A recent article in CNN says it all "Women find world, selves with solo travel." I couldn't agree more. I believe the movie and the book "Eat Pray Love" empowers women to explore the world by themselves and outside their comfortable back yard. (I'm looking forward to seeing the movie tomorrow with a girlfriend.)

Why do I love to travel? Let me count the ways! I'm inspired by the sheer adventure of traveling. To me, travel turns the world into bite-sized pieces,whether experienced as a solo traveler or with others.

Whether it's discovering the Garden of the Gods for the first time in my Colorado backyard, or zip-lining through the treetops of Thailand or swinging on a hammock in Puerto Rico; or motorcycling with a view of the Colorado mountains; or finding a new favorite wine in Chile; or chilling on the beach with my grandchildren.

Traveling with Family

Of course, I love the opportunity to travel with my family, my man and my friends, as I've written about many times. We've bonded during 22-people family reunion to Mexico in 2009 and earlier this year a winter adventure to YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch.

Traveling solo can be intimidating and oh so rewarding, but as a Traveling Grandmom, I find "me time" even more rewarding because it does allow me to explore ME and the rest of the world.

For example, earlier this year, I explored Thailand for the first time with a group of writers. However, at times, I wondered off by myself, and as I wrote in my TravelingInHeels.com blog.

"My visit to Thailand earlier this year included a stop on the island of Koh Samui. I actually was with a small group (2 other writers), but when they took off to do a several mile hike in the 100 plus degree heat, I passed. Instead I headed out on my own to the beach, rolled my towel out on the sand and proceeded to catch some island rays. While reclining, a group of young women (I believe from China) took an interest in me, probably because I was an American. They asked to take my picture, and each took turns posing with me for a picture. I then turned my camera on them. They didn't speak English; I didn't speak Chinese, but it was a fun moment with sign language and laughter. If I had been with a group or my family, I may have missed this opportunity."

Eat, Pray, Love Type Therapy

Travel is a form of therapy for me, most definitely, but more than that. Travel is seeing a new destination like Thailand --or a familiar one like downtown Denver-- with hungry eyes, eating local foods, and experiencing a fresh introduction to the local culture, and I love the view from here.

Find out more about my solo travel adventures at www.TravelingInHeels.com

So what do you think? Is travel a form of therapy for you? Do you enjoy traveling solo? Prefer traveling with your family? Afraid to travel alone? Have you empowered to do so by the Eat Pray Love movie? What is your dream vacation -- by yourself?

Please comment freely below -- I'd love to hear your thoughts!