A Solo Traveler’s Journey Through Normandy

The celebrations surrounding the 80th anniversary of the Second World War D-Day invasion may have come and gone, but after visiting the beaches of Normandy and the surrounding areas, what happened there now holds a special place in my heart.

As a WWII enthusiast since I was a kid, I’ve watched just about every film about the deadliest war in history and read extensively on the subject. I even volunteered to lecture on WWII in an undergrad history class. Naturally, traveling to Normandy had been a lifelong dream — one of those bucket-list trips you know you’ll get to someday. But like many solo travelers, I kept pushing it off. Coordinating the logistics, the driving, and the sheer amount of ground to cover felt overwhelming — especially without anyone to split the planning with.

This year, with vacation time in hand and the realization that life doesn’t wait, I decided it was finally time to go. But I needed a way to make the trip meaningful and manageable — so I chose a guided group tour.

Why Choose a Guided Tour as a Solo Traveler

Though I love traveling alone, my research quickly revealed that exploring Normandy independently would require constant navigation, long drives, and careful timing. I wanted to absorb history — not worry about parking or directions.

A guided tour began to feel less like a compromise and more like the perfect fit. I could let someone else handle logistics while I focused on soaking in the stories and stepping onto the very ground I’d read about for decades. And, as a solo traveler, the idea of joining a group that shared my interest in WWII added a layer of comfort and camaraderie I hadn’t anticipated.

After comparing several options, I discovered a journey created specifically for the 80th anniversary. Even better, there were still spots available during a season when many WWII tours were already sold out. The France Magnifique tour sealed the deal.

The itinerary promised something deeper than just the beaches: London’s WWII history, a Channel crossing mirroring the Allied route, villages like Sainte-Mère-Église, and museums that told the story from every angle. And as I would soon find out, traveling with a knowledgeable guide and a group of like-minded explorers enriched the experience in ways I never expected.

London: A Solo Traveler’s Starting Point

We began in London, with a mix of free time and guided exploration. As a solo traveler, I enjoyed the balance — it gave me space to wander yet anchored me with group activities, so I never felt alone unless I wanted to be. A few of us broke away to visit the Churchill War Rooms, an underground network where hundreds worked around the clock during the Blitz. Walking those narrow halls, I realized how much I valued having fellow travelers to share these moments with — people who understood the gravity of what we were seeing.

Retracing History with Company

On day three, we headed to Portsmouth, the departure point for nearly 150,000 Allied troops. The D-Day Story Museum offered tangible insight into the planning and sheer scale of Operation Overlord. After an overnight stay, we boarded a ferry and crossed the English Channel.

Standing on the viewing deck, watching Portsmouth fade behind us, I couldn’t help but reflect on how different this crossing was for the soldiers. And yet — another benefit of group travel — I had others to process that emotion with. Conversations flowed easily among people who’d come on this journey for similar reasons.

German mortar pit and bunker at Juno Beach

Sainte-Mère-Église and Omaha Beach

As we approached the June 6 anniversary, towns were already draped in Allied flags. In Sainte-Mère-Église, the famous paratrooper effigy hung from the steeple, honoring the soldier who became an accidental symbol of the invasion.

Walking Omaha Beach was something I’ll never forget. With the group nearby, I had both company and solitude — space to reflect, but also the reassurance that I wasn’t processing the experience alone.

Omaha Beach Reviewing Stand (2024)

Omaha Beach on a quiet day.

The Power of Traveling Solo

What surprised me most was how naturally the group dynamic formed. On transportation, at meals, and during long walks, conversations flowed easily. We swapped stories, shared discoveries, and learned from each other’s perspectives. For a solo traveler, it felt like the best of both worlds: independence when you wanted it, connection when you welcomed it.

By the time we returned to London to head home, I realized how much richer the journey had been because I wasn’t navigating it alone.

Why Normandy Means More Now

Returning home just before June 6, I found myself re-watching WWII films — Band of Brothers, The Longest Day, and others I’d seen countless times. But now, everything hit differently. I’d stood where they stood. I’d walked the sands, seen the cliffs, and visited the cemeteries. The history felt alive in a way books and movies could never replicate.

For anyone who feels even a spark of curiosity about WWII history, I can’t recommend this journey enough. Guided travel gave me the confidence to pursue a trip I might never have taken otherwise, and it added layers of meaning that I’ll carry with me forever.

For me, this trip was decades in the making. And I’m already planning my return for the 85th anniversary.