I still remember the exact moment I decided to take my first solo trip. It was a rainy Tuesday night, and I was staring at my laptop, scrolling through endless photos of friends traveling in exotic locations. Each photo felt like a snapshot of the life I was supposed to be living—a life of adventure, excitement, and new horizons. But instead, I was stuck in my tiny apartment, my routine a blur of work, Netflix, and sleep. I felt trapped, uninspired, and, honestly, a little lost.
The idea of solo travel had always lingered at the back of my mind, but I’d brushed it off. Traveling alone seemed daunting, risky, and, let’s face it, a little lonely. But that night, something shifted. My cursor hovered over a budget flight to Lisbon, Portugal, and before I knew it, I clicked “Book Now.” It was a one-way ticket. No plan, no travel companion, just a vague hope that this decision would shake me out of my rut.
That one impulsive decision set me on a path I never could have imagined. What followed was a month-long journey of challenges, triumphs, and life-changing experiences that reshaped how I saw the world—and myself. Here’s the story of my first solo travel experience, and why it’s the best decision I ever made.
The Fear of the Unknown
The weeks leading up to my departure were a whirlwind of emotions. One minute I was thrilled, picturing myself sipping coffee at a quaint Portuguese café; the next, I was paralyzed with fear. What if I got lost? What if something happened to me and no one knew where I was? What if I hated being alone?
I packed and repacked my bag, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. My family was supportive but cautious. My mom asked me daily if I was sure about this. I wasn’t sure, but I was determined. I kept reminding myself that growth doesn’t happen inside your comfort zone.
When the departure day finally arrived, I felt like I was stepping off a cliff. As the plane lifted off, I clutched the armrest and took a deep breath. There was no turning back now.
Arriving in Lisbon: Alone and Anxious
I landed in Lisbon on a bright, sunny morning. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of the sea and fresh pastries. As I stepped out of the airport, the reality of being alone in a foreign country hit me. There was no one to turn to, no one to help me navigate. My heart pounded as I fumbled with my phone, trying to figure out how to get to my hostel.
I finally boarded a bus, my backpack feeling heavier with every step. I watched the city pass by—cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, people laughing and chatting in Portuguese. Everything felt unfamiliar and overwhelming. I started to wonder if I’d made a huge mistake.
When I arrived at my hostel, I was greeted by a cheerful receptionist who handed me a map and pointed out the city’s best spots. The dorm room was filled with strangers, all chatting in different languages. I took a deep breath, set down my bag, and forced myself to introduce myself to a group of travelers who were planning to visit the Alfama district. To my surprise, they invited me along.
The Moment It All Changed
That afternoon, wandering through Alfama’s narrow, winding streets, something in me shifted. We climbed up steep hills, the sound of Fado music drifting from open windows. We stopped at a tiny café where an old woman served us pastéis de nata (custard tarts) still warm from the oven. The sun set over the Tagus River, casting a golden glow over the city. For the first time since I arrived, I felt a sense of calm.
I realized that being alone didn’t mean being lonely. The other travelers were just like me—curious, open-minded, and eager to connect. We swapped stories, laughed over shared meals, and marveled at the beauty of a city none of us had ever been to before. I wasn’t as alone as I thought.
Discovering the Freedom of Solo Travel
As the days passed, I began to embrace the freedom that came with solo travel. I woke up each morning with no agenda other than what I wanted to do. I wandered through the LX Factory, an old industrial complex turned artsy hub, where I spent hours browsing quirky shops and street art. I took a day trip to Sintra, where fairytale castles perched on misty hillsides. I ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, whether it was a seafood feast at a bustling market or a quiet meal by myself at a tiny, candlelit restaurant.
I learned to trust my instincts and navigate challenges on my own. When I got lost in the maze-like streets of Porto, I didn’t panic. I asked a friendly local for directions, and we ended up chatting about the best places to drink port wine. When a storm stranded me on the island of Madeira, I laughed it off and joined a group of stranded travelers for a spontaneous night of singing and card games. Every challenge became a story, every obstacle an opportunity.
Finding Myself Along the Way
Solo travel forced me to confront parts of myself I’d been avoiding. Without the distractions of daily life, I had time to think, reflect, and be present. I wrote in my journal every night, jotting down thoughts, dreams, and the little moments that made each day special. I realized how much I relied on others for validation and how freeing it was to make decisions based solely on what I wanted.
I discovered strengths I didn’t know I had—resilience, resourcefulness, and a surprising ability to strike up conversations with strangers. I learned to be comfortable with silence, with my own company, and with the uncertainties of life. Somewhere along those sun-drenched streets, I found a version of myself that was braver, more open, and more alive than I’d ever felt.
Why You Should Take a Solo Trip
My month in Portugal ended too soon, but the lessons I learned stayed with me. Solo travel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about discovering who you are when no one else is watching. It’s about realizing that you are enough, that you can handle more than you think, and that the world is full of kindness, beauty, and possibility.
If you’re hesitating to take that solo trip, I urge you to go for it. It won’t always be easy, and there will be moments of doubt. But there will also be moments of joy, wonder, and growth that you can’t experience any other way. Take that leap. Book the ticket. Trust yourself. The world is waiting—and so is the best version of you.
