‘Travelling alone gives me freedom’

REBECCA TAYLOR, 64, from London, travels the world alone. Her blog Old Bird Travels Solo documents her experiences.

‘I’ve always been a free spirit and, from the age of 17, when I moved to Barcelona for work,

I’ve never been afraid of travelling on my own. Later, I worked in Athens so I was used to living off the hoof and, as a result, relationships took a back seat.

My first long-distance solo trip occurred six years ago. I’d planned to go to Scotland, but on arriving at their tourist office it had closed down. However, the Thai Embassy was on the floor above. Before I knew it I’d bought a ticket to Chiang Mai. The night I arrived, I thought, ‘What have I done?’ but as soon as I explored the town I felt at ease.

Travelling alone gives me freedom; it’s expanded my mind and horizons, and I’m mentally and physically healthier. Time alone has allowed me to learn about me, which I don’t think most people ever do. I don’t want to make compromises to fit in with others when I travel. I also can’t tolerate other people’s negative energy – if someone else is in a bad mood I just want to get away from them!

When I’m in my flat in London, I can go for days without seeing anyone. I don’t feel lonely because I’m always planning the next trip. Even in lockdown, I didn’t struggle as I focused on exercise – walking, tai chi and yoga. When travelling was allowed, I went to Mexico for seven months.

I want other women travelling solo to learn from me. I encourage older women not to allow the fear of being alone to stop them taking that first step – even if that’s not travelling but, for example, taking a course to learn a new skill.

There’s so much you can achieve from being independent – women just need to take the self-doubt away first.’

✢ oldbirdtravelssolo.com