Marilyn’s Magical Mystery Tour . . . Part 1 | WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

October 9, 2021

“Why don’t you go away for awhile?”

This was Scott’s suggestion after I tearfully poured my heart out to him a couple of weeks ago.

I had been in a funk. Bored. Frustrated. Unmotivated. Listless. My emotional spiral descended into insecurity and guilt. Which then led down a rabbit-hole of embarrassment and shame.

After all I am blessed beyond measure. I have an enviable life in every way with absolutely NO defensible justification for my feelings of frustration and negativity.

Although he said it with love, he was rather emphatic. Apparently he was as dissatisfied with my bad attitude as I was!

I embraced his suggestion instantly: “Yeah! That’s a great idea. I could do that!”

I needed a change of scene. Something to look forward to. Without any international travel in 82 weeks, my adventurous soul was despondent.

My attitude adjustment was immediate, despite having no specific plan as to where or when I would go. I was thrilled at the mere idea of going somewhere – soon. It almost didn’t matter where.

But, of course, it really did matter where. I wanted someplace new and novel. Unexplored – both physically and professionally. A place I’d never researched for business reasons. A place that would be full of surprise and delight.

I started reminiscing about one of the best times of my life. In October of 1978, I was a sheltered, fresh-faced 23-year old in southeast Asia – all by myself. Plans to travel with my best friend had gone awry. I had only two choices: go on alone – or go home. Both options were unimaginable! I couldn’t stomach the thought of going home to my boring, uneventful life. But I wasn’t courageous or confident enough to travel solo.

So I decided to just not make any decisions. I took it one day at a time.

And now – 43 years later – I’m excited to replicate that kind of wondrous independent adventure! It’s never too late!

::

The concept of traveling solo – especially for mature women – is a bit radical. From an early age, females tend to bunch up. We form tribes. Cliques. Clubs. We’re taught to be cautious and vigilant. We even visit the bathroom in groups! We make nests and create safe spaces for children and family. It seems that men have fewer such weights slowing them down. From an early age, boys are groomed to be independent explorers.

::

I’m excited – and, frankly, a little scared. (They’re kind of the same thing – right?) Traveling – which I mostly took for granted – is a brand new experience. Mysterious. This sense of positive expectancy feels weird. And wonderful.

I’ve chosen the place, booked my flights, and reserved a room. I have not asked for discounts or assistance from my network of travel suppliers. No scheduled hotel inspections. No tours, meetings, or dinner reservations – just an open agenda to fill – or not fill – as I decide.

It feels SO liberating. After a 40-year career of planning and anticipating every single detail of my worldwide journeys, I’m setting sail without a plan.

After 573 days without international travel, I’m a free bird at last!

“If I leave here tomorrow

Would you still remember me?

For I must be traveling on now

‘Cause there’s too many places I’ve got to see …”

~ Lynyrd Skynyrd 1974

I’m outta here! Stay tuned . . .

21 Comments

Diane Brabant October 10, 2021 at 8:32am

BRAVO and Enjoy to the fullest as your heart, mind and soul refresh!

Jane Halsey October 10, 2021 at 8:38am

You will love it. I think after a moment of it feeling odd, you will move into a great freedom. Enjoy!

Marilyn October 10, 2021 at 2:25pm

Hi Jane – I’m loving YOUR solo journey! And, yes, the “odd” feeling will be momentary, for sure!

Marcia Raff October 10, 2021 at 8:44am

Something’s missing in this part. “I started reminiscing about one of the best times of my life. In October of 1978, I was a sheltered, fresh-faced 23-year old in southeast Asia – all by myself. Plans to travel with my best friend had gone awry. I had only two choices: go on alone – or go home. Both options were unimaginable! I couldn’t stomach the thought of going home to my boring, uneventful life. But I wasn’t courageous or confident enough to travel solo.

So I decided to just not make any decisions. I took it one day at a time.

Every day was new. Everything was strange and different. After living a life of predictability and “normalcy”, the rush of unfamiliar experiences and learning was exhilarating. Scary. Weird. Wondrous. Eight months later, I finally returned home – different. It changed me, and it changed my life.
YOU DONT SAY THAT YOU WENT ON THE TRIP ALONE. YOU DO SAY THAT YOU DECIDED NOT TO MAKE ANY DECISIONS…. AND THEN CONTINUE BY SAYING ‘EVERYDY WAS NEW”…SO YOU DID GO ALONE?

Marilyn October 10, 2021 at 2:24pm

Hi Marcia – Thanks for asking! (I LOVE sharing my story!) So here’s a little clarification: I was supposed to travel with my girlfriend. She was the confident, independent one … I was neither of those things. Circumstances separated us – and I had to decide whether to chicken out and go home; or find some gumption to go on. I timidly plotted through – day by day, gradually gaining confidence and courage. Eventually, I was “hooked” on new experiences and knew there was no going back – either physically or emotionally. Several months later, I did return home – determined to find my place in the world … in the travel industry … and that’s the rest of the story!! mm

Sheila Trexler October 10, 2021 at 8:46am

Have a wonderful time as you rejuvenate. Safe travels.

Dak Sands October 10, 2021 at 9:18am

I’ve been traveling solo since forever I wanted not to wait on anyone. I liberated the solo woman concept back in 1970. Now it’s the only way to fly and experience my true self!
The adventure going it alone is liberating to my soul. Keep your open heart and get going!!

Donna October 10, 2021 at 9:23am

So happy and excited for you friend! I’m sure it will be rejuvenating and wonderful. Enjoy every minute and I look forward to hearing about your adventure! You Go Girl!
Hugs and prayers,
Donna

Grency Rodriguez October 10, 2021 at 9:52am

Fly, fly , fly … it is NEVER to late !!! Wild and free !!! Love ❤️

Ronnie Williams October 10, 2021 at 9:53am

Marilyn – Have a wonderful time – I imagine you’ll have lots of new experiences, and sort of re-live some old ones, learn new things, meet new people – and how different for you not to have to worry about other folks while you do this. Stay safe, have fun, and can’t wait to hear about it.

Lynn Broudy October 10, 2021 at 10:21am

WOW is all I can say!!! I think we all feel your sentiments!!
We have yet to be able to take a wow trip because of this pandemic but we feel your pain…Have a wonderful adventure.

Hamilton Wallace October 10, 2021 at 10:30am

Let’s see…my guess is you’re going out of the country because that’s what you do. Italy, maybe. Asia, because you want to do it again 43 years later. Clues, please.

Theresa Beaver October 10, 2021 at 10:35am

I can’t wait to hear about it!

Nicole October 10, 2021 at 10:46am

Ylppiiee Hooray you’re on your way, magical magnificent super curious free solo Marilyn!!! I can’t stop grinning! I’m with you in spirit and sending laughter every day !

Connie Williamson October 10, 2021 at 3:06pm

This adventure will definitely be a “wow”! Can’t wait to hear more about it! Have fun! Love your sense of adventure! ❤️

Karen Jacobs October 10, 2021 at 4:47pm

Marilyn, I am eager to read more about where you are going and your experiences there. Living vicariously through you. Thank you for sharing!

Ron Murphy October 10, 2021 at 10:55pm

Enjoy!!

Melissa A Smith October 11, 2021 at 11:20am

Have the BEST time! Looking forward to updates and pictures….and sending BIG love!

Nancy Goodell October 11, 2021 at 11:44am

Wow, Marilyn. What an inspiring story! I look forward to hearing about how your unplanned adventure unfolds. Nancy

Felice Willat October 11, 2021 at 8:09pm

I have done a lot of traveling, but never alone – except for this one time I took off on a train from Poland to Prague saying goodbye to my family as the train pulled away. They wanted to go to Auschwitz, and I wanted to go to Prague, so I did! But I was so scared to be so far away and alone, I cried like a baby. I did not have a plan when I got to Prague except that I had to fly home that night. I had one day to be on my own in Prague. I managed to get hold of my travel agent while on the train who arranged to have a driver meet me when I got off the train and tour me around for the day. I felt a lot better, but I had a lot of help! You actually spent a few months on your own, and I have a friend who has no home and has been traveling the world on her own for more than twenty years! And she is now in her 70’s. I don’t think I would be ready, willing and able to go off on my own at any point in my life and have nothing but awe, respect and admiration for you for doing it then and now. I’m living alone for the first time in my life, at at first I was numb, but I have come to love and desire it. I so look forward to your sharing your new journey with us.

Jackie lesser October 13, 2021 at 8:09pm

Wow, Marilyn, I( have “day dreamed” about going away by my self. Never went through.

You might inspire me.

However, not sure if I want to go away with COVID still a threat.

Will keep you posted.

Diane Brabant October 10, 2021 at 8:32am

BRAVO and Enjoy to the fullest as your heart, mind and soul refresh!
Jane Halsey October 10, 2021 at 8:38am

You will love it. I think after a moment of it feeling odd, you will move into a great freedom. Enjoy!
- Marilyn October 10, 2021 at 2:25pm
  
  Hi Jane – I’m loving YOUR solo journey! And, yes, the “odd” feeling will be momentary, for sure!
Marcia Raff October 10, 2021 at 8:44am

Something’s missing in this part. “I started reminiscing about one of the best times of my life. In October of 1978, I was a sheltered, fresh-faced 23-year old in southeast Asia – all by myself. Plans to travel with my best friend had gone awry. I had only two choices: go on alone – or go home. Both options were unimaginable! I couldn’t stomach the thought of going home to my boring, uneventful life. But I wasn’t courageous or confident enough to travel solo.

So I decided to just not make any decisions. I took it one day at a time.

Every day was new. Everything was strange and different. After living a life of predictability and “normalcy”, the rush of unfamiliar experiences and learning was exhilarating. Scary. Weird. Wondrous. Eight months later, I finally returned home – different. It changed me, and it changed my life.
YOU DONT SAY THAT YOU WENT ON THE TRIP ALONE. YOU DO SAY THAT YOU DECIDED NOT TO MAKE ANY DECISIONS…. AND THEN CONTINUE BY SAYING ‘EVERYDY WAS NEW”…SO YOU DID GO ALONE?
- Marilyn October 10, 2021 at 2:24pm
  
  Hi Marcia – Thanks for asking! (I LOVE sharing my story!) So here’s a little clarification: I was supposed to travel with my girlfriend. She was the confident, independent one … I was neither of those things. Circumstances separated us – and I had to decide whether to chicken out and go home; or find some gumption to go on. I timidly plotted through – day by day, gradually gaining confidence and courage. Eventually, I was “hooked” on new experiences and knew there was no going back – either physically or emotionally. Several months later, I did return home – determined to find my place in the world … in the travel industry … and that’s the rest of the story!! mm
Sheila Trexler October 10, 2021 at 8:46am

Have a wonderful time as you rejuvenate. Safe travels.
Dak Sands October 10, 2021 at 9:18am

I’ve been traveling solo since forever I wanted not to wait on anyone. I liberated the solo woman concept back in 1970. Now it’s the only way to fly and experience my true self!
The adventure going it alone is liberating to my soul. Keep your open heart and get going!!
Donna October 10, 2021 at 9:23am

So happy and excited for you friend! I’m sure it will be rejuvenating and wonderful. Enjoy every minute and I look forward to hearing about your adventure! You Go Girl!
Hugs and prayers,
Donna
Grency Rodriguez October 10, 2021 at 9:52am

Fly, fly , fly … it is NEVER to late !!! Wild and free !!! Love ❤️
Ronnie Williams October 10, 2021 at 9:53am

Marilyn – Have a wonderful time – I imagine you’ll have lots of new experiences, and sort of re-live some old ones, learn new things, meet new people – and how different for you not to have to worry about other folks while you do this. Stay safe, have fun, and can’t wait to hear about it.
Lynn Broudy October 10, 2021 at 10:21am

WOW is all I can say!!! I think we all feel your sentiments!!
We have yet to be able to take a wow trip because of this pandemic but we feel your pain…Have a wonderful adventure.
Hamilton Wallace October 10, 2021 at 10:30am

Let’s see…my guess is you’re going out of the country because that’s what you do. Italy, maybe. Asia, because you want to do it again 43 years later. Clues, please.
Theresa Beaver October 10, 2021 at 10:35am

I can’t wait to hear about it!
Nicole October 10, 2021 at 10:46am

Ylppiiee Hooray you’re on your way, magical magnificent super curious free solo Marilyn!!! I can’t stop grinning! I’m with you in spirit and sending laughter every day !
Connie Williamson October 10, 2021 at 3:06pm

This adventure will definitely be a “wow”! Can’t wait to hear more about it! Have fun! Love your sense of adventure! ❤️
Karen Jacobs October 10, 2021 at 4:47pm

Marilyn, I am eager to read more about where you are going and your experiences there. Living vicariously through you. Thank you for sharing!
Ron Murphy October 10, 2021 at 10:55pm

Enjoy!!
Melissa A Smith October 11, 2021 at 11:20am

Have the BEST time! Looking forward to updates and pictures….and sending BIG love!
Nancy Goodell October 11, 2021 at 11:44am

Wow, Marilyn. What an inspiring story! I look forward to hearing about how your unplanned adventure unfolds. Nancy
Felice Willat October 11, 2021 at 8:09pm

I have done a lot of traveling, but never alone – except for this one time I took off on a train from Poland to Prague saying goodbye to my family as the train pulled away. They wanted to go to Auschwitz, and I wanted to go to Prague, so I did! But I was so scared to be so far away and alone, I cried like a baby. I did not have a plan when I got to Prague except that I had to fly home that night. I had one day to be on my own in Prague. I managed to get hold of my travel agent while on the train who arranged to have a driver meet me when I got off the train and tour me around for the day. I felt a lot better, but I had a lot of help! You actually spent a few months on your own, and I have a friend who has no home and has been traveling the world on her own for more than twenty years! And she is now in her 70’s. I don’t think I would be ready, willing and able to go off on my own at any point in my life and have nothing but awe, respect and admiration for you for doing it then and now. I’m living alone for the first time in my life, at at first I was numb, but I have come to love and desire it. I so look forward to your sharing your new journey with us.
Jackie lesser October 13, 2021 at 8:09pm

Wow, Marilyn, I( have “day dreamed” about going away by my self. Never went through.

You might inspire me.

However, not sure if I want to go away with COVID still a threat.

Will keep you posted.