TRAVELLING SINGLE

How a single, retired woman spent seven years seeing the world - and made an unexpected discovery

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When Meri Murphy retired in 2010 she made a big decision - to up sticks following her retirement and embrace what life had to offer.

Over the next seven years she travelled through the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and her home country of America. However it was her final stop in Estonia that turned out to be the most life-changing. Here, Meri reveals how she did it...

ON MY WAY

I travelled solo at age 29, and again at age 65. At age 29, I explored Europe for 10 months until my money ran out. I'd been terrified of so many unknowns back in 1974, but the experience confirmed my love of travel and my commitment to seeing the world. Life’s realities intervened with 40 responsible years as a clinical psychologist, 21 dedicated years as a parent, and 10 years as a wife. Knowing finances and time were the keys to my travel freedom, day one of retirement became my departure date. Seven extraordinary, self-indulgent years as a ‘retired nomad’ ensued, culminating in a miracle.

Planning was such pleasure, much aided by the internet. I vividly recall entertaining myself with months of luggage research. As departure date drew closer, I sold my house. My fantasy was that I'd travel forever, or at least as long as I wanted.

I DID IT

Five days following my earliest possible retirement date, I was on a plane to Istanbul, initiating my wise choice of always travelling with one-way tickets.