A personal reflection on illness, vulnerability, and learning to trust yourself while travelling solo
Last week, I finally had my stitches removed after a small operation to remove a cyst from my back.
It was minor surgery in the grand scheme of things, but the relief felt enormous.
Mostly because this issue had followed me around the world for the last year.
Four separate flare-ups. Four inconvenient moments. Almost all of them somehow connected to travel.
From emergency appointments just before Christmas, to my wedding day, to managing dressings and disinfectant while walking the Camino… and even trying to explain the situation across language barriers in China.
It became one of those recurring reminders that our bodies don’t always choose convenient timing.
And it brought me back to one of the biggest solo travel fears many women carry:
What happens if something goes wrong while you’re alone?
It’s a valid fear.
Because solo travel asks more of you in those moments. You are the one making decisions, seeking help, slowing things down, and figuring out what comes next.
But over time, I’ve learned something important.
Most situations become manageable far quicker than we imagine they will.
Not because they’re easy.
But because we adapt.
We ask for help. We become resourceful. We discover we’re more capable than we thought.
Years ago, after spraining my ankle during a solo road trip around Wales (hence the photo from one of my many hikes, before disaster stuck!), I wrote more extensively about what getting injured while travelling alone taught me — practically and emotionally. Follow THIS LINK if this is a fear that’s sitting quietly in the back of your mind too.
And perhaps that’s the real shift.
Not believing nothing will ever happen.
But trusting yourself more if it does.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently while creating my new YouTube series exploring the biggest solo travel fears women carry before taking that first trip alone.
This week’s video explores loneliness. Last weeks asked the big question: is it safe?
Because often, naming the fear is the first step towards loosening its grip. There are still eight more to come over the next few weeks. You can watch them all as they go Live (every Monday) HERE.
Alongside that, I’ve also just shared a longer video all about Puerto Rico — a place I spent a month exploring solo a few years ago by tiny plane, golf cart, and car. It’s one of those places that surprised me completely. Colourful, varied, warm, and full of contrast. If you’re in the mood for a little Caribbean escape, it might be one to watch with a cup of tea this weekend. Check it out for yourself via THIS LINK.
Throwback Travel Corner
One thing I’ve realised recently is that many newer visitors here haven’t seen some of the stories, guides, and reflections I have shared over the years — pieces that are still some of my most-read and most meaningful.
So, from now on, I’m going to start occasionally resurfacing older blog posts and videos that still feel worth sharing.
Not because content should disappear after a week.
But because sometimes the right piece finds you at the right time.
This week’s throwback is consistently one of my most popular blog posts with a comprehensive list of all the trip planning apps & websites I use regularly. CLICK HERE for all the details.
So, what’s the biggest fear that still sits quietly in the back of your mind when it comes to travelling alone? Leave a comment if something here resonated with you.
Thank you for being here — whether you read every word or just dip in now and then.
Until next time,
Safe travels,
Sue x
This may contain affiliate links. If you choose to use them, I may receive a small commission — thank you. You’ll never pay more, and my opinions are always my own.
P.S. Helpful travel resources I genuinely use can always be found below:
🏠 For accommodation, I use Expedia and Booking.com primarily. They have their own loyalty schemes which is easy to progress through the levels for better discounts and inclusions.
🚍 For tours and activities, my preferred supplier is Get Your Guide.
🗺️ For multi day or week tours, check out G Adventures. I used them for trips in Costa Rica, Peru, and Galapagos.
🧳 For luggage storage on your travels, I recommend the service by Bounce.
