Sometimes the best times that are had, come from impulsive decisions and not second guessing yourself. I speak about my 40 before 40 list in previous blog posts and Greece has always been on my list of places I wanted to travel to. When I think of traveling to Greece, I think expensive, maybe a honeymoon destination or even just a romantic getaway with a partner. I never in a million years thought that in 2026, I would have been on a solo trip in Greece! Last month, my birthday trip to Thailand had been canceled due to the war and yes I was bummed, but because this was a safety concern, I knew everything was going to be okay (after all... people are dying smh). If you would have told me that instead of Thailand, I would have been in Greece a month later, there's no way I would have believed you.
Welp, it happened. And in the best way possible. Long story less long, I had been told about Google flights (s/o to KK) and decided to just randomly started looking at flights. With no intention of actually booking anything, I just wanted to look. I saw there was a flight to Greece for $389, ROUND TRIP AND DIRECT (like what?). I decided to track this flight. The price for the date was 2 weeks away, again, no intention of booking, but I would be lying if I said it didn't look enticing. I saw the same flight fluctuate up to $489, I kept my eye on it. Then one day I told myself, if that flight goes back down and I get my Travel Fund check from my job, i'm booking it. I am in my car listening to Ring My Bell (Iykyk). I get to work and not only did my travel fund check come, the flight went down to $352, so I booked it!
Fast forward, I was in Greece 2 weeks later having the time of my life.
I had to pinch myself several times while in Greece, I just couldn't believe that I was actually there, on a solo mission to explore and see all that Greece had to offer.
"Wow...I'm really here"
As a solo traveler, especially as a black woman, Greece gave me more than beautiful views and historic architecture. It gave me perspective. Before going, I expected all the white buildings and beauty, ocean views, amazing food and rich history and yes, I witnessed ALL OF THE ABOVE. But there is also a side that I observed, that I had not seen or seen others discuss or even post about. Hopping off of the metro and taking the escalator onto the street, I saw graffiti, homelessness, trash, just something I was not really prepared to see, but this was Athens. There were signs of economic struggle and hardworking locals trying to make a living. It was really a sight to see. It just reminded me that every country has both beauty and struggle at the same time.
Aside from the city side of Greece, I had the most amazing time. Greece IS beautiful, the people were nice and welcoming, the food was amazing, traveling to the island of Hydra had been by far my favorite part of Greece. Learning and talking to the locals is always my favorite part of traveling. Learning how having coffee was a social experience that could last hours just sipping, laughing, talking, etc. It's interesting because although we have coffee shops, for the most part coffee in America is a grab and go experience or if you do sit in coffee shops, often times you are working, doing school work or maybe working on a project. It's just a different experience.
One of the biggest takeaways for me, traveling to Greece alone is the true confidence that I embody. Upon returning from my trip, a lot of people from work asked me if I felt safe, or was I afraid at any point being by myself. Being afraid and scared just may not be apart of my personality (lol). I have jumped out of a plane, I have been snorkeling in the Bahamas and Hawaii even though I can't swim and even rode the back of a Camel in Abu Dhabi. One thing about me, even if I do have fear, I never let fear stop me from having a new experience (within reason of course).
Solo traveling taught me that confidence isn't optional. Confidence becomes part of your safety as a solo traveler. That doesn't mean being careless or pretending danger doesn't exist. It means learning to trust yourself, staying aware, moving intentionally, and not shrinking yourself in unfamiliar spaces.
Between navigating the metro system in Athens, taking a day trip to Hydra Island, sitting at rooftop dinners, riding donkeys, getting lost in ancient streets, hiking to the Acropolis and talking to locals, I realized I'm becoming the woman I used to dream about.
Not just because I traveled to Greece.
But because I gave myself permission to experience life on my own terms.
A little note section from my trip to Greece:
- Coffee in Greece is a social experience, in America it is grab n go!
- 2001 start of the economic downfall when Greece switched to the European Euro. Took awhile to recover.
- Unemployment increased amongst young people to 50%.
- During Covid, each citizen received 800 Euro monthly.
- Businesses shut down, people lost their jobs and homes.
- Rise in Homelessness.
- Locals became upset as tourism rose, causing an increase in housing due to Airbnb's, etc.
- Tourism is welcome now because of more jobs and opportunities.
- Omonia= Not a good neighborhood, crime, poor area.
- Hygiene practices aren't the best. (sorry)
- Hydra Island: No cars, just boats and donkeys.
- 2000 residents on the island of Hydra, yes there is school, a police station and a medical center.
- I felt bad for the donkeys, do they enjoy their lives?
- Cats everywhere!
- Food 10/10
- Most amazing views I have ever seen.
After this trip, I realized something, I never want my travels to just live in my camera roll.
I created The Audacity of Growth Travel Journal for people who want to slow down and actually remember their experiences. It's designed to help you document the planning, the moments and everything you reflect on after you return home.
If you are planning your own trip to Greece or anywhere in the world, this is for you.
Add comment
Comments