The Escape Journals

Solo Travel

Going it alone: the fears, the strangers who became friends, and what people learned about themselves on the road.

Featured Stories

Proud of Who I Am, Everywhere I Go

Sarah

To be honest, I was more concerned about traveling as a Black person than traveling solo as a woman. Traveling solo felt very natural to me, so that wasn’t much of a challenge. The real challenge was wondering how I would be perceived. What were the expectations, if any? Would I be ostracized or fetishized? Would I be accepted or denied? These were some of the concerns I had—aside from, of course, the spiders and other deadly creatures in Australia.

When I first started traveling, I really wanted to impress other travelers, but I quickly found myself being “inauthentic” because of it. Over time, I had experiences that brought out the “true” and “raw” version of me, allowing me to travel in a way that genuinely fit my personality.

As a Black woman, I had the opportunity to engage in plenty of open conversations with people from various cultures and nationalities about race and ethnicity. These exchanges made me even more proud of who I am and what I was doing.

Strangers in Cairns, Friends for Life

Kel

I had no idea what to expect until I did it for the first time alone on a week-long trip to Cairns, Australia. It turned out to be one of the most amazing and important experiences of my entire life. I met two of the greatest people in the world, both of whom were traveling here from Europe. We ended up becoming the best of friends in just a matter of days. I had so many special moments on that trip that I wouldn’t have been open to if I hadn’t been traveling alone.

My parents were concerned, and still are to this day, when I travel, even if it’s not alone. As for me, my only fear was feeling lonely, which is just part of traveling, I think. Homesickness and a longing for loved ones are natural, but it’s also something you have to embrace.

When it came to meeting friends, I was extremely awkward at first. It’s funny—when you’re traveling alone, you can see others who are also traveling without an extended network, and they are open to connecting with you or forming a friendship. It’s almost like a first date, or when you’re out at night, and there’s that awkward moment where both parties are interested but too scared to make a move. These days, I’m way more open and will talk to almost anyone. I think it’s something we all need to learn to do: break down the walls of communication we’ve all subconsciously built.

For me, there was no real mental starting point—it’s just something you have to do by practicing and forcing yourself through the awkwardness until it becomes comfortable and natural, while also trying to leave expectations at the door. You will meet amazing people, and you may only have a day with them, but that connection can last a lifetime and teach you so much.

Being Alone Is Scary, but It’s Worth It

Meryn

Sometimes hindsight is a bitch, a bastard, and a horrible outcome all rolled into one magnificent mess. And sometimes it’s an adventure: you’re a member of your own one-person Amazing Race team, racing against the clock. You’re the main character in an RPG, and you’ve got to use the NPCs to get you where you need to be—you made it, +50 EXP. You’re in your own personal choose-your-own-adventure storyline, and you’ve got several options: pause for a second and take stock — what do you want to do?

In that moment, when you realize shit is about to hit the fan, you have about two to five minutes to freak out—the “oh fuck, what the fuck, how the fuck” kind of freak-out. You may think that two to five minutes is a short period of time—you’re not wrong, it is incredibly small in the vastness of your day. But to feel the fear, grief, frustration, and stress for those precious minutes instead of suppressing them means the emotion itself lasts for a shorter amount of time. It affects less of your day.

As a woman under thirty, even when I’m not traveling, I often feel in my everyday life that I can’t show when I am afraid or uncomfortable until I know I’m in a safe space. One of the scariest moments I’ve ever experienced on my travels alone occurred in the summer of 2012 when I was 19 and in Paris. I was staying with a group of friends who were attending Sciences Po. They were in their final exams for the semester, which meant I had the day to explore.

I was walking back to the apartment we were renting when I was approached by two young men from the opposite direction. They catcalled me in a language I didn’t fully understand and made rude gestures that I did. I didn’t respond. They moved to my side of the sidewalk, and as I passed, one stuck out his foot as if to trip me. I hopped over his leg and kept walking, not breaking stride. They yelled after me, “Hey, fuck you!” I yelled back, “You wish.” I showed no emotion, asked for no notice, and went about my business as the culture around me did, receiving unsolicited attention.

I held it together until I reached the top of the stairs to the apartment. I sat on the steps and cried. There was nothing I could have done differently about the attention I attracted, but it scared me. It reduced me to a blubbering mess, whose kneecaps jittered as I ran up the stairs, who couldn’t make the key fit the lock, who couldn’t reach the safety that closed doors offer by cutting off the outside world. This situation isn’t all that different from a select few others seared into my memories of traveling alone, but those situations haven’t stopped me from traveling solo—they’ve raised my awareness and increased my desire to see and experience all facets of life.

I think my parents are more worried about me when I travel than I am about myself. They are more aware of the “ugly” things in life, and that comes with the experience of living. I am incredibly grateful that my parents are supportive of my travels. My father is less adventurous than my mother, and he often shows his worry by pushing me to plan with pointed questions.

When I’m physically traveling, my parents generally only offer input if I ask for advice, or if I’ve told them that I’m going to do something they deem “risky”—for example, bungee jumping or a guided trip into the Sahara (this one was risky because I tried to organize it before going to Morocco and could only find offers for guided trips where I would be the only guest).

I don’t tell them everything, like how I accidentally hitchhiked from Vimy Ridge to Arras after missing the last bus back into town and was fully prepared to walk the 10.8 km; or that when I was stranded in Belgium after missing the last train, I slept on the couch of a random guy I met at a bar. I think they’re always worried about me, and that’s okay. I try to conduct myself with respect for whatever culture and place I find myself in. Sometimes respect isn’t enough. Sometimes it exposes you to sides of society you aren’t familiar with, and that’s a simple fact of traveling.

When I decided to go to Morocco on my own, my parents were very worried. Morocco is a Muslim country, English is not their first language, and the cultural perspective towards women is completely different from Canada’s. But my parents also couldn’t do anything but tell me to be careful. I felt prepared for traveling in Morocco. I armed myself, in hindsight, with some pretty stingy knowledge that I had gleaned from a travel blog. It said to buy first-class train tickets—which I did, but accidentally sat in second class until the conductor moved me to first, closing me off in one of those booths with a sliding door that reduced the opportunity for people-watching. I traveled during the day and hardly ever went out at night. I wore a ring on my thumb that I switched to my ring finger when I had been catcalled and followed for longer than was comfortable. I always wore clothing that covered my shoulders and legs down to my ankles.

The only time these tricks didn’t work was when I went to a beach in Tangiers. I didn’t intend to swim, and instead, I sat fully clothed eating Khobz and avocado I’d gotten from the market. I was aware of a group of young men sitting about 30 feet away, but didn’t engage with them.

They egged each other on until one came over, speaking to me in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, and many other languages. I didn’t respond, pretending to read instead. Eventually, he gave up and went back to his friends. He came back, and I responded when he asked me what I was reading. We talked for a while, and he invited me to a party.

I made up a story about my friend who was sick back at the hostel, saying I might join later, but that I had to check on my friend first. He said I should bring my friend. I thanked him and left—going back to my hostel, where no one was sick in bed waiting for me. I brought my high school best friend with me in spirit to Morocco. I lied to that man because it was safer than telling him I was on my own.

It doesn’t always turn out the way you plan. When you travel alone, there is always a moment—it’s often brief and fleeting—when you have to make a choice about how to handle any situation you find yourself in. One of my blessings in disguise occurred in October 2017 when I spent a full morning at a B&B in Bunratty, Ireland, rejigging my entire trip because I wasn’t able to rent a car for the price I planned to. I was 24 years and 11 months old—crucially, not 25—and it would cost 100 euros extra a day to rent a car, just for the insurance. I took trains and buses instead, and did my entire trip in the opposite direction. I lucked into being in Cork for the Jazz Festival and Galway for a bank holiday, which involved horse racing and drunken revelry—both of which I would have missed had I gone about my trip as originally planned.

I cried that morning, feeling like nothing was going right, not knowing what I was going to do, feeling like all the planning I’d done before arriving in Ireland was useless. I felt useless. But it turned out to be an amazing trip. I saw things I wouldn’t have, experienced things I wouldn’t have, and met people I never would have had the opportunity to meet had my original plans been successful. It didn’t feel like a blessing when I was in the middle of changing my entire trip, but in hindsight, it’s one of my favorites.

The risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time happens even when you’re at home. One of the scary, beautiful, and intimidating things about traveling alone is that if you fuck up, you generally have no one to blame but yourself. It’s scary because we function in our everyday lives, giving blame to others instead of accepting fault. It’s intimidating because strangers are difficult to predict, and they force you to learn things about yourself that aren’t always flattering. We’re all learning about ourselves, every single day. Traveling alone is a forced change of perspective. That. Is. Beautiful.

Yes to the Harvest Festival

Justin

I haven’t done much true solo traveling in the way that some people do. For me, the extent of my solo travel has been flying alone, riding buses alone, and so on. I’ve been kind of lucky that, in most places I’ve traveled to, I was either going to visit someone, meet friends, or just made friends right away. So, I haven’t really felt “alone” much while traveling, and when I have, I think it was actually really needed. It was great to have space to enjoy my thoughts and experiences alone.

I often write in a journal, especially while traveling, and those are great moments to jot down thoughts and ideas. As far as meeting people and making friends, I follow the “live like a local” mentality.

Last year in Greece, I stayed in a beautiful mountain village called Makrinitsa at a new hostel called Selina (a great new chain of hostels with an awesome business model). The Selina had just opened and was building its reputation and bookings. Some days, I think I was one of, if not the only guest at the hostel. It was a beautiful, multi-terraced property with ancient buildings spread out and even a little stream running down the middle. I became close friends with all the staff right away, and they were always happy to recommend things to do or invite me out for food and drinks after their shifts. I then met friends of their friends, and it just snowballed from there.

One day, a guy checked in, and we used Google Translate’s voice option to communicate. He invited me to some kind of wedding or festival, though at the time, I wasn’t exactly sure what he was saying. One thing I did know, though, was YES—I was down to go! I thought it was maybe just a short 30-minute drive away, so I jumped in his car with him. After about 20 minutes, we were starting to get away from civilization, and my phone data wasn’t working, so I couldn’t really ask him how much further we had to go. In the back of my mind, I had some worries, but I just let go and trusted the moment. It ended up being about an hour and a half away. Again, I had no idea what exactly I was heading to, but as we got closer and into this small town, I could see that it seemed like everyone for miles around had come to this park (maybe the equivalent of a county park) for their annual harvest festival.

We arrived around 9 p.m., and the festivities were just getting started. We met one of his friends, and they insisted on buying me all the local foods and drinks to try. We listened to local musicians play for hours, we danced, they sang, and we had an incredible time.

Children were running around, playing into the wee hours of the night, and the few locals I met who spoke some English were all happy to share their little local festival with someone from so far away. I truly felt like an honored guest. This is just one recent story, but I think there’s got to be a level of trust and willingness to take risks in order to experience traveling to its fullest.

On the flip side, I’ve also been mugged and lost a lot of monetary things, but in the end, I knew they were just things. Even the photos lost on a camera memory card (a little lesson in not keeping a vigilant backup) are still memories in my head—experiences I lived through—and nobody can take that away from me.

Find the Energy You Need

Lydia

My first thought, as a relatively rational person, was: Is this place safe for a girl traveling solo? Being Algerian, I’ve been sensitive to this from an early age because whenever I visit my family, it’s a question I always have to ask myself. Can I go there alone? What’s my emergency plan if something goes wrong? I shared my location with my sister at all times and bought an American SIM card to ensure I could reach someone if I needed to.

I think it was worth spending that $55 for the added security, even though Hawaii is actually very safe. Thankfully, I quickly felt secure and noticed that the people I met genuinely cared about the safety of those around them.

Of course, you’ll encounter sketchy people or situations, but I never felt like I couldn’t handle them or get out easily. Socializing while traveling solo was actually my biggest fear—I was terrified of feeling lonely or bored. Two of my good friends, who had visited Hawaii several times, made me a list of their favorite things to do. That list really helped during the first day on each island, although I’m sure I would’ve found something interesting to do even without it. It gave me a sense of security, knowing that even if I didn’t meet anyone, I had plenty of activities to enjoy on my own. That’s also why I rented a car—I wanted complete independence to make the most of my trip.

Apart from two or three days where I chose to spend time alone, I was constantly surrounded by amazing people. As I said, go out and find the energy you need—you will find it. I met incredible individuals, and I never expected to make friends I’d want to stay in touch with, but I did. Not with everyone, of course, but definitely with a few. (Read: you’re one of them!)

This experience opened my eyes to the importance of stepping outside the comfort of long-term relationships and connections. Sometimes, you need to be alone to grow into the best version of yourself and attract the people who truly fit you. It was an eye-opening realization, and one I’ll carry with me.

A Small-Town Kid in Melbourne

Anonymous

Traveling solo was a goal of mine. I was very shy and had a hard time approaching new people. I knew that if I traveled solo, it would be a massive step out of my comfort zone, and that’s exactly what I wanted. I was terrified at first, filled with so many negative thoughts about everything that could go wrong. My friends thought it was awesome, but of course, my mom was worried. I’m a small-town kid, born and raised, so the idea of going to Melbourne, Australia, as my first destination was very intimidating. I didn’t even know how to take a city bus!

What I quickly learned about staying in hostels is that it’s so easy to make new friends. I was awkward as hell at first, but after a week or two, I found myself making so many new connections! Honestly, none of my fears ever came true. People always told me that traveling alone helps you find yourself, and I definitely see that now. I find that at home, it’s easy to stay within groups of friends and never step outside my comfort zone.

The best part about traveling alone is that you meet so many random people—people you would never normally meet at home. I was fortunate enough to meet a few strangers in hostels who I believe changed my life forever. Looking at you, B.

Alone in Laos, Then Free

Benthe

My first solo trip was not planned. I had already traveled with my friend and her brother for five weeks, and my friend and I were supposed to have two more weeks together before heading home. The thing was, she got very homesick and decided to change her ticket, which meant I was about to stay in Laos on my own. I was really nervous about this—it was my first trip ever, to a completely different culture, and I didn’t expect this to happen, so it felt like a big challenge at first. The first day was a bit difficult. I had just said goodbye to my friend and her brother, and I had no idea where to start my own journey. But after meeting some people at the hostel, I felt more comfortable and realized how easy it actually was. I have to say, I now prefer solo travel. I can decide where to go, how long to stay, whether I want to join people or not—it just gives you so much freedom.

One Step at a Time

Josh

My original plan was to travel with my best friend. It was only a few months beforehand that those plans fell through for him, and I decided I was going to travel anyway, even if it meant going solo. My excitement about actually going took precedence in my mind over any fully formed thoughts about what the term “solo traveling” would really mean for me. So, I chose not to think about it.

I decided to take each step as it came, and as long as I could see where to place my next foot, I would be okay. The only fear I had was being robbed. And it did happen, but it was soon resolved, so no real problems there, right? I’ve always been an outgoing, talkative person, so my approach to meeting new people was to just go for it. If I didn’t feel like talking, I wouldn’t. Others would surely fill that gap. But I was determined to talk to as many people as I could, learn as much as I could, and have meaningful, and sometimes ridiculous, conversations with people I would have otherwise never met. The more I spoke to people, the more I saw of the world, and the more I fell in love with the duality of being alive.

The sights and people I met, and could continue to meet, were incredibly alluring. On more than one occasion, I even entertained the idea of not returning home and staying on the road. However, my injury held me back.

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Time With Myself, at Last

Elisabeth

I had never traveled alone before. Usually, I loved going on little trips with my friends to enjoy our friendship. However, after a while, I felt the need to do something just for myself, and I knew no one in Germany could help me with that.

I knew I had to step out of my comfort zone and experience new things, especially spending more one-on-one time with myself. As a female, I felt fine traveling alone. I wouldn’t have gone to India on my own, but Australia is a pretty safe country (despite all the animals that could kill you), and I had a good feeling about it.

My friends and family were definitely worried, especially my mom. I have four older brothers, and she didn’t really want to let me go, especially since I’m her only daughter.

With this decision, I felt that everything would happen the way it should, and I wasn’t worried. I think it’s not a problem to travel solo as a woman, as long as you know your boundaries and understand that you have to be careful and shouldn’t just trust anybody. For the most part, I was always pretty open and happy to meet other travelers for some company. The great thing about traveling alone is that you don’t have to talk to or spend time with others if you don’t want to. For me, making new friends wasn’t the priority. I really just needed to do what I hadn’t done for a long time: spend time with myself.

Going Our Own Way

Ben

I will begin with this: Traveling solo was the best decision I made on my trip!

Now, the story ;)

Like everyone, I was a bit worried about traveling solo. Back home, I met someone who, at first impression, seemed like a really nice guy. I told him, “OK, let’s do it! Let’s travel together.” We bought tickets to the Galapagos Islands, booked a trip together, and everything went great. But after I really got to know him, I realized we weren’t a very good match. I tried to tell him, but it was very difficult, for many reasons. So, we started the trip, and there were many fights. We just knew we were not on the same page—he wanted one kind of trip, and I wanted another. Both types of trips were fine, and we each wanted to have the time of our lives doing what we wanted. So, we decided to go our own way. Although it was necessary, it was scary.

By that point in the trip, about three weeks into Ecuador, I knew I could meet new people I actually connected with—I just had to be open-minded enough.

I met many new people from all around the world, experienced new cultures, and encountered many different kinds of personalities.

I think traveling alone taught me many life lessons, like responsibility, the art of making friends, thinking ahead about little details, or deciding not to think ahead if you want to flow with the moment (which is amazing, by the way). It also taught me that I can do anything and that everything is possible for me.

So yes, I will definitely recommend everyone travel solo as well.

An Extrovert Learning to Go Alone

Meredith

At first, the thought of solo traveling was terrifying to me. As someone who is an extreme extrovert and prefers spending time with others rather than being alone, the idea of traveling solo made me feel deeply uncomfortable. It was definitely out of my comfort zone, but that’s exactly why I pushed myself to do it in the first place.

In all honesty, even though I’ve completed this solo travel experience and wouldn’t trade it for anything, I’ve realized that I enjoy traveling with others much more than traveling solo. However, I highly recommend that everyone experience solo travel at some point in their lives. You’ll grow and learn more about yourself than you could ever imagine, and you might even meet people you would never have met if you were traveling with others.

That said, I personally prefer traveling with company because I absolutely love sharing travel experiences with the right people. The biggest consideration for me, as it is for most women, is the fact that I’m female. The harsh reality is that, as women, we experience more safety threats and often feel more endangered than men in today’s world. It’s something we’re constantly aware of, and we have to keep it in the back of our minds at all times, unfortunately. This was the main concern of my friends and family, as well as myself, before I left.

I worried that traveling alone would be more dangerous or that I would be more vulnerable as a woman on my own. However, that was not my personal experience at all in Bali. I felt completely safe, even though I was in an underdeveloped country. It didn’t help that I’m a tall, pale, blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl who stood out like a sore thumb in Asia! But even though I stood out, it never made me feel unsafe.

The only advice I can give to women traveling alone is the same advice I’d give any woman in her own country or hometown: Be wary and cautious. If something doesn’t feel right, chances are it isn’t. Avoid being out late at night alone, stay aware in dimly lit areas, be vigilant about not leaving your drinks unattended when out, and don’t travel with your valuable possessions. In general, practice caution and listen to your intuition, but don’t let the fact that you’re a woman stop you from solo traveling. If you feel called to do it, do it! Plus, I ended up meeting many other solo female travelers in Bali, and we made sure to stick together!

Another huge concern of mine was how I was going to make friends. At first, I found this very difficult. I was working seven hours a day, so it made meeting people outside of weekends a challenge. For the first few months, my only friends were the people I worked with. I was lucky to work with amazing people from all over the world, but my two closest friends were an American girl and a British girl. Personally, the way I ended up making the most friends was through modeling jobs. After living in Bali for about two months, I decided to sign with a modeling agency, something I never expected to do. I did it to bring in some extra income, which made me feel more comfortable spending money on weekends when I wasn’t working. While this isn’t the usual way people meet others when traveling to a new place, I ended up meeting the most people through these modeling gigs, which also helped me connect to the creative community in Bali and meet other expats. I also met people at yoga classes, cafes/restaurants, and at the various hostels I stayed at while exploring other parts of Indonesia on weekends.

The most important thing is to be completely open to new friendships and relationships. Don’t close yourself off or shelter yourself from opportunities to meet others. When traveling to a new place, starting a new life, and making new connections, you have to put yourself out there. It might be beyond your comfort zone, but you need to get comfortable with being the one to approach people and start random conversations with strangers. Keep in mind that others who are traveling are often very similar to you—they’re open-minded, have similar interests, and are also looking to connect. You can form meaningful relationships and once-in-a-lifetime adventures with them.

Never Alone Unless You Want to Be

Carola

I knew I always wanted to go on a solo trip; I’m not sure exactly when that idea formed, probably in my early 20s after a one-month trip to Central America with a friend. During that trip, I was often grateful that I wasn’t alone but also wondered what it would have been like if I had gone by myself.

When I finally did take off solo, it was the best decision I could have made. I wouldn’t want to go on long trips any other way. Of course, I sometimes pair up or group with other travelers for short periods along the way, but the great thing about traveling solo is that if there’s a vibe, you just go with it. And when it’s time to part ways, you can continue in your own direction. That’s the beauty of it. Some of my friends and family might have been worried about me traveling solo, but they didn’t really say anything to me—at least not until after the trip.

Most people are usually curious and wonder how I manage to travel solo—not because I’m a female and they’re scared for me, but because they imagine it must get lonely. Little do they know, you’re never really alone unless you want to be. It’s important to be smart while traveling as a solo female. Read travel tips, talk to locals, and don’t be careless. It’s common sense—nothing more, nothing less.

When it comes to meeting people, I’m open-minded and friendly, but I’m also somewhat introverted… until I’m not. I’m not shy, but I like to observe the situation first, as I’m pretty intuitive and rarely skeptical unless I have a good reason to be. I’ve been wrong, disappointed, and positively surprised for sure, but it’s all part of life and the learning process. Keep an open mind—it gets easier the more you travel.

If you want to travel but feel uneasy about going alone and your friends can’t join, there are so many networks and groups out there that offer solutions. There are backpacking groups on Facebook for most countries, networks to find travel buddies, and Couchsurfing, which doesn’t just allow you to find a place to crash with an open-minded local who likes to welcome travelers into their home (though it’s important to read reviews and meet up beforehand if you feel unsure) but also provides an opportunity to connect with new cultures over lunch or coffee. I’ve used this before, and it’s a great way to get tips from locals and meet like-minded people. There are meetups, tours, organized trips… the list is endless.

One-Day Best Friends

Max

At first, I don’t think I ever traveled solo for more than a week or two at a time. It forces you to get good at approaching people and saying hi, which is something I struggled with massively before I started traveling, but I got better at it. I think as a male, no one really worries about me because I’m expected to be able to look after myself, but I’ve certainly been in some unfavorable situations. Still, everything always worked out. I think just being as open and friendly as you possibly can with everyone really helps. Just be yourself, and if people don’t like it, there are always more travelers to meet.

I’ve made many one-day best friends, people I would travel the world to see again, and some I’ve spent months with who I wouldn’t walk down the road for. Meeting so many people, so many times, allowed me to really work on any insecurities I had and become the man I am today.

A Fresh Start, Every Time

Lauren

I didn’t have any intention of traveling solo at the beginning of my journey. I love sharing my experiences with others, and I thought it would be so much fun to have someone by my side—someone to push me and encourage me to go through with it all. However, I eventually reached a point where I thought solo travel might be my only option.

It’s not easy to find someone who’s willing to drop everything and travel the world with you on the same timeline. However, I did manage to find a travel buddy through a Facebook group designed for female travelers looking to move to Hawaii.

Neither of us was quite ready to “move,” per se, but we were both equally interested in taking a month-long trip to the islands.

We met in person for the first time at the Chicago airport, the day we were flying to Hawaii (crazy, right?). She ended up leaving after a month, and I stayed on for quite a bit longer, meeting other friends and planning even more travels.

Staying at hostels gives you the opportunity to meet so many like-minded people and plan further travels with them—something you don’t quite have back home. I never really feel alone anymore. I know that wherever I go in the world, I have friends nearby and many more that I haven’t even met yet. It was definitely nice having a friend right away when I got to my destination, but I found that once she left, I opened myself up more to meeting new people and making more friends.

You have to remember that none of these people have met you before, and none of them have any preconceived notions of who you should be or what you should be doing with your life. This is a fresh start, so don’t be afraid to take it.

Good People Everywhere

Alanna

Traveling solo can definitely be unnerving at first. There were always doubts and fears in my head, but somehow, I still felt compelled to do it.

Where you travel to makes a difference as well. My first solo trip was to Hawaii. Since then, I’ve traveled solo to Bali, Vietnam, and Thailand for two months, Brazil for three weeks, and I moved to Australia for a year by myself. Before embarking on each of these trips, I definitely had a mix of emotions.

Friends and family members were worried, especially about some of the places I traveled to more than others. Brazil was one place in particular that had many people warning me. I was nervous to take that trip alone as well. But every time you travel somewhere solo, you build more and more confidence.

As a female, I think these doubts and fears are often amplified. There’s this idea that women need to be more careful, and I do think that’s true to an extent. However, I’ve generally felt pretty safe in my travels. I truly believe that there are good people everywhere who want to help you, no matter where you are in the world. With that being said, I still think you need to be careful and keep a good head on your shoulders.

Some places require you to be more cautious than others, and you need to be smart. I’ve had debates with fellow travelers about whether it’s easier to travel solo as a male or a female. Both sides can be argued. However, when debating the female side, I say that in a way, it can actually be easier to travel alone as a woman because you’re often more approachable, making it easier to make friends and meet new people. I’ve found that people generally want to look after me, especially when they know I’m alone in a foreign country. People want to help you.

Other travelers want to connect, and locals want you to appreciate their land and home! I think the more you travel solo, the more comfortable you become not only with spending time alone but also with approaching new people and connecting with them. I’ve realized that many people are shy by nature, but if you take that first step to open up to someone, it opens the door for others to do the same.

Growth You Can’t Find Anywhere Else

Katie

I first solo-traveled in college. So many people I talked to were like, “Katie, are you crazy? Be careful... You’re really brave... Aren’t you lonely?”

The truth is, nothing offers more growth and self-reflection than solo travel. My solo travel journey began when I had the means and time to travel, but no one to do it with. It can be difficult to find people who share the same passions as you. I never really thought about the differences between traveling as a solo female or a solo male—the only time I considered it was when others pointed it out. The truth is, in most countries, there is little difference.

I visited Paris, Barcelona, Italy, and Iceland solo. Some of the trips I met friends along the way, but most of the time, I was traveling alone. Each trip had its own positives and negatives, but the takeaway is that solo travel pushes you to speak to locals, meet incredible people from different cultures, and discover a new version of yourself. Sure, sometimes eating dinner or watching a sunset alone can feel lonely, but it also allows you to self-reflect and do things your own way. I highly recommend solo female travel.

Hey, Here I Am

Ludvig

I started doing short solo travels in high school, as I would go to different countries in Europe for training camps and seminars (I was very into sports). This made solo traveling feel quite natural for me.

I would still feel very nervous going, but I also started enjoying solo travel more and more, as it felt like the best way for me to really “stick my neck out” and be open to new connections and people. Traveling alone, in a way, “forced” me to be more observant in my decisions and helped shape me into someone more proactive.

When it comes to meeting new friends and people, whether it be in a hostel dorm or finally landing that first job (as I worked in some of the countries I traveled to), my philosophy was to charge in head-first and just say, “Hey, here I am, I’m Ludvig!”

The most important thing for me was to keep showing others—and mostly myself—that I am my own person. I don’t always know how to do that or how to let myself shine through, but being conscious of it and taking a deep, calming breath can go a long way.

Hostel Friends, Lifelong Friends

Sian

I am an only child in a single-parent family, so I’ve always been fairly independent. The first time I traveled alone, I was 23. My mom was a little worried about me, and for the first three months, she definitely wanted me to check in a lot more than I had during previous trips.

To be honest, I checked into a hostel in Sydney, made some incredible friends, and developed a really strong support network. My friend Amy from that hostel is still an incredibly close friend to this day! I never had a bad experience being alone, other than occasionally feeling a little lonely. But as long as you’re confident and start talking to people in your room, at breakfast, or even in the bathrooms, you can make friends relatively quickly.

I went in with the mindset that I would be friends with everyone, and while this doesn’t always work out, and some people do fall by the wayside, you also develop lifelong friends in the process! And when you do feel a bit down, call home, watch a “feel-good” movie, or go for a walk. Remember, taking care of your mental health means you become more approachable to others who may be in the same boat as you.

Three Suitcases and a Lump in My Throat

Anthony

I rarely felt like I traveled alone. I made several large solo moves in my life, moving from one place to another, but I always met close friends almost immediately upon my arrival.

When I was 21, I left to study abroad in Cairo during my junior year in college. I had two close friends who would also be joining me at the American University in Cairo. It was January 2011, and we were in Cairo just five days before the revolution began to overthrow President Hosni Mubarak. As the protests soon turned violent and buildings and vehicles burned, we were forced to leave Egypt and our dreams behind. It was perhaps the first monumental wake-up call of my adulthood. Experiencing other places and people of the world is a gift that not everyone is afforded. Those with this privilege should take care to study the sociopolitical climate of the regions they choose to visit and understand that there are always forces at work beyond their control. My friends and I were fortunate enough to have our abroad studies transferred to Koç University outside of Istanbul, Turkey.

At 22, I moved to Oahu after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh. I had never been to Hawaii before, and I arrived with three suitcases, a backpack, and a lump in my throat. This risk, however, definitely paid off when I found myself in the most naturally colorful and beautiful place I had ever been—before or since. I thrived for three years there, coming into my own as an adult and making some of my life’s most important friendships.

When I was 25, I moved from Hawaii to Portugal to begin a master’s degree in archaeology. I didn’t know anyone personally before I arrived, although I had made some connections on social media. Once again, I made friends quickly and always managed to find a travel buddy when I wanted to take a weekend or holiday trip to another city or country. In terms of major life moves, I have always done it alone. But when it comes to smaller getaways, I definitely prefer the companionship of a close friend.

Walk Out the Door and Say Hi

Min

Traveling by airplane has always been common for me. When I was a child, my mom sent me to China to live with my grandparents and relatives for a month.

Domestic travel for work has also made me comfortable flying and staying at accommodations solo. For the most part, I never really consider traveling solo as “being solo” unless it involves a significant amount of isolation. However, I’ve always been able to make friends, spark conversations, and have strangers join me along the way, wherever I go.

As a woman, I do take extra precautions and spend more time preparing to maintain a balance of spontaneity and safety when traveling “alone” (if that makes sense). I love accepting challenges, so I tend to thrive in environments that push me to test my social skills. I’ve yet to be in a situation where I didn’t have someone willing to help me if I needed it, and I chalk that up to a bit of luck as well.

Now that I’ve made friends in different countries—many of whom also love to travel—it’s easy to tap into their networks, which leads to the best experiences. So it’s exponential progress as I continue to travel. In fact, I’m starting to prefer traveling alone, even when friends try to join.

I actually think waiting for friends to be available for a trip can hinder your ability to muster the courage to get up and go. When you’re traveling with a friend and want some isolation or alone time, it’s harder to find. Whereas when I travel solo, if I feel like being sociable, all I have to do is walk out the door and say “hi” to a stranger. There are moments when I do wish I could share the experience with someone, and there are places (like clubbing on New Year’s Eve) where I think it’s not as fun without a companion. But it’s a small trade-off for the sense of accomplishment that comes with going on your own.

Take the leap of faith and trust yourself.

Don’t Wait for Anyone

Jenna

Traveling solo—I can’t recommend it enough!

Here’s why: If you wait for other people to travel, you’ll be waiting your whole life and miss out on amazing adventures and opportunities. When you travel solo, you push yourself out of your comfort zone, which helps you learn more about yourself, meet new people, and realize you can do ANYTHING you want on your own time.

Yes, you’ll have to take selfies and eat alone some days, but it’s SO worth it, and it helps you learn to accept yourself in a way that only solo travel can.

I had many thoughts and feelings about traveling solo for the first time, most of which were fear—worrying about things that were out of my control—and eventually, I started doubting myself as a whole. This mainly stemmed from being told horror stories from other solo female travelers, as well as my family’s worries and fears.

Those worries affected me in a way that made me doubt my capabilities, which is unfair and unjustified.

I’ve always wanted to be considered equal when it comes to being a female—whether in sports, my career, or solo travel. Unfortunately, there are different things we, as women, need to be more cautious about, especially while traveling alone.

I was constantly harassed on the metro and the street by men—whistling, making noises, staring, grabbing their crotch, and even flashing me once. I also had a man follow me home from the metro, and I had to run to my house. There were two gates to get in, and I made it through the first one. He started screaming at me to come out and sleep with him, telling me I wanted it, etc.

A Bragging Right

Connor

I think solo travel is such a bragging right! Being able to say, “I’ve traveled here alone,” is one of the most fulfilling things in the world, especially when meeting new people. My friends and family were a little nervous on my first solo trips, but their nerves honestly came from excitement! I was nervous too, especially in the airport, as the fear of the unknown started to kick in. However, when I arrived and met new people, that feeling completely reversed, and I felt totally free. When meeting new people, I had to remind myself to be open and let others in!

Awareness Is Everything

Krista

Although I’ve moved to a new state and a new country, I, for some reason, don’t consider these moves to be solo travel by my own standards. While they are undoubtedly massive steps in the solo travel realm, I’ve always felt more comfortable with completely picking up my life and moving, rather than taking a weekend or week-long solo trip.

My family has been extremely worried about me ever since I first made the decision to move. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—having people who care and worry about you is invaluable, as long as it doesn’t hold you back. They worry about my happiness and safety above all else, which is priceless support to have. However, I’ve never let this get in the way of my plans, as it has instilled a sense of awareness in me while still allowing me to do the things I love.

The biggest thing about traveling solo for me is definitely awareness. As a woman traveling alone, it can honestly be a scary experience, getting off a plane or train and being in a completely new place. The most important thing in these situations is planning your trip. On all of my solo journeys, I spend extra time on the planning and research phase. I make sure to read reviews, check walking and travel distances, note emergency numbers, and familiarize myself with the area’s map. It’s always exciting, but at the same time, I love sharing these experiences with people I care about.

I use solo travel as a way to achieve my life goals and treat myself. It’s an opportunity to make the trip all about me—doing what I want, when I want. The first trip I consider to be a true solo trip was a weekend getaway to Milan, Italy. I had never been to Italy, never spoken a word of Italian, and hadn’t even looked at a map. I just saw a cheap flight and thought, This will be nice. There was plenty to do and many places to stay, so the planning was easy, and the destination itself was a small city. Since this was my first solo adventure, I learned a lot about myself, how I react to people, and how I handle things when I don’t have anyone I know guiding me or exploring with me.

Here’s what I learned:.

I become very stressed when there are too many people or tourists, especially if they’re not being aware and considerate of others.

Restaurant service and dining experiences are very different in other countries compared to the U.S. In many countries, dining is more of an experience, and there’s more time to sit and savor your food. While traveling solo, it’s nice to relax at a restaurant, but it’s also nice not to have to wait an hour for the bill or service. When you’re with someone, this is less of an issue.

When traveling within a city, make sure to look up maps for subway and bus stations, and double-check your direction before getting on a train.

Walk with purpose. As a woman, especially in certain countries, men will approach you if you seem like easy prey. Walk with your head held high, make eye contact, and be fierce! Take no nonsense from anyone, especially while alone. Don’t cause a scene or stand out too much—just blend in with the crowds. I always make sure I’m not being followed, and avoid side roads, sticking to main paths.

Share your location with someone at home or someone you communicate with frequently.

If you get a gut feeling that something’s off, you’re probably right. Head to a public space.

Keep all cash, cards, keys, and phones tucked away in a sealed or zipped bag. Thieves and petty theft are real, especially in high-traffic tourist areas. I’ve witnessed it.

It’s great if you’re someone who makes friends while traveling! And you should! But be cautious about the information you share. You can never be too careful about who you trust.

Repeat after me: “I have a boyfriend and he’s waiting for me next door” or “My dad is in the store waiting for me.” Never let strangers know you’re alone or that you’re not with a man. I know it sounds a bit off, but in some countries, you just need to let go of your ego and roll with the culture. I swear, on my Milan trip, I found myself in two separate situations that could have turned into a Taken scenario real quick. And, sorry, but Liam Neeson is not my dad, so I’d be gone.

When I first got off the train from the airport into the city, I was busy taking pictures of the beautiful buildings. Nothing wrong with that, but immediately, I became a target. Tourists are easy to spot. I noticed a heavy police presence in the area, but also saw a man following me from one spot to the next across the station and courtyard. He kept his distance but maintained eye contact, following me for the next 20 minutes. I was eager to get to my hotel, but I didn’t want to panic. I spotted a couple at the crosswalk and caught up to them, walking alongside them until I turned a corner, out of the man’s sight. I kept looking back, and he was still watching me from the nearest corner of the courtyard. I felt that unsettling feeling in my stomach and knew something wasn’t right, but I kept calm, made eye contact with him, and made sure he knew I saw him.

In another scenario, I made a rookie mistake and got on the wrong train to the airport, heading in the opposite direction. I spoke to the girl sitting next to me, who helped me get off and head in the right direction. I ended up at a very empty train station, outside the city, in a rural village, with only two homes in sight, no lighting, and dogs barking in the distance. It was me and four men on the platform, and two of them kept circling around me, snickering and making comments in Italian. I responded firmly, “fuck off.” I immediately shared my location with my boyfriend, and we talked the whole time until the next train came. One of the men sat next to me, staring, while another kept touching himself at the end of the platform whenever I looked his way. Honestly, it was one of the creepiest, most uncomfortable moments of my life. The worst part was that these men didn’t board any of the trains and must have been using the area to find women.

None of these experiences have deterred me from solo travel, and I continue to plan trips. Each journey teaches me more about the world and about myself!

Putting Yourself First, for Once

Dave

My first solo trip was at 24, and it was the best experience of my life. I hands down recommend it as the best way to travel. Before this, I was always looking for someone to join me on my expeditions. I found that traveling solo allowed me to meet so many more people, be completely myself, and make decisions solely based on what I wanted. It might sound selfish, but solo travel is something you may only do once in your life. Where’s the harm in putting yourself first for once?

You Will Always Meet People

Maguie

My mother was super worried about me walking off by myself, but that mainly stemmed from her not having traveled a lot herself. The best thing to do is remind your parents that they’ve raised you well and taught you how to take care of yourself.

In Java, though, there were definitely a few scary situations. My friend, whom I had met in a hostel, and I had to split up and catch a ride on the back of two guys’ motorbikes to get to the homestead. We were driving through dark streets, and I remember being terrified because I couldn’t see my friend anymore. I felt like I had gotten myself into a trap and jumped off the motorbike. I was screaming her name, and a woman came out and calmed me down. In another situation, in Java as well, my friend and I were taking a bus to the next city, and it was taking longer than we expected. The streets were blocked because of Ramadan traffic, and we arrived late at night. On the bus, some very persistent men kept trying to sit next to us, even though the bus was practically empty. It was really annoying, and we gave them a good telling off. Things like that can happen if you travel to places that are very male-dominated, or just because you look exotic. So, I would always recommend traveling with another person for that reason.

In some countries, I would even travel with a man because most men will almost certainly leave you alone then. Countries have different cultures, and as a female, you should be aware of and sensible to that.

Another thing I was worried about was not meeting anyone I’d get along with. I was scared of traveling alone for the whole time. But the fact is: If you start traveling by yourself, you will always meet people. For example, when I arrived in Bali, I left with another girl I had just met, and we went to Java the next day. You don’t have to like everyone, but the option of traveling with someone is always there. I made some amazing friends both in Indonesia and New Zealand. In Australia, I mostly traveled with my boyfriend. Let me tell you, it is WAY HARDER to meet people as a couple. Whether it’s your partner or just a partner in crime, it’s still the same.

I would seriously recommend solo travel to anyone because it builds character, you meet amazing people, and you learn a lot about yourself. If you really want to meet people, just be open. You can learn something from everyone, even if they don’t become your best friend. Card games or catching rides on motorbikes with people at the hostel are great icebreakers.

Shy for About Two Minutes

Mahta

So, traveling solo isn’t something I’ve done much of. The only times I’ve traveled alone have been for work or school conferences. Even in those situations, there was always a full itinerary to follow step by step. I remember both my parents feeling hesitant to let me go, but they knew it was for a short time, and they’d have access to me through my phone if necessary.

I remember the first time I traveled alone, I was terrified. I was scared of getting lost, being at the wrong gate, checking in my bags incorrectly, not knowing how to get around once I arrived at my destination, and so much more!

The good thing was that nothing bad ever happened, and I was always happy I took the opportunity to go on those work or school trips.

I’ve never taken a solo trip purely for pleasure yet, but from my previous experiences, I consider myself to be a fun and outgoing person. I may be shy for about two minutes, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve become more outgoing and more myself in social situations quite quickly. I’m very open, and I can tell you I’ve made friends in restaurants, bars, clubs, airports, and even grocery stores—the list goes on.

Trial by Fire, One Notch at a Time

Carter

The sentiment of singular exploration has certainly been the most exhilarating and enticing aspect of my travels. Whether on a long-distance road trip or a bustling day of air travel thousands of miles away, the ability to experience new mountains, planes, and shores in sheer blissful silence is a gift unlike any other in this lifetime. Traveling in solitude forces you to rely on other travelers and local citizens for help on your journey. This practice provides firsthand knowledge, and although daunting to many, it proves rich rewards for all. Explore anything and everything you see with the naked eye, whether it’s in Downtown LA, merchant bazaars in Chefchaouen, or the ebullient beaches of Bondi Beach. This includes engaging with other human beings as well—ask around about the best destinations and eateries, be friendly, and offer greetings and smiles to all you meet. I swear, you’ll meet a plethora of extraordinary wanderers along the way who will entertain you with stories and times you won’t soon forget.

If you want to meet like-minded backpackers, I highly recommend staying at a quality hostel in the area and residing there. This is where you’ll discover many interesting and entertaining personalities from all over the globe. I firmly believe that a confident globetrotter mentality is cultivated through a trial-by-fire method, where you venture out in search of experiences that pique your interest. As you do so, you’ll slowly but surely notch your belt with a vast array of encounters and people until you feel as if you can navigate any climb or place. These were my experiences, and I promise that if you adopt the abstract notions I laid out in this paragraph and apply them to your own real-world scenarios, you will never fail yourself.

My concerns were that I would be alone and have no one to talk to or share my adventure with. The reality is that I didn’t spend a minute alone and met so many incredible people that I could share my travel experiences with. I kind of felt stupid for expecting it to be different. Traveling with my parents, my girlfriend, and my friends is one thing, but traveling by yourself is just such a different experience.

Twelve and Flying Alone

Patricia

My family as a whole loved traveling, so the fear of traveling was never instilled in me. I was never afraid to travel until I had to go out on my own. The fear of traveling solo came from my own thoughts and my superpower of overthinking everything. The fact that I was a 12-year-old girl didn’t help, but nevertheless, I had my family’s support and strength. The first time I traveled alone, I went from Virginia to Texas to visit my cousin. I was so scared and nervous that I even contemplated canceling my flight. After I arrived in Texas, my fears suddenly disappeared, and I felt proud of myself for going through with it all by myself.

As I got older, I realized that my fears as a 12-year-old girl were so different. As a child, my fears were more related to the separation anxiety we get from our parents. The older I got, I feared the common terrors we as women face simply because we are females.

In high school, I flew to Bolivia by myself, and this time, I was just afraid of the overall experience. I was afraid I would get lost, not bond with other people, and that I would feel super uncomfortable in a foreign country. My expectations vs. reality were so far off. Ever since that solo trip, I’ve traveled to Bolivia quite a few times now. I loved the food, the people, the weather, and the culture.

Two Kinds of Solo

Thomas

There are definitely two types of solo travel. The first is the kind where you make friends as soon as you land and reach the nearest backpackers, and the second is the kind where the only contact you have with people is through some poor Wi-Fi in a little lost café once a week.

In both cases, when it comes to meeting people or finding those who will become friends, I have always been open. This doesn’t mean welcoming every single lost soul that came my way—people should be cautious, of course. But I was open to listening to anyone who had something to say, and if what they said was interesting, I was open to hearing a bit more.

Trust Your Judgment

Grace

Traveling alone as a woman can be a little daunting. You need to be hyper-aware of your surroundings at all times and make sure you’re never completely by yourself. Making friends is super important, but equally essential is having sound judgment to know who you can and cannot trust.

Better With a Friend

Vuk

Things are always better experienced with friends, in my opinion. I have solo traveled, but at heart, I’m an introvert and don’t typically go out of my way to make connections—perhaps it’s a narcissistic side of me that I have yet to fully explore. I wouldn’t count moving to America as a true solo journey, as I had a purpose and people waiting for me (coach, teammates). Personally, I don’t think solo traveling interests me at this point or is something I would pursue. Travel is an experience I love to share. If I can meet a friend in a new location, in a place neither of us has been, that’s the ultimate win.

Ask the Driver

Chelsea

The big solo trips I’ve gone on have actually been for business-related reasons. I’ve been very fortunate during these trips and have met amazing people along the way—people I’ve been able to stay in touch with over the years through various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp (which, I’ve found, is really key for international travel!). I don’t have a ton of experience with solo trips that don’t involve work, where I have the freedom to just go, do, see, and meet who I want. My trips have been for very specific reasons, like training, conferences, or meetings with vendors. However, I’ve always had some free time to plan my own schedule, and I have to say that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed those parts of my work trips. What I’ve found to be pretty helpful is talking with the cab/Uber drivers (if that’s what you use) when you first arrive at a location to get to your accommodations.

They’re great at providing useful information and tips about the area—like food, people, and warnings—if you’re lucky enough to speak the same language easily and if they’re friendly enough. It’s not always the case, but in my experiences, this has often been the best way to learn about the new place you’ve landed in.

Just Go and See What Happens

Zach

My thinking about traveling solo was basically, “I’m just gonna go and see what happens.” I had no expectations and told myself I was going to be open to anything I encountered, and I was.

Why Wait for Your Friends?

Whitney

For me, I always knew solo traveling wasn’t in the cards because I simply don’t have the self-motivation to do it. I am 100% an extroverted introvert, so the next best thing to solo traveling for me is joining an organized group trip with other strangers doing the same thing—haha. As much as I hate small talk, I love meeting new people, and generally speaking, other travelers are always super outgoing and love making connections as well. So for my introverted self, it’s the perfect combination of “solo traveling” and group travel! It allows me to be social when I want to, or not if I choose, but still provides the safety and security of having other people around, knowing I’m technically not alone. This is an awesome first step to getting yourself out of your comfort zone, out of your hometown, and into the world! So I ask again, why are you still waiting for your friends?

The Arrow Pulled Back

Reed

There’s nothing like the opportunity to travel with those closest to you, but with that being said, you truly find yourself when you’re able to let go of everything else and embark on your own adventure. An adventure for YOU.

I’ve gone on solo journeys since I was able to drive, exploring the wildlife that Maryland and the surrounding states had to offer. But my first real solo adventure began when I was 20—and it ended up shaping the rest of my life.

If my first love was nature, my second love was undoubtedly the game of soccer. Some of my fondest memories are of my fearless younger self, feeling the wind blow through my hair as I sped past opponent after opponent. I was never the best on the field, but no one could argue that I wasn’t the fastest. The speed my body provided me gave me a sense of freedom that I’ve always been drawn to. Years of training, club soccer tournaments, college invitationals, and recruitment trips led me to my first big life decision: where I’d go to college.

I received a number of Division 3 offers for soccer and Division 1 offers for track. I made the decision to follow my brother’s footsteps and play collegiate soccer at McDaniel College. I remember the first day of training when I won every single speed and endurance trial, earning the nickname “legs.” I felt like I had found my place and earned my spot.

I was recruited by the head coach in my senior year of high school, only to be cut before my freshman season even started. To say I was gutted was an understatement. I remember writing short stories in elementary school and middle school about playing soccer in college. It was my dream… and it felt like I woke up before that dream could ever come true. At the time, I felt like I had let down my younger self immensely. I took all of the blame and lost my sense of purpose. I realized I had chosen this school with only one vision in mind, and once that vision was obscured, I was lost. I spent the remainder of that semester indoors, watching my former teammates go on their own journey with the team—the team I was supposed to be a part of. The team I was meant to be a part of.

You know the saying, “life is like an arrow”? When life pulls you back with difficulties, it means it’s going to launch you into something great. So just focus and keep aiming. This was that moment.

I decided to transfer from McDaniel College and embark on my first solo adventure. I transferred to a school I knew very little about, 8 hours away, filled with endless opportunity. That school was Coastal Carolina. My arrow had been shot forward, and it hasn’t stopped since.

I think most people expected me to be nervous, to be scared, but I was hungry. I was ready.

I found my place, my home, where I truly belonged. In the coming years, I found unbelievable friends who accepted me and filled me with love. I fell in love with the people, the place, the character, the community, and the 10-minute ride to the beach where I’d continue my life adventures.

I think one of the most important takeaways, without sounding narcissistic, was that I fell in love with myself. Making the decision to start a whole new chapter in your life is incredibly difficult. When you know you’re at a turning point, the hardest part is taking that initial step. But once you do, your life changes forever and becomes filled with limitless possibilities. As I sped down I-95 South in my beat-up 2004 Honda Accord, filled with my most precious belongings, I wasn’t focused on the past—that chapter had ended. What lay ahead was a blank page, about to be written by some of the most amazing individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting and experiences I could never have dreamed of.

I wish I could give that version of me a hug, because I was venturing into the unknown all on my own. But maybe I’d just watch from afar, not wanting to disturb a man with an intrepid vision. Because in that moment, I was on my way to a new life. I was free. And looking back, I am so proud.

Remarkable Escape Stories