What I've learned Traveling Alone
Leaving home and exploring new places can be scary. It can be especially scary if you are alone. But, I promise you that it's completely worth leaving the nest and conquering your fears. Here are five lessons I've learned about life and myself while traveling around the world alone.
YOU CAN DO IT
My first few trips alone included flights to and from Hawaii during college. Flying alone was scary at first, but I eventually grew more comfortable. As I began to travel more frequently and further from home I began to feel more comfortable traveling solo. At first, the most difficult aspect of solo travel was knowing that the further I traveled from home, the more alone I was. I knew I would need to be able to figure things out on my own. But each time I boarded a flight by myself, I knew that I would be fine and I would be able to conquer anything coming my way.
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
If it doesn't feel right, don't do it. If the food doesn't smell or look right, don't eat it. If you don't feel comfortable or safe, then remove yourself from the situation. I have learned that trusting your gut will help you navigate your way out of the wrong situations.
TAKE IT ALL IN
I had to let go of whatever preconceived ideas I had of how my trip was going to go. I have learned to just observe and take in every aspect of my surroundings. Allow the entire experience to shape you and mold you. Don't try to force an experience you read about in a magazine. Your experience will be uniquely your own.
GIRL POWER
I love observing women in other cultures. One thing that has really resonated with me during my travels is the way women in other countries carry themselves. I love to see women around the world raising children, working, and being fabulous. During my travels I have gained a stronger sense of what it means to be a woman in the world and how important and powerful we are.
IT'S THE MOST LIBERATING THING EVER
Travel is essential to my livelihood. I remember the first time I traveled to another country alone, I felt so liberated that it was overwhelming. There are pressures in our day to day lives we don't even realize exist until we completely remove ourselves. Traveling alone gives you an opportunity to freely be yourself.