MY FIRST SOLO TRIP EXPERIENCE + Taking It To The Max With BOOHOO

MY FIRST SOLO TRIP EXPERIENCE

I finally did it, guys! I went on my “solo trip” to the beautiful city of Dusseldorf (Germany).  What is planned? Have I always wanted to visit Dusseldorf? Was I scared or excited? Well, If you keep reading, I will surely give you answers to all that.

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Firstly, before jumping into today’s post, I would like to talk about this lovely maxi dress from Boohoo I wore during my holiday. It is comfortable stylish and most especially great as a transitioning piece during this time of the year. I love the fluidity and also perfect for all my modest bloggers who still want to remain very trendy.

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Also, I would like to welcome you back to the blog. Yes, I am back now and I promise to stay close to you guys. Studies are out of the way, had a deserving holiday, it’s time to get back to reality/business. Thank you all for waiting for me – I AM BACK!

PLANNING THE SOLO-TRIP:

Thinking back now, I sincerely think I am living my dream. This is because I remember telling my high-school self how I wanted to move to England, do my undergraduate degree and masters then book myself a lovely trip alone somewhere alone to celebrate. I didn’t know the universe was listening and God was granting my wishes.

FLIGHT:

This trip wasn’t planned at all. On a frustrating night, while I was completing my dissertation, I needed something to motivate me to get through this period of my life. A short visit to the Ryanair website, I saw their on-going promo offer, Dusseldorf was on the top list along with other French cities. I was really determined to step out of my comfort zone. Going to a French city for me would have been a cheat because I speak French. Voile, that’s how I booked my 4 nights/5 days solo trip to Dusseldorf for £19,99. Yes, You read that right! That is approximately N9,500.

ACCOMMODATION:

This time, I stayed in an Hotel-Hostel. What is an Hotel-Hostel Accommodation? Well, in simple term, it is a hotel family room with maximum 4 beds you get to share with other young travellers. I was really scared to be lonely and alone, so when I saw the advert pop-up on booking.com, I thought it would be a great idea to meet other people. Would I recommend? Yes, if you are really on a very low-budget because the 4 nights only cost me £55. Would I stay in a hotel-hostel next time? No, because it won’t be my first solo trip anymore, so, I am aware and know what to expect on a solo trip now. To think I didn’t get lonely for a bit, I think next time, I would love to have my privacy even though I met lovely girls called Michelle and her friend (Can’t remember her name now). It was also nice meeting Nora, the quiet writer and copy-writer from Berlin.

EXPERIENCE:

Would you believe I grew up thinking Germans are not friendly or unapproachable? I remember my class had a school trip in high-school to Germany and I didn’t even bother telling my parents about the trip because I had this idea of Germans to be almost “Negative”. Ignorance is a big disease and for several years, I have been such an ignorance. So, next time they tell you about somewhere or some particular type of people. Listen but keep an open mind. The history class about Hilter and Berlin wall got me messed up for several years.

The experience is unique. People were extremely nice, lovely and friendly. I had a total stranger from Syria based in Germany who volunteered to not only be my photographer while I was struggling to set up my tripod to take some shots. He also offered to show me around the city for more than 2 hours. I had the impression life was on a slow motion and everything seems calmer than England. 

Overall a great experience without any regret. Although, the food sector wasn’t great as I find the varieties of food very limited. Lots of Kebab which isn’t my favourite type of meal but would I advise anyone to go on a solo trip? Of course! In fact, I think everyone should at least go on one solo trip in their lifetime.

LESSON LEARNED:

If there is anything I learnt from going on this trip or advise I will give anyone interested on going on a solo trip, it will be:

1. Feel the fear but do it: I was extremely scared but I still went ahead because the worst scenario is actually never the worst case. There is always a way out. I was really worried about being lonely and bored but then I knew the worst thing that can happen is to completely hate it, then sleep all day until I return to England.
2. Whatever you put your mind to do, you can do it. With the fear and worries, everything eventually fell in place!
3. There is more to life than where you are at this present moment.
4. The more you travel, the more you see, the more you learn.
5. Travel on purpose: I decided last minute to really enjoy the moment and not document every minute of my trip on social media because the purpose of my solo trip was to rest. I realise social media can be a subconscious pressure on us even when we think we can control it. I stayed in an accommodation I could afford without having to worry about doing a room tour for the gram or showing my breakfast in bed. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing bad about staying in a 5 stars hotel for as long as you can afford it comfortably. But, nowadays, travelling is becoming a “trend” everyone is jumping on so that they can show the gram rather than enjoying the experience. Don’t do it for the gram, travel on purpose! My purpose was to rest after 12 months on an intense study which I achieved excellently!

Thank you so much for reading.

Have you been on a solo trip before? What was your experience like?

Let’s continue the conversation in the comment section below! – See you soon…