Breaking Free: Why I Chose to Travel Alone

If you didn’t catch my brief introduction, I’ve been traveling solo for almost eight years. Throughout every trip I’ve taken, people have asked me why I’m traveling alone. It’s interesting to reflect on how my answer to that question has evolved since I first started traveling.

Initially, I started traveling solo, like many others do, because I got tired of waiting for others to join me. I have a great small circle of friends, but we all have different lifestyles and responsibilities. I admit that it took me a while to come to terms with that. Over time, I realized that I couldn’t spend my whole life waiting around and wishing. Shortly after, I started researching and scouring the web for solo female traveler blogs and became inspired. So many women are out there exploring the world alone, and I figured if they could do it, so could I! From that moment forth, I have set out to see the world. And I believe it or not, I am! Crazy right?

The actual “crazy” part started when I expressed my plans with family and friends. I’m from a small town where most of my loved ones have never been outside the United States. So, little old me flying to foreign countries alone was a bit too much to digest. Initially, it was rough, my cellphone bill was outrageous from calling and checking in so much. Nowadays, it’s more of an afterthought; I often receive a casual, “Be safe and bring me a shot glass.”

Which brings us to the present.

As I sit aboard this tight economy seat headed towards Reykjavik, my two seat-mates have just asked me one of my beloved questions. My neighbors were a mother-daughter combo who seemed just as excited as I was to be headed to the icy island in the sea. After take-off, they realize it’s a bushy-haired black girl next to them. Is she also going to Iceland? And alone on top of that?

I do admit that sometimes I tell a small lie about meeting friends when I want to be undisturbed.

Today, however, I was wide awake and didn’t mind sharing my reasons for traveling alone. I’ve found that I typically encounter one of two reactions:

A. “How cool! You really travel solo?” (They think I’m the bravest and coolest person ever, eager to hear my stories and ask many questions. They might even give me their number to call if I run into any trouble while I’m there.) or

B. “Are you serious? Oh my god, why?!” (They think I’m crazy and view me as a complete loser with no friends. I can see the tight, fake smile, as they clearly want to keep their distance from what they perceive as a weirdo.)

Of course, I received a mix of reactions. The teenager was fascinated that I had traveled alone to many places and wanted to hear all about my travels in Europe. After graduation, she plans on backpacking through France and Spain. On the other hand, the mom reacted similarly to an older concerned adult. She wanted to know where my friends were, why I was going to all these “exotic” places alone, and what was wrong with me.  Today, with two pairs of wide eyes glaring at me, I decided to delve deeper into why I still currently travel solo and why I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I travel solo simply because I want to.  For those days that I’m out and about exploring, I get to be me. I get to be selfish and scared and every emotion in between. With every journey that I take, I grow as a person and learn more about myself. I learn about others and their way of life. Every interaction enhances my awareness and presence. Little by little, I am less ignorant and more open-minded.

Revealing the untruths and recognizing that many things I’ve been taught are fictional. Allowing my intuition and instincts to guide me. Meeting new people and learning how to become a better person. Embracing the vulnerability of relying on strangers can truly unveil the beauty of unexpected kindness. Understanding that not all people are bad and maintaining my faith in humanity.

I’ve never been one of those people who had a clear plan for life. I often envied those who knew what they wanted to do and actually pursued it. I simply crave adventure and mystique of the unknown. I’m thrilled to embrace my journey, even if it’s not perfectly defined; it’s liberating to simply let go and enjoy the ride. I get to be me and be with my favorite person, and there is no greater happiness to me.