What I Learned From My First Week Of Solo Travel

If you would have told me 3 years ago that I would be travelling the world on my own today, I probably would have just laughed in your face. 

I never even pictured myself leaving New York. But I did, and now here we are. I have just completed my first full week of being a solo traveler, and I have been absolutely loving it.

You never truly know what the world will be like outside of your comfort zone until you just go. And once you do go, I can almost guarantee that you will never want to turn back. Walking into the unknown will become your favorite thing to do. Eating local delicacies and having no idea what they are will become normal. Living out of a backpack, having new friends come in and out of your life everyday, basically eating whatever is cheapest, and coffee, lots and lots of coffee, will be how you live now. 

In this past week, I have learned more about the world and about myself than I have in my whole life. 

Here is what I learned from my first week as a solo traveler.


Mountains are hard to climbLiterally and figuratively. It is hard to climb a mountain! Especially when it is hailing and you do not have the best shoes on for hiking up a mountain. It's also hard in the figurative way of facing challenges, especially when you're on your own and have to work through the problem by relying on only yourself.

But climb every mountain because the view is always worth itThere is no better feeling than reaching the top of a mountain, or making it through a tough situation, and turning around to look at how far you have come and to see the beautiful view. It will leave you speechless. 

Trust yourselfWhen you are out somewhere in the world all by yourself, you have to learn to trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't right. You also have to learn to believe in yourself. No problem will be too difficult to overcome if you trust and believe in yourself.You're the only one you can trust and rely on when you're traveling solo anyways!

Talking to strangers is okayWhen we're young, we are taught no never talk to strangers. Well forget that rule. Talk to strangers. You never know where a simple conversation will lead. That then stranger could end up becoming your best friend or the love of your life. If you never talk to them. you will never know. And people aren't all out to get you. Most people are actually quite kind.

Getting lost leads to great findsSimply walking around a new city by yourself without a map or any directions is now one of my favorite things to do when I first get to a new city. You stumble upon some of the coolest little shops and hidden gems of a city. It also helps you get to know the city better and feel more at one with it and its people.

Your adventures will inspire othersIn the past week, I have had multiple people tell me that what I'm doing is so inspiring. At first I didn't understand why it was so inspiring to others. But then I realized why it was; I am out here living my dream and doing what most people only say they will do or dream of doing. And watching someone follow their dreams and actually live their dream truly is inspiring. 

Don't stress over what you cannot control
You're probably going to miss a bus, get the wrong train, and lose your bag at least once. And when those things happen, it sucks, but there is nothing you can do about it at that moment. So let it go, laugh it off and move on!


The world isn't as cruel as people tell youIf you watch the news today, all you'll see is horrible sadness. But if you actually get out into the world, you will realize that that sadness is only a small part of what this world is made up of. There is so much love and joy out in the world just waiting for you to find it. All you have to do is make that first jump!

Never be afraid of the unknown. Be fearlessLife is one big "unknown". This is the best thing I learned from my travels thus far. You cannot be afraid of this life. Everything that you've ever wanted and dreamed of is just right on the other side of fear. Be fearless. That doesn't mean you can't be scared of things in this life. Being fearless means being absolutely terrified of something, but doing it anyway. 


I would say that I had a pretty successful first week of my new life as a solo traveler. I am so looking forward to the weeks/months that are ahead of me. Go out and live the adventure friends!