After years of feeling restrained by societal expectations and personal struggles, Minreet Kaur’s recent solo trip to New York City during Christmas marked a significant turning point in her life. It was her first visit since a painful divorce 15 years ago, a time when she felt isolated and judged by her community for ending her marriage. But this time, New York proved to be a city of new beginnings, offering her an unexpected sense of joy and freedom.
A City of New Beginnings
Minreet had never imagined returning to New York. Her first visit had been marked by sadness, attending a family wedding while quietly battling the emotional scars of her divorce. Raised in a strict Punjabi household where women are often judged harshly for their marital status, Minreet had felt like an outsider. But as her 43rd birthday approached, she realized that life had passed her by since the divorce, and it was time to reclaim it. After a transformative solo trip to Sri Lanka, where she found her independence, she decided to venture to the Big Apple once more—this time alone.
Christmas in New York, typically filled with family celebrations, seemed like a daunting prospect for a solo traveler. Surrounded by couples and families enjoying the holiday season, Minreet feared the loneliness that often accompanies solo travel. But as soon as she arrived in Manhattan, her worries began to melt away. The city, alive with energy and holiday cheer, welcomed her in a way she hadn’t anticipated.
Embracing the City
Minreet’s solo adventure began in Jackson Heights, where she savored masala chai and an amritsari kulcha. It was a small but meaningful connection to her heritage, and it set the tone for a trip that would be filled with discovery. She made her way to Times Square, where she caught MJ: The Musical, a performance that transported her back to her school days and filled her with an infectious sense of joy. Though surrounded by couples, Minreet found herself swept up in the performance, dancing and enjoying the moment as if the world around her had disappeared.
During the show, Minreet struck up a conversation with a couple from Washington, D.C., who shared their stories of visiting New York during the holidays. The encounter was a reminder that, even in a city known for its fast pace and sometimes impersonal nature, there are opportunities for connection. Throughout her trip, Minreet found herself chatting with strangers from around the world, including a woman from Arizona on a solo day trip and a man from Saudi Arabia studying in New York. She met other solo travelers, including a woman who had also experienced a divorce and spoke of the newfound freedom that came with being single.
Finding Solace in Solo Exploration
There were moments of reflection during the trip—times when Minreet wished for someone to share the experience with, particularly when visiting iconic places like The Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in New York City. But instead of dwelling on loneliness, she found solace in the faces of strangers who shared in her wonder. From the hustle of exploring the city to the quiet moments of introspection, Minreet embraced the freedom that came with being alone, appreciating the independence she had long sought.
Each day in New York was filled with adventure. Minreet walked between 25,000 and 30,000 steps daily, making the most of her time in the city by visiting top attractions, including the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, and the Statue of Liberty ferry. She stayed in Midtown at the Concorde Hotel for the quintessential Manhattan experience, and found affordable accommodation at the TWA Hotel at JFK for a few nights. The CityPass was a handy tool for ticking off the city’s must-see spots, allowing her to navigate the bustling city with ease.
A Final Memory at Central Park
Minreet’s trip culminated with a visit to Central Park, where she tried ice skating for the first time at the iconic rink. Though initially intimidated by the crowds, she found support and encouragement from a group of women visiting from Atlanta. One of them remarked, “You’re very brave to be on a solo trip and trying out skating—it’s inspiring.” This moment of connection and self-empowerment underscored the growth Minreet had experienced throughout her journey.
Her New York trip was more than just a vacation—it was a journey of self-discovery. It reaffirmed her belief that as a solo traveler, she could live her life on her terms, free from societal expectations and judgments. In reflecting on her journey, Minreet recognized that her sense of freedom was the greatest gift of all. As she looks ahead, she’s already planning her next solo adventure—visiting the places she once dreamed of going with her ex-husband: Hawaii, Las Vegas, and San Francisco.
For Minreet, this trip was a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful experiences come when you step out of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown.
Related topics:
Track Santa’s Christmas Eve Journey with NORAD
American Airlines Resumes Flights After Christmas Eve Ground Stop
Christmas Lives Year-Round in These U.S. Towns