ME! by Peter West Carey, July 2009, Chicago
“You’re traveling alone? Aren’t you lonely?” I hear this countless times while traveling solo and it’s always in a tone of amazement. I simply reply with a smile and, “I’m traveling alone, not lonely.”
My name is Jennifer Huber (additional pen name: JA Huber) and I’m just your average forty-something-year-old gal living life solo. It wasn’t always that way but as life takes its twists and turns, I’ve found myself navigating this world alone. Rather than waiting for Mr. Right or finding a travel buddy to coordinate vacation schedules with, I’ve decided rather than giving up what I love – the adventure of travel – to embrace traveling solo.
I’ve worked in the tourism industry for nearly 20 years including 10 years with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley and Everglades National Parks. I stumbled into the tour and travel industry by taking a hiking trail which led down a career path and I currently live in Southwest Florida working in the tourism industry. Business and personal trips have taken me throughout the United States including some of my favorite destinations as Portland, Oregon; Asheville, N.C.; and New York. Curiosity led me to Afghanistan, Cuba and Japan to understand the cultures. With easy access to the Southeastern United States, I enjoy discovering the region’s quirky, offbeat attractions.
Over the years I have met amazing and inspiring women who each in their own way encouraged me to push my travel boundaries. Their empowerment has been contagious and continues to nurture my confidence when I hit the road for another adventure. I admit to still having uncomfortable butterflies when dining alone in a chichi restaurant or participating in an activity geared towards couples or families but I shrug off my insecurities and indulge in the moment of discovery and adventure.
I was named one of the “50 Travel Twitterers You Should Follow” in December 2008 by Christopher Elliott and “50 to Follow for Live Tweets from the Inauguration” by GeekGirl.me. WE Magazine for Women included me in their “101 Inspiring Women Bloggers to Watch in 2010.”
Make no mistake, I don’t take myself seriously yet I hope followers of SoloTravelGirl.com are inspired to shed their fears and travel solo. Welcome and enjoy the ride!
My personal blog is QuirkyKitschGirl.com and while living in Tallahassee, I kept QKGTallahassee.com. And, I contribute to Suite101, Yahoo! Contributor Network and the Southwest Florida Parrot. I was lead blogger for Resort Rentals International (Feb. 2009 – June 2011). Keep track of it all over on FriendFeed.com/jahuber.
I’m available for blogging and social media projects. Drop me a line here!
