Devin Peyton, a skilled senior social media strategist hailing from Richmond, Virginia, brings over 10 years of expertise to the table. An avid traveler, Devin not only excels in exploring new destinations but also advocates for the synergy between personal growth and relationship dynamics in the rewarding world of solo travel.
Her passion for solo travel has allowed her to gain a deep understanding of the transformative power it holds for individuals. Through her experiences, she has witnessed firsthand how stepping out of one’s comfort zone and immersing oneself in new cultures can lead to personal growth and a greater appreciation for the world around us.
She also believes that solo travel can make a relationship stronger. ” I met my Costa Rican hubby in 2013 and I told him, ‘Don’t fall in love because I plan on traveling.’ I would say that didn’t really deter him, and we have found our healthy solo travel balance.”
Travel Noire spoke with Devin about her experience as a solo traveler and how it can even help build a healthy relationship.
Travel Noire: How does solo traveling contribute to a deeper cultural exploration and how has it enriched your personal understanding of different cultures and traditions?
Devin Peyton: I always say solo travel is the BEST way to experience culture. It enables you to be vulnerable and observant and kind of catapults you into cultural exploration. You are more exposed and forced to engage, and that’s why I love it.
Travel Noire: In what ways has solo travel contributed to your personal growth, and how do you believe this self-discovery positively impacts relationships?
Devin Peyton: When you travel on your own, there’s always a moment either just before you leave or just as you land when you think, “Welp, here we go!” That can be either terrifying or exhilarating, but you know at that moment there is no turning back. Just like anything that pushes you beyond your limits, solo travel enables you to become more aware of how capable you actually are. This directly impacts your self-worth, self-esteem, and mood; all of which are key to sustaining a healthy relationship.
Travel Noire: Can you share instances where the independence of solo travel has brought a sense of fulfillment and self-discovery. How can individuals balance this with the dynamics of a relationship?
Devin Peyton: There is such a deep sense of accomplishment when you can travel alone. I remember being in Ethiopia totally alone and unfamiliar with the language. I had no phone, no map, and I needed to get back to my hotel. I’m not going to lie; there was a moment when panic started to creep in, but I knew that wasn’t going to help. I started to walk around the crowded streets of Addis Ababa looking for anything I’d seen before, and I eventually found my way back to my hotel.
This was a major win for me because back home I was the kid who couldn’t go to the next aisle to get bread in Walmart for fear of losing my mom. This single moment, though initially terrible, showed me that I could do it, whatever the “it” was. From that moment on, I knew I would be okay. I took this mentality to my relationship; whatever the problem or issue is, we can take a second to retrace our steps and find our way back to love.
Travel Noire: Solo travel often involves moments of solitude. How have these moments provided valuable insights or lessons, and how can they be harnessed to enhance one’s well-being within a relationship?
Devin Peyton: Our lives don’t really build in a lot of time for solitude, so for me, solo travel gives me these moments. Being left alone to think knowing your partner is available in the next room really changes how you communicate. Since my partner and I are usually hours apart, we find that emailing each other helps so much with communication. It gives you the time, space, and ability to process things and be heard by the other person. We are two Capricorns, very headstrong, so being able to work through things via email is always great.
Travel Noire: Traveling alone can present challenges, and overcoming them can be empowering. How have you navigated challenges during solo travel, and how has this resilience translated into your personal and relational life?
Devin Peyton: After traveling to over 40 countries, I have countless stories about overcoming challenges and obstacles. Every single struggle and triumph is worn proud like a badge of honor because I know I’ve become more capable, more ready, and more adult through the experience; always finding new ways to apply this new knowledge to everyday situations.
Travel Noire: Maintaining communication is crucial in a relationship, especially during solo travel. What communication strategies do you recommend for individuals to stay connected with their partners while savoring the benefits of solo exploration?
Devin Peyton: For us, we try to set some healthy boundaries and expectations. When we text or email, there’s no expectation that we will get an immediate response; it takes the pressure off us both. It’s usually an email or text in the morning, if something reminds me of him I might send a video or picture, and then we usually FaceTime at night. We enjoy our independent time, and this structure has really helped us be able to share the trip while savoring our solo moments.
Travel Noire: Solo travel is often an opportunity for self-reflection. How does being alone during travel contribute to rediscovering oneself, and how can this self-awareness positively influence relationships?
Devin Peyton: I love the autonomy that comes with solo travel. I have become more aware of my energy within a space and how other people can affect me. Being in a relationship with someone, you constantly are growing and changing; solo travel helps you figure out your identity, which can be crucial insight when developing a healthy relationship.
Travel Noire: Can you share unique and memorable experiences from your solo travels that may not have been possible in a shared travel setting? How can these unique experiences add value to an individual’s life and, consequently, to their relationships?
Devin Peyton: I was in Budapest on a walking tour because it seemed like a good place to start. Someone asked what parties were going on, and the tour guide gave them some place to go to. I was NOT interested lol. At the last stop, I asked if she knew anything interesting to do, and she invited me to a dinner she was heading to. She seemed very kind and welcoming, so I shared my location and got in her tiny car. We drove to the outskirts of the city and arrived at a Greek dinner in full swing.
There was dancing, singing, drinking, and everyone was so kind and welcoming. It was such an amazing night and peaked my interest to explore Greece, which I finally did almost 5 years later. Had I been with a partner or group, it would have been easy to go to dinner or out, but this was a real cultural experience, one I’ve never forgotten.
Travel Noire: What advice do you have for individuals seeking solo travel to contribute to a stronger, more harmonious relationship?
Devin Peyton: Recommendations for Beginners: I was apprehensive about getting into a relationship at first since it was very important to me that I had my solo travel era (that eventually turned into a lifestyle). If you are seriously dating, I would recommend having some serious talks early in the relationship. I found it extremely fulfilling to be able to set and manage my expectations early on with my partner. He knew how important solo travel was to my overall happiness. By actually creating space to be realistic and honest about our relationship and individual desires, we made sure we were on the same page. It can be scary, but knowing what you each want will definitely contribute to a stronger relationship. I respect his wants and needs, and he respects mine.
Travel Noire: For individuals new to solo travel within a relationship, what recommendations do you have for them to maximize the benefits while ensuring a positive impact on their personal and relational well-being?
Devin Peyton: If you’re a traveler or starting to explore and want to enjoy your solitude, you need to communicate that. Make sure you’ve set up a healthy structure that can allow you to do it. There is no rulebook or manual for relationships; we are all kind of making it up as we go. You have to figure out what works for you and adjust as needed while creating healthy boundaries and opportunities for self-discovery. If there’s one thing I want people to know it’s understanding you can be both a traveler and in a healthy relationship; don’t let other people’s insecurities get in your way.