Why I Travel Solo & How It Changed Everything

Welcome to To Be Explored

Hey there, and welcome! Whether you're here because you love travel, care about mental health, or just want to see what it's like to explore the world (and yourself), I'm so glad you found your way here.

Discovering the wondrous Gljúfrabúi waterfall in Iceland

To Be Explored isn't just about travel tips or pretty destinations—it's about getting real. The fears, the breakthroughs, the awkward moments, the "holy crap, I actually did that" moments. Because travel, especially solo travel, isn't just about seeing the world—it's about discovering who you are in it.

Why I Travel Solo: How It All Began

Solo travel wasn't just always the plan. I was comfortable in my routine, stuck in the "someday" mindset. But in 2023, I finally took the leap—with a short solo trip to Mexico. It was my way of dipping a toe into solo travel without fully diving in.

Then came Iceland in the summer of 2023. That trip was different. It wasn't just about seeing a new place—it was about stepping completely outside my comfort zone, proving to myself that I could do this. That I could rely on my own instincts, finding joy in my own company, and navigate unfamiliar places even when it was scary.

Since then, travel has become more than just an escape. It's become a form of self-care, a way to reset, to challenge myself, and to reconnect when life feels overwhelming.

Travel & Mental Health: The Unexpected Lessons

As much as I love the adventure, I'd be lying if I said solo travel was always easy. Anxiety and depression have been constant companions, even when I'm in the most breathtaking places. But the more I've traveled alone, the more I've realized that solo travel isn't about escaping myself—it's about learning to be with myself in a new way.

Facing my fear by zip-lining in Mexico!

Of course, solo travel comes with its own challenges:

• Navigating foreign countries alone

• Handling language barriers

• Coping with loneliness

But it's also given me some of the most valuable tools for managing my mental health:

• Learning when to take breaks instead of pushing through exhaustion

• Setting boundaries with plans, people, and expectations

• Practicing mindfulness and staying present, even in uncomfortable situations.

Solo travel has taught me that being alone doesn't mean being lonely. It means trusting myself enough to know I can handle whatever comes my way.

Why I Created To Be Explored

This blog was born from a need to share the real side of travel—the beautiful, the messy, and the life-changing.

If you've ever wanted to travel solo but felt too scared, this space is for you.

If you've ever wondered how travel can help you heal, grow, and challenge yourself, you're in the right place.

If you just want to connect with a community of women who get it, welcome home.

I'll be sharing stories, lessons, and experiences that go beyond just where to go—I want to explore what happens inside of us when we step outside our comfort zones.

Here I am at the infamous Blue Lagoon

Your Turn: Share Your Story

This isn't just about me—it's about us. If you've had a solo travel experience that changed you, if you've faced fear and gone away, or if you're still dreaming of your first solo trip... I'd love to hear your story.

Drop a comment below or submit your story to the Community page—let's build a space where women can share, connect, and inspire each other. Because we're all still exploring—both the world and ourselves.

Let's get real, together.