April is all about exploring solo travel adventures. Whether it’s a soul-refreshing hike, a relaxing beach escape, or an exciting city exploration, traveling on your own is now safer, more convenient, and incredibly empowering. Dive into this month’s features to discover tips for making new friends while traveling alone, how technology has transformed the solo travel experience, and get inspired by captivating stories of bus trips across Africa, a journey to Mount Fuji, a cultural experiment in South Korea, and a solo bikepacking birthday adventure.
Travel books can teleport you across the globe, from California’s deserts to the untouched beaches of Thailand, with vibrant language and vivid descriptions that bring destinations to life. While these books satisfy wanderlust between trips, they also serve as inspiration—and sometimes even as a guide—for future travel adventures. Literary journeys also offer a philosophical dimension: stories of introspection, growth, and the liberating feeling of independence. These narratives make us daydream about embarking on our own “Eat, Pray, Love” adventure.
Explore some of the most treasured novels, poems, and memoirs that showcase solo adventures filled with bravery and reflection, sparking inspiration for your own transformative journey. Instead of reenacting “Into the Wild,” consider a trip inspired by one of Chris McCandless’ biggest influences: Henry David Thoreau, the famed American naturalist and writer of “Walden,” penned by the shores of Walden Pond in Concord, MA. Thoreau’s reflections on life, politics, and nature beckon with insights like, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately.”
Today, you can visit Thoreau’s former New England retreat at Walden Pond State Reservation. The 335-acre area includes a replica of Thoreau’s cabin. You can stroll around the pond or hike the 1.7-mile Emerson-Thoreau Amble, a path Thoreau often took to visit Ralph Waldo Emerson. Walden Pond is perfect for fishing and kayaking. You can rent a kayak or get a Massachusetts fishing license for a tranquil day by the water. Nearby, Berry’s Grove Campground in Tyngsboro offers a peaceful camping experience. For more poetic inspiration, venture to Western Massachusetts, where Emily Dickinson and Sylvia Plath once lived.
Cheryl Strayed’s “Wild” chronicles her solo trek on the Pacific Crest Trail following personal hardships. Starting in the Mojave Desert and ending at the Bridge of the Gods in Washington, her journey is a testament to courage and healing. While tackling such a trek without preparation isn’t advisable, you can explore parts of her path. Visit Kennedy Meadows, California, indulge in Ashland, Oregon’s charm, or marvel at Crater Lake National Park’s beauty. If 1,100 miles sound daunting, consider a shorter hike like the John Muir Trail.
Andrew Sean Greer’s Pulitzer-winning novel features Arthur Less, a nearly-50-year-old writer who attends literary events globally to avoid an ex’s wedding. For your own whirlwind journey, start and end in San Francisco. Head to New York for a Broadway show, stroll through Mexico City’s vibrant streets, savor Italy’s cuisine, and dance in Berlin’s nightlife. Experience Paris’s romance before a Moroccan adventure and unwind in India, continuing to Kyoto for culinary delights.
Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Eat Pray Love” unfolds over a year in Italy, India, and Indonesia following her divorce. Begin in Rome with iconic sites from the book’s film adaptation, savoring local cuisine and visiting Naples for authentic pizza. In India, explore spiritual practices before heading to Ubud, Bali, for yoga and cultural experiences.
Matt Haig’s “The Midnight Library” isn’t a travel book but encapsulates adventure and self-discovery. Nora Seed, facing a life crisis, explores alternate lives, including running a pub in a quaint English village, sunbathing in Sydney, glacial expeditions in Norway, and enjoying Brazil’s music and vineyards.
Alex Garland’s “The Beach” follows traveler Richard to a mystical island in Thailand. Start in Bangkok, indulge in local flavors, and explore Ang Thong National Marine Park’s beauty. Though the book’s beach isn’t real, nearby spots inspired its awe. Embark on a train-to-ferry journey to reach Koh Samui and the national park. Alternatively, visit movie locations like Maya Bay and Haew Suwat Waterfall.
Whether through armchair travel or setting off on a real adventure, these stories of solo journeys can lead you to newfound perspectives and transformative experiences.
