I Took My First Solo Trip To Amsterdam: Here's What I Learned

One thing about me is that I love new experiences. From attending my first pottery class this year to skydiving. I love doing things that push me out of my comfort zone and remind me that life is meant to be lived, not just planned. 

I previously mentioned my 40 before 40 list, which essentially is a list of 40 different experiences, big and small that I would like to have by my 40th birthday. I am currently 36 and have checked off about 10 experiences so far (I think I'm on a good pace). One goal stood out to me more than the others because it was a real challenge for myself: take an international solo trip.

Not with friends.

Not waiting for a partner.

Not waiting for someone else's schedule.

Just me.

I chose Amsterdam.

Before I go any further, I should say that I'm not new to traveling. Over the years (since a baby), I've been fortunate enough to have traveled to different places around the world and to have the experience of different cultures. Places like: Jamaica (4 times), Bahamas, Japan, Trinidad, Hawaii, Dubai, Germany, South Africa, London, Colombia and Canada to name a few...or many. Traveling has always been a passion of mine and something I wish I could for a living (seriously, I even looked into becoming a flight attendant). 

This would be my very first time planning an international trip completely on my own, I booked the flights, chose the hotels and scheduled my excursions. It was exciting, although my parents were VERY nervous to say the least. I'd also be lying if I said it wasn't also a little terrifying.

But that was kind of the point.

I wanted to prove something to myself.

I wanted to prove that I could not only plan a trip, but I could also get on a plane, fly to another country, and create an amazing experience without waiting for anyone else to plan it with me. No coordinating schedules, no waiting for the "right time", and no waiting for a partner or friend to say yes.

This trip was a personal goal. 

I packed my bags, drove to New York to take a flight out of JFK, and landed in Amsterdam ready for whatever the experience was going to bring. 

Amsterdam was everything I hoped it would be and more. The city is beautiful, clean and walkable (however there are bikes EVERYWHERE). The canals, the house boats, the architecture, the energy of the city felt calm and exciting at the same time. 

While I was there, I made sure to visit a few places on my list. I took a "gardening" canal ride through the city, visited the famous Amsterdam Ice Bar and explored the Moco Museum. 

Now this next part I'm about to share is NOT to encourage young women to do this, but sometimes....I say Yolo and leap. After my canal ride, I visited a local "coffee" shop and met a new friend name Oscar (an innocent encounter I might add). Oscar wanted to show me around the Red Light District, in which I really wanted to go, just not alone. Oscar gave me a tour and it was very interesting. It was almost like having my own personal tour guide who shared some history and culture. We ate French fries and mayo (I know...I know...but it was so good) and he paid for us to see a "peep show" (I told y'all I'm adventurous). That was one of the best nights in Amsterdam. It was fascinating to learn about a place that so many people only hear about but rarely understand or experience.

But the most important part of the trip wasn't the excursions.

It was what I learned about myself.

Traveling alone in a new country can feel intimidating at first, especially as a woman. Of course, you have to be smart and aware of your surroundings (and don't go anywhere with strangers). But what surprised me the most was how quickly that fear turned into excitement.

I never once felt afraid.

I was down for the adventure. 

My trip to Amsterdam reminded that that I am more than capable of creating the life and experiences I want.

Solo travel isn't about being alone, it's about discovering just how strong, smart and independent you really are.

Again, this trip was a personal goal.

In many ways, it was a reminder that sometimes the most empowering thing you can do is trust yourself enough to just go.