Valerie Eubanks - I Learned How to Travel Solo and so Can You!

I Learned How to Travel Solo and so Can YOU!

By

VALERIE EUBANKS

Copyright 2019

Testimonial

T his book explains why traveling solo will be the most rewarding and liberating experience of your life. It will feed your mind and awaken your soul in ways you never thought possible. If everyone could see the world through the eyes of a solo traveler, this world would be a better place. Eubanks' words and advice will help you make the leap! - Chelsea Rabeiro, Chief Adventure Officer, Chelax Adventures

www.chelaxadventures.com

A Few Notes from the Author

H ello, awesome reader ! First of all, Id like to inform you that the model on the cover is not me. I found this image on Shutterstock and felt that it encompassed the message I was trying to convey with this book. Models on the stock art sites I use are anonymous, but whoever she is, I thank her and the photographer for this gorgeous picture.

Cover: Guitar photographer/Shutterstock.com

There will be several pictures of me scattered throughout, so I figured Id leave the cover to the professional.

Thanks to Work Ins Studio, the creator of the Variane Script font that was used on the cover.

Thanks to Mhairi, Stacey, Melissa and Sergio for giving me permission to include some photos with their lovely faces! Crossing paths with these amazing people as I traverse the world has been such a pleasure and I treasure their friendship.

Introduction

F irst of all, thank you for reading this book! Youve taken your first step toward the wonderful and glorious world of solo travel, and I cant wait to help you begin your journey.

I didnt decide to write this book because Im a travel expert, nor because I have any extra special qualities that anyone reading this book doesnt possess. Instead, I decided to write it because everyone always asks me so many questions about traveling solo.

• How do you find the courage to go halfway across the world on your own?
• Do you really enjoy traveling solo or are you lonely?
• Shouldnt I wait until I have a partner to take the trip(s) on my bucket list?
• Can I truly learn to enjoy solo travel?

These are all really great questions I received each time I informed someone I was heading to Bali, Alaska, Japan and other places. And when you get so many questions about a singular subject, the easiest way to answer them is to...well, write a book!

Throughout this book, Ill take you on the voyage I traversed to become a happy and confident solo traveler. Although Im sharing my advice and my knowledge, by no means do I think that everyone should or will follow the exact course I did. Dont read this book literally. Take the bits and pieces that call to you and follow them in your own way. The steps along my journey were tailor-made for me, but you will find the perfect steps that comprise your path.

Think of this as a guide. If you dont employ any of my advice but gain your own expanded level of confidence from reading this book, then thats a victory. Its important that you customize this journey for you . But hopefully, you will find a few pearls that call to you. Whatever you gain, no matter how big or small, is an amazing step forward in becoming your best self.

In the end, I wrote this book because I dont want women to be beholden to what society tells them they can do. So many women are afraid to travel solo, not because they cant do it, but because theyre anxious about what others will think of them. Its a valid fear, but let me assure you, its rubbish.

Now that I travel solo often, peoples opinions of me are at an all-time high. I get complimented so often on my courage, bravery and my ability to live my truth. Its empowered me so much more. When I first contemplated solo travel, I had the same fears that so many others have. Thank goodness I didnt listen to them and forged ahead. Its truly opened doors for me to live my best life, and I cant wait for you to live yours too!

So, grab a glass of wine from the pantry or the flight attendant (yes, I read so many books on planes!), and lets get started. Your future is ready for you!

My first international solo trip to St. Lucia. I had a fantastic timewho knew??

Chapter 1

Im a Human Just Like You

W ow, Val, youre so confident and fearless. I wish I was like you. Its so much harder for me than it is for you.

If I had a dollar for each time I heard those words...well, Id be able to travel the world and never look back!

Unfortunately, I dont make anything off of well-intended, misguided statements. Until that day comes, Ive learned to love hearing these declarations. I generally smile and tell the person who uttered them, You can do it too. If I can, you can.

Sadly, the person usually doesnt believe me, which always makes me wonder, Who told them they couldnt live their dreams? That they couldnt follow their desires and explore their passions by blazing their own path? More importantly, when did they start to believe it?

Dont get me wrong, Ive had my moments too. My past was comprised of a lonely childhood in a small town where I never quite fit in. I was a jagged puzzle piece in an organized chaos and did my best to survive. Being raised by my extremely mentally ill father and perfectionist mother wasnt always easy. I tried my best to conform and eventually made friends, but life is hard. Each one of us has experienced hurt and anguish, and each one of those experiences is valid.