Female Tourist Rediscovers Herself While Cycling in Vietnam
Exploring Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and India by bicycle helped a British woman reclaim her sense of freedom, reconnect with her former self, and embrace the things she had once missed.
Caitlin Limmer, 53, from Twickenham, England, embarked on a solo cycling adventure across Asia. She described it as an emotional journey that completely transformed her life.
In 2021, Limmer left her job to care for her husband, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The responsibility took a heavy emotional toll on the mother of two. To rediscover herself and heal mentally, Limmer booked a tour with a travel company that specializes in experiences for solo travelers.
For her, the journey wasn’t just about physical activity—it brought freedom, healing, a sense of belonging, and a reconnection with her former self. To date, the British traveler has completed three cycling trips: Sri Lanka in 2021, Vietnam in 2022, and a two-week ride through southern India in 2024.
Each trip presented new challenges, from scorching heat to difficult terrain. In return, they offered her peace, a goal to strive for, and the social connection she had lost in daily life while caring for her husband.
“I knew I needed a completely new experience in life, as reality had become overwhelming,” said Limmer, adding that the journey opened up a new world and a new life of her own.
After a fulfilling trip in Sri Lanka, Limmer sought a more active adventure. That’s why she chose Vietnam and spent most of her time exploring it by bicycle. She had plenty of opportunities to rest, stop for drinks, and enjoy cultural experiences along the way.
The trip to India took Limmer through coastlines, mountains, and villages, stopping at waterfalls and sampling local cuisine. Each tour typically includes a group of 10 to 12 people, allowing her to make new friends. On these journeys, she found a space to share emotions with like-minded individuals—something she could no longer do with her husband due to his illness.
One of the things Limmer appreciates most about these cycling tours is that participants don’t need to be highly trained or in peak physical condition. She cycles about six times a year on average but still manages to complete the tours comfortably.
Limmer also shared that one reason she chose Vietnam was that her husband had a fear of flying, so they had never traveled far together. Now drawn to Eastern cultures, she decided to take these trips to make up for lost time.
“I chose these destinations because they’re far from England, where time seems to slow down,” Limmer said. In Vietnam and Sri Lanka, she felt she had returned to her original personality—something she had lost while at home.
Limmer’s adventures weren’t just an escape from daily life—they were vital for her mental well-being. The trips helped her realize what she had missed and what she truly desired. She believes that without these journeys, she might never have found herself again or been able to look forward to the future.
Alison Butler, director of the travel company where Limmer booked her tours, said that cycling through a new country gives travelers a sense of freedom. The fresh air, time spent outdoors, and a break from routine all contribute to emotional uplift and better sleep.
Cycling allows for a very different kind of experience—smelling the earth, chatting with locals as you pass through villages, taking in the scenery, and breathing deeply.
For those new to travel or solo adventures and thinking about trying something like this, Limmer encourages, “Just do it—you won’t regret it.”
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