This narrative is based on a conversation with Gabriel Escobar, a 22-year-old actor and content creator on social media. It has been edited for conciseness and clarity.
During the summer, I explored 13 different countries in Europe, with eight countries planned and five discovered along the way.
After graduating college in May, I was uncertain about my next steps — I wasn’t sure about my career path or future home. So, I decided to embark on an adventure to visit several places, which inspired my backpacking journey.
I booked a flight to Copenhagen and arranged to return three months later — the longest duration I could remain in the Schengen area without requiring a visa.
Three days ahead of my departure, I found myself in a cozy coffee shop. I pulled out a piece of paper and hastily sketched a rough map of Europe on the back, along with a preliminary itinerary.
This was the starting point for my journey’s first month.
On this adventure, I aimed to do things differently by building a community of individuals from whom I could seek recommendations.
For every location I visited, I planned to share updates on my Instagram and TikTok, reaching out for suggestions on must-see spots.
From the very beginning, gathering input for my itinerary sparked a wealth of fresh ideas. It also led to many of the most exciting experiences I had during my trip, which I would have missed otherwise.
One of my wildest adventures — now fondly referred to as my “side quests” on social media — took place during my final days in Oslo.
Out of the blue, I received a direct message from a shrimp company, Færder Sjømat, inviting me to join them on a shrimp boat.
Without hesitation, I responded enthusiastically, saying, “Hey, I would love to do this.”
the highlight of my “yes year” thus far #shrimpboat #shrimping #oslofjord #travel #yesyear #solotravel #commercialfishing
The evening prior to the shrimping adventure, I rested below deck in a small bunk aboard the boat. At 3:30 a.m., while the world was cloaked in darkness, we began our journey.
After a two-hour drive up the fjord, we reached our fishing destination, and by 6 a.m., we were on the trawler, ready for a day of fishing.
A large net trailed behind the boat, gathering shrimp as we moved along. The crew would haul in the net once it was filled to the brim.
During my wait, I engaged in lengthy conversations with the father and daughter who operated the business, learning about their roles and personal experiences.
Once the fishing net was raised, I was put to work sorting through the 275 pounds of shrimp, carefully separating them from squids, small fish, and other assorted catches.
The shrimp were cooked right on the boat. Then, we filled a large bowl and settled at the front of the vessel, where I was introduced to a classic Norwegian summer dish — toast topped with mayonnaise, shrimp, and a squeeze of lemon.
With just the three of us on the modest boat, the experience felt incredibly intimate. This unique moment stands out as a remarkable adventure, one I cherish dearly.
One unforgettable experience was when I joined Stavangerkameratene, a Norwegian band, on their tour deep into the heart of Norway. I had the incredible opportunity to spend an entire day with the band and hang out with them in their backstage area.
Every one of my adventures has been fantastic, but there have been moments when I’ve felt a bit anxious.
I remember a time on a farm when a couple approached me, eager to show me their horses.
During that encounter, it crossed my mind that getting into a vehicle with two strangers might not be the wisest choice.
One aspect of solo travel that often goes unspoken is the profound loneliness it can bring. At times, the feeling of solitude became overwhelming as I constantly sought activities to fill my itinerary, primarily because I lacked a companion to share experiences with.
There were moments when I found myself sitting on the steps of various buildings in different cities, reluctant to return to my hostel, where I would be surrounded by a multitude of strangers.
Another significant hurdle of traveling alone is that the responsibility for your well-being falls entirely on your shoulders. During my journey, there were instances when I battled exhaustion, illness, and hunger.
Therefore, my counsel is this — if you embark on a solo adventure, take your time, and prioritize your health and self-care while exploring new places.