In 2015, I was asked if I would be willing to relocate to London for a week of work. Having only ever briefly crossed to Canada for a school-sponsored weekend, my answer was an immediate yes. When I was told to submit receipts for ticket reimbursement, I asked the question I think everyone should ask if faced with such an opportunity; “Do I have to book the same return flight as everybody else?”
And that’s how I managed to afford a week by myself in London as a starving artist. Unexpectedly, being in a new country on my own sparked a desire to travel. Specifically solo travel.
When I finally landed my first full-time salaried position, I celebrated newfound financial security by planning the trip of my dreams: a solo adventure to New Zealand. Admittedly, my motivations were purely Lord of the Rings related. But while there, between quintessential visits to Weta Workshop and Rotorua’s Hobbiton, my eyes opened to the glorious potential traveling held. The possibility of getting absolutely swept away in a brand new place and uncovering yourself.
Cliched? Yes.
True? Your results may vary, but for me…
I found Kaitlin.