How I Built Solo Traveler Media: From Passion Project to a Growing Digital Brand

When I first started writing about solo travel, I wasn’t building a company - I was building connection. What began as a few travel reflections slowly evolved into Solo Traveler Media, a brand now encompassing SoloTraveler.org, the Solo Travel Society, and a range of free digital tools and resources empowering solo travelers around the world.

Today, Solo Traveler Media is both a media platform and a mission: to help anyone travel alone — confidently, safely, and affordably.

Why Solo Travel Deserved Its Own Media Ecosystem

Solo travel isn’t a trend; it’s a movement. Millions of people travel alone every year, and yet, much of the travel industry still markets to couples, families, and groups. I wanted to change that narrative - not by preaching independence, but by building a space where solo travelers feel seen and supported.

• SoloTraveler.org became the cornerstone — a blog filled with guides, insights, and tools created specifically for solo travelers.
• The Solo Travel Society, our community on social media, grew into a supportive network where people share experiences, safety advice, and stories from the road.

Together, they form the foundation of Solo Traveler Media — one that merges storytelling, advocacy, and technology.

The Purpose: Empowerment Through Information

Every article, guide, and resource on Solo Traveler Media has one goal: to make solo travel accessible and empowering for everyone.

We answer questions like:

• How can you save money as a solo traveler?
• What travel insurance is best if you’re going alone?
• Where can you find tours with no or low single supplements?
• What languages or phrases help you feel more confident abroad?

Our tone is practical, empathetic, and grounded in real experience — not aspirational luxury travel marketing. The mission is about making travel possible, not selling perfection.

Behind the Scenes: The Technical Foundation

Solo Traveler Media main website is built using Jekyll and the Bootstrap front-end framework. I’ve since expanded it using modern web technology:

• SoloTraveler.org runs on the fast and reliable Ghost(Pro) platform, emphasizing readability and accessibility.
• It will integrate with custom tools such as a Time Zone Converter and Packing Planner, built with JavaScript and hosted under tools.solotraveler.org.
• A future API at api.solotraveler.org will make solo travel data — like travel phrases, safety information, and no/low single supplement trips — freely available to developers, educators, and travel startups.

In short, it’s not just a media site - it’s an open digital platform designed for solo travel advocacy and innovation.

The Solo Travel Society: A Community with Purpose

The Solo Travel Society, our official social community, connects travelers on Facebook and beyond. Members share stories, ask for advice, and exchange real-time tips from around the world.

But what makes it special isn’t just numbers — it’s tone.

The Society isn’t about showing off; it’s about showing up. It’s about encouragement, safety, and shared joy in seeing the world independently.

And with weekly engagement posts, curated questions, and travel features, the community is as active as ever.

Where It’s Going Next

Solo Traveler Media is entering an exciting next chapter. Here’s where it’s headed:

1. Expanding the Blog — More in-depth destination guides, “Essential Phrases for Solo Travelers,” and interactive checklists.
2. Data & API Projects — Open data for solo travel, empowering creators and developers.
3. Solo-Friendly Directory — A curated listing of tours, hotels, and experiences welcoming solo travelers — free to access.
4. Educational Series — Guides on sustainable solo travel, digital safety, and affordable long-term travel.
5. Books & Newsletters — Including Brandon’s Curated Shortlist of Trips for Solo Travelers, published monthly.

Ultimately, I see Solo Traveler Media becoming the definitive home for solo travel knowledge — part publication, part platform, part movement.

Final Thoughts

Building Solo Traveler Media wasn’t just about content; it was about carving out space in an industry that often overlooks independent travelers.

If you’ve ever taken a trip alone — or dreamt of it — this project is for you.

Because solo travel isn’t about being alone. It’s about discovering how far you can go when you follow your own path.

Follow the Journey

You can explore more at SoloTraveler.org or join the conversation on The Solo Travel Society.