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August 10, 2010
Traveling solo: Facing fears and forging friendships
For me, travel is addictive; I get a physical thrill when I add pages to my passport. And while I love exploring the world with Alan and our children, there are times when I prefer to explore the world on my own, or in the company of my closest girlfriends.
And I know I’m not alone: Whether they’re widowed, married to someone who doesn’t share their travel interests, enjoy exploring the world with their sisters, brothers, or children, just want to meet new travel companions, or love exploring on their own, plenty of OAT travelers choose to travel solo on their trips.
That’s why it’s so rewarding for me to hear from our solo travelers. Their passion for travel is invigorating; their enthusiasm contagious. And when I hear about the life-changing experiences our solo travelers have had on their adventures with us, I’m reminded that we're in the business to change people's lives. It’s stories like Barbara Herman’s—a 2-time traveler from Fairfield, Connecticut—that remind me we’re helping to create lasting memories for our travelers. Barbara’s husband was not able to travel with her to Vietnam, but he encouraged her to go anyway. So she did—and not only discovered the welcoming Vietnamese people, but also connected with a fellow traveler.
There’s also the story of Catherine Camp, a 3-time traveler from Sacramento, California, who was asked to join a co-worker on a trip to Egypt. Catherine shares that what began as a mutual fondness for petroglyphs turned into a lifelong friendship. And Susan Giaccotto, a 6-time traveler from Farmington, Connecticut, who has returned to Africa four times with her mom, Norma Moskey—her favorite travel partner.
And then there are travelers like 91-year-old Jane Hansen, a 4-time traveler from Groveland, California, who simply won’t let age hinder her outlook on life, and June Calender, a 5-time traveler from Hyannis, Massachusetts, who loves being matched with a roommate for her OAT trips because it provides her with the opportunity to bond with fellow adventurous travelers.
You can find these stories from Barbara, Catherine, Susan, Jane, and June in our Traveler Stories section.
Has your life been changed as a solo traveler exploring the world with OAT? If so, I hope you’ll share your stories with me—and other travelers—by posting your comments below this Journal entry. (You can also email me at harriet@oattravel.com.)
In the coming weeks, we’ll be spotlighting Iceland, Egypt, and Southeast Asia (including Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos and Cambodia). If you’ve explored these destinations with OAT, I’d love to hear about your experiences—and see your photos! Email me at
Harriet Lewis