As excited as I was to embrace this new life of travel after quitting my corporate job, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't absolutely terrified. Despite years of dreaming about exploring the world, the prospect of actually doing it alone as a solo female traveler was petrifying.
All the worries and "what-ifs" flooded my mind in the weeks leading up to my first international trip to Bali. What if I get robbed or attacked? What if I get lost and can't communicate? What if I hate being alone that much? A million worst-case scenarios played on loop, feeding my anxieties.
I had always considered myself a fairly confident, independent person. But the idea of navigating unfamiliar places and cultures entirely by myself was pushing me way out of my comfort zone. My friends and family didn't help matters, most of them thinking I was crazy for wanting to travel solo.
"Isn't that really dangerous for a young woman?" "You'll be so lonely and miserable without anyone to share it with." "What if something happens to you and no one's there to help?"
Their concerns, while coming from a place of care, were almost enough to make me back out and cling to the safety of my old life. But deep down, I knew this was something I had to do for myself, fears and all.
So with a deep breath and a whole lot of courage, I boarded that plane to Bali alone, my heart pounding out of my chest. Those first few days were some of the most challenging but ultimately rewarding of my life.
Everything was foreign and intimidating at first. Simple tasks like ordering food, navigating public transit, and finding my hostel became major hurdles with the language barrier. I stuck out like a sore thumb and felt utterly clueless at times.
But slowly, through sheer necessity, I started to adapt. I learned to embrace getting lost as an adventure. I made an effort to stumble through conversations in my broken Indonesian, connecting with locals who were patient and kind. Before long, I had made friends with fellow solo travelers who embraced me as part of their temporary family.
What had once felt so scary and isolating gradually became exciting and empowering. With each new challenge I overcame, my confidence blossomed. I was proving to myself that I was braver, stronger, and more capable than I ever imagined.
That first solo trip abroad was one of the most profound experiences of my life. Yes, there were absolutely terrifying and lonely moments where I doubted myself. But getting through that fear and coming out stronger on the other side was such a powerful lesson.
I realized that so much of what constrained me were self-imposed limits and insecurities. By facing my fears head-on, I was able to break through those barriers and open myself up to a world of new possibilities.
So while solo travel certainly has its risks, the rewards have been immeasurable. I've developed more self-reliance, problem-solving skills, and belief in my own power. The world no longer seems as scary when you know you have the courage to take it on alone.
If you're considering solo travel but are being held back by fear, I encourage you to start small. Book that first solo trip, even if it's just a weekend getaway at first. Let yourself feel uncomfortable and awkward. Embrace the unknown. You'll surprise yourself with just how brave and capable you truly are.
