Have you ever felt the urge to pack your bags, stamp your passport, and step into the unknown all by yourself?

“I can’t go by myself.”

It’s a phrase I’ve heard countless times over the years.

If you've been following me for a while, then you already know I travel alone.

People often ask me what it's like to travel alone as a woman in her 40s.

They ask if it's lonely.

They ask if it's scary.

They ask if I wish I had someone to travel with.

The truth is, solo travel isn't really the story.

While I understand the appeal of staying where everyone else is staying, I've learned that when I travel solo, I enjoy having my own space. After a day of events, networking, and socializing, I like being able to retreat, recharge, and decompress on my own terms.

One of the things I enjoy most about solo travel is the freedom to change plans at the last minute.

There’s something special about finding a place that makes you feel welcome the moment you walk through the door.

There’s something about getting dressed, stepping out, and deciding …