Inevitably, I knew it would happen again. The looks of surprise. The dubious eyes. The incredulous faces when I tell people that I'm traveling by myself. I was greeted with more of the same on my New Year's Eve trip to Jamaica last week. When the question arises, and it typically always does, somewhere in the conversation, from cab drivers, to hotel staff, waiters and waitresses to the nice man or woman at customs (ALWAYS the man or woman at customs), I've now created a standard response in the form of a counter question. "Who else is going to take my ass on vacation?"
It still surprises ME that everyone else is so surprised. Since when did being single become a restriction on travel and adventure? Did the TSA come up with some new crazy law that women can't travel by themselves? (Although, at this point, I wouldn't put it past them in the name of 'national security' Ha. I can see it now . . . "Studies show single women traveling internationally pose a high threat to national security!" HA!) 
All I know is that it was snowy, cold, shitty here in NYC and waiting around for Prince Charming to come along on his white horse to take me to the sun was not an option. (Especially with the unplowed streets here in the city, but that's a whole OTHER story. Prince Charming would need to have 'snow hoofs' on.)
So, much like my Asia trip, I booked the ticket found a place to stay and am a better woman for it. This trip to Jamaica did not disappoint. I met the most amazing women, many from NYC whose sole purpose was the same as mine (get out of the cold), and experienced things I most likely would not have had I been with a companion. I burned letters I wrote to people in my life with whom I had relationships which no longer served me. (That was powerful. And it worked, like you can't even imagine!) I wrote in my journal. A lot. I sat andwatched the ocean, listened to the waves crashing on the shore. Realized I didn't need a gym or fancy equipment to be happy and keep my body active. I walked, I ate, I watched some of the most gorgeous sunsets I've ever seen. I listened. To myself and the stories of others. And I learned about another culture, another way to live. My solo travels have been life changing. 
Would it be nice to share some of my travel experiences with someone special? Absolutely? Am I going to wait for someone to give me permission to have those experiences? Absolutely not. My life isn't an episode of the Bachelor (although how fun would THAT be for a week or so?!?) and I've got living to do.