“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – André Gide
Ever feel like you just want to break free from your daily routine and travel—but the idea of going solo feels a bit daunting? As I get older, I’ve noticed that yes, I might have a little more change in my pocket, but finding the time to actually spend on trip abroad isn’t quite working out the way I imagined it. Those classic 9-to-5 hours don’t help much either, especially when I’m typically in the office earlier and clocking out later—essentially doing more than the standard grind! But hey, that’s London life for you.
Here’s the thing: as life moves on, coordinating travel plans with others becomes harder. Timing doesn’t always align, and life has a sneaky way of piling on responsibilities—kids, mortgages, savings, and the endless “adulting” checklist. Plus, let’s be honest: the older we get, the fewer people around us are itching to travel. Sometimes, you and your friends might chat endlessly about holiday plans, but somehow, those dreamy ideas never make it past the WhatsApp group or whatever messaging app happens to be the flavour of the year.
And for any BAME traveller, there’s another layer to consider. Whether it’s navigating new places as a minority or the extra prep (because let’s face it, representation in travel isn’t all that), it can feel like a bigger leap. But trust me, travelling solo as a black person is next-level empowering.
Ditch the Excuses and Book It
Got the time, health, and money to do it? Then stop chatting about it and just press the button. The second you secure those flights, the game changes. You’ve got no choice but to figure the rest out—and yes, it might feel like “hard work”, but trust me, you’ll come out on the other side a more grateful person and having less regrets.
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Life’s Curveballs: How Travel Teaches Resilience
Think missed flights, lost bags, or turning up to a place where not a soul speaks your language (and you’re armed with GCSE-level Spanish at best). It’s nerve-racking but also hilarious in hindsight. Each mishap teaches you to think on your feet, solve problems, and—most importantly—laugh at yourself. Classic travel life throws? These are pure gold comedy and it helps building resilience. For more on embracing the unexpected while traveling, check out my post: Embracing the Unknown: My Takeaway for Travellers
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BAME and Bold: Making Your Mark in the World
For Black, Asian, and other minority travellers, exploring the world can sometimes feel like you’re rewriting the rules. You’re not just traveling—you’re proving that the globe isn’t reserved for one type of person. Engaging with locals, immersing yourself in the culture, and representing your community? Now, that’s fricken powerful.
From Culture Shocks to Confidence Boosts
Ordering street food in a language you don’t speak? Trust me, it’s a humbling (and often hilarious) experience that’ll leave you with a brilliant story to tell. Diving into the customs, cuisines, and quirks of other cultures doesn’t just expand your palate—it expands your perspective on life itself.
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The Quiet Power of Going Solo
There’s a kind of confidence you gain from figuring it out solo, one awkward moment at a time. Whether it’s navigating an unfamiliar city, trying salsa dancing in Havana, or haggling in a bustling Marrakesh market, every little win adds another layer to your confidence. And let’s face it—there’s nothing more satisfying than proving to yourself that you’ve got this.
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Document the Glow-Up
Don’t let the memories fade into the abyss of your mind. Grab a journal, snap some pics, vlog it if you like—capture it all. Documenting your journey lets you reflect on how far you’ve come and, honestly, might just inspire someone else who’s on the fence about traveling solo.
Final Words
The world’s isn’t going to stop for, so just that step outside your comfort zone and as cheesy as it sounds it helps to discover better version of yourself. Don’t let overthinking clip your wings—book the trip, take the leap, and embrace the adventure. You’ve got stories to write and memories to create, so go out there and make it happen.
