I couldn't recall the names of any of the restaurants I visited during my weeklong stay in Portugal. What I can tell you is the name, country of origin, profession, and motivations of my 13 travel companions – none of whom I knew prior to setting foot in Europe.
Solo travel can be intimidating. Having been on different group trips by myself, it can feel isolating to be the sole person among couples, families, and friend groups. It’s always a little awkward during mealtimes when you have to make the choice of asking to sit with someone, harkening to schoolyard fears, or taking a table for yourself and possibly alienating potential friends.
"The reason I chose solo (travel) was because where I live, it's seasonal and all the people that I hang around with leave during the summer and there's no one there,” John O’hea told USA TODAY. “I wanted to meet a bunch of new people and get exposed to different viewpoints, different ideas ... and I haven't been disappointed.”
My first meal in Portugal in late July, I sat next to Sydni from California, and we quickly latched on to each other. At least for me, Sydni was homebase – and I’d like to think I was that for her as well – as we explored connections with the rest of the group.
