Well, here I go again on my own! Another epic adventure awaits. South of Spain is calling, Andalucia to be precise and the many cities and towns within its rich heritage, but this time, I’m flying solo!

This is the trip… or experience I should say… that I’ve yearned for most of my life. I’ve always wanted to go on my own little adventure and be at one with myself in solitude. I don’t know why it’s always gnawed at me for many years, but I need to explore why and scratch that itch. At this point in my life, it feels necessary.

It’s not that I have a burning desire to travel around Andalusia… I could be going anywhere; France, Italy, Germany etc, the destination doesn’t really matter, but at least I get the weather in that region for an October trip. This is more about the concept and the life experience surrounding it - to travel around an area on my own for a decent amount of time and feeling complete liberation.

People do more monumental solo excursions with more longevity and bravery to more exotic and wilder places, but I can only do what’s right for me, that fits my personality and responsibilities. I’ve always thought there is something to be said about travelling alone. It’s quite an empowering thing to do. I see it as a pilgrimage or a rite of passage in some way that broadens the mind to have a significant impact on your life. I’ve been heavily inspired by books/films like ‘Into the Wild’, ‘Wild’, ‘Tracks’ and ‘The Way’, feeling a close connection with the ideology behind it, even if a trip of that size has always felt beyond me.

Looking on the surface I guess the challenge of such a journey is a major factor. Can I navigate my way to all the destinations via trains and buses with potential language barriers? Can I handle staying in a few hostels with a potentially much younger crowd who may not be in the same mindset as me? I have never stayed in a hostel before either. At 43 years old you’d think I should let that particular experience be… but no, it’s part of the challenge! Can I travel with just two small backpacks with minimal clothing and a few other bits to last me for sixteen days, stripped back to a level I’m not accustomed to when it comes to holidays and travel adventures? Can I be comfortable enough on my own for a period of time? The latter point is probably the easiest part. It’s the rest that’s the test. I’m excited for the challenge and what it might bring, and I’m keeping myself open to anything. The route is locked in, and accommodation and trains have been booked, but who knows? I’m open to diversions if the wind changes.

I guess I’m kind of searching for answers again, and I have a feeling that this journey will shape me in some way. In what way, well that remains to be seen at this point. I don’t know what revelations I’ll get from it, but in my heart, I know that these sixteen nights will be of paramount importance to my life as I approach the third act. If you’ve read my novels, especially my first, you’ll know that being lost and finding oneself is a central theme. This is how I feel going into this. ‘Lost’ is maybe a strong word. Maybe it’s more about guidance and finding something different and a new direction that right now is unclear but will serve to drive me. It could be an altered mindset, an opportunity, a renewed energy or motivation, a moment of inspiration, or an epiphany… who knows? But I want to find out what my soul is looking for and why I have wanted to take a trip like this for nearly twenty five years.

It's been a testing year for various reasons, which is why this trip is coming at the right time. I am not going into details on specifics, but I’ve experienced heartache, stress and worry. But I’m becoming more of an optimist through this time because I’ve seen semi-miracles happen, surprising myself with how I’ve handled all that life has thrown at me these last eight months or so. I feel stronger, am continuing to get stronger, and I feel this trip is going to add to that inner strength I’m becoming more aware of having.

Decisions and thinking time are needed… to grow… to think… to change…to reconnect with my soul and to find out more about myself. This is a transitional point to become the best I can be, physically, mentally and creatively. A turning point is coming, and this trip will ignite that. I’m surrendering myself to destiny and fate and opening an unopened door to see what it has in store for me.

The trip as it stands will consist of sixteen nights around eight destinations. I’m mixing city breaks with reclusive towns and beach resorts, staying in a mixture of cheap and decent hotels, and hostels. I start by flying to Almeria for two nights. I then get a bus to Roquetas de Mar for a much-needed three-day chill in a semi-swanky four-star hotel by the beach. I then make my way via bus and train to Granada, which I’m very excited about exploring having heard many incredible things about the city. It’s at this point where I start to ‘rough it’ as I’ll be staying in a hostel for three nights. From there I take a train to Cordoba for one night in a hotel, and then a train to Ronda for one night back in a hostel, but one that overlooks the gorge the town is famed for. Then it’s back on the train to Malaga for two nights in a hostel. This was a late addition I’ve shoehorned into the trip as I wasn’t too fussed about staying in Malaga initially, but I have been told it is a wonderful, vibrant city, so am willing to add it to the list. I then have one night in the beautiful coastal town of Nerja from recommendations at work. I finish off with a three-night chill in a nice hotel in Torremolinos.

I am looking forward to the train journeys and taking in the beautiful countryside of Andalusia whilst travelling between places, all soundtracked to music that captures the essence and inspires me to immerse myself into the culture.

As always on these trips, I’ll document it the best I can. Firstly, to record it for my own purposes, but secondly, maybe someone somewhere will benefit from it in some way. And yes, I have an idea how this trip will formulate another novel that is separate from the Ricky Lever, ‘Lost in Manchester…’ saga. But I need to conclude that story first by finishing off the third book, and maybe… just maybe… make some serious headway on that labour of love whilst out there or have the renewed invigoration to attack it as soon as I return. I hope you enjoy the journey… Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride!