8. One Trip Turned My Life Upside Down

In this episode, I’m taking you back to where it all began: my very first solo trip. I share the doubts I had, the unexpected lessons I learned, and the exact moment I realized that travel wasn’t just something I enjoyed. It was part of who I am. If you’ve ever felt that pull to go somewhere new but weren’t sure you could do it, this one’s for you.

Episode Details

Guest : Prescillia

From : France

To : Japon

Numéro d’épisode : 8

Durée : 20 min

Travel HER

8. How One Trip Turned My Life Upside Down

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“I was scared, but I realised I was much stronger than I thought.”

Prescillia

Show notes

What started as a cancelled trip to Bali became Prescillia’s first solo trip to Japan. After a difficult year of work and studying for her master’s degree, she decided she wasn’t ready to give up her holiday.

She arrived in Japan without speaking Japanese and spent two weeks travelling alone, with one week in Osaka and one in Tokyo. The night before leaving, she had cried and wondered if she was making a mistake.

Instead, the trip gave her something she hadn’t expected: the freedom to make decisions for herself. It also made her realise that she wanted more than a two-week holiday.

A few months later, she returned to Japan for what was supposed to be one year. She found a sponsored job, rented her first apartment, and eventually stayed for two years.

Then the pandemic changed everything. Living through COVID far from home was difficult and frightening, but it also showed Prescillia that she was much stronger and more capable than she had believed.

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Key topics

Taking your first solo trip

Travelling without speaking the language

Finding freedom through solo travel

Moving abroad and building a life in Japan

Discovering your own resilience