Oh boy, do I have a story for you.
It all started in 2018 when I planned a trip to Europe with a friend.
beginning our adventure in Greece, we had a blast soaking up the sun, eating delicious food, and sailing around. Life was good!
Meteora, Greece
Until disaster struck... We were on our way to Montenegro, with a quick stop in Albania to switch buses, when my friend dropped a bombshell:
"See ya later, Jess!"
My heart stopped, my stomach dropped... WHAT!?
My friend had run out of money and decided to stay with her family in Albania. I was stunned. I mean, I knew we were on a budget, but I never imagined she would ditch me halfway through the trip. As I boarded the second bus, I was scared, sad and had no idea what to do next.
And the cherry on top... she cancelled all of our hostel reservations, leaving me stranded in a foreign country with nowhere to stay. Great. Just great. But I quickly realized that I was capable of handling whatever came my way. You know what they say: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade (or something like that)...
So, there I was, alone and unsure, in a strange land. But deep down, a tiny part of me was a little bit excited. I had always wanted to try solo travelling, and now I had no choice. Instead of giving up and heading back home, I decided to embrace the adventure. I found new hostels, made new friends, and set out to explore by myself. And let me tell you, it was the best decision I ever made.
Vienna, Austria
There's something about solo travel that's incredibly liberating. You're free to go wherever you want, do whatever you want, and be whoever you want. No compromises, no drama, no stress. It's just you and the world, baby!
I learned and grew so much during that trip. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, made connections with people from all over the world, and came away with a newfound sense of confidence and independence. Sure, there were moments when I felt lonely, scared or lost. But those moments were also opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Looking back on that trip, I can't help but laugh at how things turned out. I mean, who knew that getting ditched by a friend could be such a blessing in disguise? Life is full of surprises, and sometimes the best adventures happen when you least expect them.
So, if you're ever faced with a situation like mine, where you're forced to solo travel unexpectedly, don't panic. Embrace the adventure, be open to new experiences, and remember that the best stories often come from the unexpected. Who knows, you might just have the time of your life.
