When you take your first solo trip, it can feel like stepping into the unknown.
There’s excitement, adventure, and, of course, a little fear. You’re navigating a new place, meeting new people, and figuring things out on your own.
But the growth that comes from these experiences is unmatched.
In this article, written as a guest contribution by Angela Gallo from HD Wellness and Travel, we explore the impact of solo transformative travel and how it can shape confidence, resilience, and personal growth.
Thankfully, this is something we teach travel professionals in the Travel Coach Network.
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My First Solo Transformative Travel Experience at 19
How It Began…
I traveled often with my family as a child, mostly throughout New England, and frequently visited Florida. My first international trip was at age 12 when we took a cruise that stopped in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. This trip ignited my lifelong curiosity about different cultures and planted the seeds for my passion for travel.
My Journey to Los Angeles
At 19, I took my first solo trip—not just a vacation, but a complete relocation. I moved across the country to Los Angeles to attend school, but it was far from the traditional college experience. I started in January when there were fewer orientation opportunities, I was attending part-time, and I lived in a campus apartment with students who were already settled into their routines.
To make things even more challenging, I needed to work but didn’t have a car. Navigating LA’s public transportation in the early ’90s was no easy feat. Without modern navigation apps, I had to learn the bus routes manually, figuring out how to commute from East LA to my job in West Hollywood, sometimes late at night. These experiences forced me to develop resilience, adaptability, and confidence in my own problem-solving abilities.
The Transformative Experience
In just four months, I grew in ways I never expected. I learned how to start over, how to persevere through challenges, and how to push past fears. Though I hadn’t left my own country, Los Angeles felt like a different world compared to the rural/suburban Connecticut town where I had grown up.
This trip was my first true lesson in independence and self-trust—essential skills for any traveler.
The Next Adventure…
Since my journey to LA, I’ve had many powerful travel experiences.
I traveled solo two other times: once to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland and later to Berlin, Germany, for a month-long artist residency.
Each of these trips deepened my love for travel and reinforced the personal growth that comes with stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Solo travel is exhilarating, but it comes with challenges.
From navigating new cities to managing safety concerns, every trip presents unique obstacles.
Thankfully, modern tools like translation and navigation apps have made it easier than ever to explore confidently.
Becoming a Travel Coach
As I reached a breaking point in my academic career, I received an offer for early retirement.
It was during this time that I joined The Travel Coach Network’s Certification Program.
The program provided me with the tools and support I needed to transition into my next phase as a creative entrepreneur.
Leaving academia was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made.
But with my background in student mentorship and leading study abroad programs, I realized I could use my experience to help others find balance through travel and wellness coaching.
Now, I help people create wellness routines that fit their lifestyles and guide them in planning transformative travel experiences centered around wellness, arts, and culture.
Thinking About Your Own Transformative Travel Experience?
If you’ve been considering a solo transformative travel experience but fear has held you back, I’d love to help. Reach out to me at angela@hdwellnessandtravel.com to start your journey.
About the Author: Angela Gallo
Angela Gallo is a wellness and travel coach dedicated to helping others find balance through transformative travel experiences.
With a background in academia, student mentorship, and leading study abroad programs, she now guides individuals in planning meaningful journeys that focus on wellness, arts, and culture.
