I
’ve struggled with self-confidence for as long as I can remember.
Growing up, I had severe eczema that covered my body and face. Something I couldn’t hide. In middle school, other kids made fun of me, pointed, and whispered. Some even said cruel things out loud: “You’re ugly.” They laughed at me on the playground and in the school bus.
Those years left a mark. I became shy, quiet, and insecure. I avoided attention at all costs.
As I grew older, I learned to manage my skin better, but my lack of confidence lingered. I often doubted myself at work, in relationships and in social situations. I knew something had to change, but I didn’t know where to start.
Then, one day in my mid-twenties, I decided to do something bold: I would go find myself through travel and build my self-confidence.
Taking the Leap: Leaving Paris for South America
At 25, I quit my job in Paris, packed my bags, and bought a one-way ticket to Latin America : a continent I had dreamed of for years.
Why there? Because I had studied Spanish and Portuguese in university. My « ALPI » master’s degree focused on the Latin American region, and I had always been fascinated by its mix of cultures, colors, music, and languages.
I was supposed to go to Mexico and Puerto Rico during my studies.I had been saving up for a year thanks to my student job. I’d just bought my tickets to and from Mexico… but then COVID hit, and everything got canceled.
As you can imagine, I felt heartbroken at the time. All that effort, all that excitement – gone. Instead of beaches and adventure, I was stuck doing an online internship from my mom’s house, fighting time zones and boredom.
But even that setback planted a seed in me. I promised myself: One day, I’ll make it there. On my own terms. And I’ll find out how solo travel builds confidence.
From Dream to Departure: Preparing for My Solo Adventure
This trip didn’t happen overnight. I had been talking about it for years, dreaming of doing it “one day.” My partner was incredibly supportive and open to the idea of long distance. That gave me courage to finally take the leap.
Leaving my job took time. In France, you give a three-month notice, and because of my company’s situation, it stretched a bit longer. Meanwhile, I spent those months planning: vaccines, gear, budgeting, packing, sketching out an itinerary. Some days it felt overwhelming, but one thing never changed : my motivation.
A few months later, it was finally happening.
I handed in my notice, said goodbye to my partner and family, and booked my flight.
It was emotional. I was a little (very) nervous and anxious of being alone, but also incredibly excited.
I told myself it would be a 6-month trip, just enough to explore, reflect, and rebuild confidence.
Spoiler alert: I ended up staying almost 10 months.
Finding Confidence Through Solo Travel
From day one, solo travel challenged me.
I had to make every decision on my own. Where to go, how to get there, who to trust, and what to do when things went wrong. There was no one else to rely on. Just me.
I still remember my very first day. Well…, first night. Indeed, after a long flight from Paris to Miami, I landed late. Hours after my planned arrival. My accommodation had a set check-in time, and I realized, still flying, that I’d missed it. I panicked. Was I going to have to find a new accommodation, solo in Miami ? Would it be outside my budget ? Or maybe I’d have to sleep in the airport ?
So, I breathed. I prepared a message for my Airbnb host. (No wifi on the plane!) And, as soon as we landed, I messaged them. To my surprise, they responded quickly and reassured me.
In the end, they kindly let me in late that night. I’d panicked and imagined worst-case scenarios, that never even happened.
Crisis averted and lesson learned: stay calm, ask for help, and trust that things usually work out. Don’t stress yourself out. As long as you have yourself, you’ll think of a solution. And people WILL help you.
Getting Better at Problem-Solving
An Unplanned Night on a Hostel Bench
Throughout the trip, if I’d get lost, I’d stop a stranger to ask for directions. Whenever the bus station was overwhelming, I’d stay calm and ask for help with fellow travelers or locals. If I had an accommodation issue, I’d politely ask for a solution.
I remember the time my night bus arrived at destination waaay earlier than planned. I was supposed to arrive in Cochabamba, Bolivia, around 5am. It was the only bus ride possible from La Paz. I thought it would probably arrived a little late, maybe 6am, bright and early in order to explore the town. But the driver drove SO fast that I arrived there at about 3 or 4am. The station was closed. People were sitting and planning on waiting outside in the street for hours. Hum.
So, what to do ? Well, I simply went to the hostel I’d booked for the following night. I asked the night guardian if there was an available room. There wasn’t. Great. But, he kindly offered me to rest in the kitchen area and in the garden patio between the rooms, free of charge.
This wasn’t my most glamorous night. But, I didn’t care. I was safe, I had access to a bathroom and kitchen. And I managed to sleep a couple hours on the patio bench in the fresh night air. It was cold but hey ! It’s part of the adventure. And looking back, it’s an experience thanks to which, for me, solo travel builds confidence.
Always be Polite and Try to Speak the Language
I learned that being polite and speaking a few words in the local language made a huge difference. People were always kind and helpful — and making that effort in Spanish often turned small moments into real connections.
(Tip: check out my article on the essential Spanish words and expressions you need to know when traveling!)
And slowly, something magical happened.
I started to realize that I could rely on myself, that I could solve problems, adapt, and even thrive in totally new environments. I simply figured that whenever there’s a problem, there’s always a solution.
Each day brought new lessons : From navigating chaotic bus stations to managing a long-distance relationship, to making friends with strangers in hostels. I wasn’t just seeing beautiful places. No. I was most importantly finding out how much solo travel builds confidence. One experience, encounter and country at a time.
Looking Back: How Travel Changed Me Forever
Before leaving Paris, I felt completely stuck. The sky was grey most days — and honestly, so was my mood.
Depressed and restless, craving change. I wanted to leave my job, I didn’t have many friends or family nearby, and the city that once felt exciting suddenly felt cold and heavy. Deep down, I knew that I needed to leave, to breathe again, to feel alive.
When I finally took that leap and went traveling solo, everything changed. I faced challenges, pushed past my fears, and built confidence one day at a time.
Months later, when I came back to Paris, it was raining again. The same grey sky. But this time, I couldn’t stop smiling. Something had changed inside.
I felt proud. Proud of what I had accomplished, proud of the person I had become. I’d done something I once thought impossible. Now I realized I could truly do anything I set my mind to.
Before I left, I was quiet, afraid to take up space, and scared to make mistakes.
When I came back, I was different. Louder, stronger, more assertive.
I had found my voice.
Solo travel didn’t just show me the world; it showed me who I could be.
If you’ve ever doubted yourself or felt stuck in your routine, take this as your sign: Go. Travel. Even just once.
You’ll discover that the best version of yourself might be waiting somewhere out there.
Solo travel builds confidence. Trust keeps you going.
Discover more soon in Part 2: How Travel Teaches You to Trust Yourself.
