I have solo travelled to 14 countries by myself, but the older I get the more I hate being solo. I used to be fearless when I started at the age of 18, super sociable and would make friends everywhere I went and have crazy experiences, now 8 years later my travel anxiety gets worse every time I leave.

I have a trip coming up to a place I've always wanted to travel, and I'm wracked with worry. My boyfriend is in full time study and none of my friends have the money or the inclination to come with me. Years ago I would meet people really early on and travel with them, but now I end up doing most things alone and I find myself surrounded by very young people with whom I don't have much in common. When I do meet people more on my level I'm too anxious to ask if I can continue travelling with them. I hate it all from the flying alone (I've probably done more than 50 flights alone in my life) to eating meals alone. Sunsets are nowhere near as beautiful when I watch them by myself.

The problem is, travelling is still my greatest passion and I'd rather do it even if it makes me really unhappy, than not do it at all. I have considered doing a group tour like Contiki but they seem so expensive and I'm used to travelling on a shoestring, it seems silly given I have travelled so extensively alone before and again I'm worried it will be full of super young people who I don't connect with and I'll feel even more isolated. Maybe it's the cumulative affect of post covid travel and just becoming more aware of the risks.

Has anyone else fallen out of love with solo travel but continue to do it out of necessity?