Traveling solo

Guten tag, friends!

A lot of people back home and here in Europe have asked me why I chose to travel alone. And the answer is both simple and a little complicated, so we’ll see how well I can answer in a blog post. And Starbucks in the Munich train station (yay free wifi!) seems as good a place as any to give it a shot.

I bought my plane tickets back in March on a whim. The thought of traveling to Germany popped in my head one morning and a couple hours later my bank account was $1,100 lighter. I’ve always wanted to go to Europe. There were several nights during college when I actually cried because I was so convinced I would never get to go. I would never have the money or the time blah blah blah. I was a little melodramatic.

This year, I was finally at a point in my life where I could make a trip to Europe happen. So I did.

I took charge of my dream, and I never looked back.

Perhaps it was selfish not to invite friends, family or my boyfriend of nearly five years to join me. I can see how it might appear that way. I didn’t even tell anyone about it until after I had already bought my tickets. But traveling to Europe has been a dream of mine for so long. And it’s something I needed to do alone.

These days there are so many reasons for women not to do things. Don’t go to that bar by yourself. Don’t walk home alone. Don’t use that back alley. Don’t wear that skimpy outfit to that party. Women change various behaviors every day out of fear for their safety. I’ve done it. How many times in college did I wear baggy clothes and adjust my gait to look more like a man’s when I walked home alone at night? Or put my keys between my fingers in case I was attacked. Avoided eye contact when I walked by a group of drunk men outside a bar. Ignored a “hey baby! Why you ignoring me?? Come back here!”

I do all those things out of fear. Because I’m afraid of being harassed, attacked, or raped. This trip to Europe gave me a chance to prove to myself that I can do whatever I set my mind to. I can be alone. I’m strong enough and smart enough to figure out a brand new situation like international travel.

And it’s been interesting. While here in Europe I’ve gotten lots of questions and comments about my traveling situation. Some think it’s the coolest thing that I’m doing this alone, just for me. Others ask “Are you traveling with your husband?” (I’m wearing a fake engagement ring while abroad). “Where’s your fiancé?” “What does he think about you coming here alone?” I wonder if men traveling alone get those kinds of questions.

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared about coming to Europe alone. I was. I’ve read all the horror stories, and watched the movie “Taken”. I knew going in what the possibilities were. But I wasn’t going to let fear or “what ifs” stop me from fulfilling my dream. I’m far too stubborn and bull-headed for that.

So part of my decision was based on a need to conquer fear and test my own capabilities. Another reason I wanted to travel alone was so I could get to know myself better. I feel like everyone should do something big by themselves. Learn to enjoy your own company. Plus, it makes it easier in some ways to meet new people. It’s less intimidating for a stranger to approach one person, as opposed to two or three.

Traveling solo is not without its challenges, though. It does get lonely sometimes. Especially when I was in Mittenwald, which is very much the perfect place for couples young and old. I see things every day that remind me of my boyfriend, my friends and my family. Things I know they would love to see. Experiences I would love to share.

Ultimately, I’m happy with my decision to fly solo for my first trip to Europe. I’ve learned a lot about myself. And it’s been an amazing adventure so far 🙂

Well, I’m off to find some dinner. I spent the morning in Mittenwald (yes, it involved more cake and wine haha) and now I’m back in Munich. Tonight I’ll take a night train to Luxembourg to explore that country and visit a friend of mine from college. On Wednesday, we’re planning to go to France. Should be fun!

Tschus!