Getting Lost To Find Yourself: Why Solo Female Travel Is The Way To Go!
What I've learnt as a solo female traveller and why you should try it
Ask me 5 years ago if I would consider, let alone enjoy the concept of solo travel you would probably get a firm ‘hell no’ and that would be the end of that conversation. Yet, fast forward to today and I am firmly the biggest cheerleader for exploring this incredible planet in any way possible, including all on your lonesome.
I feel like of recent solo travel has become somewhat of a trend, fuelled by the ability to broadcast your adventures on social media to show how independent and cultured you are… I’ll admit, something I am somewhat guilty of.
However, solo travel is more than just the kudos of getting slapped with a well done sticker and taking endless awkward selfies or leg photos (of which I have many) and as I have experienced is the door to personal growth and unforgettable adventures that are just, well, different than travelling with others.
Recently I took a solo van life road trip through Scotland and on reflection I’m going to be that friend who sits here and rants to you about how you MUST try it. So grab a coffee and buckle up.
Get to know yourself
Oh it’s so cliche that you go off solo and undergo a journey of self discovery but, it’s kind of true!
When you are stripped of your normal routines and safety blankets you start to step out of your comfort zone and discover what you’re truly capable of and who you really are. There is a certain level of introspection and deeper understanding of yourself that seems to increase more and more with every solo trip you complete and there is something so fulfilling about that.
Getting lost, gets you found
It’s amazing just how social it can be being alone. Unless you’ve been living under a rock and some how, luckily for you, been able to avoid my relentless raving about solo hiking, you’ll know I’m quite the fan…
One reason I love it so much, aside from the ability to stop and rest carefree as much as I want (totally outing myself there), is because it’s actually a lot more social. I have met some incredible people on my solo hikes and travels because it seems people are willing to start conversations with you more if you’re alone and inversely you will naturally open up to human connection in the absence of your usual support crew and make some incredible connections. If you’re skeptical, you’re going to have to trust me on this one until you try it for yourself (yes, that was a gentle nudge).
Learn to embrace the spontaneity
Say goodbye to the military style holiday itinerary or consideration of others preferences. You’re flying solo now and you can do whatever the heck you like whenever you like. It’s a luxury you don’t appreciate until you experience it!
Don’t get me wrong, I love experiencing the world and making epic memories with my friends and family but waking up and doing literally whatever you want to do that do it the *chefs kiss* of adventure and travel. Want to do a brunch spot bar crawl and roll back into your hotel room (or van in my case), go for it. Want to take a spontaneous jaunt up a mountain to catch the sunset, no problem. You make the rules and you don’t have to answer to anyone. As a chronic people pleaser this both feels horribly selfish and a dream at the same time!
It’s the epitome of me, myself and I
There is nothing like being immersed in an alternate culture where everything is different and maybe a little scary to realise how damn resilient and self reliant you actually are.
There will inevitably always be challenges to overcome when you travel; cue me getting my van bogged down, leaving my rental car keys perched beautifully on a rock atop a mountain and no matter how many charging cables I take not quite having the right one. When push comes to shove though you will always find a solution and you realise that the worst that can really happen usually really isn’t that bad. It’s exposure therapy at its finest and with every challenge overcome makes regular life that little bit more vanilla.
Some things just can’t be explained
The last point, I’m not sure I can quite put into words but it’s just magical. Empowering. All consuming. Calming. Adrenaline Fuelled and addictive all at the same time.
It gives you the space from reliance of the familiar and throws you head first into the beautiful chaos of the unknown. The time to think clearly is unparalleled to anything I have every experienced and you realise quickly what truly matters in life… oh god, I’m giving myself the ick with this one but it’s true.
Is solo travel scary? Sometimes. Is it daunting? Yes. Is it worth it? Hell Yes!!
I guess we could conclude that I’m a bit of a fan of solo travel and I think it is something everyone should try at least once in their lives. The great thing is, it doesn’t have to be an epic year long adventure to the far flung corners of this floating rock but it really it can be as simple as exploring a nearby city by yourself or visiting somewhere you’ve been before.
Like anything growth comes from pushing out of your comfort zone and there is sooo much to be gained by stepping out there and just seeing what happens. At worst you come home with your tails somewhat between your legs and at best, well… go find out!
I’ll be writing a new Substack soon all about my solo Scottish van trip with my itinerary and tips for van life but in the meantime I will leave you with my lingering despair for having to hand my van back to Roadsurfer for a second time and returning back to the somewhat mundane reality of apartment living and having to drive to my daily adventures.
I think I am more convinced than ever that I would love to buy a van. It really just is a totally free way of living and I enjoyed literally every moment of it (including sitting high up and nosying in peoples gardens from superior driving position).
Campervan hire is an awesome way to explore so if you want to try out van life for yourself Roadsurfer have given me a discount code so you can get £95 off any booking over 5 nights in 2024 valid until 09.03.24. Check out their website here and use the code LUCY24 to grab your discount and go on an epic adventure.
In the meantime, I’ll catch you in the mountains! Stay legendary ✌🏻
Thank you for this. After working the corporate grind for a good long while, I am encouraged that what I might need is a solo trip…just enough adventure and time for self reflection. And I am especially encouraged to discover what I am capable of!