How My Solo Trip at 21 Can Help You!

I decided a week before my 22nd birthday, I wanted to do something that scared me. I have always wanted to do a solo trip, but it was the most terrifying thing I could think of. Only being 21, and nearly everyone telling me it was a bad idea, I was petrified. I eventually took the leap because I realized that I am not guaranteed tomorrow, next week or even the next minute. This was a dream of mine, even though it scared me. I saved my paychecks and took the leap to do something crazy. I chose Paris, because it has always had a special place in my heart. I must say, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have met the most amazing people, I experienced a great culture and had the most amazing food. I could not have asked for a better trip. If anything, this trip has taught me that the world is not so scary and there are amazing people living in it. Even though this was a solo trip, I rarely felt alone. I just came back Saturday and I did not want to leave. I will always hold this trip near and dear to my heart and I can't wait for the next one!

With that being said, I am going to get into the tips and tricks of my trip.

Do not panic.

I have to start off with this because panicking is the WORST thing you could possibly do. I am going to let you know before you leave, bad things will happen. The best thing you can do is to stay calm and rely on your instinct. I was in Paris with a dead phone 9pm at night and I could not contact my friend. I immediately went into panic mode. I remembered I had a charger so all I needed to find was an outlet. I went to the nearest train station where a person who was selling the tickets helped me out. I also went to a police officer who helped me. There were also some random people who assisted me as well. You will be surprised at how many people will help, but be careful everyone is not doing things in the name of kindness.

Be open minded.

Having an open mind is going to make your experience even better. Now, I am not saying that if a random stranger told you to jump a 25 story building, to do it. However, I am saying that if you see a new food that you might never even think to try at home, try it. I guarantee that having a 'yes' mindset will give you a positive and enjoyable trip. I was asked by a girl if I wanted to go out with herself and another girl! It was my first day in Paris and on a Monday. Normally I would say no, but I really wanted to push myself on this trip so I said yes. I am so glad I went, I had the most amazing time and met some pretty cool people. Keep in mind that your instinct is the best in this kind of situation. Be careful and use judgement, but do not think everyone is evil. In fact there are more good people in this world than not.

Do not sleep.

I know it is so tempting to sleep on your trip but sleep is for the dead. You are in a new country you have never been to, and there is too much to see. This tip goes to people who especially are there for a short time only. I was in Paris for 5 days and that is definitely not enough time to see everything. If there is one thing I regret, it is sleeping. As crazy as I sound, you will regret it too. You can sleep on the plane or when you are at home, but as soon as you set foot on the foreign soil, make the most of it. Who knows if you will ever have the same opportunity. See what YOU want to see and DO what you want to do. Make the most of your trip, because at the end of the day it is yours and you don't want to remember it by the color of the hotel room!!!

Be present.

Being in the here and now is so hard due to the use of technology! I am so guilty of this one. I am constantly pulling out my phone and snapping or Insta story-ing everything. This is so not healthy and it really does ruin the moment. It is okay to share your journey and take pictures, but there is a time where you need to put down the phone and enjoy what's around you. Memories are so much better than pictures and being in the moment and enjoying that view of the Eiffel Tower or enjoying that meal with a friend is so much more satisfying than pictures. Do not get me wrong, I am the picture queen, but I wish I took less pictures with my phone and more with my mind.