Meet Marie The Big Travel Nut

Traveling solo sounds amazing and gives a lot of us Eat. Pray. Love. vibes of freedom and indulgence. However, the reality of traveling alone can be scary and nerve-wracking. Many mature women are deterred from traveling solo due to finances, safety concerns, or the fear of being lonely. That is not the case for Big Travel Nut, Marie.

Marie has been traveling solo for years and, in 2013, started Big Travel Nut as a means to give the 40+ solo traveler the means and inspiration to safely travel on your own, to stay off the beaten path, and have unusual adventures without breaking the bank. The Big Travel Nut site gives solo travelers advice on planning, how to save money, where to eat, and other tips and stories from fellow solo travelers. We spoke to Marie about what she loves about solo travel and why you should give it a go!

What inspired you to take the plunge to start traveling solo?

Marie: As far back as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to see what’s out there. As a kid, I was getting in trouble for riding my bike further than I was allowed to, always wanting to see what was up that road and across that bridge. As a teen, my dream trip was going to Europe, specifically to Paris. It took me a long time to get there though. First, I had to study, find a good-paying job, save money and vacation days, and then try to convince someone to go with me. Overseas travel wasn’t as common back then, and it seemed like everyone I knew had other priorities. Finally, I made the decision to go solo. It was either travel alone or not at all vand I had already waited too long! I was 29 when I went on that first solo trip across the pond.

You’ve visited a lot of places! What has been your favorite?

Marie: The most stunning and mesmerising place I’ve ever visited is Antarctica! It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip with fantastic wildlife and breathtaking landscapes in an untouched and wild, natural environment. In terms of more accessible regions, I have soft spots for both Southeast Asia and Mediterranean countries. I like to vary my destinations and types of activities since I have many interests—from architecture to art to history, music, food, wildlife, and more. I like to explore places with very different cultures as well as similar cultures. On a given trip, I also like to alternate between busy cities and quiet towns and beaches. The countries I enjoy the most always have a few things in common: sunny weather, friendly locals, good food, good coffee, and affordable prices.

Are there any places you think best suit solo travelers?

Marie: My three criterias for best solo destinations are: safe, affordable and social. You want a place to where you feel relatively safe and where you can afford comfortable accommodation in good areas. You also need good public transportation, because many solo travelers don’t want to rent a car. And you want the locals to be helpful, friendly, and respectful - even if they don’t speak your language!

Southern European countries like Portugal, Croatia, and Greece are good choices, as are the more developed parts of Southeast Asia such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. For a little more money, New Zealand and Australia are very interesting (at least for North Americans) while feeling comfortable culturally. Latin American countries like Argentina, Peru, and Costa Rico are also good choices, especially if you speak a little Spanish.

What are some benefits to traveling solo instead of with someone else or a group?

Marie: Freedom and awareness. When you’re solo, your trip is entirely your own. You can go anywhere and do whatever you want. You don’t have to consult anyone about where to eat, and you don’t need to compromise.

Whether you want to spend all day in a museum, shop until you drop, or do nothing but lounge in a hammock with a book all afternoon, it’s up to you. Photographers will appreciate the freedom to spend as much time as they need, waiting for that perfect shot.

Without a companion, you’re also a lot more approachable. Although it may seem counterintuitive, you actually end up meeting more people, both locals and travelers, when solo.

You also tend to be more aware of your surroundings. You’re more observant, notice small details, and have time to reflect on your discoveries when there is no one around to distract you.

What are some common misconceptions about solo travel?

Marie: The most common misconceptions are that it’s unsafe (for women) and you’re going to be lonely or bored. Back when I started traveling solo in the early 1990s, it was rather unusual, so I’m sure some people thought I was crazy or had a death wish. In Southeast Asia, locals always asked where my family was and why they weren’t with me. I don’t get this anymore, so I think they’ve gotten used to seeing lots of solo women now.

How do you stay safe?

Marie: First, I do my research to make sure I don’t end up in a conflict zone or unstable country. Checking your government’s travel advisories and some recent blog posts by other travelers is a good first step.

Once I’ve picked a country, I also check out a guidebook (usually Lonely Planet) to find out if there are any specific dangers or scams to be aware of. Pickpockets are especially common in developing countries, but you can easily protect yourself. I also keep all my vaccinations up to date and carry a basic medical kit with me. You’re more likely to get an upset tummy than you are to get mugged.

Finally, I follow common-sense precautions, just like I do at home. I don’t walk alone at night, I avoid deserted areas, I don’t follow guys who start talking to me on the street, and I don’t carry a lot of cash. Last, but not least, I always trust my intuition.

There’s so much good information on your site but what are the top tips you’d give someone who wants to travel solo?

Marie:

If you want to enjoy traveling solo, get used to being happy in your own company. This is pretty straightforward if you live along. But if you’re used to having people around all the time, a good way to practice being on your own is to explore your city alone. Walk into a different neighborhood, grab a coffee, some lunch, see a movie alone, or visit a museum.

If you’re nervous the first time you venture abroad, join a small group tour in a country of your choice, then spend some time on your own after the tour ends.

Like anything else in life, the more often you travel solo, the easier it becomes, both logistically and psychologically. Doing it repeatedly makes it normal.

Traveling solo isn’t as unusual as it once was. There are tons of solo travelers out there, of all ages, and most seem to be women! You’ll never really be alone.