in the daily alms giving to Buddhist monks and spontaneously volunteering at an English language school provided unique cultural experiences. A hike up Mount Phou Si, adorned with Buddha statues, added a spiritual dimension to her journey.
VanderVeen appreciated the mix of planned activities and spontaneous encounters that Luang Prabang offered.