Lettie Goes Travelling

As I’ve travelled more, I’ve come to appreciate something that once felt slightly uncomfortable: input from outside my own sphere.

When you travel solo, that sphere can become very small — and without realising it, quite limiting.

Brace yourself for a couple of old English sayings (there is a point, I promise).

First: you don’t know what you don’t know.

No explanation needed.

Second — and this one sometimes stings a little — the loneliest place can be in a crowd.

I’ve felt that a handful of times. Occasionally while travelling, but more often at weddings. That sinking feeling of thinking, what am I actually doing here?

Capability isn’t the issue

I’m a very capable person.

I work in a demanding role in tech.

I run a household.

I manage budgets.

I support an ageing parent.

I spin a lot of plates.

But capability doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself.

Sometimes, the most intentional thing you can do is let someone else spin a few of those plates for you.

What solo travel really taught me

Travelling alone has taught me that it’s okay to say, this isn’t for me.

It’s okay to walk away from situations that don’t feel right — even if they look fine on the surface.

That’s not fragility.

That’s discernment.

It’s a confidence and maturity I’ve developed over the last decade — far more than earlier in my life — and it’s changed how I travel.

It’s also why I started trusting more organised trips and specialist travel companies. Not blindly — but intentionally. Trusting my instincts about who and what felt right.

And I’ve been rewarded for it.

Why support doesn’t diminish independence

Not just with great trips and memorable experiences, but with shared moments — and friendships — that have lasted long after the holiday ended.

If you let it, travel really can be the gift that keeps on giving.

Specialist travel companies have already done the hours of research:

they know about the quiet village just over the hill the one that’s a 20-minute walk from the bus stop with the incredible views and the taverna locals actually use

They can also help when you’re working within a budget — refining itineraries, schedules, and options around what you want and what you can comfortably afford.

That kind of support doesn’t reduce independence.

It enhances the experience.

The unspoken benefit

On every solo group trip I’ve taken, there’s always been a moment when someone has a wobble.

They need a hug.

Or a glass of wine.

Or just someone to sit with them.

And it’s there — no questions asked. Because we get it.

Equally, if the group energy becomes a bit much and someone ducks out of an activity, no one bats an eyelid. No commentary. No judgement.

That, too, is intentional design.

Where I’ve landed

These days my travel is about a 70/30 split — leaning more towards specialist companies — and it works perfectly for me.

Not because I can’t travel independently.

But because independence was never the goal.

Intentionality was.

Soft close / CTA

If any of this resonates and you’re curious about how I approach travel now, feel free to DM me.

I’m always happy to answer questions or talk things through.