I had made many goals for myself before setting out on my semester studying abroad in the United Kingdom. I told myself I would try new things, that I would do something every day that scared me, that I wouldn't let a single opportunity pass me by. One of my main goals, however, was to travel solo. Ideally, this would have been to a country other than England, but that just didn't work out in the grand scheme of things. So, I settled with a day trip to another city an hour away by train. It still counts all the same.
The idea of being in a foreign place all alone may terrify some people, but it excites me. I have always considered myself to be an independent person. I don't need to go to the bathroom with a group, and I'm not afraid to sit in a restaurant by myself and enjoy a meal. I have always valued my alone time (maybe that has something to do with both of my sisters moving out by the time I was ten, who knows). Alone time has been rare to come by for me these days. I have been constantly surrounded by 160-something people all cooped up in one place for the past two months. Even when I do get out and travel, I'm still with one or two other people. It's just not the same as being all alone. Also, the cabin fever might be getting to me.
With a free weekend ahead of me, I purchased a round trip train ticket and set out on my independent journey. It was a constant thrill, being my only company for about 10 hours of my day. I got to make my own decisions and had to navigate my own way around a brand new place. Sure, there were times when I felt lost and/or confused, but that's all a part of the experience. I walked out of the train station and didn't even know whether to turn left or right, so I just guessed (and ended up making the right decision, thankfully). I wasn't following around another person, letting them guide me, or trying to drag someone else along to wherever I wanted to go. It was my day.
Words can't even describe how amazing it was to feel like my own person again. I got to choose where I wanted to eat and what attractions I wanted to see. I got to sit in the cafe of a book shop for two hours without boring anyone who had come along with me. I was able to sit down and have some real self-reflection that I have been desperately needing. I was able to order cheesecake for dessert without judgement.
If you have the opportunity, I urge you to travel solo (preferably somewhere new). It can help build so much confidence, and sometimes it's just nice to be alone. If it seems scary to you, take baby steps. Go out to a somewhat familiar place first, and wean yourself into going somewhere new. Be in charge of yourself.
