Have you been thinking about solo traveling for a while now? Have you asked yourself why you haven’t actually booked your flight? There can be a lot of reasons as to why you aren’t able to go on that trip. But, most of the time, it’s fear that stops you from clicking that book flight button.
It’s normal for you to have a fear of going somewhere new for the first time. But one of the biggest benefits of solo traveling is learning to fall in love with yourself. Learning the worst and best parts of yourself will help you build confidence. It will not only make you love yourself but also make you feel more secure in who you are.
The best thing about solo traveling is being in the most romantic places and appreciating your own company.
How to Travel During College with Sammy K
When you are trying to travel during college, it can be hard to juggle traveling and your schoolwork. I have always known I wanted to travel. However, I never thought I would actually be able to travel to them. This is when I came across someone named Sammy K.
She is both a YouTuber and a TikToker who has been making videos since she was young. You can find her on Instagram as skzzolo, TikTok as skzzolno, and YouTube as sammy k.
During college, she studied abroad for two semesters in Australia, which then turned into a solo backpacking trip to get to know Europe. She stayed in hostels, had to get rid of much of her clothing, and had to constantly find places to do her laundry. Sometimes she would have really late nights trying to catch a bus or missing it, but most of the time everything aligned, and she was able to experience so many things throughout her trip.
In her TikToks, she talks about her identity, sexuality, appearance, confidence, and future goals. Seeing these positive videos about something as small as living in a new country or city, which might seem pretty big for someone like me who had never traveled outside their town, was motivating.
After traveling, she returned to the States and continued her college studies. As she became more popular, she would travel with brands that wanted to collaborate with her while still attending classes. I never thought it was possible to travel while attending college classes, but Sammy K showed me that with dedication and commitment, I can do both. Now, Sammy K has graduated with a bachelor’s in advertising and is living her life as a content creator.
Chasing Your Fears
In a previous article, I talked about studying abroad in Scotland last summer. Choosing not to spend last summer in my hometown was the best decision I made. Yes, it was sad not to visit my family and friends, but I got to meet new friends and talk to so many strangers abroad. Most of the time, our fears stop us from pursuing what we want. Everyone’s fears are unique to them, but I know, at least for me, it’s always been about considering other people’s opinions about what I am doing.
You never know what might happen if you chase your fears instead of letting them chase you. For example, Sammy K found travel flings. She went on dates and always kept her viewers updated.
This could happen to you.
You might meet the love of your life or find a new best friend. Sometimes you need a bit of delusional thinking to stop those anxious thoughts from coming in. Even if you aren’t looking for love in someone else, you can still find it in yourself.
While traveling, there are many romantic places that can make you appreciate being on your own. Yes, it would be nice to have someone to talk to and possibly kiss under the stars or whatever, but you can do that on your own. Talk with yourself, write to yourself, about the things that you have done so far and the things you wish to do.
Solo travel gives you space to learn to be by yourself. You have the freedom to make your own decisions. If you are a people pleaser, like me, it kind of forces you to stop thinking about other people’s opinions and start listening only to your own.
Don’t Hold Back
The thing that was holding me back from traveling was anxiety. The idea of visiting another country or city can be nerve-racking because you want the trip to go perfectly, but travel is inherently uncertain. You are traveling to get to know the place, which means seeing its worst and best moments as well.
If you hold yourself back from traveling to a place you have been wanting to go, you might miss opportunities that could change your life. When I saw Sammy K solo traveling, it was so eye-opening to see that this 19-year-old woman, the same age as me at the time, was traveling across the world by herself! I was so amazed at the bravery and carelessness that she had to travel to so many places with only a backpack to carry her things.
I used some of her bravery during my study abroad last summer, and it helped boost my positivity. Looking at what the rest of the world has to offer can help you see that the small world you live in isn’t as closed off as you think. During college, we are so consumed by our daily lives and routines that we forget that other people exist outside our classes, jobs, and homes.
What are the Benefits?
In the article “What are the psychological benefits of traveling alone?” by Dr. Charlotte Russell, she talks about how solo traveling can improve your wellness, depression, and anxiety. This is because when traveling solo, you may encounter difficult situations or problems, and you don’t really have anywhere to run and hide from them. You will have to tackle them one at a time. This leads you to trust yourself and your ability to navigate difficult situations.
You become independent. When you step outside your comfort zone, you experience what accomplishment feels like. You feel good about yourself because you achieved a goal you really wanted. Solo travel feels rewarding and boosts your energy, helping you clear your mind and learn to let go of your ongoing worries.
“Self-discovery and building on your relationship with yourself can help you develop self-compassion, self-esteem, and self-soothing, which are all essential in life.”
– Dr. Charlotte Russell
Working on your self-relationship. Both studying abroad and solo travel help you build new connections, gain motivation for school, and strengthen your relationship with yourself. You can learn the simplest things about yourself that you might not have considered you needed to know. For example, how are you in stressful situations? How are you around new people? Are you an introvert or just shy?
Being open-minded. They might seem scary to talk to, but you can learn plenty from a stranger. Asking for directions, recommendations, or curious questions can be conversation starters for a quick interaction or one that might last a few days.
It can change your worldview. Introducing yourself to new cultures, languages, and habits of the people living in these places. Taking yourself away from the routine or place that you have been living for a while can be awesome. Connecting with people who may also be studying or traveling abroad. Getting to know them and learning what has worked for them can be great.
It can bring you new wisdom and help mature your perspective, which you can share with others. You gain education and knowledge from people living in the countries you visit. It can also teach you how to let go of attachments, as Sammy K did with her clothes.
Don’t think, just do it.
As Sammy K traveled for eight months, she met new friends and almost never planned anything; she just went with the wind. Take advantage of being young and free to explore yourself.
When I was studying abroad in Scotland last summer, I realized I wanted so many things, but in reality, all I needed was more time in nature to get to know myself more. I am typically one who is always thinking of my interactions with strangers, but traveling significantly reduced my social anxiety.
Some tips for you to consider are:
- Remember local and embassy numbers
- Try learning some of the local language
- Research cultural expectations and crime ratings
- Join group tours
- Be aware of your surroundings and your luggage
- Make sure you pay attention to your body and ask yourself if you feel safe
- Stay connected with people at home
Now, go click that book flight button and begin your solo travel. Be more confident and secure in who you are and find love in both the world and in yourself!
