I Thought a Group Hiking Trip Would Ruin the Magic of Traveling Alone—Then 47 Miles Through the Austrian Alps and Italian Dolomites Showed Me a New Side of Solo Travel

I Thought a Group Hiking Trip Would Ruin the Magic of Traveling Alone—Then 47 Miles Through the Austrian Alps and Italian Dolomites Showed Me a New Side of Solo Travel

As a solo traveler on a two-week group trip, I found new friendships—and a new understanding of myself.Writer Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon with a scenic view in the Dolomites of South Tyrol, Italy.Credit: Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon/Travel + LeisureFive years ago, shell-shocked by a pandemic divorce, I took up backpacking. At first, it seemed like the worst idea I’d ever had (looking at you, Sweden). But then it proved to be one of the best (you again, Swe…