My best move so far! I can’t think of a better way to find yourself and uncover who you truly are. There’s so much to see, so much to explore outside of our hometown bubble. It’s scary and beautiful at the same time.

2. Want the best for people

… And they will want the best for you. Some call it Karma. I call it magic!
If you don’t know where to start: take a look at the “pay it forward” movement and/or this TEDx talk:

TEDxBerkeley — Nipun Mehta — Designing For Generosity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpyc84kamhw

3. Surround yourself with people smarter than you

I can’t think of a better way to learn and achieve more efficiently. Studying at Sciences Po and being involved in the TED community gave me the chance to get to know and interact with brilliant minds. I loved it, every second of it.

4. Keep learning

Taking online courses. Meeting new people. Traveling. Moving abroad. Listening to podcasts. Following targeted accounts on social media platforms. Asking questions…
There are so many occasions to learn. It helps me stay socially connected to the world and spark new ideas.

5. Say how you feel

It has always been very tough for me to put my feelings into words. I’m constantly working on it. Truth is: it does not only feel great, but it also helps me build more meaningful relationships.

6. Don’t take it personally

So tough.
I’m struggling with it, even though it’s emotionally draining and completely unnecessary.
Next to my bed, I collected a few inspirational quotes. Here is one of them:
“Don’t take anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinion of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering”
- Don Miguel Ruiz

7. Do things that scare you

Don’t we say: “the magic happens outside of your comfort zone?”.

8. Don’t be ashamed of what you like (and dislike)

I don’t really know why but I find making lists of what I like and dislike very satisfying.

Here is a sneak peek:
I like: observatories, halloumi cheese, hula hooping, beautiful letter papers, the smell of patchouli, trendy backpacks, dumplings, rowboating, interior design, photography, discovering new cities/countries, walking, picnicking in parks or on the beach, watching TED talks, the smell of sunscreen, summer nights, writing letters, watching the sunset, making my bed, the sound of handpan, beautiful doors, trees, airports…
I dislike cold weather, rain, thick grey sky, when smokers don’t realize they are blowing their smoke in your face, bananas, post-travel depression, delayed flights, plastic bags, mosquitoes, icy cold water, taking the subway…

9. Stay organized

I’m always eager to fine-tune my organizational skills.
Here are a few helpful tools I use:
>> Trello for my to-do lists
>> Evernote (using tags) to organize my notes and data
>> Monday.com to work more efficiently
>> Google Drive to store files
>> Google Photos to organize pictures
>> Splitwise to track bills and shared expenses

10. Smile

Walking around Tel Aviv the other day, I spotted this old lady, who passed me a warm smile the moment I exchanged eye contact with her.
She brightened my day. And I couldn’t help but smile back.
I believe smiling is contagious and makes you (and people around you) happier.
As Maya Angelou said: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”.

And yet, I haven’t been a big traveler until my mid-twenties. In 2013, a Paris-based consulting firm sponsored two students from Sciences Po University to collect data about collective intelligence through a 6-month round the world trip.

I was one of those two students.

I was young and I didn’t know what I was doing, which was a good thing. It coped with all the common fears that keep people from traveling the world. Because the first thing you realize when you experience a round the world trip is that everything will sort itself out. For every problem, a solution. You might take detours. But it will always sort itself out.

On the road, we met a lot of backpackers traveling by themselves. They usually had the craziest travel stories. I admired them… Until I decided that I could be one of those solo backpackers myself.

I started my first solo trip in the US a month and a half ago.
It’s been quite a journey so far.

If you’re thinking about traveling solo, I hope these few tips will help you take the leap.

How to know if traveling solo is for you
Make it a step by step process.
Earlier this year, I found those really cheap Eurolines tickets to go to London. It was during the week and none of my friends were available for a British get-away. I didn’t want to miss an occasion to explore Hyde Park and drink my first butterbeer (#harrypotterfan), so I decided to go there by myself. I already knew the city and it was only a two-hour trip from home. But still… It was enough to convince me that I was capable of traveling by myself without feeling like a lost soul on earth.

The second thing to take into account when you’re traveling solo is that: yes, there will be times when you will be alone. It doesn’t mean you will feel lonely, just that there won’t be people around to talk to. If you’re the type of person who does not stand being alone —not even for a day— I suggest you make sure that you already know people in the places you travel to.

How to find cheap flights
I usually use a travel search engine such as Kayak.
If you plan your trip months in advance, Google Alerts is an efficient tool (here is a youtube tutorial about “how to create Google Alerts and track flight prices”).
If you live in France and want to fly to the United States (NYC, Miami, SF or LA): Norwegian Airline usually has the best deals.

How did this trip cost me?
Paris > San Francisco: 230€ (=262$) // Norwegian airline
San Francisco > Austin: 100€ (=114$) // Southwest airline
Austin > Los Angeles: 110€ (=125$) // Southwest airline
Los Angeles > Paris: 220€ (=250$) // Norwegian airline
(These rates include one checked bag)

How to pack your stuff
>>Suitcase or backpack?
I have tried both. It really depends on the type of travel you‘re planning to do.
If you don’t need to move from places to places every two or three days: suitcase.
If you do: backpack. Just make sure that it has a front loading that allows you to zip open the face from the side and access all your stuff.
Look for a backpack that has lots of straps (so that you can easily grab it) and lots of pockets (to stay organized).
Choose your backpack carefully and make sure it fits your body. Whether you are traveling for a week, a month or a year, your backpack is pretty much your home.

>>Rolling or folding?
Many travelers prefer rolling their clothes for packing. It is definitely a space-saving strategy and it is very useful when you don’t want to have to choose between your two favorite shirts. But it’s also time-consuming, which is probably not the best strategy when you have to pack, unpack and re-pack multiple times a week. That’s why I personally prefer folding my clothes for packing. It’s quick and easy

Keep it light (my backpack weights 9kg // 20 lbs).
Minimize the shoes (I brought a pair of tennis shoes, a pair of sandals and a pair of flip-flops).
And keep it simple. Choose clothes that you can mix and match to create different outfits. Yes, I do get tired of wearing the same type of clothes… But it makes my life so much easier. To be even more efficient: I try to keep things organized and in their proper place. It helps me remember where I have put my stuff.

>>What not to forget?
Your passport. Your phone (+ charger). Your laptop (+ charger). Your headphones. An adaptor. A small multi-socket. Your kindle. A lock (for hostels). Flip-flops (same). A hanging toiletry bag. A large microfiber towel. An extra reusable bag for your dirty clothes. A game of cards. A pillowcase (in case your couchsurfing host doesn’t provide one). A hoodie (for the plane). A large scarf (which can also be used as a plaid).

How to find a place to stay
>>Couchsurfing (or “CS”)
I’m a big fan of Couchsurfing. For those who don’t know this website, it’s an online platform where you can meet and stay with locals from all over the world. It’s more than just crashing on a spare couch or bed in a guest room. It’s about learning about other cultures, sharing yours and making new friends. It is free, but — as a couchsurfer — you usually bring a gift or invite your host to lunch or dinner. Cooking something from your country is also greatly appreciated. As a French couchsurfer, I usually try to cook “crepes” for my hosts. It’s easy to make and almost everyone loves it.

The bigger the city, the harder it will be to find hosts. San Francisco was a nightmare. Los Angeles was slightly better. Austin was super easy.
The good news is: when you travel by yourself, you definitely increase your chances of finding a host. Sadly, it’s even more true when you’re a girl.
I usually ask for staying 3 to 4 days (up to a week). I try to personalize my requests as much as possible. And before starting my trip, I spent two hours fine-tuning my profile (completing my description / uploading photos / asking for friends’ recommendations…). I also made the choice to verify my account, which costs $60 USD. Totally worth it!
I would recommend creating “public trips”. It’s a way to announce your upcoming arrival to a city to local hosts. You’ll be surprised by how many people will reach out to you… In Austin, I received dozens of messages from people who wanted to make sure that I had a place to stay. Or people who wanted to bring me to their favorite “taco place”.

>>Facebook groups
In San Francisco, I couldn’t find any Couchsurfing hosts. Apartments are too small and rents too high… I had to find alternatives so I started to to connect with the French community on Facebook. I posted messages on several Facebook groups (this one, in particular). And… Nothing. Nada. Rien.

One week prior to my arrival, I had nowhere to sleep in San Francisco. I needed my “housing requests” to be more attractive. I’m a grown up with a master’s degree in Communications… I figured that I could “do stuff”. Babysitting and dog-sitting were the two things that immediately came up in my mind.

I never had pets. But I do remember being a great babysitter as a teenager. So I decided to offer free babysitting services (here) in return for housing. And, it worked! I got to spent a whole week with a French family in Oakland. The kids were super cute (and the workload very light). Plus, it felt great to be part of a family for a week, especially at the beginning of a solo trip.

>>Hostels
That being said, I recommend booking a hostel for the three first nights of your trip. It will make the beginning of your journey much more comfortable and way less stressful (a hostel will never put you through a last-minute cancellation, unlike couchsurfing or AirBnb hosts).

>> Airbnb, Hotels
If you are traveling by yourself (and on a budget): I’d suggest forgetting about booking an AirBnb or a hotel room. It is way too expensive if you can’t split the cost, especially in big cities.

How to navigate in a new city
CITYMAPPER!
If not available in the city you are visiting: Google Maps.

Inside tip for French travelers in the US: “Free” offers great international cellphone plans for 19,90€/month. Being able to call/text/surf as soon as you get to your destination makes a huge difference!

How to stay safe while traveling
As a solo female traveler, I made the choice not to be hosted by Couchsurfers who didn’t have any reviews (or negative ones).

Inform your bank about vacation plans. It will prevent your credit card to get blocked (and spare you from not being able to go home at 3am because you can’t order an uber… #truestory).

Your phone battery dies quickly? Buy a portable cell phone charger. There’s nothing worst than not being able to make a phone call when you feel unsafe.

Check your maps and transportation schedules before leaving your hostel/plane/train… All-powerful 3G does not exist.

Finally, there is no substitute for knowing the emergency phone numbers of the country you’re in. If possible, try to have an “extra” emergency contact (a friend of a friend or a distant cousin will do)… Just in case!

How to overcome the fear of being lonely… And eventually make friends
If you are traveling by yourself, there are going to be times when you will feel (a little bit) lonely. Trust me, it’s not that big of a deal. Because it is partly what makes the journey so beautiful. When you travel by yourself, you can do whatever you wanna do, whenever you wanna do it. How awesome is that?

That being said, don’t wait for things to happen.
Engage with strangers. Forget about wearing headphones on the street. Strike up conversations in public places (restaurants, cafes, parks, malls…). If you stay in hostels, spend a little bit of time in the common areas (living room and kitchen, mostly) and ask people if they wanna play a card/board game. Dobble is personal favorite. If you do couchsurfing, go out with your host.

On my first day in a new city, I usually sign up for a “free walking tour”. It’s a cultural and/or historical tour given by a local guide.
In San Francisco, I joined the “free SF walking tour” organized by Wild SF Walking Tours. Whatever city you are visiting will likely have one or several walking tours organized per week.
Inside tip: book a morning tour. There are chances you will end up having lunch or spending the whole afternoon with some new friends.

I’m sure there are a thousand more ways to meet with new people while traveling… However, keeping an open mind is definitely the best advice anyone could give you.

There is a freedom that comes with being alone. Something incredibly beautiful about creating your own unique memories.
Whether you end up loving traveling solo or decide it’s not really your thing doesn’t matter. Regardless, you’ll end up living a truly empowering journey. And — just as in any journey — you never know where the road will take you. #goserendipity

« What the hell am I doing? »

The question kept popping into my mind when boarding the flight. It’s Thursday, September 13th at 4.57pm. While the plane was reaching for the sky, the thick Parisian clouds were miraculously turning into a clear blue sky. And the more blue the sky got, the more this question seemed meaningless.

Having the answer is not always a source of satisfaction. Because — this time — uncertainty stood for adventures.

A few weeks ago, I quit my apartment, my family, my friends and my job at a trendy French event agency to « take the time ».
At this very moment, I am about to spend two months in the US. No plans, no job… No stress. Just a backpack, a place to stay for the first 3 days and a few phone numbers of people I want to meet on the road.

I have been dreaming about this trip for a long time. But, as many young professionals, I was surprised to realize how time seems to speed up as soon as you leave college. And how easy it gets to be trapped in your own — personal and professional — comfort zone. One that doesn’t make a lot of room for uncertainty. One that is actually mostly driven by the fear of not making the “right choices”. One that is focusing on getting your career off to a flying start, because “if not now, when”?

In today’s mad race for success, young graduates often forget their biggest strength: a way of thinking that remains free of their elders’ convictions. How useful, when you are asked to bring a fresh perspective on an organization.
But the perspective does not remain fresh very long. Habits grow quickly. And after one, two or thee years… Many young (and less young) professionals feel the need to push the reset button. This “reset” often translates into a change of professional environment. But it rarely encourages people to pause and understand why they felt like they needed to reset something in the first place.

Before turning your life upside down, starting a new job or launching a new startup: why not taking some time to observe and think without setting any upstream clear goals? Why not trying to learn how to unlearn first?

I always had trouble doing that from home. It just feels so much easier to me when traveling abroad.
But not to worry, there are other ways to embrace uncertainty:
 — meeting someone new every week thanks to Shapr
 — experiencing a “yes day” (who said it was just for kids?)
 — connecting with strangers who enjoy your interests with Meetup
 — asking for informal coffee meetings with people you follow on LinkedIn
 — talking to strangers on the subway/bus/train/plane
— starting a bucket list
 — and my personal favorite: hosting travelers from all over the world through Couchsurfing

After two months at being a Couchsurfer myself, uncertainty literally became the norm and serendipity a state of mind. When you let the unknown surprise you, life just gets more interesting. It opens up a whole new world so far left unexplored. It allows you to meet an impressive number of brilliant people. It gives you (back) some time for learning. It questions everything. It destroys some of your old beliefs and allows you to create new ones. It pushes you to go beyond your own limitations. The ones that you impose to yourself when the “comfort zone” becomes too present. In a nutshell: it makes you feel like a badass. And who does not want to feel that way?

Many people point fingers at the “escape” of educated professionals facing the (sometimes tough) reality of today’s working world. I don’t think this is about escaping but rather about experimenting less linear models. It’s a way to apply the “lean method” to ourselves. We try. We experiment. We fail (or not). And go on with whatever is next. In the meantime, ideas might pop up and new projects might start.
And because of that, we should not let the fear of the unknown, emptiness or hazard hold us back.

Serendipity can be experienced elsewhere than YouTube.
What about real life?