A Greek myth

Since I first visited Greece in July 2019 I’ve been attempting to return. I’ve purchased plane tickets and reserved airbnbs three times now and I’m optimistically hoping the third time’s the charm. Fingers crossed.

It’s hard to say what made that trip with my middle son so special, but I imagine warm blue water, cold white wine and sites I never imagined seeing in person, had a lot to do with my falling in love with Greece. It was such a fantastic vacation that I sometimes wonder if it was even real. I mean, I’m talking magical.

I’d have to say that my financial situation in recent years is another factor that helped to make the trip so special. Having a little more disposable income provided me with the ability to travel without adhering to a bare bones budget, which certainly added to the joy of experiencing a new place with a different culture than the one to which I’m accustomed.

I simply loved it – particularly the time we spent on Paros Island. Apparently, I’m not alone in my fondness for this small island.

My efforts to explore more of Greece have been consistent – I’m interested in spending more time on Paros Island where I enjoyed the port town of Parikia, walking the Byzantine Trail, fresh pastries for breakfast and gorgeous beaches. I’m also intrigued by the idea of visiting nearby Antiparos, a few minutes by boat from Paros and reputed to be stunningly beautiful.

I’d also like to check out another spot on the mainland, Nafplio, which is an ancient city on the coast about 2 hours drive from Athens. It looks remarkably beautiful and would provide a great base for exploring wineries, some small islands accessible for day trips and other historic sites.

Bookending these two destinations, there will be a couple of random nights in Athens proper where I intend to revisit the markets and perhaps actually tour the Acropolis and view some of the antiquities and art that are available.

I want to absorb all of it.

This week, I purchased a plane ticket and reserved my island “home.” My plan is to spend more than two weeks in Greece. This time, though, for much of it, I will be solo.

Traveling by myself is something I’m not only comfortable with, but that I crave. I’ve taken trips to Chicago and Charleston alone where I’ve enjoyed fantastic dining, runs along the water and the joy of being to set my own pace without the need to accommodate a companion.

I’ve also taken trips further afield, visiting Ireland and Italy by myself. But those vacations were different because I had friends and family with whom to spend time upon my arrival. While I have a friend in Rome who hopes to meet me for some length of time in Greece, that’s not guaranteed. So, it’s very possible that I’ll be traveling on my own for 2+ weeks in a country where I know no one.

I don’t even know the alphabet!

Somehow, though, I’m feeling a sense of excitement and possibility rather than intimidation. How cool is it that I get to be completely self indulgent for such a length of time? If I want to go to the beach, I’ll just get on the bus. I can eat when I’m hungry, nap when I like and document my trip with photographs and writing to my heart’s content. Amazing.

Whats your comfort with solo travel? Is it something that appeals or intimidates? Any memorable experiences to share?