Travel to a new city or country by yourself.

“I traveled to Thailand and Cambodia for 10 weeks in 2016. First time going anywhere by myself, first time traveling that far. (I was 46 at the time.) It was amazing. I got a little lonely once in a while, but it wasn't a big deal. A couple times (Like when I was at Angkor Wat, a huge bucket list trip for me) I did wish I had someone sharing it with me, but overall I was just so happy to have the freedom to plan my days and do what I wanted. The thing that really blew me away was how many people I met and talked to. I wasn't seeking it out, either. I didn't go to bars or do much in the way of group activities. Yet not a day went by that I didn't end up in a conversation with someone. I met people of all ages from all over the world. I was rarely afraid or anxious, which is hilarious, because I am anxious here at home a good portion of the time. I got lost once, and thanks to help from a local, the situation was easily resolved. I spent a lot of time writing and taking photos, slept well, ate well and took my time getting to know each place I spent time at. I was in a constant state of awe and gratitude that I was able to be where I was.”

“The following morning my friends took a day trip to Montenegro and I found myself truly alone for the first time since stepping off the plane. I grabbed my Kindle, a beach towel and some sunscreen and set out to prove I was capable of solo travel. That evening, my friends still not back from their trip, I went out for my first meal alone. My first meal alone ever. I was determined to love eating alone — after all, I foresaw a lot of solo meals in my future — and purposefully strode down to the main strip of restaurants by the beach. I wandered along the waterfront, surprised by the sudden appearance of butterflies in my stomach. I peered in each and every restaurant, noticing that not a single person was eating there alone. Could I really do this? Maybe I should just go to the hot dog stand instead? I forced myself inside like I forced myself to get on the plane. Clutching at my Kindle I stood awkwardly in the middle of the restaurant until a waiter greeted me.”

“New York was the first time I flew and travelled solo. Although I was afraid of getting lost, I managed perfectly fine. Airports seemed daunting at first, although I flew plenty of times before but never alone - I simply reminded myself that although airports are big they're designed in a way that mostly funnels you in the right direction. I found Manhattan incredibly easy to navigate, easier than my hometown in fact. I found the subway very convenient. The other thing I noticed when travelling solo was the pace I put myself in, I wanted to get to see as much as possible in a week and a half in the city and got a lot done everyday. I believe if I travelled with someone else I wouldn't have done as much as I'd like.”