Across transportation modes, I’ve made a few mistakes on my trips that could have derailed my plans, like missing buses, getting lost, and forgetting key items.
I used to worry that these mistakes would waste precious time, but solo trips taught me to stay calm in these moments. To do this effectively, I realized I need to practice mindfulness and remain present in the moment.
When I mess up during my solo travels, I stop what I am doing, observe what is happening, and remind myself that everything is fine and I am capable of figuring things out.
It’s not easy to stay mindful in stressful situations, but the more you practice it, the less difficult it feels. If you practice it in challenging moments while traveling alone, you might develop a sense of ease over time, as I did.
Although I’ve gotten better at it, solo travel is still challenging for me. But I welcome and look forward to more opportunities to grow as an individual through these trips.