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As a travel agent, I have the great opportunity to visit some wonderful places as part of my job. And since I'm single, I can take advantage of these opportunities pretty much on the spur of the moment. Such was the case with a trip to Grand Bahama Island this past February.

A co-worker had recently left our agency to become a sales rep in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. She invited me to come down there for three days to see the hotels that she represents. Of course, since I'm from Pennsylvania and absolutely HATE cold weather, I jumped at the chance.

In the middle of my trip, walking along the beach at one of the most beautiful resorts I've ever seen, I started to feel quite lonely as I watched all the couples enjoying a romantic getaway. I prayed about this, and I felt God say to me that he wanted this to be our special vacation together and that he wanted me to enjoy this beautiful place without the distraction of a spouse or even friends. I enjoyed the rest of the afternoon in awe of his creation, feeling so special that he'd make all of this possible because he loves me so much.
Melissa Vuick

After my husband moved out of our home and filed for a divorce, I tried to make life for my children as normal as possible. That meant learning to take care of many tasks I previously hadn't been responsible for, including planning and going on vacation.

I decided to travel from Nebraska with my young son to meet some family members, traveling from Colorado, in South Dakota. Just setting a date for the trip was a big step for me. My sisters and I agreed on a time and a motel to meet at. I contacted AAA to plan the route my son and I would take, took my car in to be serviced for summer driving, ordered Traveler's Checks, packed, and set out with a third grader as navigator.

It was a wonderful vacation, one I hope my son will look back on when he's grown and remember how God provided for us. I also hope he learned that when your life changes, all the fun doesn't have to disappear and that we all have to adapt and learn. I learned how to read a map, check into and out of a motel, pump gas at assorted stations along the way, and drive all day by myself! I also learned that by the grace of God I could learn to do new tasks.
Janice Rihn

I'm only 22 but have discovered in the last two years what a wonderful time I can have on vacation by myself. The first time I tried it, I was a bit apprehensive, worrying about what others would think about someone taking a vacation by himself. "You mean you're going to eat in a restaurant by yourself?" was usually the first response from married or dating friends and family. I ventured out anyway and had the most amazing week in the Rocky Mountains.

Since I was by myself, I did what I wanted the whole week. I discovered I have a bit of an adventurous side. I tried ice climbing, dogsledding, cave exploring, and rock climbing. I made new friends as I was traveling and had dinner with a great couple from Australia who I met one day. This was their first time experiencing a Canadian winter, so I showed them the ropes. And they told me all about the great things to do in Australia.

I also discovered the gift of silence and solitude. Being by myself, often out in nature, I was amazed at the beauty and size of God's creation. Realizing that the God who made these enormous mountains, raging rivers, and sheets of ice the size of a city cares and looks out for me was a great inspiration. It gave me new respect for God's greatness and a new realization of how deep his love for us is.

On the lighter side, during the trip I got to eat what I wanted all the time (and no one seemed to notice I was eating by myself); I saw the movies I wanted to and had complete control of the remote. I got up when I wanted and slept when I wanted and treated myself to a massage without feeling guilty.

I recommend a solo vacation to all single people. Enjoy the freedom you have, get to know new and different people, spend some quiet time with God in his creation and rediscover his creativity and love for you.
Kevin Dyck

I should preface my story by saying that one of my best friends is a travel agent, so we can get some pretty good deals when it comes to traveling! This is what led to the best vacation of my adult life.

Three years ago, eight of us — three men and five women — spent a week at a beautiful beach resort in Akumal, Mexico, about an hour south of Cancun. More than anything, I think of that time as a reminder of how much God loves me. Only two years before I'd been unhappy and alone, living in a very small town without any friends. Two years later I'd moved to a wonderful city, been hired in my dream job, and had met these amazing people who will be my lifelong soul mates.

It wasn't an expensive or extravagant vacation, but we were able to stay in these gorgeous condos right on the beach. We spent our days swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, and soaking up the rays. At night we played cards, talked, went out to eat, and watched movies in Spanish. Our favorite place was an open-air restaurant with sand on the floor and palm tree branches on the walls. We sat on swings, our legs dangling beneath us, and ate tortilla chips and cilantro-laden salsa and drank orange soda.

Best of all, we all got along like family, which we are in spirit. When I think back on that time, I'm reminded of the many ways God has blessed me as a single woman. And I realize I truly have no regrets about this season of my life.
Sharyn Kopf

I'm a single 32 year old who's done quite a bit of solo traveling in Europe and Japan. I believe going alone allows us time to contemplate the personal spiritual revelations in our travel experiences. With a companion, it seems we're always doing and talking, rather than reflecting. Traveling alone also allows us to venture to places and settings we wouldn't normally go with companions who may not share the same interests. For instance, while in Wells, England, I decided to attend an Evensong service held in a beautiful medieval cathedral. Hearing the girl's choir sing "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" in such a magnificent setting brought me to tears. Had I been with a group of people, we probably would have visited the cathedral only as tourists, not venturing to participate and truly experience the beauty and truth God can reveal through such a setting.
Wes Williamson

A couple years ago, I planned to travel with my best friend and her husband (our safety blanket) from their home in Pittsburgh to the Thousand Islands in New York and across New England to Maine to visit some friends of mine. We would return by way of Martha's Vineyard.

My friend's husband had an aneurysm three months before we were to leave; therefore our trip was not to be. I traveled to stay with them as planned, and debated making the trip (a shorter version) by myself. The thought was a little scary and I wasn't sure my back would hold out doing all that driving by myself, but considering I live in Florida, I decided I was half-way there and couldn't pass up the chance.

I rented a car and drove through Pennsylvania, New York, and then crossed beautiful Lake Champlain for Stowe, Vermont, where I stayed the night. The next day I crossed Vermont and New Hampshire and finally made it to Maine. The leaves were changing that late October, and the scenery in each state was absolutely beautiful. Some of my favorite little towns were in New Hampshire, filled with streams, covered bridges, and yards bursting with pumpkins and scarecrows welcoming the harvest season.

The friends I was traveling to visit live outside Togus, Maine, on China Lake. Their home and the surroundings were quiet and beautiful. We visited all the seaport towns that can't be missed, such as Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. The seafood was the best, and so was the friendship shared after ten years of not seeing each another.

I returned a similar path, but somehow missed a turn in New Hampshire and drove through a national park, which was simply gorgeous. Entering Stowe on my return, it started to snow, making my trip even more scenic! The beauty of this area is hard to describe, and I'm so glad I stepped out and didn't miss the opportunity to see more of God's creation. Driving all that distance alone gave me a lot of quiet time to meditate on all the blessings he's given me. I encourage everyone to take the plunge and venture out there, perhaps fulfilling some of your dreams.

Alaska is my next great adventure …
Kathy

I have a special interest in Scotland because my family heritage is Scottish. I'd talked of taking a tour there for quite some time, and finally convinced my sister the two of us should go. But just a week before we were to finalize the tour booking, she learned she needed surgery and wouldn't be able to go.

After much pondering, I booked the trip for just me, and it's become one of the best experiences I've had as a single. I met wonderful people both in the tour group and in Scotland. I was touched by the Scottish traditions, and I came to appreciate my father, grandfather, and all those before me even more. I also came to appreciate the Christian legacy they've given me. When I heard my dad and grandfather's favorite hymn, "Amazing Grace," played on the bagpipes, it almost felt like they were there in the room with me.

Of course, it might be nice to take this trip again with my sister or with someone else, but to do it this first time by myself was very powerful; I'm sincerely glad I went alone.
Raylene

Read more from 'Single Minded'

Table For One: The Savvy Girl's Guide to Singleness by Camerin Courtney You'll love this book by the Singles Channel's own Camerin Courtney! It's an honest and upbeat look at the emotions, expectations, joys, frustrations, and privileges of the single life, that will delight and inspire you! Buy it today!