5 minute read
The Benefits of Solo Travel
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BY ANNA LEE BOSCHETTO
As the mom of two daughters, it's important for me to explore new destinations because it's a chance to show my girls they can go anywhere, no travel companion required. From Facetiming at the Eiffel Tower to running along the Mediterranean Sea to hiking the Rockies, I have made a point of leading by example. When you're on your own, there's only one person you need to satisfy, and that's you.
Traveling alone is something everyone should do, especially women. There is something about the freedom of exploring a new destination on your own that's not only liberating, but it's also downright energizing.
Ask any parent about the adventure of navigating decisions and making compromises for others, and the chance to plan a trip alone seems like a joyful occasion for celebrating. This solo adventure was going to be a marathon—or in my case a half marathon.
As a writer, this desire to explore has been a central part of who I am. So when my work life and passion for discovering new destinations collide, as it did the past spring for the Tahiti-Moorea Marathon, I knew I had to be there.
I'm accustomed to taking the road less traveled and charting a path on my own. Even when I'm not racing, running always has me exploring new areas. Navigating a city on an early morning run has become my initial introduction to towns and beaches worldwide.
There is something almost magical exploring during the predawn hours, as residents slowly awaken, and the destination comes to life. Similarly, there's a magical sense of adventure to traveling on your own. Whether you're discovering historical spots, sampling the local cuisine, or tackling a destination race, the feeling of being on your own is nothing short of pure freedom.
It's a similar vibe on the racecourse, where there are moments when you feel lifted from the earth. As my feet were bouncing off the roads in Tahiti, there were times when I truly felt at one with the tropical landscape and many moments of peace. Despite the sweat pouring down my face, at just the right moment, a light ocean breeze offered just enough reprieve to keep me going strong.
Despite having raced the 21.1 kilometers distance a few weeks before, this was an entirely different race. The Moorea Marathon is about celebrating the island culture and lifestyle. While it is a competitive event, the organizer intends to give runners an authentic experience of French Polynesia from start to finish.
The race route wanders along the ocean with the golden burst of the sunrise coming into view within the first few kilometers. Along the way, traditional tribal music is played by local musicians amid the cheering crowds. By the end of the race, the lush, vibrant green mountain views and the tranquil turquoise ocean gave me clarity.
The post-race party—complete with traditional Polynesian barbequed meats—offered a taste of the sweet and savory blend that is central to this island.
There was no preparing for the rapidly soaring temperatures, even at the early morning start of the Moorea Marathon. This was not the race for a personal best or even to use as a training run. This was an eye-opening race, one for your senses in every possible way, and one where connecting with other runners would get you through to the finish line.
Runners, in general, are a friendly bunch with plenty of camaraderie at the start line and throughout the race. On race day, it felt as though Moorea's relaxed atmosphere infused every runner with a little extra energy and an even greater desire to connect with one another.
I was grateful for the cheering during those last few kilometers as well, where it can be tough for runners like me who don't reside in tropical climates.
Tahiti's beauty is incomparable. The island's vibe is second to none. From the moment the plane touched down on the tarmac, and I breathed in the scented air, I knew I was somewhere special.
There is an energetic level of excitement in Tahiti, mixed with a warm and relaxed island vibe that keeps everything in balance. Thousands of travelers visit the Tahitian islands each year. Some are looking for adventure, others are looking to recharge, and everyone finds that Tahiti is precisely where they need to be.
The island of Moorea is a 30-minute boat ride from Tahiti. Local islanders commute daily between the two islands, which have distinct atmospheres—Moorea's is a laidback one, while the intensity of urban energy is palpable in Tahiti.
On Moorea, nature is your playground. Biking the coastline and up through soaring mountain trails, around every bend each view is more breathtaking than the last. The combination of the ocean tides, rugged mountains, and lush tropical forests is both calming and energizing.
On an e-bike tour, I ask my guide if he feels the same, and he agrees. One of the reasons many recent graduates flock to Tahiti is for the chance to recharge before real life takes over.
On my last day in the Tahitian islands, I breathe in the salty air and think about where I've traveled and how different the experience is for me on this trip.
I've always enjoyed road trips with friends for the opportunity to reconnect with one another. And there's no doubt the enjoyment I get from planning my next vacation with my daughters. But having the chance to explore a new destination with your eyes wide open leaves you with a different feeling, one that both magical and revitalizing all on its own.
Anna Lee is a content creator and writer with a knack for storytelling and a passion for brand building. She has held a variety of editorial positions at national and local magazines including Oxygen Women’s Fitness, Clean Eating, Our Homes and iRun. Most recently, the editor-in-chief of Salon continues to contribute to a variety of media outlets.
