8 Life Lessons I Learned While Traveling Alone In Europe

Lisbon, Portugal

Takeaway: My first solo trip abroad was an eye-opening experience. Enjoy the eight important lessons I learned while traveling alone in Europe.

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8 Life Lessons I Learned While Traveling Alone In Europe

I’ve always wanted to take a solo trip to a different part of the world.

On the subject, people typically fall into one of two categories: those that like the idea of a solo trip, and those who would never entertain the idea.

Although it was something that I found interesting, I’d all but given up any hope of getting the opportunity. Life gets busy, vacations happen only so often, and it’s hard to carve that time for yourself when you’re also trying to share that time with others in your life.

But I finally got my opportunity.

I spent two weeks “living” in Lisbon, Portugal.

I use the word “living” purposefully here, because part of my experience was keeping up with many of my daily routines. I joined a gym. I cooked many of my own meals at my Airbnb apartment. I did laundry. I worked my normal hours (most of the time). It was fun and adventure mixed in with the hustle and bustle of the daily checklists.

Even with responsibilities thrown into the mix, my experience on that solo trip was nothing short of magical.

It opened my eyes to so many new parts of myself. It exposed me to so many new people; Great people from all over the world whom I never would have met otherwise. New friends that I hope to stay connected to for years to come.

Lisbon taught me so many things about the world and about myself, but I compiled them into the eight most important lessons from my adventures.

1. Sometimes go without a plan.

Routine and structure are great, they can keep you focused and productive. But routine also shrinks your world over time.

Let your world expand every now and then. There’s nothing more freeing than releasing expectations on yourself and letting the path unfold.

2. Sleep is important, but so is the occasional sleepless night. Learn to recognize when you need one or the other.

And unquestionably the most fun part of these crazy nights is retelling the stories the next day around breakfast.

3. If you need to get rid of coins, find a street performer that grabs your attention and drop it in their hat.

I always try to spend whatever cash I have on hand before returning home. The process of converting that small of an amount of euros simply isn’t worth the hassle.

Spending it on a street performer that caught your attention is the easiest way to achieve this.

4. Always keep a bottle of wine on hand.

You never know when you’ll make new friends that you can have over for deep conversations on the balcony. Balcony conversations are the best conversations.

5. When debating between equally good choices, take the action that makes for the better story.

It’s easy to stick to your comfort zone, but your comfort zone is boring. Go for the story. It’ll make you happier.

6. If you pass someone taking a selfie, offer to take their photo.

Those memories matter and everyone deserves an Instagram-worthy picture of their travels.

Bonus points if you learn just enough about how to frame a shot so you can blow their minds with an exceptional photo.

7. Give praise and encouragement to anyone doing their best.

While at a dance class, many beginners were afraid of not knowing the moves. I made sure to tailor our dance to what they could do, while helping to show them they could do more than they thought.

Then we celebrated the hell out of them. The smiles said it all.

You can never do wrong giving people positive encouragement.

8. No matter the places or things you see, what will make them truly special is the people you share them with.

Experiences, after all, serve the wondrous purpose of connecting souls.

Traveling alone, unlike anything else, gives you the opportunity to meet and connect with so many great people. Seize the opportunity.

~ Coach Alex

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