Hey There,
If someone asks you, " What are the things you enjoy doing that make you happy?" My answer would be: Travelling!! I realized that Traveling (locally / overseas) actually increases the level of my Dopamine, the Happy hormone!!
Never would I imagine myself wandering around the land of Europe alone solely dependent on my own two feet on a really tight budget. Solo Traveling is common nowadays but without proper planning and budgeting, it could be a big NO. Now that I am back in my home country and able to write this, I am amazed and proud of myself (Opps I'm not being a narcissist yeah).
To be a story, My Brother-In-Law's (BIL) younger sister's fiancé is a French man. When I heard that my sister and BIL were planning to attend their wedding in Toulon France, considering it'll be my first visit to European Countries, I couldn't help not put my mind on the idea of visiting and traveling around Europe. That was when I decided to let myself experience a 27-day Europe Trip (22-day Solo trip). My solo trip started when I parted ways with my sister and BIL after the wedding in Toulon, France. Here are the overviews of my trip:-
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| 13th June 2024 - 08th July 2024 |
For me, planning is essential in one trip. For this trip, it took me six (6) months of non-stop reading and researching before coming up with my itinerary with details information on things to do, what the weather was like, where to stay, how to commute from one place to another, and so on. Since my trip will be covering France, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, I need to fully prepare myself mentally, physically, and financially.
Malaysia - Istanbul - Toulon - Annecy - Geneva - Interlaken - Zurich - Paris - Cambridge - Great Yarmouth - London - Doha - Malaysia
In this entry, I will focus to look into my reflections on my trip, particularly focusing on moments of solitude, self-discovery, and tips for safety and confidence.
moments of solitude
Traveling solo through Europe allowed me to experience a deep sense of freedom and reflection that I hadn’t anticipated. While I knew there would be moments of solitude, what surprised me most was how empowering and transformative those moments were. Instead of feeling isolated, I began to embrace the quiet time alone as a space for self-reflection and personal growth.
Self Discovery
One of the most profound aspects of traveling alone was how much I learned about myself. Without the distraction of a group or a companion, I was forced to sit with my thoughts, to be fully present in each moment, and to reflect on what I truly wanted out of the journey. I found joy in simply wandering through the streets of a foreign city, taking in the sights, sounds, and energy around me while being fully in tune with my own thoughts. The silence that accompanied my solo travel gave me time to think deeply about who I am, where I’m headed, and what truly brings me peace. It was in these moments of solitude that I found clarity and started to build a deeper sense of inner confidence.
Safety
The experience of being alone in a foreign country also presented challenges, especially in terms of safety. I quickly realized that when traveling solo, being aware of my surroundings and taking proactive steps to stay safe were crucial. I made sure to keep copies of important documents, such as my passport and travel insurance, in a separate place from the originals. I also made it a habit to inform a friend or family member of my whereabouts every day, just to ensure someone knew where I was in case of an emergency. These small precautions gave me peace of mind and allowed me to focus on enjoying the experience without unnecessary worry.
Trusting My Gut Feeling
Confidence also played a significant role in my journey. There were moments when I felt uncertain or overwhelmed, whether it was navigating an unfamiliar train station, communicating in a language I didn’t speak, or simply finding my way around a new city. But as the trip progressed, I began to trust myself more. I gained confidence in my ability to solve problems, whether it was figuring out directions or handling unexpected changes in plans. Each time I overcame a challenge on my own, I felt a little stronger and more capable. The more I embraced these moments, the more I learned to trust my instincts and approach life with greater self-assurance.
Finding Connection
There were also moments of connection with others that were made even more meaningful because I was traveling solo. Whether it was striking up a conversation with a local in a café or meeting fellow travelers on a walking tour, the sense of shared humanity that emerged from these interactions left a lasting impact. Being alone didn’t mean I was disconnected from the world—it meant I was more open to engaging with it in an authentic way. Those moments reminded me that even in solitude, there’s a connection to something greater, whether it’s other people, the places we visit, or our own sense of purpose.
Conclusion
Looking back on this trip, I’m grateful for the time spent alone and for the self-discovery that came with it. I learned to appreciate solitude as a space for reflection, creativity, and growth. I gained a greater understanding of myself and my capabilities, which I now carry with me in both my travels and daily life. Above all, this journey taught me that confidence comes from within, and that when we step out into the world alone, we open ourselves up to not only new experiences but to a deeper connection with who we are.
