Growing up, I always imagined traveling all over the world, but I never imagined traveling solo. Honestly, I never even considered it an option until, all of a sudden, it was. Even thinking back to it now, it makes me laugh. Solo travel felt a little forbidden, rebellious, and wild. If you know me, you know I’m not any of those (for the most part ;) ).

When I look back at many things that have happened in my life, I realize that most things I stumbled upon. I end up in situations I never anticipated or planned, but the stars would align, and I’d be brave enough to say yes. That’s exactly how I fell into becoming a solo traveler. My first trip was to Hawaii, and I never planned to go alone. I booked the trip as a catalyst to get my friends to commit to going with me, but then they never did. (Maybe I need some new friends, ha) When it came down to planning the trip, I was sure someone would muster up the courage to say yes. As the date got closer and closer, I was making reservations and putting together the itinerary, and before I knew it, I was on the plane. Alone.

On the plane, I felt like Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games after she volunteers for tribute and is on the train to the capital, thinking, “What the hell did I just do?” But when the plane takes off, you are forced into motion whether you like it or forcing you to commit to where you’re going.

Thank God that plane moved, and I was on it.

Not to be dramatic, but the solo trip to Hawaii changed my life. Truly. Throughout that week, I found confidence I never knew I had. I found the freedom to do whatever I wanted, whether going on a hike or lying on the beach, exploring all the places I wanted to go, and stumbling upon unexpected adventures. I ate the food I wanted when I wanted (can I get an amen). I found pride in my ability to sit alone at a dinner table and not worry about who might be alarmed that I was alone. I made friends with strangers that I would’ve never met otherwise. I leaned into strengths I didn’t know I had. Solo travel allowed me to discover myself in new ways that I didn’t think I was capable of.

But the best part is that it didn’t stop there. Everything I discovered on my solo travels has merged into my everyday life in the best way possible. I’m confident when I’m alone at dinner or in the grocery store. I’m not afraid to speak up or introduce myself to new colleagues or friends in group settings. I value my time more and take the initiative to make space for the things I want to do.

If you’re interested in traveling solo, FREAKING DO. IT. I promise you are braver and capable of more than you think. Now I know what all of you haters are thinking, “it must be easy to solo travel since you’re single.” A) being single doesn’t make you less worthy of fabulous travel. B) I promise you that going on a solo trip will fill up your fuel tank to serve those around you better.