The Solo Traveller
Your independence, passion, and lifelong memories.
Fellow Travellers
The Great Wall of China. Photographer: Michael Vater.
Michael Vater
Michael’s first solo trip occurred while he was attending college at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Even though he had always heard good things about the college experience at the University of Mississippi, he had never travelled to the American Deep South of Mississippi before. “It was an incredible trip”, Michael tells The Solo Traveller, “as even though I had lived my whole life in the United States, I had lived in the northern part.”
“Travelling down to Mississippi was an eye-opening experience, as I came across my first cotton fields, and it was not uncommon to see confederate flags flying as I was driving through the State. This is even though the Civil War in the United States had ended over 140 years prior!”
“I was not sure what to expect, however I met some of the most wonderful, hospitable, and friendly persons on my trip and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience attending a football game in Mississippi and experience the tailgating before the game at this community of tents that are set up known as the Grove.”
Mississippi Stadium, USA. Photographer: Michael Vater.
What kind of research did you do before your first trip?
My first trip was before the advent of GPS, so I pre-mapped out my entire route as I was driving through many States. I also did research regarding many logistical items such as where to cheaply park for the football game. Most importantly, I researched some of the most popular local restaurants as I absolutely love experiencing the foods that are known to be a signature item in the community I am visiting.
What do you love the most about travelling solo?
I love the autonomy to design each day however I want. I would also argue that by travelling solo it causes more of a desire to meet others. One of my favourite things is signing up for a walking tour in a city I have never been to and getting to meet other travellers during the walking tour. I think that travellers in groups are more likely to stop and have a conversation with a solo traveller rather than a group of travellers. Perhaps it is less intimidating when only one person engages.
What lessons have you learned about life by travelling solo?
I have learned many lessons regarding gratitude and appreciation. Exploring different cultures and locations allows me to appreciate the opportunity to explore firsthand places I have only read about in books or seen on television. A perfect example was being able to travel to Red Square in Moscow and see the Kremlin up close, even though I had seen television reporters and historical footage too many times to count, now I was standing in the centre of Red Square looking up at St Basil’s Cathedral!
The iconic St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow's Red Square. Photographer: Chris Linnett.
Beijing, China. Photographer: Michael Vater.
Is there a destination you keep returning to and why?
I love going to Australia! I first went to Australia when I was in college and spent almost a year travelling across the county, but I was taking classes in Fremantle in Western Australia, which is a coastal suburb of Perth (the capital city of Western Australia). Since that time, even though the flight is lengthy, I have returned to Australia many other times to explore the natural beauty. I also am a huge fan of the Australian people and culture. Australians tend to be adventurous and enjoy being outside just as I do. Australians are also super easy to strike up a conversation with a stranger.
The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia. Photographer: Michael Vater.
Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, Australia. Photographer: Michael Vater.
Have you made friends that you met while travelling solo that remain in your life?
Yes, I have made many friends travelling solo. With the advent of social media, it is not uncommon to swap social media contact information and follow each other. I have friends with whom I have kept in touch in many countries around the world. It is great to see in 10, 15, or even 20 years how someone you met has grown and developed their own family by getting married and having children.
Who inspires you in travel or in your life more generally?
I’ve always been inspired by my family. I have had family members that have served around the world in the military and being able to do that while fighting for a cause has always inspired me to want to explore things firsthand around the world.
What is on your ‘Bucket List’?
I would absolutely love to one day visit the last of the continents, Antarctica! The natural beauty looks incredible, and I grew up in Pittsburgh where our hockey team is nicknamed the Penguins, so I would love to see some non-hockey playing Penguins up close in their natural habitat!
Penguins of the Pittsburgh variety. Photographer: Michael Vater.
What causes are you passionate about, and why?
I am passionate about organisations that are dedicated to providing assistance to others in need. When I travel, I often find myself visiting local libraries. I am passionate about all the needs of the local community that a library serves. Whether providing Wi-Fi and computer access, or ability to read books about a topic or a quiet place to get work done quietly. I think one area that is often forgotten is the importance of the local public library.
Can you share your top 3 tips for solo traveller success?
1. Organisation. I find that organisation is the foundation for success, because without systems to stay organised it will lead to failure.
2. Natural curiosity. Don’t be close minded; want to learn and explore and see as much as possible. Ask questions, get out of your comfort zone and try new adventures. Go out and have a local meal at a local restaurant.
3. Positive attitude. Being positive and having a level of optimism will help make each day a great day. It is easy to focus on the negatives but take time each morning to appreciate what you have experienced.
Michael Vater is a seasoned lawyer and Managing Partner of The Ticktin Law Group in South Florida. His work has brought him across the US and several countries, often combining his passion for law with travel, photography, and writing. In 2025, he launched his blog ‘Traveling Lawyer’ to document his adventures.