What It’s Like to Travel Solo When You’re in a Relationship.
Thinking of travelling solo while in a relationship? Read on.
I began thinking of this post while strolling by myself along the brightly coloured colonial houses in Havana, the vibrant capital city of Cuba. Over the last two blissful months in Guatemala, my partner and I spent most of our time together – chatting, drinking beer, hiking, occasionally working, cooking, reading, doing nothing. Then life demanded we go our separate ways for a while, so after crossing the border to Mexico, we boarded flights to different corners of the globe… and I landed in Cuba, a country whose culture and revolutionary history has intrigued me for many years.
When people read about my solo adventures, they often mistakenly assume that I travel alone because I don’t have a “special someone” in my life. That I’m single (I’m not), unmarried (I am), looking for love (I’m not).
And others often lament that their own relationships are a strong reason (excuse?) for not travelling solo. It’s almost inconceivable that we could choose to travel to a destination all by ourselves, without the presence of our significant other.
Also read: How I Conquer My Solo Travel Fears
So I decided to pen this post – an honest reflection on what it’s like to travel solo when you’re in a relationship – hoping to offer compelling reasons to go it alone despite your relationship status, yet being brutally honest about what it entails:
At first, travelling solo while in a relationship sucks
I won’t lie to you: the first few days are the hardest. You’re trying to figure out life by yourself, while at the same time, probably trying to figure out the new place you’re in. When you notice an oddity or feel the rush of excitement surging through your body, there is no familiar person to share that feeling with.
Take me for instance: So much happened even before I got into Havana – the flight captain announced that the weather condition over Havana wasn’t suitable so we might have to take a detour and land on the coast to refuel; while in the immigration queue, the electricity conked off (hello Cuba!); they took away my humble Indian passport for further inspection at immigration (that’s another story!).
And I couldn’t share those moments – of confusion and thrill and curiosity – with the one person I had shared many memorable moments in the last 2 months. I couldn’t share the surreal feeling of driving into Havana with Che Guevara murals staring defiantly back at me, or landing on a forgotten island where Fidel Castro was once sent to prison.
But time fixes that feeling of longing, and dispels the “why am I doing this to myself” thoughts. Time not only fixes it, but let’s you grow to love that you’re doing this by yourself.
Also read: What Solo Travel Has Taught Me About the World – And Myself
You end up talking to more people, even as an introvert
Or should I say, more people end up talking to you? I guess in a way, it helps that solo travellers still stand out like an oddity in most parts of the world.
In Guatemala for instance, I’ve travelled both alone and with my partner. Although people are typically friendly, I ended up having many more conversations with locals while alone. Together, we often attempt to chat with people, but also end up receding into our own little world. And when people see you already have someone to talk to, they are not as likely to approach you or indulge in a deep conversation.
And needless to say, the more locals we talk to and hang out with on our travels, the more adventures we’re likely to get ourselves into.
Also read: Lessons on the Art of Living in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country
The anonymity of travelling solo while in a relationship can be rewarding
Imagine if you could wake up one morning and transform yourself into whoever you want to be. No one around you knows your past, or how you normally dress, or where you belong. Travelling alone, despite being in a relationship with someone who knows you inside out, is a lot like that.
Often on my solo travels, I find myself in a world where no one knows a thing about my personality or fears. I can challenge myself, surprise myself and experiment with myself, if I choose to. At times like these, I’ve ended up hitch-hiking in the Indian Himalayas, hiking solo in the Ecuadorean Andes and sleeping on the roof of a Mauritian home.
Also read: Practical Ways I’ve Learnt to Stay Safe While Travelling Alone
You start valuing your partner more
I think it’s only human to take someone you spend a lot of time with, for granted. You don’t hold back getting mad at someone you’re always with, or failing to acknowledge how important they are in your life. I know many relationships that have deteriorated over time that way. (And no, having a kid is never the solution, I think 😉)
But when you spend time apart, on your own, introspecting about your relationship and what makes the other person special to you, you are bound to gain perspective. You are likely to value, far more, the time you spend with your partner.
Besides, the road is a great teacher. And among other things, it keeps teaching me that life is too short and unpredictable to spend some of it fighting with someone you love.
Also read: Six Alternatives to Travelling Alone
You notice your weaknesses but gain some emotional independence in the process
Not reliant on my partner, or anyone else, when I travel alone, I’ve learnt so many surprising things about myself. Especially the things I don’t do so well. Like figuring out maps and directions, handling stressful situations without being able to control my tears, finding myself unexpectedly without connectivity and dealing with particularly bad travel days.
Learning to identify, accept and work through my weaknesses (although there’s no figuring out directions for me, I’ve realised) has helped me gain some amount of emotional independence. How? By no longer feeling overwhelmed by the things that I expect to feel overwhelmed by or rely on someone else to handle.
Also read: Meet the First Solo Female Traveller From the Maldives!
There are times when you inevitably crave company
As much as I try to stay optimistic about my solo travels, there are days when I inevitably curse myself and my choices. Bad days, triumphant days, days when I’m unable to have a good chat with my partner, days when I realise the geographical distance between us, days when there is no one to challenge me to be more daring, days when I feel selfish about having humbling experiences all by myself… those days make me wonder why I’m choosing to live the way I do. Why I’m that weird person who wants to revel in her own company, who wants to travel alone halfway around the world and live among strangers.
These feelings surface every once in a while, leaving me conflicted. Yet I can’t quite explain why I still continue to push myself to travel solo…
Also read: Solo Travel Moments That Left Me Scared Shitless
Travelling solo while in a relationship can change you in unexpected ways
Travelling alone, especially for a long period of time, has certainly helped me gain confidence in myself, build my self-esteem and value my independence – especially as a young, unmarried girl from small town India.
In addition to expanding my comfort zone in unexpected ways, it has taught me a lot about my relationship too. That we can support each other’s dreams without sacrificing our own. That we can resolve any challenges as mature adults. That honesty is greater than any public certificate of commitment.
That I can be emotionally sufficient and dependent at the same time. That I can chase my dreams without guilt, and yet have a shoulder to cry on if I crash along the way.
Also read: Meet the Courageous Indian Women Travelling the World Solo – on a Wheelchair!
The going is easier when you have someone to trust on the other end
There are so many fears, hopes, expectations and disappointments on the road that I just can’t explain it to my family or friends. But having experienced some of them together, I can trust that there is someone I can call who will understand what I’m going through. That when I find myself disappointed or overwhelmed by a place, I will only hear words of encouragement, not worry or panic. That when I want to shorten a trip or walk away from an adventure because I just can’t convince myself to go through with it, I will only hear words of support, not judgement.
Also read: Easy Ways to Take Awesome Photos of Yourself When You Travel Solo
I watched my last sunset in Havana sitting alone on the Malecon, with the cool sea breeze in my hair and besame mucho (written by Mexican songwriter Consuelo Velázquez) playing on repeat in my head, reading a book written by Che Guevara’s wife. As the brilliant orange sun dipped into the ocean and I reflected on the last two weeks spent alone in Cuba, I desperately searched for words to describe how exactly it feels.
Luckily, these beautiful words penned by Che came to my rescue:
“Farewell, my only one
Do not tremble before the hungry wolves
Nor in the cold steppes of absence
I take you with me in my heart
And we will continue together until the road vanishes…”
Would you consider travelling solo while in a relationship? What are your hopes and fears?
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Welcome to my blog, The Shooting Star. I’ve been called a storyteller, writer, photographer, digital nomad, “sustainability influencer,” social entrepreneur, solo traveller, vegan, sustainable tourism consultant and environmentalist. But in my heart, I’m just a girl who believes that travel – if done right – has the power to change us and the world we live in.
Hi Shivya, I am married and I travel solo and I love it. Travel is my priority and not for my husband and we respect that. But I put a cap on my travel to 15 days of my own volition. I totally agree that we can support each other’s dreams without sacrificing our own. Beautiful post as always, Shivya! Very inspiring!
Lovely post as usual, Shivya – can relate with so many of those things! I am super curious about this mysterious partner you talk about on and off – must write about this person some day 😉
I am married. And I do travel solo. Despite having a husband who enjoys traveling much as I do ( perhaps more). It is different….and no amount of reading or thinking about it would have prepared me for the solo trips… As much as I love traveling with my husband, traveling solo is something I yearn to do as often as I can.
You are inspirational and courageous.
Beautifully penned and can definitely relate to it. 🙂
You’re an inspiration to me. Such profound thoughts you’ve penned here. Would love to attend if you conduct any bloggers’ workshop someday. 🙂
Waw! beautiful one shivya.. 👍
Hi Shivya, I am married and have a daughter , I do travel alone a lot, without feeling an iota of guilt. This time is never going to come back, so I have to follow my dreams. I don’t even doubt that it’s something I should not do because I have a family. We are individuals with our own dreams, so we live our lives and then share our experiences when we are together.
I think I know that lucky guy 😁
OMG Shivya, there’s much you say that resonates. I’m 67 and I just spent nearly 7 weeks in Japan and China without my husband of 20 years! It was challenging to say the least, especially since we were only a year out from nearly 6 years of nomadic travel, together every day. And I’d not travelled solo since I was your age. Plus I was still recovering from a hip replacement. Yeah, challenging, so I get your down days and tears, and also that it’s worth it in every way. Just because your significant other can’t go doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.
I would like to do more solo travel now that I don’t have to worry about my hip so much (I learned just how strong I am) and now that I know I’ll survive missing Don.
Alison
Although there were hints earlier, I didn’t know that.
Glad to read this one !!!
As always, brilliant write up with major life-goals.
Gratitude 🤗
Kya yaar shivya 😖😖… kaun hai woh?? 😉😉😄
Hey Shivya…I was just wondering bout this facet of your life just 2 days back and here I find the answer blogged down by you. Glad to know this side of you 😊
I used to travel solo before I got married and I absolutely relate to what traveling solo means to you. However, now with my partner, I continue to travel as much. I feel really glad that he enjoys travelling as much! Given a choice I’d still choose to travel with him as he doubles my adventures always 😄
Loved reading the article. I can relate so many things. Cheers! 🙂
I am married, have twin toddlers and still travel alone whenever possible. Without any guilt, mostly. Gives me some space for myself and keeps me grounded everytime I come back from solo travel.
Shivya, how do you deal with the first point ? That longing to talk to your partner and tell them about the most happening things of your day when you are traveling solo, given that as you said there might be days you two might not make out time for a call ?
Shivya, as always I love your posts and opinions about travelling solo as a woman. Since being a single again for 8 years, I so very much enjoy travelling by myself. I went to so many countries within the last 8 years, India was my greatest solo travelling experience and don’t even feel a bit of being lonely or desperate at all. Yet I agree that at times it would wonderful to have a partner next to me, to share the beauty I experience. Since I am a professional photographer, my camera has become my partner, where I capture feelings and moments to document what I see. I have been a rather quiet person, but through out my solo travels I have conversations and connections with people which I wouldn’t have had before. The socializing as a solo traveler becomes like second nature, there is always a choice I have to talk to others or not if I just want to enjoy the moment of the beauty by myself. Well nothing is perfect, you pick your choices and go with that. Thank you Shivya and happy travels to you.
I travel independently some, and you’re right, I’m usually less introverted. However, the best of both worlds for me is when I travel travel with my husband, but it’s a work trip for him, so I make all my own plans/decisions for the times when he is otherwise occupied. I’ve been married to my husband for 36 years. We have enjoyed good times together and apart, but I value most that we have been able to be each other’s “port in the storm” throughout the years of our relationship. The key is to stay connected which might mean that you offer to stay when you sense that he actually needs you to do that. Conversely, he should sense when you need to recharge by going. Of course, having children makes the stay/go equation even more complex, but that’s a whole other blog post. 😊
Love the post. Had been wondering about it lately.
I do travel without my husband or children, but never solo (yet). Always with a friend or two. THAT is the barrier I want to break someday.
Love the post. Yes travelling alone despite being married or in a relation is a different experience. Happy Travels Shivya..
Hi there,
I truly believe travelling solo gets you connected with yourself and am sure that self awareness and how it makes you independent and confident as a person, reflects in your relationship.
This was so lovely to read and give me a lot of hope for the future. I love travelling solo and agree, even as an introvert, you make friends much more easily when alone. I don’t have a partner but I hope that when I do, we will be comfortable enough together to travel independently
Jenny | localleo.co.uk
Absolutely to all of this. I have spent months away from my partner and I think it has made me a better person, and us a better pair. I honestly think stints of long distance aren’t relationship breakers, they only expedite a process that would have happened. I appreciate this honest post because even though traveling sans partner can be so rewarding it isn’t easy all the time; but also, we’re not weird for doing it! Thanks for another thoughtful post.
Loved this post Shivya! I also shared it with my partner since surprisingly we were just talking about doing solo travels each, after our family trip to Scotland. It is a different joy traveling with your family but I feel that becomes more of a vacation than travel if your child is small and cannot appreciate sights and culture. Since both of us love traveling in the sense that we like to appreciate another place , it’s food and people, we agreed to plan solo travels and a family vacation trip now onwards. Your post came in at the right time for some added inspiration!😊
Very nice post Shivya!!
Such a lovely post. Loved every word of it. So nice Shivya.
It depends on the purpose of travel. If you are traveling with a partner or a loved one, there are certain limitations. Traveling solo can be more fun and no limitations. Though I’m married with children I prefer to go solo to achieve my set goals. Traveling with family is for family.
quitting ur job and leaving everything behind just for solo travel, felt surreal, U r huge inspiration for everyone, Thank you for sharing ur stories. Love reading ur advanterous journey.
Solo travelling is a great experience. One must go for such a trip in the life time to learn some exceptional experiences.
Love the topic! Great read
Such a lovely post shivya ji
Such a beautiful post. I hope, I can go it solo, very soon. Here’s to many more adventures on the road 🙂
I so so so love this article Shivya! You’ve spoken literally my mind in much better words. THIS is exactly why and how I’d want it. I wish people (significant ones around me) understood!
Really this is hard to travel solo when you are in relationship but when you travel you meet some people who make your trip delightful. I had lots of solo trip and guess what i always found company. Thanks for sharing your experience.
This is beautiful! I don’t know if I would, as I’ve never had a partner or significant other while travelling, but I would hope we’d be confident enough in each other to do so occasionally.
Solo travelling is good but some time it gets boring if we are not know about the place perfectly. Because if we want to enjoy alone a place we have to collect all the information about that place.
I’m married and traveling solo currently. I was reluctant at first for various reasons. But, this ended up being the best decision for “me” and something that I’ve wanted for much of my life. So, the timing didn’t work out when I was single, but it did work out when I was married. I could relate to everything you said about your emotions. Yet, at the end of the day, boy, I’ve come so far in very little time just because of my international travel experiences!
That’s inspiring! I guess we’re conditioned to be so dependent on our relationships that we forget all about personal growth – which is almost inevitable when we go solo. Glad to hear it’s working out for you and you could relate to how it makes me feel.
Shivya your post was inspiring. I ended up traveling alone for a couple of months last year. My partner and I were staying on Antigua when we had a major row. We decided to continue our journey in different directions. I went to Europe and he headed to Venezuela. It was very hard at first, not having someone to share my experiences with, but it forced me to talk to people. My partner and I eventually made up, but it was an interesting and rewarding adventure.
Doing awesome job sir
Amazing post Shivya! Traveling is dream, but due to some problem, i have to drop my trips of traveling. Your blog is very inspiring, and i going to live my life by own with more adventures and traveling to dreamy countries.
These are pure wise words Shivya. I am a traveler and married too 🙂 , Been in a long distance relationship too post my marriage and totally understand. Your blog has always inspired me.
Amazing post i want to know
Is misunderstandings occur?
Koz of lack communication?
Amazing article Shivya. your blog is inspiration for the women’s. Everybody has dream to travel the world and explore the new things but can’t everybody can fulfill this dream.
You doing very good job. Am viewed many places through your blog. Thanks such an amazing article.
Wow, this is so inspiring! I’ve honestly never even thought to travel solo, but it seems awesome!!
The moment you start enjoying your own company, things are far too easy!
So relatable. Thanks for sharing!
I am impressed from this post. I haven’t any word to appreciate this post. Thanks for such post and please keep it up.
good job!!!
Beautiful post as always, Shivya! Very inspiring!
Great article. I am a 28 year old man who enjoys travelling solo. While solo travel gives you great flexibility and freedom to enjoy all the world has to offer on your terms, I will admit it can get lonely at times, especially when you do not have anyone to share the experience with. I notice also when I tell people I am travelling solo they sometimes find it strange, almost like they feel sorry for me lol. I am recently married so now I do travel with my wife so I can see it from both perspectives now.
One of the best post of yours I must say, very honest and I love your writing shivya! Its very inspiring indeed.
Hi Shivya,
I would like to know who clicks these beautiful photographs when both you and your partner are in the frame.
Loved your writing as always. I must say it takes a lot of courage to listen to your heart and do something you really want to do ( strange that it should come naturally to all of us but in our complicated world full of judgement, only few take the heart driven road.) more power to you girl. God bless you !
I guess I’ve had enough of Solo travel! After doing it for almost 20 years to way out places, for work and for pleasure, I am now tired of doing it alone. Especially for leisure travel, I now want some company – not just anybody, but a buddy who shares the same travel values as me. Can be a man or woman, old or young – the only condition is that there has to be a ‘click’. By click, I mean the same attitude towards travelling, things to do, things to see on a trip. And financially secure as well. If travel buddies constantly disagree during a trip, it can make life miserable. But if they get along well, nothing else can be more fun!!
Hi Shiva,
My first comment here. I’m so glad to have found you, and, now I’m completely smitten with your story. I love solo travel, but I love travelling with my partner too. We met on a cruise ship, where we both worked for the same team, became friends and in no time fell in love. Together we explored every destination we could. We have been to more than 45 countries.
After working for 5 years onboard, I quit my ship life in July 2020 to be with my aging dad in Goa. My partner lives in Mumbai, but we have taken only 1 trip together to Hampi. In the 3.5 years of our relationship we have spent more time apart, then together. Nevertheless, I cherish every memory and experience we have had together while we worked onboard.
I so miss these wonderful posts (and photos) of yours. You have changed so much over the years. Now it’s all about luxury resorts, boutique hotels and fancy places. No more sleeping on the roof in Mauritius. And your travels seem to be rarely solo nowadays.
I know this blog has existed for a while, but I saved it for now – when I’m planning to go on a solo adventure after a long time. It’s not the first time I’m going to travel solo while in a relationship, but it feels like it. This blog is the honest reassurance that I needed.