Going Solo: Embracing the Adventure of Traveling Alone While Married

The belief that marriage requires couples to share every moment and experience together is not only outdated but also unrealistic. While companionship is a vital aspect of a marital relationship, maintaining individuality and pursuing personal interests can lead to a richer and more fulfilling partnership. Engaging in separate hobbies and adventures allows each partner to grow independently, ultimately enhancing the bond they share. Embracing the idea that some journeys are best taken alone can lead to personal enrichment and a healthier, more balanced relationship.

Traveling alone after getting married may bring some misunderstandings.

“But what is your husband going to do?” A question as predictable as it is perplexing every time I announce my solo travel plans. “Um, just go on living, I guess!” is my go-to retort, accompanied by a chuckle. It’s a reflection of a broader misunderstanding about the nature of marriage and individuality. I’m often jetting off for global health work, leaving my husband behind, but it’s never struck me as odd. Maybe that’s because solo travel has reinforced our relationship, rather than strained it.

You see, married life doesn’t mean morphing into a single entity. There’s this peculiar expectation that once you’re married, your personal aspirations need to take a backseat to joint ones. Not in my book. I cherish my husband deeply, and it’s precisely for this reason that I champion our individual pursuits. Take my fascination with parasites on a Tropical Medicine course in Liverpool, for instance – certainly, not everyone’s idea of a good time. Yet, solo travel has taught me self-sufficiency and brought me face to face with challenges I never thought I could overcome, like navigating a canceled flight in China or renting an apartment in a new city.

The truth is, our differences in hobbies and interests are what make our relationship vibrant. While I might balk at the idea of sleeping in a snow cave, my husband relishes it. And that’s perfectly OK. The joy of solo travel is the freedom to dive into experiences your partner might not share your enthusiasm for, without the guilt of dragging them along. When I’m deployed to disaster zones as a nurse, it’s not just about the inability of my husband to accompany me; it’s about embracing an opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow.

Traveling alone as a married individual is not a signal of underlying marital problems.

A common misconception is that traveling alone as a married individual is a signal of underlying marital problems. On the contrary, our experiences apart enrich our life together. Each trip brings back stories, insights, and a renewed appreciation for each other. The joy on my husband’s face as he recounts his adventures and the eagerness in his voice as he listens to mine are testaments to the vibrancy that solo travel adds to our marriage.

But it’s not just about us. Traveling solo or with friends and family underscores the importance of maintaining and cherishing other relationships in our lives. Our society often over-emphasizes the marital relationship to the detriment of others. Yet, experiences shared with friends or family are invaluable, providing perspectives and bonds that complement, not compete with, those we share with our spouses.

And let’s not forget the practical side of solo travel. It’s undeniably convenient and budget-friendly. With only one of us on the move, expenses are halved, and the home front remains secure and well-managed. This aspect, while not the primary motivation, is a welcome fringe benefit.

The adage ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ rings especially true in the context of solo travel. Returning home after a solo journey is a reminder of why we chose our partners, to begin with. It’s in the comfort of their presence that we find peace, rejuvenation, and the spark to dream up our next adventure together.

Traveling solo while married is not only acceptable; it can be highly advantageous. Such journeys cultivate personal independence, enhance the relationship, and contribute to the individual growth of both partners. When contemplating a solo adventure, remember that the experience is not solely defined by the destination or activities, but by the enriching stories you will share and the deeper connection you will foster upon your return. Embrace the journey, wherever it may lead, as it ultimately strengthens your bond.

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Traveling Alone While Married: Why Solo Travel is Important — Two Dusty Travelers
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