It was January 2023, and my heart was beating out of my chest. I was startled awake that morning by my alarm and relieved when I realized I didn’t work today. Then, as I lay in bed, it hit me. Today was the day.
I was going to get on a plane and fly to Iceland all by myself.
My nerves picked up. To this day, I vividly remember the butterflies wreaking havoc in my stomach as my mom drove me to the airport. I kept thinking, “I’m doing this. I’m committed. Can’t turn back now.”
As a 25-year-old woman who had watched way too many true crime documentaries, the idea of traveling to a foreign country alone terrified me. That, coupled with my social anxiety, made me a nervous wreck. My brain spun with what-ifs.
What if something happens to me?
What if I feel unsafe?
What if I can’t handle it?
Still, I bit the bullet and got on that plane.
And it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Why Iceland?
Iceland had always been on my travel bucket list. The country seemed otherworldly, with waterfalls pouring into endless valleys, black sand beaches stretching for miles, and the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights.
But this trip was about more than just exploring a beautiful country. I chose Iceland specifically because it’s a super safe country, and English is widely spoken there. That alleviated a lot of my anxieties. This was the perfect place to confront my fears and step into the unknown.
I was in my Eat Pray Love era, searching for meaning and expanding my soul. I had just gone through intense trauma with my family, and I felt so lost. Fed up with their mistreatment of me, I had cut most of them out of my life earlier that month. I was as alone as I had ever been.
And I wanted to reclaim my power.
Booking that flight was an act of faith. When I landed in Reykjavík, I was terrified. Every part of me wanted to turn back, but I didn’t because I knew growth only happens when you step outside your comfort zone.
This trip was me proving to myself that fear doesn’t control me. Was I terrified to travel to a foreign country all by myself? Hell yeah! Did I let that stop me? Fuck no!
And the ripple effect was incredible. That trip unlocked courage in me that I never would have discovered if I’d let my fears rule me. I kept doing things that scared me, and I’ve grown so much emotionally, it’s not even funny. I feel so much more confident than I ever knew I could.
The Journey
Moments of Awe
I’ll never forget standing at Seljalandsfoss, the water crashing down in front of me, the mist cooling my exposed skin. Or walking along Reynisfjara’s black sand beach, the ocean waves pounding against basalt cliffs. The sheer scale of Iceland’s beauty made me feel small in the best way possible.
And then there were the Northern Lights. In the dead of night, I watched green ribbons dance across the January sky as the biting cold air nipped at my gloved hands. It was like the universe was speaking to me. Suddenly, I didn’t feel so alone anymore.
Lessons in Solitude
At first, it was hard. Sitting in a café with no one to talk to or sitting on the bus alone in silence made me uncomfortable. I felt awkward and out of place.
But slowly, solitude became a gift. I learned to savor my own company and listen to my intuition. I journaled and reflected, taking the time to get to know myself. By the end of that trip, I had become my own best friend.
Unexpected Connections
Even traveling solo, I wasn’t truly alone. I met fellow travelers who reminded me that connection usually comes when you least expect it. I even met locals who shared stories over hot coffee or tea.
Those small moments of kindness became anchors on my journey.
The Transformation
Before Iceland, I used to let fear hold me back from a lot. After Iceland, I realized fear doesn’t have to be a block. It can be an invitation to grow.
That trip was the snowball that made me braver in every area of my life. In 2023, I kept saying yes to things that scared me. Each time, I felt myself becoming stronger and more confident.
Lessons You Can Take With You
If you’ve been dreaming of solo travel or facing a fear that feels bigger than you, here are a few takeaways from my journey:
- Do the thing that scares you. Fear is a sign that you’re on the edge of growth. A lot of people give up before they reach the next level, so keep pushing forward (even when it’s hard).
- Trust yourself. You are more capable than you realize.
- Leave space for magic. Be flexible with your plans. Some of the best moments come from spontaneity.
- Solo doesn’t mean lonely. You’ll find connections in unexpected ways with people you never would’ve imagined you’d meet.
- Manifestation flows through courage. When you face your fears, you say yes to growth. This opens up doors for amazing things to come into your life.
Practical Tips for Solo Travel to Iceland
If you’re considering a trip of your own, here are a few helpful tips:
- Best time to go: Winter (November–March) for the Northern Lights; Summer (June–August) for midnight sun and easier driving.
- Pack smart: Bring warm layers, waterproof boots, and offline maps. You’ll need them!
- Safety: Iceland is one of the safest countries in the world, but always check weather alerts and respect nature’s power.
- Accommodations: Guesthouses and hostels are solo-traveler friendly, with chances to meet others along the way.
My solo trip to Iceland wasn’t just a vacation. It was a turning point in my life. I discovered strength I didn’t know I had and opened the door to a year of transformation. My life has not been the same since.
If you’re standing at the edge of something that scares you, it could be the best decision you ever make.
What’s one fear you’re ready to face? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to cheer you on.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you want more manifestation success stories and soul-nourishing inspiration, subscribe to Kindly Abundant. Let’s grow and expand together!
Let’s Connect
- Explore the Blog for more quantum tools.
- Subscribe on YouTube.
- Check out our TikTok.
- Follow on Pinterest for daily inspiration.
- Follow on Instagram for daily timeline reminders and magic.
Join the Kindly Abundant email list for weekly rituals, neuroscience-backed manifesting tools, and subconscious rewiring magic delivered straight to your inbox.
And don’t forget to join our supportive community for access to exclusive manifestation techniques, proven strategies, and more.
September 17, 2025 at 3:54 am
I love this post so much!! I’m almost 55 and have traveled a great deal but never on my own. I’ve always thought how brave…I do think learning to embrace the solitude would be a big struggle for me but your post is so inspiring. I especially appreciated your sharing the takeaways that apply to much more than travel.
October 10, 2025 at 4:50 pm
Thank you so much!! I’m happy you found it inspiring. Embracing solitude can be challenging, but it’s such a powerful way to learn and grow. Even things like eating alone at a restaurant or going on a solo date in your town are great ways to spend time alone. Thanks for sharing!