Rediscovering the World with Travelglobe customer Phillipa Maloney Walsh
The idea of traveling solo can be intimidating for many, filled with concerns about navigating unfamiliar places, handling logistics alone, or feeling isolated in foreign cities. The uncertainty of being responsible for every aspect of the trip and the potential loneliness of traveling without a companion are common fears for those considering solo adventures. However, with the expert support of Travelglobe, solo travel becomes an empowering experience. Our meticulous planning, personalised itineraries, and attention to detail turn potential challenges into opportunities for growth, independence, and unforgettable exploration.
Our incredible client recently rediscovered her love for travel again after the loss of her husband. Read about her recent trip below which took her to visit family in the UK, a bucketlist list destination and returning to her roots through Italy. She popped together some words about her trip, including her experiences, tips and what it felt like accomplishing such a big trip on her own for the first time.
My Solo Adventure: Discovering New York, Italy, and the UK with TravelGlobe. Written by Phillipa Maloney Walsh.
Traveling had always been something that my husband and I loved to do. We went on trips overseas many times over the last 26 years. We loved to do it together, and after the loss of my husband 12 months ago the idea of venturing out solo was both daunting and heartbreaking. But I knew I needed to rediscover myself and find some peace, as well as visit those remaining places on my bucket list. My trip was going to be big and long, it was going to involve numerous cities across a few different continents. This meant the planning and logistics of such a long trip was daunting to say the least. With the help of Travelglobe, I embarked on a life-changing journey, traveling across the globe.
Traveling solo was something I’d always dreamed about but never felt entirely ready for after the loss of my husband. There were the usual fears—what if I got lost in a foreign city? How would I manage logistics on my own? And, of course, the thought of feeling lonely while navigating the bustling streets of places like New York or the historical charm of Italy and the UK was intimidating. But when I finally decided to take the leap, Travelglobe stepped in, making my solo adventure not only possible but truly unforgettable. Here’s how they helped me explore three of the world’s most incredible destinations—New York, Italy, and the UK—with confidence and ease, along with some tips I learned along the way.
New York City: Where My Journey Began
Why I Loved It as a Solo Traveler: New York City was my first stop, and I couldn’t have chosen a better place to kick off my solo adventure. I flew to New York City, a place buzzing with energy and life. TravelGlobe understood how overwhelming it could be, so they booked me into a fantastic hotel right in the heart of Manhattan, making it easy to walk to landmarks like Central Park and the Empire State Building. The highlight of my stay was dinner at the Top of the Rock, where I took in stunning panoramic views of the skyline.
Despite the city's hustle, I found quiet moments of reflection while wandering through Central Park, as if the city was helping me rebuild my strength. Every transfer and tour was pre-arranged, so I didn’t have to worry about a thing—it felt as though Travelglobe had wrapped me in a blanket of security.
The city is a solo traveler’s playground—vibrant, diverse, and full of things to do at every corner. I was a little nervous about getting overwhelmed by the sheer scale of it all, but Travelglobe had already taken care of everything, from my hotel booking in the heart of Manhattan to pre-arranged tours and even a few hidden gems I wouldn’t have found on my own.
My Insider Tips:
Stay in Midtown: I stayed right in the middle of the action, close to Central Park and Times Square. It was the perfect base for walking to all the iconic landmarks without worrying about transportation.
Walk Everywhere: I discovered that walking is the best way to take in the city’s unique neighborhoods. I spent hours wandering through Greenwich Village and SoHo, and each corner seemed to reveal something new—whether it was a tucked-away coffee shop or an art gallery.
Embrace Free Attractions: Some of my favorite memories came from simple, free experiences. The High Line was a peaceful retreat above the city, and the Staten Island Ferry gave me a stunning view of the Statue of Liberty.
Find Quiet Moments: Even in a city as hectic as New York, there were pockets of calm. Strolling through Central Park’s lesser-known corners and spending time at the New York Public Library helped me recharge between busier moments.
Don’t Skip the Culture: I took the time to visit The Met and the MoMA—both must-sees—and also enjoyed exploring the diverse neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little Italy, where I savored authentic food in the heart of the city.
Italy: A Solo Traveler’s Dream Come True
Why Italy Stole My Heart: From the minute I arrived in Italy, I knew I was in for something special. Italy is a feast for the senses, and each city has its own personality, from the romantic canals of Venice to the artistic flair of Florence and the historic grandeur of Rome. I made my way to Milan, where art and fashion reign supreme. Travelglobe placed me in a stylish hotel near Duomo di Milano, one of Italy’s most famous cathedrals. I spent my days exploring the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, admiring the fashion houses, and indulging in delicious pasta at charming local restaurants.
Milan’s sophistication gave me a sense of calm and refinement. One of the best moments was visiting The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci—a spiritual experience that resonated deeply. They also organised a seamless day trip to Lake Como, allowing me to escape the city for a peaceful retreat among Italy’s natural beauty. With Travelglobe organising my accommodations and tours, I was free to immerse myself in everything Italy had to offer, without worrying about the logistics.
My Insider Tips for Italy:
Venice: I loved getting up early and wandering through Venice’s empty streets, especially in the Cannaregio district, where I felt like I had the canals all to myself. Travelglobe also arranged a quiet gondola ride for me in the early evening, just as the city was calming down.
Florence: One of the best things I did was pre-booking a skip-the-line ticket for the Uffizi Gallery. Seeing Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus in person was a dream come true. I also climbed to Piazzale Michelangelo for an incredible sunset view of Florence, and it quickly became one of my favorite moments of the trip.
Rome: Rome’s history is breathtaking, but it can be overwhelming. Travelglobe booked a guided tour for the Colosseum, which helped me understand the stories behind the ruins. In the evenings, I’d head to Trastevere for local food and a more laid-back vibe. The Vatican Museums were another highlight—TravelGlobe secured a Friday evening entry, so I got to see the Sistine Chapel with fewer crowds.
Milan: Milan was a surprise—I didn’t expect to fall in love with its sleek, modern feel. My hotel was near the Duomo, and every morning I’d visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for my coffee. One of the best experiences was a day trip to Lake Como, a peaceful retreat organized by Travelglobe , where I could unwind from the city and soak in the natural beauty.
Train Travel: Getting around Italy was a breeze, thanks to Travelglobe suggestion to use the Trenitalia system. It was efficient, comfortable, and allowed me to hop from city to city with ease.
The UK: A Blend of History and Modernity
Why the UK Was the Perfect Finale: Next up was London, a city full of history and culture. Travelglobe made sure I stayed in the heart of the city, close to Covent Garden, so I could explore its lively markets, restaurants, and theaters. They had pre-booked a guided walking tour of Westminster, where I saw Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. London’s historic charm brought comfort as I wandered through its streets, taking in the city’s timeless elegance.
They also booked me a visit to the British Museum, a place that sparked my curiosity and reminded me of how much there is to discover about the world. Even though I was traveling solo, I felt supported and never overwhelmed.The UK was my final stop, and it offered the perfect mix of history, modernity, and natural beauty. London, Bath, Edinburgh, and Oxford were on my list, and each city gave me a different flavor of British life. Travelglobe made sure I stayed in well-located hotels and arranged tours that fit my interests, so I could explore with confidence.
My Insider Tips for the UK:
London: London can be a bit overwhelming, but staying in a central location made it easy to walk to landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. I also loved the hidden spots Travelglobe recommended, like Hampstead Heath for panoramic city views and the quiet streets of Notting Hill. One of my best evenings was spent on the South Bank, strolling along the Thames and taking in the city lights.
Bath: Bath was a beautiful escape from London’s bustle. I highly recommend visiting the Roman Baths early in the morning, followed by a dip in the modern Thermae Spa—it was a perfect mix of history and relaxation. I also enjoyed wandering the Georgian streets around the Royal Crescent and taking a boat trip on the River Avon.
Edinburgh: Edinburgh was one of my favorite cities, with its medieval charm and vibrant culture. I climbed Arthur’s Seat for breathtaking views of the city and explored the Royal Mile, which was filled with local shops and hidden alleys. Travelglobe also arranged a ghost tour of the underground vaults, which was both spooky and fascinating.
Oxford and Cambridge: I spent a peaceful day in each of these historic university towns. The walking tours of the colleges were a great way to learn about their rich history, and punting on the rivers was a highlight. Both cities offered a serene escape from the faster pace of London.
Traveling solo around the world after such a personal loss was a huge leap for me, but with Travelglobe booking my trip I felt confident and empowered to travel solo. I was able to find comfort, joy, and a renewed sense of independence. Every step of the journey was carefully planned, allowing me to focus on the experience rather than the logistics. They didn’t just book hotels and tours—they ensured I was staying in central, comfortable locations where I felt safe and cared for. Each destination came with pre-arranged transfers, guided tours, and experiences tailored to my interests, making the journey feel both seamless and personal.
If you're thinking of taking a solo journey but are hesitant, I can’t recommend Travelglobe enough. They made me feel supported, cared for, and empowered to take on the world—one destination at a time.Through it all, Travelglobe made my solo journey effortless. They didn’t just book my hotels and tours—they ensured that everything was tailored to my preferences, with insider tips that made me feel like I was exploring these places as a local. Every transfer, tour, and experience was pre-arranged, giving me the freedom to focus on what truly mattered—immersing myself in each destination. They also helped me with Travel Insurance made sure I was aware what countries I needed visas for or any local laws or restrictions that were happening at the time of my holiday.
Solo travel has its challenges, but with Travelglobe's bespoke travel planning service I felt like they really understood what i like to do, where i wanted to go and of course making sure i stayed within my budget. With my Travelglobe agent helping me plan the trip, I felt empowered and supported every step of the way. Whether wandering the streets of New York, savoring authentic Italian pasta in Florence, or exploring the rich history of the UK, I knew I could trust their expert planning. It made my journey not just possible, but unforgettable. I highly recommend planning your holiday with Travelglobe, whether you are looking to travel solo, with a family or friends let them take the stress out of planning the details so you can really enjoy it.
*Please note all images used in this blog are stock imagery. Our client was happy to share her words but wanted to keep her photos private.
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