Step into my thoughts as I head out on a one-way ticket solo.
The pilot’s muffled voice floats through the anxious passengers in the cabin. You look up through sleepy eyes- you’ve finally arrived. You breathe in the soft, mechanic swoosh of air as you exit onto the gangway. You step out into the busy rush of the airport, unbound by anything or anyone but yourself. The world is at your feet, waiting to be discovered and understood.
This is the feeling of traveling alone. At times the whole wide world can seem intimidating – it’s a lot to take in. But when you can see it through the eyes of a native, taste the delicious cuisine from a new country, take your first sip of the local beer – it’s unlike any other experience in the world.
Traveling solo pushes you out of your element, into a space you never thought you could feel comfortable in before. It forces you to take a look inside yourself to find what really brings you joy. You have no one to tell you where to go or what sights you need to be exploring. The choices are entirely yours, unencumbered by anyone else’s judgment or opinion. It’s a chance to be true to yourself and throw away inhibitions.
For me, traveling alone has helped me become more comfortable with myself. For so long I lived in the closet, afraid to let a part of me shine. Though it can be tough to “come out” to new people constantly as I travel, each time it makes me stronger and more self-assured. Being true to myself to everyone I meet is such a relief, and a way to let new friends in that I hadn’t before. It would be easy for me to live in the bubble that I had created in the States – but I wouldn’t grow and change nearly as much as I do while traveling.
Sure, solo travel can be a bit overwhelming at times. It forces you to face every deep down part of your psyche you may not have had to before. You’ll learn how you react to stressful situations when your best friends and family aren’t nearby to help. You’ll learn how to handle loneliness, how to talk to strangers in bars, and how to eat meals alone.
I’ve found that for every tough moment I’ve had while traveling alone, I’ve had one-hundred breathtaking moments that I’ll never forget. Through every breakdown, every road bump, and every lonely moment I find that the amazing sights, incredible people, and good beer is all worth it in the end.
As I head out of the US on a one-way ticket alone, I’m a total mix of emotions. It’s the first time I don’t have a return date set. I don’t know where I’ll be in a week, I don’t know what friends I might make, and I don’t know when I’ll see my family next. But the unknown is part of the thrill of it, and I’m as ready as I can be. Next time you hear from me I’ll be somewhere in Bali, hopefully sipping a drink in the jungle with new friends I’ve made on the road.
Cheers! – Gunnar.