You CAN Travel Without Your Spouse
Let's talk about something that shouldn't be controversial but somehow still is: traveling without your significant other.
We interviewed Jenna K (who's been to Cuba with us and is joining our Georgia and India trips) about what it's like to travel solo while being happily married. Because guess what? You can be madly in love AND want to explore the world on your own terms.
Jenna gets it. When I asked about her approach to independent travel, she told me: "I always knew that whoever became my spouse had to support my love of travel and doing things on my own. I did it before I met Kris, I knew I was going to keep doing it after I met Kris, so he had to either support it or that would be the end of our relationship."
HELL. YES.
Independence looks like THIS: exploring Havana's magnificent El Capitolio in a classic convertible.
The Reality Check
Here's what happens when you travel without your partner:
You rediscover who you are outside of your relationship
You build confidence in ways you never imagined
You return home with fresh energy and perspective
You actually appreciate your partner MORE (I know, wild concept)
Jenna mentioned that people constantly question why her husband isn't with her, to which she brilliantly responds: "Why should it matter?! Would people ask him where his wife is? Doubt it."
Let that sink in.
Jenna and Kris experiencing Copenhagen together in front of the iconic Little Mermaid statue.
Frolicking in the flowers—quite literally.
How To Actually Make It Work
Contrary to what rom-coms have taught us, healthy relationships don't require being attached at the hip 24/7. Jenna and her husband Kris have figured out a system that works:
They check in once a day via iMessage or WhatsApp – nothing excessive
Kris tucks little notes into her luggage before trips (okay that's adorable)
They maintain a shared list of places they want to experience together
They prioritize quality time before and after independent travels
"I think it's so important for everyone to have their own hobbies and identity, apart from their spouse," Jenna told me. "I will always shout it from the mountains that no one should hold you back from doing what you love!"
Inside a historic Swedish Rikstelefon booth.
What Solo Travel Teaches You
The most powerful thing Jenna shared?
"I am capable of so much! I think I've always known that but society has a way of telling women that they need their husband's approval to do things."
When she travels independently, she gets to "rediscover who I am. I love my husband but I crave reminding myself that I can do anything I set my mind to."
These experiences don't threaten her relationship – they strengthen it. "Anytime I go away I'm always reminded that even though I love my solo time, I love doing life with my husband. Being away from each other allows us both to appreciate each other more."
So What Now?
If you're in a relationship but craving adventure on your own terms, maybe it's time to have that conversation. And if your partner is skeptical? Jenna suggests starting with a group trip: "You are alone-ish but you have others going through the same experience."
Not to be self-serving or anything, but that's literally what my trips are designed for.
You get the freedom of solo travel with the safety net of awesome people who GET IT.
Discovering Cuba's vibrant culture, classic cars, and revolutionary history on one of Laura’s trips.
Remember: The healthiest relationships have room for individual growth. You're a whole person outside of your partnership – and exploring the world on your own terms might just be the best thing you ever do for yourself AND your relationship.
