This essay, based on an interview with Angela, an academic and content creator in her early 40s who travels solo in Europe, has been edited for brevity and clarity. Angela’s last name has been withheld to respect her privacy.
In 2020, Angela faced a significant setback when she called off her engagement, realizing that her partner was not the right match. She had been living to meet others’ expectations, consumed by fear of judgment, making it one of her most challenging years.
Raised in a traditional Chinese family that emphasized academic success as the sole path to a prosperous life, Angela dedicated her time to studying, missing out on travel and leisure activities.
In the early 2000s, she ventured to the US independently to pursue her studies in information science. From Florida to Texas and Southern California, she eventually settled in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2017. Despite initial language and cultural hurdles, she swiftly adapted to American life, embracing her dual American-Chinese identity. The Bay Area’s ethos of diversity and inclusivity resonated with her, feeling like a true home.
With a Ph.D. in information science, Angela now works as an academic, having become a naturalized US citizen after two decades in the country.
Embracing Solo Travel Post-Breakup
Apart from occasional visits to family in China, notably Beijing in 2018, Angela had never ventured far from her parents’ expectations until recently. Struggling to meet the academic and societal benchmarks set by her Chinese heritage, she felt a perpetual sense of inadequacy.
Following her broken engagement, Angela prioritized self-healing. Last year marked a turning point as she delved into international solo travel, a stark departure from her past compliance with familial pressures. Documenting her journeys on social media, she began embracing newfound independence and self-assertion.
Forging Connections Abroad
Her solo travel odyssey commenced with explorations in Denmark and Sweden, followed by a month-long expedition spanning Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Vatican City. Subsequently, she journeyed to Iceland to commemorate her birthday in solitude.
Benefiting from ample vacation days and adherence to the academic calendar due to her university position, Angela strategically planned her travels, including a three-week hiatus for her European escapade during the Christmas break.
With meticulous financial planning, she allocated approximately $8,000 for her travels, leveraging her hard-earned savings to fund her adventures.
Immersing herself in diverse cultures, Angela cherished the opportunity to engage with individuals from various backgrounds. Her extroverted nature facilitated interactions, particularly while lodging in hostels, fostering serendipitous encounters and meaningful connections with fellow travelers.
Empowerment Through Solo Exploration
Solo travel proved transformative for Angela, offering unparalleled freedom and self-discovery. Embracing solitude and sociability in equal measure, she relished the spontaneity and personal growth that each journey bestowed.
Through her expeditions, Angela gleaned invaluable insights, realizing the myriad paths to a fulfilling life beyond societal norms. Solo travel, she concluded, catalyzed profound introspection, providing clarity and a renewed perspective on her life’s trajectory.