Before I Traveled Solo, I Was the Navigator

Before I ever traveled solo, I was my dad’s navigator. 🗺️

Picture a little girl sitting in the passenger seat with a big paper road atlas, helping her dad figure out which highways to take and where to turn.

That little girl was me.

Some of my favorite childhood memories involve road trips with my dad. From driving from Upstate New York to the Chicago suburbs to visit family, to college tours in Florida, I was the navigator.

When I was younger, my Dad taught me how to read the maps, what to look for, and even how to make little notations along the way.

As I got older, he gave me more responsibility. He’d tell me which route he wanted to take, and it was my job to verify it and get us there.

Of course, there was one important rule: Tell him about the exit BEFORE we passed it!👀🤣

I loved those trips then. I appreciate them now more than I ever could have imagined.

Looking back, I realize those road trips were some of my earliest adventures. I didn’t know it at the time, but my Dad was helping shape a curiosity about the world that would eventually become one of the greatest joys of my life.

Fast-forward to December 2014, and my Grand European Adventure comes to life.

I embarked on my first solo European adventure, traveling through Iceland, Paris, London, and Amsterdam.

And let me tell you, what an adventure it was!

I still remember standing in Paris, looking at the Eiffel Tower, almost in disbelief that I was actually there.

Here was this iconic landmark I’d seen countless times in movies, on television, and in photographs. And now I was standing right in front of it.

ME! In Paris!

I didn’t speak French (and still don’t 🤷🏾‍♀️). I’d taught myself maybe ten basic greetings before leaving home, and that was about it. But I was confident that with those few phrases, I could navigate my way just fine.

I was so excited to share this new experience with everyone that I’d collected addresses from friends and family before leaving. While in Paris, I handwrote probably 10 to 15 postcards, complete with a little Bonjour and Joyeux Noël.

Somehow, all these years later, I still remember those phrases.

Side note: If you’ve never done Paris during Christmastime, DO IT.

Then there was London, where I spent barely enough time to scratch the surface. I remember thinking almost immediately that I would have to come back.

And Amsterdam? Well, let’s just say that trip included one particularly crazy New Year’s Day adventure involving freezing water and a very questionable decision for someone who absolutely HATES the cold!

But that’s a story for another day. 🥶😁

That first European adventure wasn’t without its challenges.

I got lost. I made mistakes. I even had a frightening encounter that reminded me just how important it is to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone.

But despite it all, I was having the time of my life.

I was seeing places I’d dreamed of visiting, discovering things about myself, and realizing just how much more of the world I wanted to experience.

And I knew I would do it again.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some incredible places.

Some trips were carefully planned, including group adventures I organized for almost 25 people. Others included unexpected detours, chance encounters, and moments I never could have anticipated.

And somewhere along the way, I realized something about myself.

As much as I love visiting all the places I’ve dreamed about, there’s something so exciting about not knowing exactly what I’ll discover when I get there.

I love wandering (safely) through unfamiliar streets, stumbling upon something interesting, meeting new people, and even getting a little lost.

There’s a freedom that comes with being somewhere new.

I find that I’m more open to experiences, more willing to step outside my comfort zone, and sometimes even surprised by what I’m capable of.

And those unexpected moments?

They’re often the ones I remember most.

But life has a way of changing things.

There were a few years when travel, something that had always brought me so much happiness, didn’t quite feel the same.

But I kept traveling. I kept looking for that familiar excitement. And I kept wondering why something I loved so much wasn’t bringing me the joy it once had.

I never stopped loving travel. But I came to terms with the fact that my relationship with it had become complicated.

Fast-forward to October 2026.

I was in Florence, Italy, enjoying another adventure when I happened upon a photo booth.

I took a few pictures, brought the photo strip home, and placed it beside my television.

Nothing particularly extraordinary, right?

Except almost every time I walk past those photographs, I stop and smile.

One night, I realized just how often I was doing it. And I finally understood why.

The woman in those photographs looks genuinely free and happy.

And I love seeing her that way.

After spending years trying to reconnect with that feeling, seeing those photographs means more to me than I ever expected.

Am I finding my way back to joy?

I think I am.

I haven’t figured everything out. And I’m not pretending that every adventure from here on out will be perfect.

But I’ve realized something important.

I’m no longer willing to be a passive participant in my own happiness.

I’m not waiting until I’ve figured everything out to start enjoying my life.

I’m going to keep exploring, keep discovering, and keep making room for the experiences that bring me joy.

Because I’m not just taking that happiness back.

I’m demanding it back. ❤️

So, Hi! I’m Christa.

I’m the woman behind FlyandSolo.

A professional event planner who loves a good itinerary but has discovered that some of life’s most memorable adventures are the ones you never saw coming.

I started traveling because I wanted to see the places I’d always dreamed about.

I kept traveling because I fell in love with the experiences I never could have imagined.

And along the way, I’ve discovered that travel isn’t just about the places you visit.

Sometimes it’s about the different versions of yourself you meet along the way.

FlyandSolo is where I share those adventures, the unexpected discoveries, the occasional mishaps, and the stories that make me laugh long after I’ve returned home.

I’m so excited to share mine with you.

Come along. I’ve got so much more to show you. ✈️❤️