Why Traveling Alone Is So Different | The Odyssey Online
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I've always gone on trips with my family. It was a great fear of mine to go to an airport alone or do any sort of traveling without depending on someone that I know (whether it be for assurance or comfort).

Just recently I had to have a very brand new experience where I conquered a lot of the fears I have been avoiding. BUT, I did it. I know it sounds silly, but being thrown into such an unknown situation without anyone to guide, forces you to really take matters into your own hands.

While I was petrified, I found that it is the things that scare you that are truly good for you. I faced it and I survived.



So what did I do exactly? It was something that is probably very normal to anyone else my age since people on Instagram appear to be traveling 24/7.

I went on business, but I learned a lot. I had to first wake up super early. I arrived at the airport and my first thought was: "Okay, you've got this. You will find your way." (But I was really telling myself to please not get lost). Eveyone I spoke to about this concern would say it's impossible, and I would say: "Well the airport hasn't met me yet." Little did I know that the signs at the airport are not made to just sit there and look pretty. If you don't know something, people are always so helpful (okay not always, but most will direct you where you need to go-- regardless if it's kindly or more out of obligation).

I got settled, checked my gate, and then decided to start breakfast early since I passed through each step I needed to go through. Getting on the plane, my thoughts have always been that if something were to happen (knock on wood), that I would be alone. I guess that is just something I don't want. Being surrounded by strangers is exciting and dull at the same time. They just aren't your loved ones, so traveling alone is definitely different.

You learn a lot about the area and the people that live in that place. I also took my first Uber, which could have gone smoother at the start to find the driver, but we made it happen. That wasn't too bad either.

What I realize, is that it is all a control thing and sometimes we need to let go of things that are simply out of our control.

I found my way to my second location just fine, and in the end (despite flight delays) it was an experience that I can check off of a, "what it means to be an adult" list.

What I'm getting at here, is that many times we are so concerned with our fears that we do not give anything a chance. It holds us back. Also, life is unexpected. We grow with these experience, we learn, and we live well. We must learn to depend on ourselves, take the lead, and believe in ourselves. The reality here, is that we are all very capable of doing just about anything.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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