I’m writing this in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, having just spent the last few days celebrating a friends 30th wedding anniversary with a cruise to Bermuda. I count myself blessed to have been able to spend a very special time with them and yet looking back I would not have met them if I didn’t travel.

Solo travel is challenging but extremely rewarding. You rely on yourself for everything. You have good times and bad times. You meet nice people and sometimes people who aren’t so nice. Occasionally you meet people who you know you will be friends with for life and it’s all because you share a love of travel.

Five years ago I did my first cruise. I was skeptical about it as I don’t believe that you spend enough time in ports to see a lot but by the same token I met a fantastic group of people that I have kept in touch with ever since. I flew into New York nearly 2 weeks ago and spent 5 days shopping before heading to Boston to join my friends. We’ve spent a couple of days cruising down to Bermuda and had 3 wonderful days of sun and sand.

The highlight was a private charter boat we took out of Bermuda where we spent the day snorkelling and swimming. Before we left St George we went to the supermarket and stocked up so we ended up with a BBQ off the back of the boat. A superb day! I will be sad to arrive back in Boston because after this trip I doubt I will see my friends for another year or two, maybe even longer but I know we will remain friends and that we will keep in touch. I look forward to their 40th Wedding Anniversary!