In 2023, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and finally fulfill a childhood wish — to travel like others do. Growing up, I often saw families exploring new places together, creating memories, and taking photos that told stories. I always wanted that, but for one reason or another, it never happened.
Sometimes it was because of money. Other times, it was simply because I didn’t have the time. But this time, the challenge was different — I had the time, but no one to share it with comfortably.
So, I took the leap and went on my very first solo trip to Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Facing My Fears
Booking that ticket was both thrilling and terrifying. I kept asking myself:
“Can I really do this alone?”
But once I arrived in Yogyakarta, those fears started to fade. The friendly locals, the calming atmosphere, and the endless cultural wonders made me realize that being alone didn’t mean being lonely.
From visiting Prambanan Temple to wandering through Malioboro Street at night, every moment felt freeing.
Discovering the Joy of My Own Company
Traveling solo gave me something I didn’t know I needed — time with myself. I didn’t have to follow anyone’s schedule, compromise on destinations, or wait for someone else’s plans.
I ate where I wanted, lingered where I wanted, and took all the time I needed to simply be.
There were quiet moments too — sitting in a café, journaling, or just watching the world go by. I realized how rare it was to experience peace in solitude.
Lessons I Learned Along the Way
- Courage grows when you take the first step. The hardest part is always starting, but once you do, things fall into place.
- Solo doesn’t mean lonely.
You meet new people, form spontaneous connections, and learn to enjoy your own company. - Travel is not about distance, but perspective.
Even a short trip can teach you more about yourself than you expect. - Self-love is an adventure too.
Taking yourself out, caring for your needs, and exploring your limits are all acts of love.
Looking Back
My trip to Yogyakarta wasn’t just a vacation — it was a personal milestone. It reminded me that life doesn’t always wait for the “right time” or “right company.” Sometimes, you have to create the moment yourself.
If you’ve been hesitating to take that first solo trip, consider this your sign — the first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the one that changes everything.
Final Thoughts
My first solo trip to Yogyakarta taught me far more than how to navigate a new city alone — it taught me how to navigate myself. Stepping out of my comfort zone didn’t erase my fears; it simply showed me that fear doesn’t get the final say unless I let it. I’ve always struggled with thoughts like, “What if they think I’m weird?” or “What if something goes wrong?” These anxious “what ifs” used to hold me back from doing things I genuinely wanted to experience.
But traveling alone helped me realize something important:
Courage doesn’t mean having no fear — it means choosing to move forward despite it.
Every interaction with a stranger, every moment of uncertainty, and every small challenge I faced became proof that I was capable. The fears I imagined were louder than the reality itself. In the end, the world wasn’t as scary as my mind made it out to be.
Embracing a growth mindset means believing that you can learn, adapt, and grow through every experience — even the uncomfortable ones. This trip showed me that independence can be freeing, solitude can be nourishing, and confidence can be built one brave step at a time.
If there’s one thing I take away from this journey, it’s this:
Your world expands the moment you decide not to shrink yourself for fear of the unknown.
And sometimes, the most powerful adventure is not the place you travel to, but the version of yourself you meet along the way.
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