Why Traveling Alone is the Best Gift to Yourself
Honestly, I never really had a plan – I just wanted to see the world. So I did. Solo travel just happened. I won’t give you a step-by-step guide because, well… I never had one. I never really thought about it until people started asking me questions like “Don’t you get bored?” Oh, you can! But it is up to you to make your experience a fantastic moment! You’ll meet incredible people from all walks of life, whether you plan to or not; and this will change you and how you perceive the world. You’ll have to talk to people regardless, whether it is the waiters, bus drivers, strike up conversations with strangers without even realizing it. Solo travel pushes you out of your comfort zone – and that’s where the best stories begin. And if you’re thinking, But I’m too shy to talk to people! Trust me, I get it. I used to think the same. But take it from a former shy kid – you absolutely can! And well, strangers won’t give you a choice anyway, people WILL come to you, even if it is just to ask if you are lost! Let’s rewind – how did I get there? After graduation, I moved to the South of France, but it just didn’t feel right being there. I wasn’t sure what I wanted, really, so I started looking up where I could go to escape my reality. For my first move overseas, I didn’t go too far – I chose the neighbours. I became a nanny in London for a family with two kids in Hampstead. Not a bad setup for my first time living in a different country. I loved my time in London, I stayed for about six months, studied to improve my English, met many people. My experience with the family? Let’s just say it wasn’t the best – but it was a great learning experience. I came back home with a newfound appreciation for my mom’s parenting skills. After that, I went back to school to study – yep, you guessed it – Hospitality & Tourism! At the same time, I also enrolled in the French Navy. Yep, I really did. My plan? To serve on one of the ships. But that didn’t quite go as expected… Turns out, the waiting list for a woman to get assigned to a ship at the time was 10 years. Anyway, life went on, I made new friends, found jobs in tourism, and started traveling and going to events on my own. It kind of flowed naturally. I realized I actually enjoyed doing things solo – not waiting after anyone, it’s just freeing. One day, as I often do, I was browsing new destinations when I stumbled upon Mexico. And then – boom – Whale Shark season was coming up! A dream about to come true. No questions, no second thoughts – act now, think later. I booked it! I was beyond excited, and it didn’t even cross my mind to ask if anyone wanted to join. I was 20 years old and about to live one of my dreams! Of course, I got all the usual concerns and worries from people around me – even my mum! So, to put everyone at ease, I booked a resort. In the end, I was only there to sleep, but hey, at least it reassured them. Truth be told, I had zero interest in staying at a resort. I came to explore the country, meet the locals, and eat real food! The staff kept seeing me come and go and eventually asked why I even bothered booking a resort. I had a blast there and even went back the same year – this time with my mum, since it had always been one of her dreams. Plus, it was around Christmas, so… perfect gift! Over the years, I went back to London many times for weekend getaways. One of the best things about Europe? You can hop from one country to another easily and cheaply. So I did – a little bit. I visited Germany, Spain, Andorra, Portugal… but I wanted to go further. Stay longer. And that’s how I went WILD “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step” – Lao Tzu So, why should you? I’m telling you – this freedom is addictive. No more waiting on anyone to make plans. Solo travel has become a lifestyle for me. It’s not just something I do – it’s who I am. And honestly? I try to convince everyone I meet who hasn’t travelled solo to give it a shot, even just once. You won’t regret it! That’s exactly why I’m writing this post first – because I hear it all the time. People cancel trips because someone bailed. Plans fall apart because nobody in the group chat is actually making moves to book the damn trip. If you keep waiting for others to join you – whether it’s for a trip, an event, or that restaurant you’ve been dying to try – you’ll be waiting a long time. And life is way too short to miss out on amazing experiences. I get it – traveling somewhere foreign alone can feel unsettling. With all the news we hear, the “what ifs” start creeping in. What if something happens? What if I miss my flight? What if I get bored? What if I have no one to share the memories with? These are all common concerns, but you know what’s worse? A missed opportunity. The regret of not ticking off that bucket list destination when you had the chance. Dangers exist everywhere, but just like you’re cautious at home, you can be cautious abroad. Why should that stop you from exploring? You don’t have to take the road less travelled – the well-travelled paths are just as incredible. Start there. Get comfortable. Gain confidence. And who knows? As you experience new places and new ways of traveling,
How I Ended In Aotearoa & Made It My Home For Two Unexpected Years
New Zealand was never meant to be the destination. Sure, it was on my list – one of those “one day” places – but flights from Europe aren’t cheap. If I were to make the trip, it would have to be a big one, maybe tagging on Australia or a Pacific island while I was in the neighbourhood. But life is funny like that and always have other plans. For a long time, I had been planning my escape without taking action – quitting my job at the airport and leaving France behind. Canada was my goal. I had big plans that I kept delaying for various reasons, maybe out of fear of the unknown – probably… well, surely. The thought of it was exciting, but it was also scary! This time, if I left, I wasn’t coming back. The Working Holiday Visa draws for Canada were opening at the end of the year, and this time, I was determined to get in! The competition was fierce with only a limited number of visas available, and the Canadian system had a habit of crashing the moment applications opened, but 2014 was going to be the year I left. No more waiting. At the time, I was working as a Passenger Service Agent at Toulouse Airport, coming home from a morning shift when something happened at my building. A mis encounter, an unsettling moment to say the least – one that pushed me over the edge. I was done. I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t safe. I didn’t like this place. Weirdly, I never felt at home in France, even though it’s my country. I never truly felt like I belonged. And I wasn’t going to wait any longer for a life that actually felt like mine. It was time for that one-way ticket I had promised myself as a kid! So, I got home, opened my laptop, checked my options. At the time, only three Working Holiday Visas were available: Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. I submitted an application for New Zealand, not expecting much. Thirty minutes later, in my emails: “Your visa application has been approved.” I squeaked. I jumped. I ran to the lounge to my mum, half-laughing, half-screaming – I’M FINALLY GETTING OUT OF HERE!! I was going to New Zealand!!! Far, far away – like, Shrek’s kingdom levels of far! A week later, I handed in my resignation, booked my one-way ticket and organised my departure. On November 30, 2014, I left France. Landing into a ‘sweet as’ Kiwi Spring on December, 1. Kia Ora – My New Zealand Adventure Begins The excitement I felt when I first saw the land from the plane was incredible. As I went through the airport to customs, the vibrant ads about New Zealand caught my eye, everything written in English and Māori setting the mood. The unknown was not scary anymore, it was exciting; my inner child felt real happy! I made it! I had no idea what the future will bring though, but for now the adventure was starting, and that was all that mattered. I had always heard that New Zealanders, or Kiwis, were nice, warm, and welcoming. And that was the first impression I got when I arrived. Everyone was so helpful and courteous, right from the moment I passed through customs and hopped on the bus to downtown Auckland; it helped me feel at ease right away! As I sat waiting for my bus, soaking up the morning sun lost in my mind, I felt this rush of happiness – I was on the other side of world, alone, in a foreign place, exactly where I needed to be! A lady sat down next to me. She greeted me and offered me some strawberries and we started chatting, she was originally from Samoa and had been living in New Zealand for over 25 years. I thought to myself, how this kind of friendliness is not something I was used to in France, mostly in the biggest cities, no one says “Hi” to a random stranger in France; if they do, it’s probably a little dodgy lol That little exchange made my day, a good start to this new adventure and I guess a great welcome into Aotearoa; it set the tone for this adventure! First Stop: Keri Keri While organizing my departure, I found ways to get free accommodation in exchange for small tasks, which was my plan for the first month there to save a bit. Around the end of the month, I was supposed to meet the aunt of the friend of one of my colleagues from the airport in France – a nice contact to have in a foreign country. But for now, I was making my way up to the North Island, headed to Moon Gate Villa for a HelpX. Keri Keri is a charming little town nestled in the Bay of Islands on New Zealand’s North Island, known for its rich history, lush landscapes, and laid-back vibe – perfect spot to start. My hosts, Lionel and Rob, were welcoming and warm; happy to share their knowledge on the culture and the surroundings. Their luxury boutique hotel is nestled in a luxuriant sub-tropical garden and also hosts a cottage; I couldn’t have asked for a better start. Lionel even went ahead and booked a tour for me to go all the way up to Cape Reinga. Cape Reinga is one of the most iconic place in New Zealand. It’s located at the northernmost tip of the North Island (though technically, North Cape is a little further north but it is a reserve not open to the public), this is were the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. I talk more about it in this post. There was a French guy that was doing a HelpX as well, but it was towards the end of his stay so I didn’t see him long but he was really nice. I stayed a
The Unexpected Country Hopper: 10 Years Living Abroad
Reflections on a Decade Abroad I never planned to spend a decade hopping from one country to another. I was just supposed to move to New Zealand but it just turned into years of exploring, adapting, and sometimes wondering if I would ever settle down. From the excitement of new cultures to the challenges of constantly starting over, these years shaped me in ways I never expected. A decade of living abroad teaches you more than just how to pack light (plus ou moins lol) or navigate airports like a pro. It teaches resilience, adaptability, and the beauty of stepping outside your comfort zone. I learned that home isn’t always a place, but a feeling. That goodbyes never get easier, but the world is smaller than we think. That the thrill of discovering new places is addictive, but so is the longing for stability. From cultural shocks to unexpected friendships, from chasing sunrises in one country to packing up for another, these years gave me lessons that will stay with me forever. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from my 10 years as a country-hopping expat. Becoming More Open-Minded One of the biggest shifts that comes with living overseas? You become way more open-minded. Breaking out of your comfort zone and learning to appreciate different ways of life, of thinking, of seeing the world. When you’re constantly exposed to different cultures, customs, and ways of thinking, you start seeing the world through a broader lens. Things that once felt “normal” or “the way things should be” start to feel relative. You realize that there’s no one right way to live, work, eat, socialize, or even celebrate. You meet people with completely different backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives—and instead of judging, you start listening. You adapt, you embrace, and you learn. Maybe you pick up habits from different cultures, maybe your definition of “home” shifts, or maybe you just start questioning things you never thought twice about before. Either way, you grow. Living abroad doesn’t just teach you about the world—it teaches you about yourself. And once your mind expands like that, there’s no going back. Home is a feeling I’ve come to realize that home isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling, really. The warmth of shared moments, and the sense of belonging you create, no matter where you are in the world. The more I moved, the more I understood that home is wherever you feel at ease. It’s in the little routines you build—a favorite sushi train place were the waitress knows your order (can’t blame me for finding a good spot…), a street that feels familiar even in a foreign land, a sunset that reminded me of another place I once loved or the friendships that become your anchor when everything else feels temporary. Whenever I think about Bondi, I feel a sense of comfort, like slipping into a familiar routine. I remember the streets I used to walk every day, the little café where I’d visit my dear friend, always greeted with the most delicious hot chocolate, surrounded by the other regulars. The way the air felt in the mornings, our walks along the beach… Even though I don’t live there anymore, it still feels like a part of me—a place that once truly felt like home. Leaving a place doesn’t mean leaving “home” behind, because home isn’t something you lose—it’s something you carry with you. The People You Meet Along The Way That’s one of the beautiful things about traveling and living abroad—the people you meet from all walks of life, people you might never have crossed paths with in your own country. Travelers, locals, expats, dreamers, wanderers—each with their own stories, perspectives, and experiences. Each encounters teach you things no guidebook ever could. And this is truly one of the most unexpected joys of moving from place to place. People from different cultures, backgrounds, and mindsets, yet somehow, you connect easily, it just flows. It could be a local who welcomes you with open arms, a fellow traveler who shares wild stories and becomes your adventure buddy, or a stranger who helps you when you least expect it. It shifts your perspective, challenges your way of thinking, and makes the world feel both bigger and smaller at the same time. It’s the deep conversations with strangers who quickly become friends, the unexpected kindness, the shared laughter despite language barriers. It’s in these small, unplanned moments that you truly connect with the world. These connections leave a lasting imprint, shaping not only your journey but also who you become. Some people you may never see again, yet their influence stays with you! They all become part of your journey forever, even if you only knew them for a short time. They remind you of the power of human connection, and the beauty of stepping outside your own world. And sometimes, you realize that no matter where you go, there are always people willing to share a laugh, a meal, or a piece of their story with you. The Lonely Side Of The Nomadic Life Moving to a new country is exhilarating, you will meet a lot of people, and have a lot of fun; but there’s a side people don’t always talk about—loneliness. No matter how social or adventurous you are, there are moments when the excitement fades, and you realize you’re starting over… again. New faces, new streets, new routines—it’s thrilling, but it can also feel isolating. The hardest part isn’t just leaving a place; it’s leaving people. You make deep connections, only to say goodbye and wonder when—or if—you’ll see them again. Time zones make keeping in touch tricky, and while social media helps, it doesn’t replace shared laughter over coffee or spontaneous weekend plans. Also, as you get older, making connections while traveling or moving from country to country becomes more challenging. When you’re younger, friendships often form naturally through school, university, or shared activities. But as an adult, with each new