THE SOLO TRAVELLER
Independence, passion, and lifelong memories.
The Loneliness Question – A Health and Wellbeing Series
Rose with two extremely attentive Macaws in Rio Curato, Costa Rica. Photographer: Andrés Quirós.
Road Scholar Ambassador, Rose Vigdal
A Solo Traveller Q&A
After 20 rewarding years in development for not-for-profit organisations, Rose is now embracing the joys of retirement. Over the course of her career, she worked with diverse organisations to create lasting impact and build meaningful relationships with donors and communities alike.
Now, Rose is dedicating her time to exploring the world, with a special passion for learning through travel. As an enthusiastic Road Scholar participant, she has ventured to various corners of the globe, enriching her understanding of cultures, history, and the world around her. With a deep love for adventure and a commitment to lifelong learning, she is enthusiastically sharing Road Scholars’ mission of inspiring adults to learn, discover and travel as an ambassador!
When did you first decide to travel with Road Scholar?
I was fortunate to have a family friend who worked for Road Scholar and shared all the benefits of the program with me. Listening to her stories, the ease of travel combined with rich, educational experiences, sparked something in me. I remember thinking, “When I retire, I’m travelling with Road Scholar.” That idea stayed with me, and now I’m living it.
What is it about a Road Scholar journey that feels different from other travel experiences?
It’s the learning. Every journey feels layered with meaning. The guides are local, passionate, and deeply connected to the places you visit. They don’t just show you around, they bring each destination to life through stories, insight, and personal experiences.
How does it feel arriving on your own, and how quickly does that sense of traveling solo change?
The word that comes to mind is ‘confidence’. From the moment you arrive, everything feels manageable. Whether you take arranged transportation or navigate on your own, there’s a sense of ease. And it doesn’t take long before ‘solo travel’ shifts into something more connected, you’re part of a group, sharing the journey together.
Have you formed friendships through Road Scholar that have stayed with you beyond the journey?
Absolutely, yes! When like-minded people come together, connections happen naturally. You quickly discover shared interests and life experiences, and those bonds often last well beyond the trip. Staying in touch feels effortless because the connection is genuine.
Erin, Rose and Carla on their Costa Rican adventure.
Is there a particular trip or moment that has stayed with you?
Costa Rica, embracing pura vida (pure life). I enrolled in Road Scholar’s ‘Digital Photography in Nature: Capturing the Best of Costa Rica’, and our small group ventured into Cerro de la Muerte in Los Quetzales National Park. This remarkable area marks the highest point along the Costa Rican stretch of the Inter-American Highway, where we entered a breathtaking cloud forest reserve.
Known for its unique ecosystem, the landscape felt almost magical, mist drifting through the trees, vibrant flora and fauna everywhere you looked. One of the most unforgettable moments was standing on the Continental Divide, where the Atlantic and Pacific slopes meet. To stand in that quiet, enchanting place on both sides at once was surreal. It’s a moment I’ll carry with me forever.
Left: The breathtaking cloud forest reserve in Costa Rica; and The Continental Divide, where the Atlantic and Pacific slopes meet. Photographer: Rose Vigdal.
Travel can take on new meanings at different stages of life. What does it represent for you now?
Now that I’m retired, travel represents freedom and possibility. The goals I once dreamed about are now within reach. I have the time to explore, to learn, and to fully immerse myself in each experience.
Road Scholar brings together people who are curious and engaged with the world. How do those shared qualities shape your experiences?
It adds incredible depth. When you travel with curious, engaged people, every conversation becomes part of the journey. You see things differently, notice what others notice, and learn from perspectives you may have missed. It turns each experience into something richer and more meaningful.
Have your travels changed the way you see yourself or your place in the world?
I’ve always been an extrovert, but travel has deepened my ability to connect. It’s reinforced how open and welcoming the world can be, and how easy it is to find common ground.
For those who may be hesitant about travelling solo later in life, what would you say to them?
Solo travel is an invitation to celebrate your independence, rediscover your sense of wonder, and reconnect with who you are or who you’re becoming. And it’s not lonely, in fact, it can be the opposite. You may find yourself more connected than ever. The world is waiting, and you might be surprised by how much you love the view from your own perspective. Whether you’re dreaming big or just dipping your toes in, it’s never too late. You only live once, why not make it an adventure?
“Whether you’re dreaming big or just dipping your toes in, it’s never too late. You only live once, why not make it an adventure?”
When you look ahead to your next journey, what excites you most about setting off?
The sense of possibility. The spontaneity. The chance to say ‘Yes!’ to something unexpected and to share those moments with new friends. Every trip feels like the start of a new story, and I can’t wait to see where the next one leads.
To learn more, visit the Road Scholar website here.