It’s been a little over a year since I departed for my study abroad experience, a semester in Oxford, England. Reflecting on that six-month experience, here is one piece of advice that I would give to any student: make time for solo travel.
Don’t get me wrong, some of my favorite memories involve trying new things and seeing new places with some of my best friends. However, the opportunity to travel by yourself offers a unique opportunity for growth.
When you solo travel, you have to learn to rely on and trust yourself. It’s about taking a step and believing in yourself to do something that can be really scary at first. However, during that trip, you become more connected to yourself; it gives you the space to prioritize your wants and needs. Do you want to stop at that random antique store? Do it! Do you want to sit on a beach and just watch the waves roll onto shore? Do it! You get to dictate everything that you do. A solo trip gives you the physical space to reflect on your own priorities and values.
I would recommend starting with day trips, simply taking a few hours for yourself to try new things. For example, from Oxford, I traveled to London by myself. Sitting in Hyde Park on a gorgeous day with my book ended up being one of my favorite memories. I had a moment to myself to just sit and reflect. From there, consider taking two- or three-day trips. After I got more comfortable taking day trips, I traveled to Northern England and Scotland. These trips pushed me to be independent and build new connections.
By placing yourself in a new environment all on your own, you open yourself up to new opportunities and discoveries. Honestly, if you can figure out how to navigate public transportation on your own, what can’t you do?
The good news is that you don’t have to study abroad to make these types of solo trips your reality. Even from Harrisonburg, there are so many opportunities for little solo trips, whether it be a day in Washington D.C., a weekend trip to New York, or anything in between. Prioritize taking time and exploring things by yourself. You’ll never know what you discover.