Feel Like Hitting the Road Solo?
In the months before my divorce, money was scarce. I recall the guilt I felt paying the bill for the B & B, gassing up the car, and leaving with a bag and a destination. My kids needed me — what was I even doing? No one seemed to understand, but getting away for a few days, alone, felt like something my soul needed to do. A Frodo moment, if you will. I was on a personal mission.
Since then, I’ve traveled solo all around my home state. I plan quick day trips or weekends away. I even went on a solo camping trip in the middle of cancer treatment. People may think I’m nuts for this. But for me, solo travel has been a mental health necessity.
It all started with those terrifying months when my family was falling apart, we were losing our house, and I knew my marriage was over. That divorce set free in me something that I now cherish — my sense of wonder, curiosity about the world, and my fierce independence. Solo travel has helped shape this new me, and that’s worth everything.
Divorce and Travel
It may surprise you, but people going through a divorce or recently divorced make up a significant portion of those booking solo trips. Travel peaks among this group, and women solo travelers top the list.
Travel companies like Flash Pack, a premium small-group travel brand for solo travelers in their 30s–50s, and Skyscanner, a global travel search engine that compares flights and hotels, report a noticeable rise in solo trips taken by people who are divorced or recently divorced.
Why Solo Travel?
Why are solo travel trips so popular among the recently divorced? Answering for myself, my solo trip felt like a mental health trip. One that sealed the fate of my relationship and began a more meaningful one with myself. It grounded me, strengthened me, and birthed a new me, one who was ready for the difficult season of redefining my life. It felt, well, spiritual.
When I was repeatedly asked to explain why I was taking the trip, I remember telling someone that I had a date with God. It really felt that important to me.
During the tumultuous time of divorce, you can get real benefit from packing a bag and getting away, alone. First, traveling alone forces you to rely only on yourself. See the world through your own eyes, not those around you (your ex included). You don’t have to answer to anyone, explain yourself, or cater to anyone else’s needs but your own. This can be an empowering experience.
Benefits of a “Solo-moon” for Divorcees
Your solo honeymoon, or solo-moon, is everything you want it to be. Plan your trip, feel the excitement, and get out there to start your new life. I can attest that the benefits of a solo-moon experience can stay with you for many years.
Put distance between you and your ex (or soon-to-be ex)
Find the emotional, spiritual, even physical reset you need
Reclaim your independence and autonomy
Boost your self-confidence and self-worth
Discover who you are without the influence of others
Begin the healing journey, gain perspective and clarity
Shed old routines that are tied to the marital breakdown
Face fears and test out your bravery
Welcome the single life and usher in a new season of “YOU”
Feel the freedom to explore new places (without your ex)
Gain new memories that are solely yours to cherish
My solo-moon kicked off my new life as a single mother and inspired me to go back to college. My life from then on was about me and my kids, not about pleasing my partner. Not about satiating him or navigating his emotions, but about setting myself and my children free from all of that.
One memorable moment from the trip was a sunset I caught after taking an impulse turn down a fire road that cut deep into the woods. (Yes, I know. Sounds like the start of a horror film.) The long, sandy stretch of road led to a quiet inlet. I wasn’t afraid. I walked quietly to the water’s edge where it lapped in a rhythmic, almost hypnotic way, and watched the setting sun over the water.
I remember feeling alive. Feeling not just free, but freed. When I turned to head back to the car, my illuminated, lone set of footprints in the sand (I know, symbolic, right?) stopped me. My footprints were glowing, gathering shine from the last bits of sun. Just then, my heart shifted. Somehow, I knew my path forward — out of married life and into my new life — would be ok. That somehow, I’d be ok. My kids would be ok.
This symbolic moment catalyzed my strength for many years to come.
How to Plan Your First Solo Adventure
I left that place renewed, and thus began my new life. There are just some places in life we’re meant to go alone. When you’re feeling that itch to get out of town, go somewhere new, feel something new, and you know it will be a trip for only you, where do you start? Can you even try to explain the intensity of this need to others in your life? Well, no. And that’s kind of the point. A simple “I need to get away for a few days” is plenty. Those in your tight inner circle may need to know a little more, but you don’t owe anyone an explanation for doing what your heart needs.
Pick a destination
Set a budget
Make the arrangements
And…Go!
Travel Tips for Singles
For your first solo trip, try not to overthink every detail if that makes you feel more stressed. When I took my coastal getaway trip, I simply picked a destination, printed out the MapQuest directions, and left with my bag. I didn’t plan an itinerary, but allowed my heart to lead me. You may prefer a more planned adventure, but allow enough space in your itinerary for some downtime.
For Your First Solo Trip After the Divorce
Pack a journal, some cozy items for rest and recoup at night, and a good bottle of wine if that’s your thing. Consider bringing along something that symbolizes your marriage to set “free” as your heart leads. Be willing to open your arms and give yourself the hug and deep, cleansing breaths you need. If you haven't been good at loving yourself lately, let this be the turning point.
Expect delays to your travel plans, last-minute changes, and impulse stops. Shop till you drop, post the obligatory solo-moon Instagram selfie, and just live your best life for this trip! If you want the security of something planned for you, and potentially a roomie assignment, travel agencies do specialize in making solo travel more fun and safe.
10 Best Travel Agencies for Solo Travel 2026
Solo Travel Safety
Just a little forethought on safety can make your entire trip more successful.
Stay in secure, well-reviewed accommodations. Many places have safety protocols, but while you’re walking, biking, hiking, or otherwise, you’ll want to practice spatial awareness and keep your phone close. Leave valuables at home. Blend in with the locals. Plan to make routine check-ins with a family member or friend who knows where you’ll be. If you’re taking a road trip, AAA membership coverage can save your trip if you have a flat tire or need your vehicle towed.
Solo Travel Changes You
Get ready because traveling alone does something to you. It sharpens your sense of self-reliance and awakens your adventurous spirit.
Since my post-divorce getaway all those years ago, I’ve taken many day trips, overnighters, and even a camping weekend alone. When I need to feel empowered, rejuvenated, inspired, or grounded, I pick a place my heart needs, and I go. It’s just me and the adventure before me, and that feeling is exhilarating!
Where might you go right now? If you were to get away for a couple of days and start putting this divorce behind you? What solo trip does your heart need? Plan for safety, budget, and check-in while you’re gone — and you may find a solo travel trip does wonders for your aching soul!
Christina M. Ward