I felt a
mixture of fear and exhilaration when I boarded my first solo flight.
There were
plenty of unknowns as a female traveler traveling solo, but I felt deep down
that this trip would permanently change who I was.
Here are 5 important lessons that shaped not only my travels but also who I am, ten countries later.
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| 5 Lessons I Learned After Visiting 10 Countries Solo |
5 Lessons I Learned
1. You Are Stronger Than You Think
Thailand was
the first place I traveled alone. I recall arriving in Bangkok totally lost and
without someone to turn to. I became aware that I had no one else to rely on
but myself all over that panic attack.
And you know
what? I worked it out. In addition to managing food trucks and finding my
hostel, I also learned how to say "hello" and "thank you" in Thai.
I learned
from that experience that being strong is about showing up in spite of fear,
not about never feeling it.
2. Trusting Your Gut Is a Superpower
I was in a
bazaar in Istanbul when a vendor was a little too pushy. Something didn't feel
quite right, so I smiled, said no, and turned to leave.
After
following my gut and leaving the area, I learned from other tourists that this
market was famous for tourist frauds.
Make
advantage of our sixth sense as a tool. Trust your instincts when picking who
to talk to or how to go home. Rarely is it incorrect.
3. People Are Kinder Than the Media Tells You
Yes, it is
necessary to take caution. However, fear shouldn't prevent you from
appreciating people's appearance. I got lost while trekking alone in Portugal.
After
noticing my confusion, a friendly older couple used gestures and warm smiles to
help me find my way back to the correct trail without using any English.
From a
stranger in Peru who helped me catch a bus I was going to miss to a woman in
India who shared her lunch with me, I have seen kindness in the most unlikely
places on earth.
4. Alone Doesn’t Mean Lonely
There were
times when I ate by myself in Rome, explored art museums in Paris, or sat by
myself at a temple in Bali to watch the sunset. Still, I felt satisfied.
Full of
energy, happiness, and freedom and solo female travel teaches you to be
satisfied with your own company.
5. Freedom Is Addictive and Beautiful
The ability
to wake up every day and make your own decisions? It is beyond description.
Just you and the world, no plans to match, no sacrifices.
I once suddenly changed my entire schedule to travel to Japan to see the cherry blossoms, and it turned out to be one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
Society
frequently advises women to follow the rules, be cautious, and keep small. Even
so, I discovered through travel that freedom is a precious birthright.
Bonus Reflections From the Road
I no longer apologized for taking space.
I developed the ability to say "no" with assurance and "yes" without fear.
I came to the realization that I could live my goal without a travel companion.
Planning Your First Solo Trip?
The following
are some beginner-friendly locations for solo female travel,
Portugal - Safe, scenic, and friendly
Japan - Clean, respectful culture
Costa Rica - Nature and adventure
New Zealand - Stunning landscapes and super safe
Italy - Food, art, and passion
Final Thoughts
Sole female
travel is an inward journey rather than merely crossing off countries or
collecting passport stamps.
I learned a
little more about bravery, resiliency, and self-love in each of the countries
that I traveled to.
The answer to
the question of whether it is suitable for women to travel alone is “YES”.
Do it out of
fear. Do it unsurely. Because the teachings that await you on the other side
are worth every step, just go ahead and do it.
Have you or do you want to travel alone? Please share your story in the comments section.
Read: A
Week in Thailand as a Solo Female Traveler - What I Learned
