In 2012 I spent 5 weeks on my own in Europe.  Part of the trip was with Smithsonian Journeys, part was on a river cruise with Uniworld and the rest on my own booking apartments through Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO).  I traveled some by train, but flew mostly on points with British Airways.

I blogged the entire trip  (Deb's European Trip), spending some time each evening researching what I had seen so I could not only add my personal view of places I had been, but a few facts as well.  I created the blog because I knew if I just took pictures they would languish in a draw or on a jump drive somewhere.  With the blog, I go back and revisit where I had been and can relive wonderful memories.

What struck me the most was how many people were surprised that I put the entire trip together on my own and even more surprised that I went alone.

It all started because I wanted to go on a river cruise and decided if I was going to fly all that way, I was going to stay a while.  Five weeks seemed like a long time but I discovered it was just enough to scratch the surface and I am planning to go back, this time I hope for three months.

I chose Smithonian Journeys because they had a special "economy" tour through England, Scottland and Wales with an extremely reasonable single supplement (the group was almost 40% singles).  I chose Uniworld because they offer routes that waive the single supplment.  Granted they are not during peak season, but since I'm retired and on my own, I didn't care and I enjoyed the cooler weather of the spring.

So I thought why not blog about what I have learned about traveling on my own or with my kids/grandkids.  I like to save money and look for deals where I can BUT I spent my entire life going "economy" to save money.  As I approach 60 and see friends and colleagues around my impacted by the illnesses that come with getting older, I realize my sister is right.  Live for today because who knows what tomorrow brings.

I plan to blog on things I've done in the past as well as document what I am doing now.  This year I am completing the bucket list item "Air Force Football Away games" - going to all the away games played by the Air Force Academy football team.

Hope you enjoy!