Prior to this year, I had never travelled anywhere on my own. I have been fortunate enough to have travelled overseas and interstate with my family and friends thus far in my life but never alone. This year I decided that this was going to change.
Growth and change are key for progression in our lives. We must open ourselves to new opportunities and activities in order to learn new things about ourselves and the world. In July I booked a week trip away to Melbourne solo. It was something I had been eager to do for a long time, but I finally bit the bullet. This year has flown by so fast, and although I booked the trip early on in the year, it certainly came around fast. The big day arrived, and mum dropped me off to the airport for my flight. I am aware that going to Melbourne isn't quite the most extravagant or extensive leg to travel, but it was still a new experience for me. I had only ever driven there, and this was my first time flying on my own. In the past I have experienced immense anxiety regarding traveling on planes, but to my surprise I have come a long way, and I was perfectly fine. I arrived in Melbourne in the evening and got the Skybus to the city and an uber to my hotel. It was a lovely place to stay, modest but quaint, my grandmother's recommendation. It felt liberating to be staying in a new city with all my own rules!
Prior to leaving, I had made a long list of all the places and areas I wanted to see. I was there for a week and was determined to use every moment wisely. I was also very lucky with the weather being perfect the whole week, it was mid 20s and slightly sunny, perfect for Melbourne standards. I went to all the markets, beaches, shopping strips, cool streets and places to eat. I went for walks around the fancier parts of the city to drool over the immaculate selection of homes. I went and visited my favourite spot in Melbourne, South Brighton and got the train there and back making it an easy trip. I was so grateful for my independence and for the fun I was having during my trip. One of the best parts of my trip was my ability to go to restaurants, cafes and even bars on my own. It is such a great step in the right direction to find comfort in your own company. Of course it is lovely to share these experiences with friends and family, but it is a new sort of experience to do it solo. I found that I really got to know myself more on my trip even though I was only gone for a week. I was able to learn new lessons, try new things, meet cool people and feel inspired. It is so easy to fall into the pattern of set routines with study and work and the tribulations of your early 20s. But after that trip I decided to make travel a big part of my youth from now on. The second I got back I booked a trip to the UK for early next year and I plan to visit a friend over in Queensland later this year. I am beyond inspired and excited by travelling.
I am so grateful to be able to travel again post-COVID. I would also like to note that when I go to my job each day, I remind myself that hard work pays off! Although sometimes it can be unmotivating to go, saving money will be the best tool you need to reap the rewards of independence in this world. I would highly recommend if you have the means to travel more even if it is locally. Going out into the world teaches us so much about ourselves and the world around us. The world is waiting for you...
Xx
Bamby
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