IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE - GO TRAVEL SOLO
- Feb 20
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 22
Traveling solo can be a life-changing experience. Booking your first solo trip can be intimidating, yet exhilarating. Knowing you will be on your own. No one to answer to. No one to wait for. But also no one to talk to. No one to guide you. No one to help.
People often perceive solo travel as a lonely experience, but for many who have tried it, myself included, it can be quite the opposite. It's a break from your regular life, where you choose your own adventure- no rules, nothing and no one to hold you back. A chance to truly engage with the outside world because you aren't sheltered in your bubble with your partner or travel companions. In a day and age where social media reins supreme, being alone is vulnerable because it is obvious.
And that is why solo travel goes beyond travel to a journey of self-discovery.
MY FIRST SOLO TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
My first trip only happened because I had booked a trip with my friend but her mom became ill, so we canceled. The ticket had one year to re-book but our schedules wouldn't match, and I couldn't find anyone else to go with me. As the expiration date neared, I didn't want the ticket to go to waste, so, encouraged by friends and family, I chose to book my first solo trip. It was not my first time being alone while abroad, once while studying abroad and once on a trip to Europe, I had spent one or two days alone when my classmates or travel companion had to leave early. But this was the first time I intentionally planned to travel solo the whole trip. I was a nervous wreck packing and didn't sleep at all the night before, but I did manage to convince myself to get on the plane.
Here is how I felt about my first solo trip back in 2012....
I slowly opened my eyes and for a brief moment, forgot where I was. The blackout curtains in my hotel kept the room in pitch blackness, so it took a moment for my vision to adjust and see that I was, in fact, in a hotel. I glanced at the clock which registered 9:11am, and my tired body, weary from my late night arrival, had apparently needed some sleep. I sat up and yawned, stretched my arms, and got up to crack the curtains and let some sunlight pour in. I got back into bed and let the fact that I was all alone in this strange foreign city, sink in.
I had five days booked in Barcelona, and no itinerary planned; although being the somewhat Type A person I am, I had done enough research to see what kinds of activities I could take in. It took me some time to shower and get dressed, somewhat relishing in the fact that I could go at my own slow pace because, for once, there was no one waiting for me. But also partly because the thought of actually leaving the safety of my hotel room and venturing out on my own was somewhat terrifying. I didn’t speak the language, I had a terrible sense of direction, and I had no one to help me. (Oh the lack of internet! I had Sprint at this time, and it didn't have an international plan, so I had no internet off of wifi). I changed my outfit multiple times, stressing on the weather, what was stylish here, what might draw wanted attention, but not unwanted attention. I checked my email. I scrolled through Facebook. I made some coffee since I had been too lazy to make it to the buffet breakfast. I almost cried for a moment when I thought about the fact I was here alone.
I took so long it was almost noon by the time I was finally ready to open and walk out the door. My heart was racing, but I got in the elevator and finally walked through the lobby and outside. On my way I was greeted with a good afternoon and a smile by the man at reception. It helped relax me a bit.
The sun was shining and people were casually walking down the street, like in any city on the planet. I admired the beautiful architecture and decided my first order of business was to go to a café and have a bite to eat. I was hungry and that seemed manageable, even though the prospect of eating alone seemed uncomfortable. I walked down the street until I saw a table free at a sidewalk cafe on a somewhat crowded street. I awkwardly sat down thinking everyone would stare at me for coming alone. A couple people glanced at me, but overall, people were engaged in their own conversations and paid me little attention.
The waiter came over and first addressed me in Spanish (or maybe Catalan?) which made me feel great to think he thought I was local. I fumbled out an Hola! with a smile, then promptly forgot my basic Spanish, and said "Sorry, but do you speak English?" He laughed and switched immediately to English, and asked if I'd like to order something. I ordered a water and a sandwich, and he walked away leaving me nervously trying to look like I had something to do on my phone. I eyed the people in the cafe wondering if they were all local or where they were from, and if they had ever dined alone.
After having lunch, I walked because I was too scared to get into a taxi or bus or subway (and this was pre-rideshare so that wasn't an option). As mentioned, I had an immensely terrible sense of direction, and was terrified of getting lost, but somehow I managed to find my way to Casa Milo, one of the famous Antoni Gaudi buildings, using the walking map from the hotel. I was mesmerized by the Modernist architecture- it seemed magical that it could exist in real life, and that I was actually there to see it.
By mid-afternoon I stopped thinking everyone was staring at me.
I got lost multiple times, but managed to find my way again.
When I accidentally found myself on Las Ramblas, I decided it was time to sit and have a sangria. Because why not?! While sipping my beverage, a guy was sitting across from me. He must've overheard me speaking English to the waiter, because soon after he turned and asked me where I was from. I was overjoyed to have someone speak to me. It turns out he was also a traveler. We moved to sit closer to each other. He said he was there with friends, but suggested I could join them later, so we exchanged contact information, and I feigned trying to not look so excited to have someone to hang out with.
So I didn't manage to do much my first day. But the feeling that I made it through the day - that I had wandered around a foreign city in another country, on my own, and made it back to my hotel with a day full of new experiences and possibly a new friend- was totally exhilarating. It was more than exhilarating - it was empowering. I realized I was far more capable of doing things on my own, than I ever imagined. I have control over my own life- I did not need anyone to help me- I can do things on my own if I want to. I just need the courage to try.
WHY SOLO TRAVEL CHANGED MY LIFE
Having a solo travel experience truly changed my life. I went from wondering if I might have opportunities to see the world, to knowing I have that opportunity anytime I want to. All I have to do is book the ticket, get on the plane, and go. Of course there is a lot that goes into opportunities to travel-be it scheduling, finances, responsibilities, timing, etc. But my mindset is what went from an IF to a NOW. And no one can take away from me. Knowing I have this unlimited freedom to be independent and adventurous abroad, translated into my life at home. I became less fearful, less afraid, less hesitant in all aspects of my life. As a very shy person, this was that boost of confidence that I needed. I just wish I had done it sooner.
But the benefits go beyond confidence- I now have a long history of experiences I never would have if I hadn't taken that first step to travel alone.
Travel can be messy, so I've learned to be more patient and adaptable to changing situations.
I've become more reliant on my problem-solving skills and ability to switch gears when plans fall through, or when an interesting opportunity arises.
I've developed knowledge from learning history and culture from real life, and critical thinking and language skills from navigating conversations with people of different backgrounds.
I've developed a network of friends all over the world, and felt the spark of romantic relationships.
I've captured beautiful photography, and cultivated treasured memories of places I never dreamed I would visit.
I've learned that a smile and friendly nature breaks down the barriers of language and cultural differences.
I've inspired others to travel, and felt joy at having some small part in changing someone's life.
And this is all because I decided I didn't need to live a life always waiting for someone to go.
So if you haven't already traveled alone, what's stopping you? Take this as your cue to book a trip, and change your life!
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