VUE

A little over a decade ago, a novelist named Elizabeth Gilbert set out on a one-woman journey towards self-discovery that took her through Italy, India and Indonesia. Her resulting memoir became one of the most popular beach reads of 2006, and Gilbert's solo quest around the globe was described as emancipatory and inspirational. The world has changed vastly in the last 10 years, and the landscape of travel has come a long way from the height of "Eat, Pray, Love" popularity. Traveling alone is no longer a radical notion, or a decision made only by the boldest among us. Solo travel has become not only a mainstream trend, but also a rite of passage for many young travelers. The case for traveling alone is that it provides a sense of empowerment, of independence, and a depth of experience that cannot be achieved by traveling with a companion or a group. A 2015 study conducted by Visa found that one in every five people who recently traveled overseas, did so alone. The rate at which individuals choose to travel alone continues to rise each year. In response to this expanding market, travel agents and tour groups have begun to customize their services to suit the specific needs of lone travelers. Cruise ships and destination hotels are offering room-sharing options; some are even choosing to abolish their single supplement, an additional fee incurred by individuals who book single rooms. Going SOLO The Benefits of Traveling Alone BY BRENNA HOLLAND VUE ON LIFESTYLE V U E N J . C O M 36

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