How Solo International Travel Transformed Me Into a Braver Woman–Beautiful and Challenging Story!

Originally published on March 4, 2026 | Last updated on April 15, 2026

“After my divorce, I waited for a partner to travel with because I didn’t think I could do it alone—for many reasons: financially, physically, and emotionally—but solo international travel transformed me into a braver, unstoppable woman.”

Travel shapes personality in many ways from different angles. Some embark on solo international travel when they lose their travel partner. Others choose to navigate the world on their own. It is not uncommon to read from different adventurers, titles like this: “ With one carry-on, one courageous decision for a self-discovery journey, this is how my solo travel international transformed me.”

While solo international travel has enormous positive effects that range from person to person, based on their current mindset or emotional state.

Most solo adventurers you talk to will sum up their journey’s outcomes in simple terms like these:

• Solo travel transformed me from a shy woman into a braver one, who once faced unknown fear in unfamiliar countries, but now has built confidence and a lasting courage.
• International travel boosted my self-trust. I’ve learned that I don’t always need to depend on anybody’s readiness to follow my life dreams.
• Overseas Trips helped me discover empathy;  experiencing language difficulties and barriers made me think about the challenges faced by others when trying to make a new life in a foreign land.
• Solo trips pushed me to question what my true comfort zone is. Camping in different parks and jungles, navigating unfamiliar traditions, and indeed immersing myself in new cultures stretched my limits and gave me a different understanding of what people call a comfort zone.
• And more importantly than ever, solo travel renewed my faith in humanity. Being a recipient of strangers’ kindness reminded me, despite what we may have construed, that most humans are happy and want to help, not harm.

Below is a firsthand account of how solo international travel transformed Lorilyn B. Alden

Answering the Question: If Not Now, When? Divorced, Determined, and Traveling Solo on A Journey of Transformation

Ever since I can remember, I have had a desire to travel, explore different cultures, and see the world. Then I read the book Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, which fueled that desire. At that time, I was married and raising two young men. I had always put the needs of others over my own desires. After my divorce, I waited for a partner to travel with because I didn’t think I could do it alone—for many reasons: financially, physically, and emotionally.

My sons are now grown men living their own lives, and in 2024, when I was about to adopt a pet, I realized that if I got an animal, I would never travel. I would never make my dreams become reality. I asked myself, if not now, when?

Taking the Leap Into Solo International Travel

After research and deep contemplation, I sold, gave away, or donated everything I owned. I set out on a year-long journey across the globe with only an international carry-on suitcase and a backpack. My first stop was South America—Colombia. Many questioned my choice due to rumors about drugs, safety, and my lack of fluency in Spanish.

As I boarded the plane, I felt all the emotions. I was scared, second-guessing myself, and excited all at once. I will never forget this moment. As we approached Medellín, I was sitting in an aisle seat, and the two women next to me spoke only Spanish. When I leaned over to see out the window, my eyes started to tear up. The lady next to me tapped the woman beside her, and they both pushed back in their seats so I could see the view. It was one of the most breathtaking sights I have ever seen.

The sky was baby blue, and lush green mountains rose up against it. I could not stop crying. As the plane landed, I screamed inside my head, “You f*cking did it.” Immediately, my ego stepped in and said, “Sure, but will you continue on your journey, or are you a one-and-done?”

Learning Courage and Connection in Colombia

I spent two months in Colombia. It was both beautiful and challenging. There were many times I felt alone and scared, but just as many wonderful moments. I had to learn to navigate a country where I didn’t speak the language fluently. I can now relate better to people who come to the United States and don’t speak fluent English. I had the honor of being invited to my Spanish teacher’s mother’s house for Christmas Eve to cook with her. Even though we couldn’t speak a word to each other, we spoke(communicated) through our eyes and souls.

Pushing Past Comfort Zones in the Jungles of Panama

After Colombia, I went to the Caribbean side of Panama for a Tribal Gathering in the jungle. If you know me, you would know I am not cut out for camping. My coach encouraged me to go. She said, “Lorilyn, you can do anything for a couple of weeks.” You know what? She was right. I lived in a tent with howler monkeys above me and none of the extra comforts of plumbing or hot water.

From the jungles of Panama, I traveled to beautiful Bocas del Toro. It looked like a scene from a travel magazine. I boarded a very small aircraft and flew over the mountains, with breathtaking views below. Although it was picturesque, reality quickly hit. I was in a tiny, stilted house surrounded by water. The only way to and from land was by boat. When nightfall came, you could see nothing and only hear the waves of the ocean beating against the floorboards. But it wasn’t all terrifying in Panama. I met amazing people from all over the world. I hiked through the jungle, and I saw cacao from tree to table.

Building Confidence Across England, Ireland, and Paris

Next stop was England. It was the first time I took public transportation alone in another country. I remember trying to understand the complex train system to get to the National Museum. I kept telling myself, “Breathe—worst case, you get lost and have to reroute.” When I arrived at the museum, I felt I had taken another big step toward building my confidence.

While in England, I went to Glastonbury and climbed the Tor, which, until I reached the top, I didn’t think I could do. I also visited Cornwall before flying to Ireland to meet friends from the US.

After Ireland, I flew to Paris. By then, I was confident using public transportation. My challenge there was that my French was worse than my Spanish. After Paris, I flew back to London to meet other friends from the US. Traveling with friends was a dream come true.

In between international trips, I flew in and out of the US for work. I went to Florida, Ohio, Alaska, Las Vegas, Indianapolis, and Louisiana. I then returned to London for several months to attend sound healing school.

How Solo International Travel Transformed Me

What I learned from my travels was not to wait for someone else to experience the things I want. I also learned not to take other people’s views as truth. If I had, I would never have gone to some of the places I visited or met the people I now call friends. I learned that many of my fears were illusions, and when I pushed through them, the reward was far greater. With each destination, my courage continued to build.

Now, when I feel fear, I remind myself of some of my most trying moments abroad and how I got through them, which quickly shifts me into “Oh yeah, I’ve got this” mode. I stand taller knowing I don’t need to wait for something or someone to make my dreams a reality. Most of all, I learned that most people are kind, and they truly want to help more than harm.

Yes, travel changed my personality. It made me braver, more open, more empathetic, and more self-trusting—and those changes have stayed with me.

About Lorilyn B. Alden: Two-time TEDx speaker and award-winning communication coach, Lorilyn helps women unlock their voice, master their message, and deliver talks they love.

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