Traveling solo can you leave you with so much more than when you left

After an 11-hour flight across the Atlantic, my family and I finally touched down in the Madrid airport, where they would send me off for the journey abroad that awaited me. We were all buzzing with excitement and tiredness. As we walked through the airport, we hurriedly scattered, trying to figure out just where to get our bags. My eagerness to start this new adventure of studying in a foreign country did not allow me to sleep on the flight. While waiting at the luggage carousels, I turned my head and saw a group of about 15-20 students. Some were American University students, some wore University of Wisconsin hoodies and others had University of Michigan backpacks. We could hear them making their way to baggage claim like a boulder rolling down a hill, and I felt like it was going to hit me. 

At that moment, I got a rush of anxiety and even felt a bit insecure — did I mess up by choosing to travel so far and live alone? Was I supposed to leave with fellow students and not allow my family to help settle me in? These were the types of questions that rushed to my head as I was conversing with my mom about how to get out of the airport. I did not know much about going abroad — the traditions or canon events everyone has while in Europe. Does everyone go abroad with a friend, or even a giant friend group? Was there a requirement on our pre-departure checklist where we were all told to take at least five friends?  

Without knowing it, I sort of unexpectedly practiced a form of solo traveling through finding my own apartment, keeping a list of places I only wanted to see and even landing in a country where I knew no one, not even other UC students. I am not the only one who has ever been solo traveling though; from 2018 to 2023, internet searches for solo traveling have doubled, and solo traveling is now becoming an increasingly popular way to travel. 

People who choose to travel solo do so for a multitude of reasons, whether that’s not relying on others and the choices you make, or wanting a form of self reflection. Before, the solo traveler image was very minimalist, with only a backpack and a remote place, but this narrative is changing.

Now, solo traveling has transformed into a whole new market in the travel industry, with more people from multiple demographics trying it for themselves and doing so in styles that cater to them, regardless of their economic situations. There are even studies showing how solo traveling has benefits for mental health, cognitive functions and emotional resilience. One study was done by Dr. Katie Blake, a social and cultural psychologist, who says that solo traveling removes the social context that defines your identity and allows you to make deeper connections with friends you make along the way. Looking back, I probably experienced so much more than those students traveling in packs that I saw back in baggage claim. 

As a first-generation student, going away for college was already a huge step, so studying abroad was even crazier for me to imagine, and to be honest, it took some getting used to. These opportunities, in my experience, are unfortunately not common within the Latino community. Only 12.2% of Latinos study abroad in post secondary education. Often, it’s seen as an unfeasible opportunity due to factors like finances, customs and closeness to family. It is hard for us to leave because we are taught to stay close to home and take care of each other. 

I was fortunate enough to have my family come drop me off, but I know this isn’t the case for everyone. Not only did my family express pride in me as I took this opportunity, they also wanted to ensure I got there safely and felt confident in myself. It was also a chance  to experience a part of it with me since they never had the same opportunities when they were my age. But, once they left, I felt guilty about traveling to new places without them. However, I came to realize that these are the experiences that my family and I worked so hard for — I should be taking advantage of them.

The reality of figuring things out on your own is the whole purpose of solo travel culture; however, it also gave me a lot of moments of solace as well. I would go on long walks along Campo del Moro around famous monuments after class, explore museums like Museo del Prado and even go thrifting and book finding in small stores in different Madrid barrios. I think the fact that I didn’t have to rely on anyone or an agenda gave me that personal freedom and satisfaction that I will never take for granted.

While I enjoy the moments of solitude, there are also the not-so-lonely parts of solo travel, like making new friends. When I was looking for an apartment on my own, I realized that would mean having roommates. I didn’t know anyone when I left, so I found myself with random assignments, as my landlord had rented out the empty rooms to other students of my host university. All of them were international students from different parts of the world, such as my roommate and friend Karla who is from Cairo, Egypt and Rosa who is from Naples, Italy. We explored the city together, as it was our first time in Madrid. We spent the first day going to  trendy spots, such as thrifting in the Malasaña neighborhood, and sitting  down for a traditional Spanish meal in Plaza Mayor. 

From the first moments of traveling solo, I felt pushed to make friends with people I would have never met if I stuck with a big American friend group. This is one of the main benefits of studying abroad — it’s the best time to get out and meet new people from all over the world. 

Although I met people from all over the world, I did manage to meet some American students, including a group of girls from George Mason University in Virginia. I traveled with them for a weekend trip to Lisbon, Portugal, after only knowing them for a couple of weeks. Despite barely knowing them, that was one of my favorite trips while being abroad because of how spontaneous it was. I had never traveled with anyone outside my family before. Even though it felt a bit abnormal and at times a bit hectic, especially when we were climbing the city’s incredibly steep streets, I think that’s what made me enjoy it. We made lots of memories.

Aside from international and American friends I also befriended local Spanish students,  such as my friends Sara, Gonzalo and Sofia. I walked along Gran Vía and had a drink with Gonzalo, Sara and I went to a feria and soccer match, and I can’t forget about the quiet, chill hang outs with Sofia in the park. After being alone in a country and only hanging out with others just like me, meeting locals who know the city and of course, Spanish culture opened my eyes to the full experience abroad. They all even introduced me to other students and were so welcoming to me. I will never forget the long conversations or sobremesas with big groups in front of the cafeteria and talking about everything and nothing at the same time.

There is so much more I could say about my time in Spain, but I believe it all worked out the way it did because I went alone. While I do think there are moments of vulnerability and homesickness and feeling lost without your family, which I felt deeply, I think the overall goal of this experience is for you to get out of your comfort zone, and to do so on your own. I’m not suggesting that you ditch all of your friends from home, but I am saying to not let that trap you. Be friends with locals, go places without fear of judgement because I promise you, no one is wondering why you are there by yourself. 

Being abroad is one of the perfect times to try solo traveling.  It provides you with an environment that gives you the chance to explore new places and witness amazing sights. Most of all, it offers you the freedom of being completely independent. Sometimes, I think of those people back in the airport and wonder how many of them are still friends or if they ever escaped their American bubble miles away from home — which I’m happy to say I definitely did. 

Salma Maytorena really hopes more students take advantage of studying abroad even if they have doubts!