the freedom of solo female travel

Until my trip to Costa Rica, I had never before whole-heartedly enjoyed my own company so much. I'd never had a trip that wasn't met with some, however small, sense of resentment - there were only so many selfies I could take, but this trip changed my entire perspective. Life felt messy and overwhelming back home. I didn't want to run away (every day life is where we learn some of our most valuable lessons) but I just needed to be, for a little while.

Alone, I had time to think and be myself, with no apology needed for wanting to get up early or sleep in late. I valued more than ever before the freedom I had to read and think and explore. I could spend and eat all I wanted, swim, scream, enjoy, laugh and just be me. Whoever that was or whoever I wanted it to be, with no pressure to think or do things a certain way.

My first night in Costa Rica saw me in awe of the stars, thinking about friends, love and love lost, and how heart-breakingly, down-right spoiled lucky I was to be in such a remote location. Two weeks later, I'd gone from saving turtles to canyoning for the first time and swimming in the crater of a volcano. My last day saw me running into waves at San Antonio beach - screaming each time, thankful to be there, here, and for everything I had; feeling the water surround me, jumping up and down and not caring about what anyone thought - even if I did seem a little crazy. It was selfish and indulgent and it felt fantastic!

From then on, I vowed to take moments - hours, days, weeks - every now and then to just be on my own. I think it is only in this time, without influence and social expectation that you can truly focus on what feels right for you; what you want, how you feel, how you want to handle things back home. It's very easy to ask for people's opinions; to ask them to shape your experience and guide you; to ask them to tell you what is right and what should be done. But what if you were on your own? What if no-one was judging you or restricting you? What would you do? What would you want? How would you feel? Go. Figure it the hell out. And have bloody fun doing it.

What's your favourite thing about solo female travel? Get in touch to feature!