Traveling alone was always a dream of mine, even before I really knew what it meant.
I’m a woman born in the '80s. Back then, there were no social media, cable TV was limited, and we didn’t have many examples of women traveling on their own. Still, from a very young age, I dreamed of seeing the world. I don’t know exactly where that desire came from — maybe it was my dad’s influence, a business man who was always flying around Brazil and collecting miles. But the truth is, I just always felt like I needed to see the world.

Where it all began

When I was 12, I asked my mom to let me study English — I was sure that would be essential for my plan. And even though I didn’t have anyone close to look up to, I decided to study hotel managerment — because I thought that could be a way to make my dream come true.

Later, I got an internship at an airline and used my salary to buy my first backpack: I was going to take my first solo international trip — to Chile, at 21.
But a few months before the trip, I met my ex-husband. We went together.
That trip wasn’t solo, but it led us to another big experience: we ended up living in Japan for a while.

After that, we traveled together to many places.
But deep down, I still held onto the desire to explore on my own.
And when our relationship ended, I finally made it happen.

The start of my solo journeys

I started by exploring Brazil — I went to the North and Northeast. Then I flew to South Africa, already working remotely. It was a short trip, so I planned the next one: Indonesia.

Traveling takes a lot of mental and logistical effort. You have to think of everything — flights, accommodation, clothes, documents... But honestly? In the end, if you’ve got your passport, visa, and credit card — everything else works itself out.

As a woman, especially one who loves fashion, packing is its own challenge. I like to be ready for every occasion and feel good in my outfits — even though I always overpack (laughs).

No fixed itinerary

When I traveled with someone, I always felt responsible for building a detailed itinerary so we’d be on the same page.
But alone, I chose to do it differently: I don’t have a fixed plan. I study the place, make a list of where I’d like to go, and choose my stay based on that.

In Indonesia, for example, I arrived with no bookings. On a domestic flight, I met a Spanish couple who were heading on a 3-day boat trip in a national park. Right then and there, I decided to join them.
The agency was already waiting at the airport. The catch? There would be no internet on the boat. I had to borrow someone’s phone at the last minute to let my family know I was safe — and going offline for a few days.

Safety and independence

Traveling alone as a woman means being extra cautious. Here are a few rules I follow:

  • I avoid drinking too much, to stay aware and safe.
  • I research the safety of the country and city.
  • I carry very little cash and use my card as much as possible.
  • I prefer hostels with female-only dorms.
  • I carefully plan how to get to my accommodation — public transport, Uber, if it’s near a station or airport.

Even with all the precautions, sometimes I’ve found myself in risky situations without realizing it. I’ve fallen for the classic taxi scam in Asia — but thankfully, I’ve never gone through anything truly serious.

It’s not always easy. But it’s always worth it.

A lot of people romanticize solo travel — but I have to say: there are tough days. There’s exhaustion, loneliness, stressful moments, homesickness.
Sometimes, I feel like going home.

But they say you always come back a different person — and it’s true.
Each trip has changed me in a unique way. My inner world has expanded.
My independence grew. And so did my gratitude.

Traveling solo was, without a doubt, the biggest achievement of my life.
And this is just one part of the story — I still have so much more to share.