#2 Solo in Switzerland
In October 2022, my sister, best friend and I had just returned from our first international trip since COVID. The world was finally opened back up and though there were still some restrictions at this time, that trip only intensified my desire to travel more. I was like a caged bird finally set free. But my friends and family seemed set on staying grounded. I thought I’d have to wait a long time for my next adventure.
Then one night, as I was endlessly scrolling potential destinations, it hit me: “You don’t have to wait for anyone. You can quite literally just go!”
So I did some more targeted research on safe countries for solo female travelers (I wanted to be adventurous, not Taken!). I also remembered a TV show I’d watched a few years back that featured some scenic towns in Switzerland that looked stunning. Four months later, I was booked.
Solo travel was honestly one of the best decisions I've ever made. Overall, the experience was incredibly freeing and helped me grow so much as an adult. I did miss companionship at mealtimes, but the sense of independence outweighed any loneliness. The agenda, the pace, the last-minute changes; everything was up to me.
For instance, one day I had booked a chocolate-making experience. Unfortunately, it was canceled due to lack of participants. Fortunately, it was canceled! I got a free dessert for my trouble and decided to go kayaking on Lake Brienz instead. Kayaking is one of my favorite hobbies, but I couldn’t find anywhere offering rentals while planning my trip. While I was there, I asked locals where to go and had just enough time for an hour-long paddle. Lake Brienz is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and this day turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip!
Another highlight was the day I decided to take the train through Lauterbrunnen (which offered insane views and definitely worth the stop if you have time) to Kleine Scheidegg. As I stood mesmerized at the foot of this majestic 6,000+ foot mountain range, I felt time stop as clouds rolled past the ridges along its left side. There were hardly any other tourists and though I stood in solitude, I didn’t feel alone. I felt comforted in my isolation. Surrounded by the beauty of nature. I couldn’t stop taking pictures, though they don’t come close to capturing what I saw and felt. This memory still lives vividly in my mind.
Then there was the craziest thing I’ve ever done: paragliding at Jungfraujoch (an area fondly called the Top of Europe! What was I thinking?!) For context, I am not a thrill-seeker. I close my eyes on roller coasters and grimace my way through ziplining. Yet there I was, about to jump off a mountain.
I nervously made it through the cable car ride, a thrill in and of itself for me. I was in the car with two other people heading to the plateau area on First Mountain. They were buzzing with excitement, but thirty minutes suspended hundreds of feet in the air, held only by wires, just dialed up my anxiety. I kept reminding myself: You already paid. You can’t get a refund. There’s no turning back.
We got to the top of the plateau. My guide started explaining the process, safety, instructions, procedures. I barely heard any of it. My heart was pounding. My knees were weak.
We started to strap in. Who am I? Where am I? Why am I?
The guide told me again how to start. There was no time to process. I don’t remember a countdown! He suddenly yelled, “RUN!” and I could barely make my legs work. It didn’t help that my guide was significantly taller than me and my legs weren’t listening. I was so sure I’d trip and ruin the takeoff and we’d go cascading off the cliffside.
But then...we were airborne.
Gliding.
My mind quieted down.
I was still holding on for dear life, but I was also fully present.
Eyes wide open.
Actually enjoying the ride.
Looking back, I think if I had gone with friends or family, I might have panicked more, knowing I had someone close to lean on or unload my nerves to. But because I was alone, I had no choice but to rely on myself. And strangely, that made me braver.
Even though I was nervous, (about traveling solo, about eating alone, about paragliding) I did it. And I’m so glad I did.
Which brings me to my next Pro Tip: Take at least one solo trip. You’ll get to know yourself in new ways and grow more than you expect. Be practical: do your research and prioritize safety. But don’t let fear hold you back.
Want to plan a similar trip but don’t know where to start?
Whether you’re dreaming of Switzerland or just looking for your first solo adventure, I’d love to help you make it happen. Let’s build your itinerary together - Book a 1:1 travel planning session with me.
Want to DIY your own trip? These are some of the tours I booked and genuinely recommend.
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