from contemplation through execution: a woman's first solo trip

Written by Lisa Saper-Bloom, Founder, 1 2 3 Go Solo! LLC

Briana Jordan was contemplating going solo before turning 30. Here is her journey from contemplation through execution.

How long ago did you first consider solo travel?

I began considering solo travel about a year ago. I started noticing that I hadn’t been on a vacation in awhile because I always thought I had to go with my family or friends to travel. 

In your mind at the time, what was holding you back?

Solo travel had never crossed my mind at the time. It wasn’t something I had ever considered, especially being a woman. 

What was it in you that said yes to the 1 2 3 Go Solo! method?

I wanted to be open to discussing how I could get to the point of taking the leap of solo travel. I felt that I was holding myself back, so receiving coaching would be the push I needed to get over any fears I had. 

What were your expectations leading up to your sessions?

I was really excited for my sessions! Not only did I have a goal of just taking a trip, I was hoping to learn how to let solo travel become a way of life for me. 

Every session with Lisa is virtual. So no matter where you are in the world, 1 2 3 Go Solo! is accessible.

What were your epiphany moments after your first session, once your fear(s) were identified and you were assigned homework?

Before my first session, I knew there was something holding me back but I hadn’t clearly identified what. After I had my first session it was like looking in the mirror and being able to finally pinpoint what my fears were. I was excited for my homework, but also anxious because I had to put it into action.

How did that shift your mind frame going into the next two sessions?

I found myself looking forward to my next sessions because I was ready to continue to get one step closer to making solo travel a reality. I also found myself excited to update Lisa with how my homework assignment had gone.

Describe any aha moments you had while being on your first solo trip. 

Leading up to the trip it still felt like it was just a dream; that it wasn’t actually happening. Once I landed in San Francisco and stepped off the plane, it hit me that I really am traveling with just me, myself, and I; which was an amazing feeling! I felt a wave of joy come over me. I realized that all of my fears and doubts were just in my mind. It was so peaceful being able to fully be in the moment and take everything in. 

Bay Bridge, San Francisco. Taken by Briana while on her first solo excursion.

What would you say to anyone considering the 1 2 3 Go Solo! Method?

To any woman considering the 1 2 3 Go Solo! Method, I would say, look at it as an investment in yourself. As women, we tend to do all we can to make sure others are uplifted and happy, but how often do we do that for ourselves? The support you receive is unmatched. It’s not just someone recommending places to travel or solo activities to do, but 1 2 3 Go Solo provides you the space to reflect and dig deep. You look into yourself, and become able to see how solo traveling is life changing.

Briana at her first Golden State Warriors game. It just so happened to be Women's Empowerment Night!

Anything else you would like to share?

The beautiful part of traveling solo or doing solo activities is that it’s what you enjoy and finding what fills your cup. It’s important to pour into yourself. No matter what point you are at in life, it’s never too late to start the solo journey.

You have to love a solo journey that ends with Ghirardelli! Congrats on your first solo trip Briana!