Haven’t You Ever Wished You Could Leave It All Behind?

Have you ever woken up one morning and wished you could pack your bags and move to a deserted island somewhere to start all over?  Or maybe you dream of traveling all over Europe with No Set Plans¹?  Taking an African Safari or a Month Long Cruise around the world?

The truth is a lot of people dream of leaving the safety of the life they know for the adventure of the unknown, but not many people actually do it.  For many, the demands of providing for a family or hopes of moving up the corporate ladder – make such dreams seem impossible.  For some, such a journey does not seem financially viable.  And for others, the idea is too daring for reality.

But what about those who actually do it?  What can we learn from them?  Since I’m about to embark on my own 13-month solo journey of discovery, I’ve been reading a lot of books about traveling alone.  Here is my list of the Top 5 Books on Solo Travel:

1. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.  It was so good – I read it twice.  The first time I was blissfully unaware of how much my life and my relationship were about to change.  The second time, I was just days away from ending my 11.5 year relationship.  As I read about her kneeling on the bathroom floor of her suburban home crying…sobbing…I started to cry myself.  Because I knew that pain.  She didn’t want to be in her marriage anymore – and I didn’t want to be in my relationship.  That’s what makes for great writing – feeling like you can relate to the feelings and emotions on the page.
2. A Year By The Sea by Joan Anderson.  When her husband gets a new job in another state, Joan decides that she’s not interested in going with him.  Instead, she decides to spend a year living alone at their cottage in Cape Cod.  Interesting, Introspective, Funny, and Refreshing – this is the perfect book for any woman who’s dreamed of taking a “vacation” from her marriage.
3. Without Reservations by Alice Steinbach.  By now you should be noticing a pattern – I love travel memoirs written by women on their own journey’s of self-discovery.  After taking a sabbatical from her job as a columnist for the Baltimore Sun, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Steinbach takes us on a journey through Europe.  The prose and her acute observations are delightful and poignant.
4. Plain & Simple by Sue Bender.  I read this book years and years ago – but it’s always held a soft spot in my heart.  Sue Bender, mother, modern day career woman, artist, teacher & wife – goes to live with the Amish.  This is a book of opposites and contrast.  It will touch your heart – and make you dream of “The Simple Life”.
5. The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner.  The only book on my list not written by a woman – but it’s still good.  I promise.  Part travelogue, part self-help guide, part memoir – Weiner does a remarkable job of capturing the soul of each of the cities that he visits.

6 Responses to “Haven’t You Ever Wished You Could Leave It All Behind?”

1. imelda says:

   December 1, 2009 at 10:33 pm

   Have you ever woken up one morning and wished you could pack your bags and move to a deserted island somewhere to start all over?

   Um.. daily, hourly for like years. I have a family I love but there is a huge part of me that wants to just take off and start over. I have responsibilities to young children I can and won’t walk away from, but do plan on making a move soon.

   I look forward to reading about your adventure and learning along the way.
2. cone says:

   December 1, 2009 at 10:52 pm

   I often think how wonderful it would be to divest myself of all my worldly possessions and just take off! And who knows, I just might do that someday. Before I make that big leap, I am looking forward to following Erica in her adventure. Happy Travels, Safe Travels!
3. Angela (@AbbyNormal) says:

   December 2, 2009 at 12:29 am

   I say all the time that I wish I had no ties so I could just get in the car and keep on driving. Lately, I think about it constantly!!
   I’ll just have to live through your adventures for a while. Take care of yourself while you find your new sense of “normal”. Love you sweetheart! <3
4. Tamar Weinberg says:

   December 2, 2009 at 12:32 am

   First, this is one of the coolest thing ever. I really wish you a ton of success on this journey.

   I don’t think I could ever leave it behind now that I’m stuck with baby. I really admire your courage!

   I can’t wait to hear more about the journey.
5. Oz Sultan says:

   December 2, 2009 at 12:43 am

   E -
   This is lovely and a beautiful forethought to an adventure not yet had. I spent 6 months across Europe, many moons ago, from hotel to B+B to youth hostel. It’s the type of adventure that builds some of the most interesting and meaningful friendships you can find. Often, in the oddest of places and situations. One can only hope that this journey will be equally as auspicious.

   One work I’d add to the list – The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton. A bit whimsical, but insightful given the unknown road ahead.

   Much love,

   Oz
6. Ingrid Kast Fuller says:

   December 2, 2009 at 1:08 am

   I love to travel and can’t wait to hear more about your bed and breakfast tour.

   Contrary to you, I would like to travel more with my husband. However, I find myself traveling with my sister or alone lately. Between his job, my business and our pets, it is finding a period of time more than a few days and a pet sitter that is hard for us.

   I would love to travel Europe for a month or go on a cruise or sit on a beach for a week. I thought reading the book, 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss, would help in finding that precious time we all need in order to travel. However, for me, it was more like reading some fiction book, a fantasy life.

   I know this trip will be good for you too. You’ll get to meet new people, have new experiences and a change of pace.
   I look forward to reading about your adventure. Stay safe!