I guess it started with a quarter-life crisis?
Or maybe I just have a hard time sitting still.
Regardless, the sudden realization that half my 20s had passed by so unassumingly was alarming. I had spent the better part of the last decade consumed by unfulfilling relationships, the haze of surviving a global pandemic, and an unshakable sense of stagnation. I had kept an ambitious travel bucket list since I was a kid, hoping that when I was “old enough” I could start crossing things off. Yet here I was, seven years into being a legal adult, constantly waiting for the right circumstances to align before booking a flight. Waiting to graduate med school, waiting for the right person to travel with, waiting until after I got my deviated septum fixed – because airplane air cannot be good for my narrow nasal airways, obviously (still procrastinating on getting that surgery, btw).
At this rate, I wouldn’t travel until I was 65 and retired – and I’d probably still find an excuse then. I guess my frontal lobe still had some growing to do, because I impulsively bought the first cheap flight ticket I saw on Skyscanner. In the two years since, I’ve traveled solo to 12 countries and found a sense of freedom and fulfillment I never knew I needed. If the 5-year-old me—or even 22-year-old me—could see what I’ve done, I think she’d be shocked, in awe, and so proud. Maybe a little concerned about my bank account, but still very proud.
When I’m old, gray, and can’t remember my name, I hope this website still exists somewhere as proof that I was once young, cool, and fearless. I mean, if the internet isn’t forever, then what is? But I also hope it can help someone else like me, who is maybe scared to travel alone, or always finds themself postponing happiness to an unpromised tomorrow. My travels are far from glamorous – it’s not easy being on a student’s budget – and I try to cram two weeks worth of activities into as short a trip as possible (did I mention I’m still in school??) But if you are looking for unsolicited advice on how to solo travel without a lot of money or time – you’re in the right place. And I’m happy you’re here 🙂
-Mouni
