"Thinking about traveling alone for the first time can bring up a lot of feelings. For me, it was a mix of excitement and a whole lot of nerves. I’d always traveled with someone – family, partners, even my dogs. Going solo was a brand new, slightly scary idea. But that first solo trip? It changed everything, and even with the jitters, I wouldn’t trade it."

"Life had thrown me some curveballs, and it was a pretty tough time. I’d recently discovered yoga, and it wasn’t just exercise; it was a lifeline. It helped me through a really critical point, and I felt a strong pull not just to practice it for myself, but to learn to teach it to others. I wanted to share the healing I’d found.

So, when I found a yoga teacher training program at an ashram in the Bahamas, it felt like a sign. A whole month dedicated to learning, in a beautiful place. The plan was to even stay a few extra months, camping on the beach – which sounded amazing, but also made me pretty nervous."

"Honestly, I wasn't sure I could do it. Fly to another country, all by myself? It felt like a huge step. They had another ashram in California, which seemed easier, closer to home. The Bahamas felt far, unfamiliar.

My sister was the one who really encouraged me. When I mentioned just going to California, she said, 'No, go to the Bahamas! It’ll be an awesome adventure!' Hearing her say that, thinking of it as an 'adventure,' helped me push past some of my fear."

"So, I went for it. And yes, I totally overpacked! I think I brought enough stuff for three people. That was my first lesson: you really don’t need as much as you think when you travel.

Arriving in the Bahamas alone was a big moment. The ashram itself was a good way to start solo travel. Because it was a teacher training program, there was a schedule and a built-in community once I got there. So, even though I traveled there by myself, I wasn’t completely on my own once I arrived. Looking back, that was probably a good thing for my first solo experience, rather than just landing somewhere totally unfamiliar with no connections, which I’ve done since!

Even with the structure, I was still navigating a new place and a new experience on my own terms. And I realized I was actually enjoying it. I was learning about yoga, but also about myself."

"That trip to the Bahamas wasn't just about becoming a yoga teacher. It was the start of my love for traveling by myself. It taught me a few big things:

• It’s okay to be nervous: Doing something new, especially alone, can be scary. But pushing through that fear is where the good stuff happens.
• You’re stronger than you think: When you’re out of your comfort zone, you find strengths you didn’t know you had.
• Starting with support is smart: My ashram experience had a built-in community, which was a great first step into solo travel. You don’t have to go from zero to one hundred.
• The rewards are huge: Traveling solo helped me grow, find confidence, and see the world (and myself) in a new light.

That difficult time in my life led me to yoga, and yoga led me to that solo trip. It was a journey of healing and discovery. And for the chance to find that strength and that love for exploring the world on my own? I’d pack that heavy bag and face those nerves all over again."

"If you’re thinking about a solo trip, my advice is to do a little planning so you feel prepared, but then just go for it. It can be so rewarding.

What about you? Have you traveled solo, or are you thinking about it? What’s one thing that makes you excited or nervous about it? Send me an email at [email protected]– I’d love to hear!"