Embracing Solo Travel: Five Weeks in California and the Life-Changing Lessons Learned

At the close of January, I embarked on what would become one of the most profoundly transformative journeys of my life: five weeks spent immersing myself in the vibrant culture and diverse landscapes of California, an adventure that serendipitously extended well into March. This wasn’t merely a spontaneous vacation; it was a meticulously planned trip centered around two pivotal professional engagements. Firstly, I had the immense honor of being nominated for the prestigious 2018 Best Original Photography Award by Shiftcon. Secondly, a highly anticipated conference at Google was scheduled for early March, presenting an invaluable opportunity for networking and learning. The logistical impracticality and cost of flying home and back in between these events made the decision clear: I would embrace a prolonged stay in the Golden State, eventually extending my trip by an additional week to fully savor every moment. What unfolded during those weeks was an extraordinary period of intense learning, personal introspection, and unforgettable experiences that reshaped my perspectives. Below, I’ll share the pivotal moments and profound insights from this remarkable journey.

Unforgettable Highlights from My California Adventure

• Award-Winning Recognition: The pinnacle of my California experience was undoubtedly the thrilling moment I won the 2018 Best Original Photography Award at Shiftcon! Hearing my name called was surreal, a deeply gratifying validation of years of dedicated work and passion behind the lens. I enthusiastically shared my excitement and gratitude in this Instagram post, and my local newspaper even published a wonderful write-up detailing my achievement. It’s an honour I continue to cherish and gaze at with immense pride, serving as a constant reminder of that special moment.
• Engaging at Shiftcon: The Shiftcon conference itself was an absolutely incredible experience. I absorbed an immense amount of valuable knowledge, gained fresh perspectives on industry trends, and forged genuine connections with amazing new friends and colleagues. As a delightful bonus, I also indulged in some of the most delicious and health-conscious conference food I’ve ever tasted, truly setting a positive and inspiring tone for the entire trip.
• Immersing in Google’s Innovation: My visit to Google for their conference was an absolute blast! It was incredibly rewarding to reconnect with old friends and equally exciting to forge new connections within the vibrant tech and content creation industries. The atmosphere at Google was charged with palpable energy and innovation, making for an incredibly inspiring and forward-thinking experience. You can catch a glimpse into my time there in this insightful Instagram post.
• Exclusive Invitation to Pinterest HQ: One of the most unexpected and thrilling moments of the trip was receiving an invitation to visit Pinterest’s Headquarters! This was an experience beyond exciting, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at their operations and providing invaluable insights into content strategy and platform dynamics. I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to share more about the valuable lessons and observations I gleaned from that exclusive visit very soon.
• A Transformative Vegan Journey Begins: The sheer abundance and incredible diversity of phenomenal vegan food readily available across California finally spurred my long-contemplated transition to a fully vegan lifestyle. For those who have followed my journey, you know I’ve been vegetarian for a significant period. My biggest culinary hurdle? Cheese. My addiction to dairy was substantial and not in a healthy way. This strong attachment to dairy, alongside compelling ethical considerations and a deeper understanding of health benefits, became a primary catalyst for embracing veganism. Breaking that addiction wasn’t easy, but honestly, I’m incredibly glad I made the switch. I’m planning to share a detailed update after my first month as a committed vegan, delving into the challenges and triumphs of this new lifestyle!
• Profound Life Lessons Uncovered: Beyond the professional conferences and the significant dietary shift, my extended solo time in California served as a powerful crucible for profound personal growth. I learned a multitude of lessons, far more than I could count, but five distinct insights truly stood out. These revelations deeply impacted and reshaped my perspective in significant ways, equipping me with newfound strength and clarity. These are the impactful takeaways I felt compelled to share with all of you, hoping they resonate and perhaps inspire your own journeys.

5 Profound Lessons from 5 Weeks Away: A Journey of Self-Discovery

1) Alone Time: Not Just Good, But Essential for Growth and Empowerment

It’s a genuine confession: I used to harbor an active, almost debilitating fear of being alone. For me, solitude automatically equated to an unbearable sense of loneliness. This deeply ingrained fear was first challenged when I transitioned to working for myself, a role that inherently involves a significant amount of solo time. This period forced me to confront my anxieties head-on, gradually revealing that being alone could actually be a positive and productive experience – a dedicated time for introspection, self-discovery, and genuine connection with my inner self. However, my five weeks away in California took this burgeoning realization to an entirely new level, solidifying it as an indispensable part of my well-being.

I vividly recall the day Gavin left to return home for work; I cried profusely. Part of it was, of course, missing him dearly and anticipating our separation, but a larger part was the sheer terror of what lay ahead: weeks of complete solitude in an unfamiliar place. What truly astonished me was how quickly and seamlessly I adapted to being on my own. There’s a crucial distinction between being alone and feeling lonely. Spending time by yourself doesn’t automatically plunge you into loneliness; it simply means you’re independent for a while, free to follow your own whims. Despite missing Gavin’s constant company, I never once felt lonely. This was an incredibly empowering revelation, a testament to my newfound self-reliance.

During those weeks, I truly learned to show up for myself, to savor my own company, and to become my own best friend and confidante. I embarked on solo hikes, explored shops at my own pace, and spent hours wandering through new neighborhoods, absorbing the local culture without external pressures. I even went to a movie by myself and had an absolute blast, proving that enjoyment doesn’t always require shared company! It was a powerful testament to the idea that being alone can be profoundly good, a source of strength, clarity, and self-reliance. This period of independence also deepened my appreciation for Gavin, making our reunion even sweeter and our connection stronger. I emerged from the experience feeling far more comfortable and confident in my own skin, a newfound sense of self-assurance that continues to benefit me in all aspects of my life.

2) Mastering the Art of Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone (The Rewards Are Immense!)

This lesson was truly monumental for me. While I’ve often discussed the importance of pushing beyond personal boundaries, this particular solo experience presented a unique and profound challenge that forced me to put theory into practice. Typically, when I’m out and about, I’m accompanied by Gavin. This allows me either to fully relax and let down my guard, relying on his presence, or, conversely, to disengage entirely and let him handle most social interactions and decision-making. In California, being completely solo meant I was constantly presented with situations where I absolutely had to find my voice, speak up, and confidently advocate for myself – an invaluable skill I didn’t realize I needed to hone until then, and one that proved to be incredibly empowering.

This shift was genuinely life-changing. Now, even when I’m out with Gavin, I find myself more assertive, vocal, and confident in expressing my thoughts and needs. Whether it’s ensuring I’m not overlooked on a group tour where I might be the only solo participant, or confidently speaking up at my friend’s book launch – an interaction that not only sparked engaging conversation but also led to forming a new blogger friendship and enjoying a delicious, exciting brunch with them – these experiences became my new norm. I even ventured to another brunch with a fellow blogger, whom I had only connected with on Instagram. What began as an online acquaintance blossomed into a fun and memorable in-person experience, and yet another new friendship. The trip was filled with meeting so many amazing new women, all thanks to my willingness to step into the unfamiliar and initiate connections.

I actively engaged with my Uber and Lyft drivers, asking questions about California’s local culture, hidden gems, and best places to eat, and in turn, sharing stories about my blog and the joys of vegan food. Each interaction, each moment I chose to speak up or initiate a conversation, surprised me. I heard the voice of the strong, confident woman I truly am, a voice that had perhaps been too quiet or hesitant for too long. This newfound empowerment was incredibly liberating and continues to resonate in all aspects of my life, allowing me to approach new situations with courage and self-assurance.

3) Unveiling Your True Self and Core Values Through Uninterrupted Exploration

This unexpected benefit of solo travel was a true delight and deeply fulfilling. As a huge museum enthusiast, my solo trip allowed me to indulge this passion to an unprecedented degree, entirely on my own terms. I visited countless museums, spending hours in each, leisurely browsing exhibits, absorbing new information, capturing moments through photography, and simply sitting to soak in the atmosphere and history at my own pace. This level of unhurried immersion would be incredibly challenging, if not impossible, with a travel companion, as I would naturally feel the need to respect their time, interests, and preferences. But here, every moment was dictated solely by my desires, free from the need for compromise or consultation. It was incredibly liberating to delve so deeply into what truly captivated and inspired me.

Another significant self-revelation concerned my relationship with alcohol. I discovered, quite surprisingly, that I no longer enjoy drinking as much as I did in my younger years. In fact, I can count the number of alcoholic beverages I consumed alone during those five weeks on one hand. Prior to this trip, I hadn’t fully recognized that much of my drinking was purely social, a default choice rather than one driven by genuine enjoyment. Being by myself allowed for this honest, uninfluenced introspection: “Is this really my thing?” While I still deeply appreciate a fine glass of wine, my interest in other types of liquor significantly waned. It was an enlightening process to truly understand my day-to-day preferences and what genuinely brings me pleasure, uninfluenced by external factors or social expectations. The freedom to spend an entire day simply walking and exploring if that’s what I craved, or catching up on missed episodes of my favorite superhero show while ordering delicious vegan food via Postmates all day long – these were the simple, authentic pleasures that truly resonated with me. This journey fostered a deeper understanding of my authentic self and what truly brings me joy, peace, and fulfillment in the quiet moments.

4) Your Intuition: Your Most Invaluable Asset for Safety and Self-Trust

Wow. During my solo travels, my intuition emerged as an incredibly powerful and reliable guide, and I’m eternally grateful I learned to trust it implicitly. Listening to your gut feeling is paramount, especially as a woman navigating new places alone. It served as my internal compass, steering me through situations where safety was a concern or simply when a choice felt undeniably right. For instance, if I ever took my eyes off my drink and felt even a slight hesitation or suspicion about its safety, I wouldn’t hesitate to abandon it, prioritizing my well-being above all else. Similarly, if my gut told me it was wiser to call an Uber or Lyft than to walk through an unfamiliar, dimly lit area at night, I immediately followed that instinct, regardless of the extra expense or convenience factor.

Allowing my intuition to lead the way significantly alleviated the pressure of worrying about minor expenses or perceived wastage. I understood that I was making the absolute best decision for my personal safety and peace of mind, and that feeling was priceless. This trip also powerfully reinforced a fundamental truth: I am capable of taking care of myself, even in unexpected circumstances. While not every experience was perfect, one particular incident stands out as a powerful testament to this. When I had to unexpectedly evacuate my Airbnb due to unforeseen circumstances, I was incredibly proud of how quickly, calmly, and effectively I handled the situation, finding alternative accommodation and managing the logistics with minimal stress. This challenging moment served as a potent reminder that while I deeply value and depend on my husband, and he on me, the independent, capable woman within me is always present and ready to spring into action whenever necessary. My intuition became my most trusted companion, fostering a profound and enduring sense of self-reliance and confidence.

5) Defining Your Travel Preferences: Appreciating Solo Journeys, Yet Preferring Shared Experiences

This final lesson was, by far, the most unexpected and perhaps the most illuminating insight gained from my extensive solo adventure. Contrary to popular opinion or the well-meaning advice often dispensed by friends and even strangers, I firmly believe that not everyone has to travel with their spouse if it’s not their preferred dynamic. In fact, I would argue that everyone should undertake a solo trip at some point in their lives – it’s an invaluable experience for truly getting comfortable with oneself, for understanding one’s own rhythms, desires, and limits without any external influence or compromise. My five weeks in California undeniably affirmed the immense value of solo travel and its profound capacity for deep personal introspection and growth.

However, despite the profound benefits and revelations of my solo adventure, I ultimately realized that I much prefer traveling with someone else. When my dear friend Kellie joined me for a portion of the trip, the dynamic shifted beautifully and instantly. I suddenly had someone to share experiences with, to laugh with for hours over silly moments, and to giggle with late into the nights, recounting the day’s adventures or pondering intriguing “what if” scenarios. This companionship added a unique layer of joy, connection, and richness that solo travel, for all its merits, simply couldn’t provide. It highlighted the beauty of shared moments and mutual reflection.

Traveling with my husband, Gavin, is an entirely different, yet equally cherished, experience. We are a complete team, two peas in a pod, true travel buddies who share an insatiable obsession with learning, trying new foods, and immersing ourselves in different cultures. Our journeys together are filled with shared discoveries, mutual support, a comforting familiarity, and countless inside jokes. When we travel with my family, it transforms into a vibrant representation of our shared heritage and roots. We tell jokes in Patois, capture countless photos across the globe, and create priceless inside jokes that enrich family dinners and bond us more deeply. For me, traveling with others isn’t just about companionship; it’s about forging and solidifying bonds, creating beautiful, lasting memories that resonate long after the trip ends. I am incredibly grateful to have experienced both modalities of travel – solo and accompanied – enabling me to authentically determine which approach best enriches my life and brings me the most joy.

And there you have it, friends! My profound journey through California and the invaluable lessons it bestowed upon me. This trip was a crucible of self-discovery, pushing me beyond my comfort zones and revealing strengths I hadn’t fully recognized. What about you? Have you ever embarked on a significant trip away from home that revealed extraordinary truths about yourself, perhaps teaching you something unexpected about your own resilience or preferences? I’d absolutely love to hear your stories and insights in the comments section below! Thank you so much for taking the time to read about my adventures and reflections.