I’m going to Iceland, with or without you

Traveling companionless for the first time

Paulina N.
Sep 7, 2018 · 3 min read
“brown monolith rock on seashore” by Jonathan Gallegos on Unsplash

Ever since I saw Balto as a young human, seeing the aurora borealis was a big dream of mine. It didn’t matter where I could see such beautiful, dancing lights. All I knew is that I’d have to travel for it, and Iceland was at the top of my list. I know there are other destinations, but why Iceland? As the reason for most places I visit, I was just drawn to it. It could be because it’s an “icy” island, and where I come from, the only ice we get is in our soft drinks. Maybe it’s because of the blue water in the Blue Lagoon. In any case, I usually just figure out the reason after I come back from my destination.

Deciding to travel alone

The more you make strides and changes in your life, the harder it is to coordinate your schedule with a travel companion. Knowing this, I bit the bullet and purchased a spot with a travel group to Iceland. I simply couldn’t wait anymore.

Roses — the good stuff

I honestly thought I’d be reserved on this trip because I didn’t know anyone. To my surprise, it was easier than normal to talk to people! I guess you’re kind of forced to talk to them, especially when you’re sitting at the same table having a meal. I got over being shy pretty quickly because I realized the most important thing: I was no longer obligated to play a certain role or be a certain way. No one knew me or my background to put me in a box of expectations. That feeling alone was enough for me to want to travel alone in the future.

Some other things that I really enjoyed in Iceland were:

  1. Being surrounded by waterfalls
  2. Horseback-riding (for the first time) into the sunset
  3. Drinking glacier water
  4. Skyr (Icelandic yogurt)
  5. Sólbert Aldinbjór — Brómber (fruit beer)

Thorns — the not-so-good stuff

The main goal while in Iceland was to see the aurora borealis. The dancing lights. The cinematic wonder in Balto. I did not see the aurora borealis. Not even a streak. Not even a glimmer :(

Other thorns while traveling in Iceland (and with no companions) were:

  1. Unpredictable weather
  2. Unpleasant smells on the way to the Blue Lagoon
  3. No one to take photos for you (even if they would, I didn’t want to be a bother)
  4. No one to tell you if you look ridiculous if they do take a photo for you
  5. Not being able to instantly share with friends/family and get a response because of time zone differences

Buds — what I look forward to

Since I was unable to see the main attraction in Iceland, I look forward to trying again elsewhere. I’m not sure what the destination will be, but I know that wherever I go, it’ll be so beautiful, I’ll cry.

Maybe.

Probably not.

But now I know that traveling companionless has way more benefits. It’s true that you learn so much about yourself when you give yourself time to look within. I highly recommend mustering the courage to do something on your own. You don’t necessarily have to start with traveling. Start small. Go to a restaurant, a movie, or a mall. Work your way up from one hour to one week. Let the world surprise you 🤪

Paulina N.

Written by

I try not to forget to stop and smell the roses.

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