Chapter 1: A Journey of Self-Discovery

I recently embarked on an unforgettable journey, and the only companion I had was myself. Far from being a cause for pity, this experience was truly liberating!

Photo by Lisa Fitzgerald, Author

Every moment of this trip was a joy. The moment I discovered that a single island could offer volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, icebergs, the Northern Lights, continental divides, hot springs, waterfalls, black sand beaches, basalt formations, seals, lava fields, and countless rainbows, I knew I had to be there.

It was clear that waiting for someone to join me was unnecessary when I could seize the opportunity to explore on my own terms. I planned the trip a year in advance, cleared my work schedule, and nothing was going to deter me. All that was left was to pay for the package and show up. The travel company took care of everything—flights, transport, accommodations, excursions, and meals. Despite the fast pace typical of group tours, I found comfort in having someone else handle the logistics, guide me through cultural subtleties, and ensure my safety.

Out of a group of 43, only a few were traveling solo. I faced many curious inquiries like, “Aren’t you scared to travel alone?” and “Why didn’t anyone join you?” On my last day, when I expressed my desire to return to Iceland solo in the future, many reacted with disbelief, saying, “Oh my, I could never do that!” I was taken aback by how significant and unconventional my choice to travel alone appeared to others.

Throughout the trip, fellow travelers were friendly and often invited me to join them for meals, ensuring I didn’t feel completely isolated. Yet, I relished the moments of solitude on the bus and in my hotel room, allowing me to unwind and recharge for the next day's adventures.

When I observed some older couples arguing or disagreeing, I felt an immense sense of gratitude for my independent journey. It reinforced the notion that traveling with the wrong person could undermine your own narrative. With two conflicting agendas, one individual inevitably takes a backseat, resulting in a lack of harmony.

Moreover, some couples missed scheduled gatherings because they couldn’t agree on the timing, leading to unnecessary frustration.

Another traveler asked how I felt about visiting a foreign land alone. To their surprise, I replied, “It feels amazing, actually. Traveling solo simplifies everything.” I explained that it eliminates the stress of accommodating another's preferences, but I refrained from delving deeper, not wanting to offend my more dependent companions.

Since returning home, I sense a newfound respect—whether real or imagined—from my family, friends, and colleagues. This journey was for me, and it served as proof that I am capable of pursuing my dreams without needing anyone’s approval or company.