Embrace The Thrills and Triumphs of Solo Travel
My plane landed in Cancun, Mexico, at 11 PM local time, with a significant delay from San Francisco. As I stepped off the plane, my heart sank— I had missed my prearranged bus to my final destination, Tulum, and the last bus had left without me. Around me, fellow travelers hustled, each seeking an alternative ride. I was still determining whether I could leave Cancun at such a late hour.
Then, in a bizarre twist, while searching for a taxi, a driver walked off with my credit card still in hand, talking to other drivers, leaving me to dash across the terminal with my luggage in tow, unsure of his intentions. I anxiously awaited my miracle ride—an elusive beacon of hope amid uncertainty. Finally, after an eternity of bargaining, waiting, and grappling with my limited Spanish, I struck a deal with a taxi driver, albeit at a higher cost than anticipated.
Yet, despite the chaos, there was an undeniable thrill in the air—a sense of adventure flowing through my veins as I embarked on this improvised journey. I was the only lone female in that crowd, and even though I was exhausted, I wasn't terrified. In difficult times, when making decisions, something calm always takes over me that is beyond me. I don't think about the situation, only the next steps. I carry on and always land on the universe's best path.
When I finally arrived at my hotel, after a brief stop for a snack at an off-road store—since my driver was super friendly and nice—I was dazzled by the calm and welcoming atmosphere of the hotel's courtyard, which was filled with stone-covered paths and beautiful trees adorned with tiny, colorful lights. I remember the serene feeling; what a relief and beautiful sight to behold.
Talking about turning a delay into delight, when I shared my experience with the front desk, it led to an unexpected room upgrade and a grin that wouldn't quit. I thought to myself the real journey had already begun. I wouldn't have savored the arrival as much as I did if it hadn't been for all the events of my trip that day.
The following days, my daily bike rides to the beautiful beaches, stumbling upon ancient ruins by total coincidence, making new friends at local music scenes, and savoring delicious food were just a few of the exhilarating experiences that ensued.
I travel a lot, though not as often as I wish—and not exactly a travel junkie, but whenever the opportunity arises, I'm all in! It's like I'm making up for all those years of being chained to my desk, waiting for that precious 2-4 weeks of 'Flexible Time Off' to escape the daily grind. I'm sure many can relate to this. This was before the pandemic when remote work and digital nomad wasn't a thing.
I have simplified my spending habits by only investing in things that bring me joy and fulfillment. I cut out unnecessary expenses to focus on my passions. I have taken control of my own flexible time off by budgeting and planning. I prioritize educating myself about travel opportunities and strategically choosing my next destination for maximum optimization. This is the lifestyle I cultivate and happily share with those curious about how I make it happen.
I mostly travel solo, and while this concept may be more commonly accepted now than it was a decade ago, it remains a taboo topic for many, particularly for women adventurers. I am often asked how I handle and enjoy traveling by myself. I hope to provide some insights by gathering my notes and sharing my experiences.
When we travel, we often eat out, engage more in sightseeing, and spend more time walking and exploring on foot. Naturally, having a travel companion is more pleasant and fun. I recently took a lovely vacation with my besties to Mexico. It was more fun and engaging than I expected, compromising and all. We all had a fantastic time doing fun things, including a tequila-tasting tour that wouldn't have been nearly entirely filled with laughter and craziness alone.
While having travel companions can add excitement, especially during meals out or excursions, I've discovered that after a whirlwind of adventure, I crave my own sanctuary of peace and quiet. In these moments of solitude, I ponder, reflect, and even feel more inspired to write, embracing the freedom and serenity of solo traveling.
Navigating the world solo is an exhilarating adventure. It allows me to set my own pace, from eating to exploring, sleeping to sightseeing. This freedom is truly priceless.
Despite the excitement that comes with the journey of self-discovery, there may be times when one can feel a sense of loneliness, making coping tricky. Therefore, I make it a point to meet friends along the way or take advantage of opportunities to meet new people and expand my social network abroad.
Last year, while traveling through South France, I met up with a group of ex-pats artists in Montpellier at a cafe via a social media group. Later that evening, we met at a lively restaurant, which became a fantastic night out.
“Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet” -William Butler Yeats.
While I cherish these moments of connection, I've discovered that in the absence of companionship, I can still foster growth and learning through reflection and writing. I find joy and fulfillment in both solitude and connection.
When I travel, I don't pressure myself to be constantly on the go. Some days, or even a few hours, are meant to simply chill out, catch up on my readings, or indulge in my favorite YouTube channels for inspiration.
After years of hustling in the corporate world, I've learned that the perfect moment to pursue our dreams is always now. We're constantly making promises to ourselves—to be more productive, to achieve more, and to find that special someone—all in pursuit of the adventures, projects, or relationships we've been dreaming of. But what if that moment never comes? It's time to seize the moments and make our dreams a reality, starting right now.
I do not encourage unplanned or spontaneous actions all the time. For instance, Istanbul is a frequent destination for me since I have my own place and absolutely adore this diverse, beautiful city. Although it comes with challenges, I am now more comfortable in my skin as I am more familiar with the place, so being alone is even less of an issue when traveling solo there due to familiarity.
So, no matter how spontaneous you are when traveling alone, familiarizing yourself with your destination's surroundings and understanding your available resources are vital keys to making your trip more enjoyable and fulfilling. For instance, learning even a few words of the local language goes a long way in communication, making one feel more welcomed and even being less taken advantage of in less developed territories.
In my experience, something is empowering about traveling alone and making new connections. It's like writing your own song and creating your own music rather than singing someone else's words. Both can produce everlasting results, but one will forever change your soul.
Of course, traveling with a like-minded partner or friend can be pleasant and memorable. But traveling on your own is beyond just creating a fun memory. It could change how you apply your new experiences to improve the quality of your daily life. Certainly, it has changed mine, allowing me to overcome worries and make significant decisions in my life, with less fear and hesitance.
"Traveling alone will be the scariest, most liberating, life-changing experience of your life. Try it at least once!" – Unknown.
Solo travel is a transformative journey and not about simply ticking off destinations. You chart your own course and discover yourself along the way. Every twist and turn brings forth a new learning. It's about embracing freedom, independence, flexibility, empowerment, and connections with the world on your own terms. Traveling alone is naturally more adventurous, as you're solely responsible for creating your happenings and writing your own everlasting tales.