To make a long story short, I booked a ticket in early January for a summer trip to Sapporo. I was so excited that within two months I finished planning. Google was my best friend at the time. I searched places to visit and how to get there, where to live, and how much money I’ll need to survive. Two months prior to my trip I had secured an apartment to live in.
BUT as my trip neared, I became terrified.
I had never been to anywhere alone. I had taken flights alone, but have had friends or family meet me in the country so my trip to Sapporo was my first real solo travel. I can’t speak Japanese, did not know anyone there, and have never been there. Let’s just say that I almost convinced myself not to get on that flight.
But I did and it was one of the best decisions thus far.
But I made it through my embarrassment & realized no one was really watching me.
It’s been almost a year after my first solo trip. A month-long solo trip to be exact. I had been wanting to draft this blog since I got back, but felt embarrass to confess. I posted my trip endlessly via instagram throughout the month and shown only the brave (or trying to be brave) side of me.
Let me tell you, I’d do it again in a heart beat and here are three reasons why:
IT’S OKAY TO TAKE A BREAK
I was exhausted this time last year. I was in a toxic relationship and work was stressful. My dreams were not being fulfilled regardless of how hard I’ve worked. I felt hopeless. I felt as if I was sinking and regardless of how hard I tried to pull myself up to stand, I just couldn’t.
Not everyone can get on a flight to simply breathe or to take a break from a stressful life. Even if you can’t travel by plane, I think it’s important for you to take yourself out of the situation. There are other ways like taking a drive to the nearby beach, going on a hike, or just simply getting yourself comfort food. The main point is that you get to be somewhere else, even if it’s just for a short while, to be away from the situation.
I was able to step out of my situation and saw clearly that I was holding on to things that were hurting me and I needed to let go.
If I did not get on that plane, I would not have been able to see this view:
BEING ALONE IN PUBLIC IS OKAY
I have never been alone in public before. Being a girl meant it is scary to go to places alone. A girl should never be alone because there is a higher chance of being raped, kidnapped, or taken advantage of.
When I told people that I was going solo to Japan, they said… “that’s so dangerous, why would you go alone?” They made me doubt myself. I started to think of all the wrong things that could happen. Like I said, I almost convinced myself not to go anymore.
The fear and doubt gradually went away as the trip went on.
I spent many hours just sitting at Odori Park (see photos above) reflecting on life, planning for my goals, and observing those around me. I’d come there to read a book or even write on my journal. Being at a different place gave me the time I needed to breathe and to fully see my realities. It also taught me the most important lesson I’ve learned – it’s okay to be alone (especially in public).
Trust yourself that you know what to do if ever a danger arrives. Also, you are smart enough to know how to avoid dangerous situation.
You are capable of being alone and only you can do the things you want to do. Doesn’t it suck not being able to try that new boba shop because all of your friends are working?
THERE ARE ALWAYS NEW THINGS TO LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF
Here are some of the things I’ve learned about myself:
- Ice cream is definitely my comfort food. I knew that I like ice cream, but the trip made me realize that I loooove ice cream. I had a soft-serve almost everyday for an entire month. (Hokkaido has the best dairy products).
- Museums are not boring. Museums are a great place to see how things have changed overtime. I was reminded that though things can be rough now, it will get better overtime. Just look at how our phones transformed from flip phone to touch screen. Life might be hard and complicated now, but later much easier to manage because of all the lessons learned and not wanting history to repeat itself.
- Time is never wasted. I used to think that if you weren’t doing something productive, it was time wasted. I got lost majority of the time. Despite the map on my phone, I got off at the wrong train station, got in a bus heading to the opposite direction, and walked into a building I have no idea about. But the unplanned paths had led me to amazing places and experiences – a small park with a river running through, a shopping center with the best pancakes, and a small alley with the tastiest ramen. Unexpected things happen and special circumstances occur – there are many things beyond your control and it’s okay.
- I am obsessed with penguins! The only reason I used to justify my visits to many zoos and aquariums on my trip was “there’s a penguin there.” I even traveled 3-4 hours to go to Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe to see the Penguin Parade.
Thank you for reading this far. I’m grateful for you and I hope you find yourself traveling solo and learning about yourself as well.
CHECK OUT MY HOKKAIDO BLOGS:
Solo travel to Otaru, Japan
A “late” post would be an understatement. It has been six months since my solo travel to Otaru and I have been in denial that I’m back to my reality. I’m half kidding. The first time I heard of Otaru was in a famous Filipino romantic comedy movie called Kita Kita that came out in…
Summer in Noboribetsu, Japan
We all have places we’ve been to before that we wish we could go back to. Jigokudani is one of mine! This post will highlight my experience and adventure in Noboribetsu.
The Day I Became a Flower in Noboribetsu, Japan
COVID-19 ruined many of our travel plans. We just need to wait it out – watch Netflix, eat, and exercise at the comfort of our OWN home. I’ve done every single one of those every day for a week now so to change things up, I’m going to share a travel story: MY FUNNY TRAVEL…
Day Trip to Asahikawa, Japan
Asahikawa is in Hokkaido, Japan. Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan. It is beautiful, mesmerizing, and definitely worth visiting! I spent more than a month in Hokkaido, and Asahikawa is one of the cities I visited. Many people automatically think about Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka when it comes to Japan, but Japan has so…
Hakodate’s Relaxing Nature
When you’re in Hakodate, you can’t ignore the beauty of Mother Nature. Trees are everywhere. Although it is a city, the trees sway freely and the fresh air will soothe your soul. After spending the entire day learning about Hakodate’s rich history and culture, don’t forget to sit, watch the leaves of the trees dance…
Absorb the History and Culture of Hakodate, Japan
A city filled with culture, local identity, and picturesque views. Hakodate lies in the southernmost part of Hokkaido. It is Hokkaido’s third largest city and a must to visit. Unlike other places I’ve visited, Hakodate was spontaneous. I booked a hotel, packed my backpack, got in the express train from Sapporo Station, and stayed there…
Gutless Travel 