Boldly Go Solo

A recently married women wrote a piece for CNN.com about what she'd do differently in life if she had a "single do-over." That is, if she could relive her single life.

Number three: She'd travel more.

She held off while she was single. She'd hear about her coupled friends' vacations and swear she'd do similar trips. Some day. When she was in a good relationship.

She could have joined those friends. She could have put together a group of other single people and gone great places.

But she waited for the travel companion to come along. A vacation was only a good vacation if she could go coupled up. Finally she is married and has a built-in travel partner.

Regrets? Uh huh. "Why on earth did I think I
had to be in a relationship to take a great vacation?"

She now goes on great trips with her husband. But…

"Just thinking about all the solo trips — not to mention vacation flings —
I missed out on makes me a little sick. I'd definitely take a do-over
on this."

I know a guy like this. He had dreams of taking "romantic" vacations and great hiking adventures but didn't want to go alone. Those places, such as Hawaii or the Grand Canyon, were meant to be visited with a significant other, he believed. 

Years passed. Now he's married. He'll get to do those trips. Or others he's dreamed of. If, that is, she wants to go to the same places. Perhaps she's got different dreams. Perhaps she wants him to go where she's always wanted to go.

There are only so many years to travel. You're the most free when it's just you.

And who knows what will happen in the future? One couple I know planned a great biking trip in Spain, only to have the wife's mother die unexpectedly. The couple arrived in Spain, had one day there, then had to fly back.

I have friends who like to travel who married spouses who didn't. Uh oh.

I have friends who like to travel but kids came along. Uh oh. 

I'm just saying, there are a whole lot of places to visit and only so many years. And no guarantees. Go to your dream places while they still enchant.

And while it's still possible. And before you have to compromise on exactly how you'll do those trips.