So, here’s the thing: I used to think solo travel was something only “those people” did—you know, the ultra-confident, fearless types who somehow always have their lives together. Meanwhile, I was the girl who couldn’t even decide what to order at a restaurant without asking everyone at the table for their opinion. But then, one day, I just… snapped. I was scrolling through Instagram (as one does), and I saw this photo of a woman standing on a cliff in Iceland, her arms outstretched, looking like she owned the world. And I thought, “Why not me?”
Fast forward six months, and there I was, standing on that same cliff. Okay, fine, it wasn’t the exact same cliff, but you get the point. I had booked a solo trip to Iceland, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Here’s why.
First off, let’s talk about the freedom. When you travel alone, you’re the CEO of your own adventure. Want to spend three hours staring at a waterfall? Go for it. Feel like eating gelato for dinner? Nobody’s stopping you. I remember one day in Reykjavik, I woke up at 5 a.m. to chase the Northern Lights, then took a nap in the afternoon, and ended the day with a spontaneous hot spring dip. It was glorious.
But it wasn’t just the freedom that made the trip unforgettable—it was the way it forced me to trust myself. I’ll admit, I was nervous at first. What if I got lost? What if I couldn’t figure out the bus system? What if I accidentally offended someone because I didn’t know the local customs? Spoiler alert: I did get lost, I did struggle with the bus system, and I definitely made a few cultural faux pas. But you know what? I survived. And every time I figured something out on my own, I felt a little more powerful.
One of the most empowering moments happened during a hike in the Icelandic highlands. I was halfway up a mountain, and it started to rain. Like, really rain. My first instinct was to panic—I was alone, it was getting dark, and I was soaked to the bone. But then I took a deep breath and reminded myself that I had chosen to be here. I had researched the trail, packed the right gear, and I knew I could handle it. And I did. When I finally reached the summit, the rain stopped, and the sun broke through the clouds. I’ve never felt so proud of myself.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But isn’t solo travel dangerous for women?” It’s a valid concern, and I’m not going to sugarcoat it—there are risks. But here’s the thing: life is risky. Walking to your car at night is risky. Dating is risky. Eating gas station sushi is definitely risky. The key is to be smart about it. I always research my destinations ahead of time, trust my instincts, and stay aware of my surroundings. And honestly, I’ve found that most people are kind and willing to help if you need it.
What I’ve learned from my solo travels is that the world isn’t as scary as we’re often led to believe. Sure, there are challenges, but there’s also so much beauty, kindness, and adventure waiting for you. And when you step out of your comfort zone and explore it on your own terms, you’ll discover a strength you didn’t even know you had.
So, if you’ve been thinking about taking a solo trip but haven’t quite worked up the courage yet, let this be your sign. Start small—maybe a weekend getaway to a nearby city—and see how it feels. I promise, you won’t regret it. And who knows? You might just find yourself standing on a cliff somewhere, arms outstretched, feeling like you own the world.