Map in hand, itinerary plotted, objectives defined, I advanced like a Navy Seal on a mission. I had trained for the September trip to Prague, walking many miles during the summer until my body ached. No longer middle-aged, I was proud I moved with the gate of a much younger woman. The city sparkled in …
Author: The Autonomous Traveler
My life has been metamorphosis from a shy, scared little girl to an adventurous woman who travels the world by herself. I am a grandmother and a retired teacher who is a lifelong learner with a degree in the social sciences. My trips are opportunities to directly experience the wonders of world in order to understand what unites us all and, as a result, to better understand myself.
Hints for Women Travelers #1- Protect Your Spirit from Violent Media
We live in a culture where violence is considered entertainment. I won't watch dark TV shows or movies anymore. If I did, I'd see the world as a hostile place and probably would not travel alone. I would lose my trust in the goodness of humanity,believing everyone had the potential to hurt me. In 2001, …
Continue reading Hints for Women Travelers #1- Protect Your Spirit from Violent Media
Can We Exist without Lists? Tell Me about Yours …
In the next few weeks, I will be posting a list of important points for solo women travelers. I use lists a lot because they help me stay me focused and organized. They allow me to record tasks that I might forget later, especially when getting ready for a trip. I'm not so overwhelmed with …
Continue reading Can We Exist without Lists? Tell Me about Yours …
A Lesson of Love in Paris
I arranged a twelve day trip to Paris for myself as a retirement gift. I love city vacations, being whisked far away from home and dropped into a place I’ve never been before. I observe the people, the architecture, and as I shop, the strengths and weaknesses of economies. I take in the smells and …
Nourishing Courage
I believe that all of us are born poets and artists and scientists and explorers. I believe that we come into this world brave and ready to tackle life. I came to this conclusion after 27 years of teaching elementary students. A lot of my job was imparting knowledge and honing skills but it …
Aren’t You Afraid?
In 2017, I took a 10 day solo trip to Newfoundland. I always prefer to travel alone but never could explain why until I met another solo woman traveler on a plane from Toronto to Syracuse. We talked about how people ask us in shocked voices, “Aren’t you afraid?”. No, we are not! Being a …
Our Journey Begins
Thanks for joining me.
The Autonomous Traveler 