Traveling alone, but never lonely: my road bike adventure at the Traminerhof

Sometimes life brings us to points where we have to – or want to – break new ground. It was the same for me. Last year, I was faced with the question: What is it actually like travelling alone to a hotel for several days?

To be honest, the idea of sitting alone at breakfast, eating alone in the restaurant in the evening or lingering at the hotel bar without company made me feel uneasy. I asked myself: What do the others think? Do they think it's weird?

Between curiosity, uncertainty and the desire for change, my journey began – not only to another country, but unconsciously also to myself.

One thing was clear to me right from the start: when I go on holiday, I definitely want to live out my hobby of road biking. So I started researching – and came across Roadbike Holidays. After just a few clicks, I found the Traminerhof. The design of the website, the warm welcome and the clear focus on bikers immediately appealed to me. I asked for a quote – and asked an unusual question in my first message:

"What's it like at dinner - do you really sit alone as a solo traveller?"

The answer – honest and heartfelt: "We make sure that solo travellers can sit next to each other." This small gesture took away a large part of my insecurity. So I booked – my trip into the unknown.

My journey began with a train journey to Italy. At my destination, I was picked up by Armin, the senior boss. As soon as I was welcomed, I felt that I was welcome here. The friendliness, openness and attention to detail with which the hotel is run impressed me from the very first moment. I didn't feel alone, but like a valued guest – part of a community.

And what can I say? This feeling remained.

The atmosphere at the Traminerhof is characterised by warmth – regardless of whether you are a biker, hiker or connoisseur. Everyone meets each other openly, you quickly get into conversation, laugh together, exchange stories and routes. The Pomella family and their team manage with ease to make every guest – even those travelling alone – feel at home. Suddenly, travelling alone was not an obstacle, but an opportunity to experience completely new encounters.

If you are thinking about travelling alone, I can only encourage you: Don't be afraid. As a woman over 30, as a single person, as a cyclist, you may feel like you're in transition. Maybe you have questions like:

- "Can I go out on my own?"

- "What will others think if I'm alone on holiday?"

- "Will I be able to make friends?"

I'm telling you: Yes, you can. And you don't have to be perfect. You can set off – with your bike, your courage and your curiosity. Travelling alone does not mean "without company". It means "with myself & with others at the same time". You can get on your bike in the morning, feel the freedom, have a chat in the evening, laugh, connect. You can find peace - and still be in the world. The uncertainty before the first step is normal – but it disappears as soon as you realise that you are welcome.

Travelling alone is not a sign of loneliness – it is an act of courage, self-love and curiosity. This little checklist should encourage you to set off well prepared and with an open heart – and remind you that you are not alone on this journey.

• Choose your destination according to your heart
  Follow your feelings instead of pure reason – book what really appeals to you.
   
• Plan activities that make you happy
  Choose tours according to your mood and the weather – the main thing is that they fulfil you.
   
• Be open to contacts
  Smile, ask questions, strike up a conversation – encounters happen quickly.
   
• Let go of your fear of judgement
  Nobody thinks badly – most people admire your courage.
   
• Give yourself time to arrive
  Unfamiliar at first, then liberating: enjoy your peace and freedom.
   
• Pack your self-confidence
  Courage is your most important baggage – a lot of things come naturally along the way.
   
• Take what strengthens you - leave what slows you down
  Take new strength with you, leave old doubts behind.

At the Traminerhof, you will not only be warmly welcomed, but you will also experience that travelling alone also means coming home to yourself. If you're thinking: "Should I?" - then let me put it this way: Yes, you should. And if you decide in favour of the Traminerhof – or a similar place with heart and bike passion – then this trip can become one of your most beautiful adventures.

You are welcome. And: you are not alone.