We survived. And even thrived a bit.
After an intentional month apart, Steve and I are back together again. For almost a year, we’d planned to take separate vacations during the month March 2026. While “vacation” might be a bit of a stretch for what we did, we most certainly didn’t see each other and barely talked to each other for the month.
While Steve went to Barcelona and I went to Jersey on the Channel Islands, we both basically did the same thing: we housesat, hiked, and wrote. We’ll be sharing all the details on our youtube channel, including tips for how to travel as a solo female and as a solo male. So please be sure to catch us there.
What I Learned
But for me, I had a few take-aways as a solo female traveler in Europe without my hubby. While I’ve traveled many times alone, having a complete month of my own time highlighted a few things about me and our relationship.
We usually go to bed at the same time, and I’ll read for about 30 minutes. In the morning, he gets up before me, and I’ll lay in bed and read the news and socials.
That didn’t change during my solo month.
Takeaway 1: I’m getting sleep on my own terms and getting enough of it. I did sleep better though because it was uninterrupted.I didn’t eat well. When I’m with my husband, I generally have a nutrient-packed smoothie in the morning, a salad for lunch, and a light dinner. It’s usually vegan when we cook and vegetarian while out.
During my month of Married Solo, I ate lots of eggs, cheese, fruit, and oatmeal. I didn’t make one smoothie. I basically didn’t cook. I simply wasn’t interested.Takeaway 2: While we both share the cooking and cleaning up, I was completely uninterested in cooking. Did I need a break, or did I like the freedom of my own choices? I think it was the freedom.
Even though we both give each other a lot of space and really don’t put many demands on each other, I found I was far more productive and focused in my writing than ever. It was a blessing to just get up everyday, feed a cat, and then write and hike on my own schedule.
This sounds like I couldn’t do this when I’m with him. That’s not true. But what is true, I simply don’t. Was I bored? Was I filling time? No. I truly enjoyed it.
Takeaway 3: I want to protect my time better when we’re together so I can achieve my personal writing goals.I went to Jersey on the Channel Islands where I hiked, housesat, and wrote the entire first draft of my novel (see below.)
Takeaway 4: We like to do the same things. No surprise there.
On travel days, I completely failed.
I left things in my flat
I got on the wrong train
I almost forgot my backpack
Granted, I did get to where I was going safely, but there certainly were hiccups along the way.
Takeaway: I’m easily distracted on travel day and certainly benefit from having another set of eyes.
While these takeaways aren’t earth-shattering, as we’ve come together again, we’re very cognizant of what each of us needs. I think that’s super healthy, and I can’t wait to do the experiment again.
Where to From Here?
As this newsletter goes out, we’ve just started the first of two back-to-back cruises to get us from Barcelona to Seattle by way of a ship change in Cape Canaveral and via the Panama Canal.
Then we’re off to the races with our annual zip through the States. If you’ll be in any of these locations while we’re there, please reach out to us. We’d love to grab a cuppa with you.
April 10: Carnival Glory to Port Canaveral
April 25: Norweigen Joy to Seattle
May 13-19: San Diego (North County)
May 19-24: Kauai
May 24-Jun 22: Vancouver BC
Jun 22-Jul 10: Portland, ME
Jul 11-Jul 17: Maritimes roadtrip
Jul 17-21: Portland Maine
Jul 21-Jul 26: Cazenovia, NY
Jul 28-Aug 4: Queen Mary 2 NYC to Southampton
Aug 4-Sep1: Hiking Cornwall
Sep 2-Sept 9: Crucemundo Rhine cruise
Sept 9-19: Berlin and Salzburg
Sept 19-21 Munich Oktoberfest
Sept 21-27 Marrakesh for String Cheese Incident
Sept 27-Oct 15: Thessolaniki and Athens
Oct 15-Dec 31: Poros, Greece
News from Walking Platform Press, an Imprint of EatWalkLearn
We’ve been busy publishing. We’ve got two new products out and new editions of all of our Nomad Life books. Be sure to catch all of them by following the links and grabbing your copies today.
Getting Ready to Launch?
Are You REALLY Ready?
Trying to Figure Out the Nuts n Bolts of Launching?
Wondering What Really Happens During Nomad Life?
How Many Ways Are There to Nomad?
The Nomad Life Launch Kit and Readiness Checklist
The Month’s Nomad Travel Tip
What Am I Reading?
Kate Evans knocks another one out of the park in this super fun love story of a retiring woman who survives an affair, a rendevouz, a career, and her life. It’s a fabulous and fun story with lots of character and imagination. Don’t miss this terrific read, Amazing!, from one of my favorite authors.
I love this! My hubby and I are in a different situation as I'm currently more remote than he is (for now) but I share some of your observations. The sleep quality. Protecting focused time without blaming! Thanks for sharing.