Moving Forward: Finding Strength in Loss and Rediscovery Through Travel

Life has a way of challenging us in ways we never imagined. I know this personally, having faced a series of hardships that tested every fibre of my being. Losing my wife was the hardest blow, an emotional wound that seemed impossible to heal. Around the same time, I found myself grappling with a cancer diagnosis, fighting for both my physical health and emotional strength. On top of that, I lost my job, forcing me to rethink everything I had known about my career and future.

Each of these trials seemed like an insurmountable mountain, with grief and uncertainty pulling me in different directions. But despite the heartbreak, pain, and upheaval, one truth emerged clearly: life moves forward. I realized that I had to move with it. Standing still wasn't an option if I wanted to reclaim a sense of purpose and joy.

The Turning Point: Reinventing My Life

When I was let go from my company after 35 years, it was as if the rug had been pulled out from under me. My career, which I had leaned on as a source of stability, was suddenly gone. But that loss also opened a door for change. It forced me to take stock of what I really wanted out of life. I could continue down the same path, trying to find another job in the same field, or I could take the plunge and follow my passion for travel—something I had always loved but never pursued as a career.

I chose the latter, and it was the best decision I could have made. Becoming a travel consultant was not just about building a new career; it was about rediscovering my sense of adventure and curiosity. Travel had always been a source of joy for me, and now, I was in a position to help others experience that joy too.

The Hardest First Step: Travelling Alone

Even with my new career, there was still one hurdle I hadn’t yet crossed—travelling alone. The idea of stepping onto a plane by myself, without my wife by my side, was daunting. There’s a certain kind of emptiness that comes with losing your life partner, and the thought of facing that emptiness on a trip we once would have shared was almost unbearable.

But after everything I had endured, I knew that this was the next step in my healing process. I had to face the journey on my own terms, to make peace with the fact that while she wasn’t physically with me, the memories of our time together would be.  I remember my counsellor telling me to open my journal, look at 2 blank pages and start dreaming. It wasn't as easy as I had thought it would be. She also told me a few times that my wife and I built a foundation for our life but now it's time to build on it. You won't forget the years with her but use it on which to build.  

Making That First Booking

The hardest part was clicking the button to book that first solo trip. It wasn’t just about the travel itself; it was about accepting that life was different now and that I had to embrace this new reality. When I booked that ticket, I didn’t just book a trip—I took a step forward in my life.

The experience was transformative. Being on my own allowed me to reflect, heal, and grow. It wasn’t easy, but with each new place I visited, I felt my spirit lift. It was as if the world was reminding me that there is still beauty, joy, and meaning to be found—even after loss. That first booking, that first solo trip, was my way of telling the universe that I was ready to live again.

The Importance of Moving Forward

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting the past. It means finding ways to honour it while carving out a new path for yourself. Every hardship I’ve faced, from my wife’s passing to my battle with cancer, has shaped me, but it hasn’t defined me. I’m still here, still capable of experiencing joy, love, and adventure.

If you’re struggling with the idea of taking that first step—whether it’s booking a solo trip, starting a new career, or simply getting out of bed in the morning—know that it’s okay to take things one step at a time. The hardest part is often just starting. Once you do, you’ll find that the world is still full of possibilities, even after the darkest of times.

Rediscovering Yourself Through Travel

Travel has been my way of reconnecting with the world and with myself. It has allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone, face my grief head-on, and emerge stronger on the other side. My solo journeys have become a source of healing, a reminder that I’m still capable of adventure, discovery, and growth. Whether it's walking through a new city or sitting in quiet reflection by the ocean, I find peace in knowing that life moves forward, and so do I.

If you want to talk about how to plan your next solo trip, or know somebody who is missing travelling because they may have lost their partner, and want to find out what options are out there for solo travellers so you won't feel alone, I would be happy to discuss travel choices. There are some great companies that provide prices with no single supplements, or low supplements. That's the bane of many solo travellers who often have to pay double the price. 

So, if you’re wondering whether you should take that first solo trip, my advice is simple: do it. Not because it will fix everything or magically erase the pain, but because it will help you rediscover the parts of yourself that are still alive, still vibrant, and still yearning for more. That first booking isn’t just a ticket to a new destination; it’s a ticket to a new chapter in your life. And you deserve to live it.