The Case for Solo Travel

Late this past summer, I was gifted with that rarest of gifts: a hole in my calendar. 

No meetings, no calls, and- gasp!- no family in the house. What’s a man to do???

I went through the regular list of chores: stain the deck, finish the trim on the kitchen remodel, close that old bank account, blah, blah blah.

Instead, I drove.

With a 5 day blank space on the calendar and a hybrid engine with which to explore the map, my only criteria was that I’d like to see some open water. Other than that, I had no idea where I was headed. 

So I drove. Far.

Initially I thought I’d head to the Mid-Atlantic, maybe do some museum hopping in D.C. Instead, I found myself heading north. After 20+ hours of driving, I was setting up camp… in Maine!

Perk #1: Solo travelers are free to change their minds. It’s impossible to take a “wrong” turn, choose the wrong campground or hotel, or eat the wrong meal. Follow your folly, indeed. 

As I drove, I found myself “zoning out” for long stretches at a time. I mean, have you ever driven across Ohio? Pennsylvania? Then you know what I mean.

Go ahead, have the root beer. 

Perk 2: Solitude. Audio books that aren’t the 37th listening to “The Little Mermaid,” or “Dory Fantasmagory.” Time to catch up on those personal development books and podcasts without interruption.

Personally, I do my best thinking when I’m able to disconnect from daily tasks and just marinate on new ideas. A long drive or a few days of solo hiking fits the bill perfectly. Really, how often are we left to our own thoughts these days? 

Perk 3: YOLO? Nah, YOYO. 

You’re on your own. Our work here and over at Crooked Trail Coaching stresses the importance of self-reliance over self-esteem. Self- reliance is durable, malleable, ie. built through routine, and foundational. Without self- reliance, self-esteem is tenuous at best. 

Traveling alone requires us to make all the decisions and accept all of the consequences of those decisions. If camping alone, we  practice and refine skills that literally keep us alive. How often do we get to do that in our day to day routine? 

Perk 4: Solo travel compels us to interact with strangers. 

Unless you are backpacking solo (and even then there’s the travel, gas stations, grocery stores, etc), you will almost certainly come into contact with strangers on a solo trip. What an amazing gift in this day and age!

And the cool thing is, it really doesn’t take much work. People don’t like to see other people eating alone. On just this trip, I was approached at 3 different meals by strangers asking how my day was going while sitting down for a meal. 

It’s so easy to live in a silo- surrounded by people who think and look like us. Getting out alone reminds us that there is a great big world out there, full of interesting people. 

Swim break in the middle of a hike? Go for it!

Perk 5: You can be selfish, guilt free.

After all, it’s your trip. Wanna spend all day reading in a hammock?

Do it. 

Sleeping in today? 

Have at it. 

Two desserts and extra coffee. 

That’s living!

On a solo trip, “want to” is a good enough reason. It’s a time to rest, relax, and recharge. Much like the oxygen mask on a plane, take care of yourself, so that you are better able to show up for others. I think a few days alone fits that bill quite nicely.

Foreign travel, for dummies.

We like to think of ourselves as experts in travel. We’re quick through the airport, we take only what we need, and rarely forget key items. Well, the last part isn’t true, but two out of three ain’t bad.

There are definitely times, though, when we’ve been reminded that no matter how well planned, travel in and of itself is an uncertain endeavor. Some of the best lessons learned while traveling abroad have also been our most embarrassing.

First and foremost, nothing compares to the pure joy of getting lost in a foreign city. Whether it's misreading a map or taking a wrong turn, you're bound to find yourself in some pretty strange situations. But don't worry, it's all part of the adventure!

Take 2: the right direction

Most recently we found ourselves in Sayulita, on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It’s a tiny town, which one would think impossible to be lost in. But we’re overachievers around here, so not only did we manage to “lose” our AirBnB, we also found a way to go the wrong way down one of the only one way streets in town.

During a national holiday. Go us!

Next up, let's talk about language barriers. Have you ever tried ordering food in a foreign language? It's a recipe for disaster! I once tried to order a vegetarian dish in Chile and used bravado and bad Spanish acquire a lamb stew. Whoops! But hey, at least I got some protein in my diet, right?

Oh… I meant “sin carne…”

And let's not forget about cultural differences. You might think you know a thing or two about a foreign culture, but trust me, you have no idea. Emily has made multiple trips to Turkey, but her first visit will always be the grandest adventure.

Wanting to “fit in,” and “experience the culture like a native,” she accepted an invitation to a Turkish bath. What ensued was a going over akin to what I imagine walking through an automatic car wash might be like. She was oiled, rolled, pushed and prodded, and well…

If you’ve never heard her tell the story, you are missing one of life’s great laughs.

When Em tells a story, prepare for tears of laughter

But the best part about foreign travel is the stories you come back with. Who needs souvenirs when you can regale your friends with tales of getting lost, ordering stewed meat instead of a salad, and being cleansed by 300 lb Turkish women? It's the gift that keeps on giving!

Getting out there, especially through foreign travel is not only valuable for broadening your horizons and expanding your worldview, but it also frequently leads to high comedy and a collection of stories to last a lifetime. So pack your bags, grab your phrasebook, and get ready to laugh your way around the world!

Things We Love About Colorado

Colorado is one of the most picturesque states in the US, with its magnificent mountains, serene lakes, and breathtaking vistas. The state offers some of the most challenging and rewarding hiking and camping experiences in the country. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking to escape the city, Colorado has something for everyone. Here are a few things we love about hiking and camping in Colorado.

The views in Colorado are endless

The Views

Let’s be honest- a good meal with a great view is the best reward after a hard day on the trail, and the vistas and landscapes in Colorado are breathtaking. From the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies to the rolling foothills, the state has something for everyone. The stunning beauty of this landscape is ever present, and the reason we return year after year. 

The Wildlife

Colorado is home to a vast array of wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, and black bears. We’ve seen plenty of each over our many years spent in Colorado’s backcountry, and consider it a privilege to share some space for a short while with them. 

The Trails

Colorado has some of the best hiking trails in the country. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it's no surprise that the state has such a vibrant hiking culture. In our opinion, there simply is no better place for human powered adventure in  the mountains.

A trip into the backcountry provides solitude

The Adventure

Hiking and camping in Colorado is an adventure. With fifty eight (or 53, but who’s counting?) 14,000+ foot peaks to climb, world class whitewater, and endless backcountry to explore, the state offers a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts. 40+ state and national park lands make adventure accessible to every skill level.

Did someone say adventure?

The Seasons

Colorado experiences all four seasons, sometimes all in the same day! In the summer, the wildflowers bloom, and the lakes are crystal clear. In the fall, the aspen trees turn a stunning golden color. In the winter, the snow-covered mountains provide a winter wonderland, and in the spring, the mountains come alive with new growth.

The Solitude

While Colorado is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, there are still plenty of places to find solitude for those who know where to look.  We typically travel on less well known trails, discovered over years of backcountry exploration, to ensure that our hikes aren’t too crowded. 

The final frontier

The Night Sky

The clear skies in Colorado offer some of the best stargazing in the country. With little light pollution in many parts of the state, you can see an amazing array of stars and constellations. The Colorado backcountry provides the perfect opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the night sky.

The Silence

In the mountains, the only sounds you'll hear are the rustling of the leaves and the chirping of the birds. The silence is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life and offers a chance to reconnect with the natural world and oneself.

Lifelong memories are made here

The Memories

Hiking and camping in Colorado create memories that will last a lifetime. Our first trip here was over 30 years ago, and those memories are as vivid now as they were back then. What memories will you create on your Colorado adventure?

8 Fun Facts About Maine

We love summer in Maine. In addition to great weather, the accessibility of mountains, rivers, and coast are second to none (ok, maybe California, but… fires). Below are some of our favorite fun facts about Maine.

Image courtesy of Daniel Norris

1. Maine is the largest producer of lobsters in the world. In 2019, the state harvested over 130 million pounds of lobster.

A typical scene along the coast

2. The state is known for its rugged coastline, including its 65 lighthouses along its coasts and inlets.

3. The town of Bar Harbor was once a summer destination for wealthy industrialists and is now a popular tourist destination as the gateway to Acadia National Park.

4. Speaking of Acadia, it was established in 1919 as the first national park east of the Mississippi River. It receives over 2,000,000 visitors per year. 

5. Maine is the only state in the U.S. to border only one other state, New Hampshire.

Maine has a rich boat building history

6. In the 19th century, Maine was a leader in shipbuilding, producing thousands of vessels including clipper ships, schooners, and steamships.

7. Maine was the first state to pass a state law protecting the rights of people with disabilities.

8. The state is known for its production of blueberries, which are grown on over 15,000 acres of land in the state.

Free snacks along the trail!

5 Things We Love About Western North Carolina

We’re a pretty lucky family. This business allows us to hike and camp in some pretty spectacular places; from the coasts of Maine to the mountains of Patagonia and LOTS of places in between, we’ve seen a lot in our 30+ years of adventure travel. 

One of the places we return to again and again is the mountains of western North Carolina. Below are just some of the reasons that North Carolina is on our regular rotation.

The Smokies are drivable for 2/3 of the US population

1. Its proximity makes it a perfect getaway for a long weekend or week-long trip. The Smoky Mountains are considered driving distance for two-thirds of the US population Because of this, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the nation’s busiest with over 12 million visitors each year.

2. Even with this high visitation rate, the western side in North Carolina is the “quiet side.” While Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge receive the bulk of visitation, those seeking a more serene experience can head to North Carolina for more than 900 miles of hiking and biking trails. With all this room to spread out, one rarely feels crowded out on the trail or in the parking lot!

A familiar scene in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

3. The Cherokee Museum in Cherokee, NC.  There is a huge collection of artifacts and a timeline which lays out the history of the Cherokee, including their forced removal to reservation lands in Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears. This is a can’t miss stop as it supports a fuller understanding of the history of this region.

Isn’t the idea to stay IN the boat?

4. Water, water, WATER. Seemingly every hike leads to a waterfall or swimming hole. There are whitewater runs on the French Broad, the Pigeon, and the Nantahala. You can paddle any number of lakes, such as Fontana, Junaluska, Hiawassee, or Bear Creek. And for an idyllic lazy summer day, we love tubing on Deep Creek.

5. The wildlife is pretty spectacular. From the Elk in Smokemont to the bears and salamanders everywhere, the Smokies are teeming with wildilfe. And because of its quieter character, your chances of seeing something new is much greater on this side of the national park.

For these reasons and many more, we believe our five day North Carolina trip is the perfect introduction to overnight camping. With no extended backcountry camping, our campers have a consistent home each night (and running water and flush toilets!), while still being able to sample the variety of some of our longer trips. For those who have done day camps or sleep away camps and are ready for a little more, our North Carolina trip can’t be beat!