My 1st Solo Trip

I have read a lot of posts from women who have a little trepidation about setting out on their 1st solo trip. I thought that sharing my story might help. My first solo trip was almost 30 years ago. It was about turning something negative into something positive.

I was 29 years old, had a house and a business with a very trusted friend. Unfortunately, that friend had taken loans out on the business, run up debts and I lost my business, my house and my job. I decided I wanted to try to save and travel. I found a job for a company that was replacing paper with computers, so much overtime! For 1 year I worked 8am-8pm every weekday, 11-5 Sat and 11-4 Sunday. I had enough money to travel.

Relaxing in Greece

To acclimatise and save more money I spent 6 months,working 3 jobs on a Greek island. Then I bought a round the world ticket and off I went. It was a different world then - no internet, no mobile phones, no social media, no organised tours, no cruise ships, just a few intrepid travellers. I set off with a Lonely Planet South-east Asia on a Shoestring guidebook, the backpackers bible. I'd turn up somewhere and find somewhere to sleep

I had the best year of my life and 145 countries later and I'm still travelling and have had so many adventures. So my advice - take that leap of faith, you won't regret it. You will meet so many incredible people. You will only be on your own if you want to be. There is a big difference between being alone and being lonely. You have freedom to see and do what you like. You're never really lost - if you get on the wrong bus you just go somewhere else, some of the best times and adventures.

My travels have taken me to places off the beaten track like Iran

I'm writing this from Montenegro. I have just spent 3 weeks travelling in Italy, now borders are open. I will never get this opportunity again to see these countries with so few people, it's like the early days of travel. Now headed to Albania and Macedonia. The world is so diverse and so wonderful, nothing will have changed when you go home except you.
If you need any help or advise please feel free to message me. Happy travels everyone!

Cheers to taking the leap of faith and travelling!