my first solo trip to edinburgh 🏰overcoming my travel anxiety

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this video chronicles my first ever solo trip, to Edinburgh, Scotland. i overcome all my anxieties (sort of), visit beautiful book shops and natural parcs, and do a lot of reading in coffeeshops :) hope you enjoy!
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🌺 a b o u t m e
Hi! My name is Leonie and I am a 25 year old girl from the Netherlands who loves talking about books! From YA to non-fiction to classics, I read it all (although fantasy will always be my fave).
🌹 m u s i c
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Пікірлер: 795

  • @valeryf9850
    @valeryf98503 ай бұрын

    “It honestly really scares me. Because of that, I felt that I should do it” ❤❤ Truly words to live by!

  • @juliagats4302
    @juliagats43023 ай бұрын

    YOUR HAIR 😍😍✨

  • @soymikleo

    @soymikleo

    3 ай бұрын

    I HAD TO DOUBLE TAKE SO REALLL

  • @jule4772

    @jule4772

    3 ай бұрын

    I gasped out loud when I saw the Thumbnail . So beautiful

  • @julie-tx9uw

    @julie-tx9uw

    3 ай бұрын

    I LOVE HER NEW HAIR CUT ITS SO CUTEEEE ❤

  • @l1k1v1

    @l1k1v1

    3 ай бұрын

    literally suits her and she looks more prettier 😭🤍

  • @gateway2hell

    @gateway2hell

    3 ай бұрын

    It suits her so well so prettyyyyy

  • @pati351
    @pati3513 ай бұрын

    I HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY ABOUT THIS VIDEO 1. your new haircut? Stunning! Gorgeous! Outright beautiful! It suits you so well 2. I love your vlogs so much. They are just the coziest thing on the internet and you can really feel how much time and effort you put into them. 🥹 3. looking so forward to the e-reader video! I‘m debating getting one for myself but I just love physical books so much

  • @stitchedscorpio

    @stitchedscorpio

    3 ай бұрын

    i feel the same and borrowed my gfs grandmas kobo and i freaking loveeeee it. so easy to hold and pleasant to read off of!

  • @eeeeesha

    @eeeeesha

    3 ай бұрын

    The back lighting on my kindle is really nice to have in dark environments too

  • @PinAda92

    @PinAda92

    Ай бұрын

    Get it 100% You will not regret it. I too love physical, but there are so many cons of owning an ereader

  • @stitchedscorpio

    @stitchedscorpio

    Ай бұрын

    @@PinAda92 what are the cons?

  • @eeeeesha

    @eeeeesha

    Ай бұрын

    @@stitchedscorpio I think they meant pros

  • @gracevrogerson
    @gracevrogerson3 ай бұрын

    "Things probably will go wrong, and you'll be fine anyway" is SUCH an important life lesson! Also your hair looks CUTE AS HECK

  • @bee5624
    @bee56243 ай бұрын

    as someone who travels alone very often (and has social anxiety), i can't recommend hostels enough. i understand some people don't enjoy sharing a room (totally valid), but these places often have common areas and lots of other solo travelers. and they usually offer private rooms as well. you can get to know people and then you also don't have to worry as much about eating dinner alone. you can go eat in a restaurant or cook together in the hostel. (i also just accept that sometimes the anxiety is too much and that it's okay to fall back on things that are comfy like take away or fast food.) you did well! taking the first step is always the hardest. it was nice to be able to join you in this adventure through this vlog :) i hope you had a great time.

  • @hellomarijke

    @hellomarijke

    3 ай бұрын

    Came to the comments to say the exact same thing! You can make some amazing friendships there very easily! 😊

  • @Lotuswolfpod

    @Lotuswolfpod

    3 ай бұрын

    Have you ever even seen the Hostel movies?? Lol 😮

  • @Tiziana.I

    @Tiziana.I

    3 ай бұрын

    I would also add this: do free city tours if available, usually solo travelers are more often on that kind of tours

  • @user-ez4jy6jj4g

    @user-ez4jy6jj4g

    3 ай бұрын

    No I would never stay in hostels, let alone alone. Comfort of own hotel room is where it is.

  • @mikatu

    @mikatu

    2 ай бұрын

    hostels are what you call a travel nightmare!

  • @nisimanic
    @nisimanic2 ай бұрын

    As a Person who travels alone quite often (flight attendant) I can‘t recommend alone trips enough. If you get used to being comfortable on your own that really gives a confidence boost. I just spend time as I want, without second thought. You wouldn‘t believe how fun the Cinema can be on your own, or spending a day at the beach, or a Museum, or even visiting the Universal Studios.

  • @stefanienordstrom6750
    @stefanienordstrom67503 ай бұрын

    Love the new do! I used do solo travel for work (and then for fun). What worked best for me for dinner was to sit up at the bar. Bartenders are paid to take care of you - which usually meant small talk about why I traveled there and what they recommend I do - esp what to order. They are good are reading if you want to talk a lot or just a bit. Also they would notice if unwanted attention was sent my way and deter that best they could. I always left a good tip because they made the solo experience so much more manageable.

  • @katierasburn9571

    @katierasburn9571

    3 ай бұрын

    yeah i would think that pubs would be one of the better places to go solo because its not at all strange to just pop into one

  • @mikatu

    @mikatu

    2 ай бұрын

    As an experienced solo traveller what I recommend always is to mind your own business. Who cares if you are alone or not.... you are traveling alone and should enjoy and not be worried about what others think about you! I am there to eat not to talk. I am there to enjoy not to worry. I am there to be alone, not to be small talking.

  • @pendragon2012
    @pendragon20123 ай бұрын

    Edinburgh is a beautiful city. Visited there twenty long years ago and enjoyed it immensely. I love the haircut and thanks for the opportunity to visit vicariously. 🙂

  • @maudeb5769
    @maudeb57693 ай бұрын

    This video feels like a hug. I never (like ever) comment on youtube videos but this one just felt so warm, so calm, so real. I went to edinburgh last summer and it is now one of my goal to live there. As you said: This city is a dream. From the buildings to the people, it just feels like home. I am so so so grateful to have found your vlog ! (Btw I am from Paris and I would love to give you some adresses if you plan a trip to Paris :) )

  • @sakshiwadhwa8868

    @sakshiwadhwa8868

    2 ай бұрын

    From Paris to Edinburgh, I wonder what could be the reason behind the shift!

  • @nymeria941
    @nymeria9413 ай бұрын

    Traveling solo is so much fun! I did my first solo trip when I was 15, and my most recent at 27. You just get to see a different side of the place and of yourself. I think we anxious travelers actually make good solo travelers because we plan and prepare for every eventuality. Hope your knee trouble resolves well!

  • @lucyroffey05

    @lucyroffey05

    14 күн бұрын

    so curious as to where u went at 15

  • @annierice2175
    @annierice21753 ай бұрын

    A tip for eating dinner alone: sit at the bar! That way you can converse with the bartender, and the bar is set up for solo or two-person dining anyway

  • @mikatu

    @mikatu

    2 ай бұрын

    The idea of traveling alone is not to "converse" with the bartender, or anyone else for that mater. Eat quickly, get out, enjoy the rest of your trip ALONE.

  • @colinneagle4495

    @colinneagle4495

    2 ай бұрын

    @@mikatu "The idea of traveling alone is not to converse" Yes it is, FOR YOU. Judging by your other comments on this point, you seem to enjoy being alone when you travel, and that's great! More power to you! But Leonie said multiple times in this vlog (that we all presumably watched) that she wanted to connect with other people while traveling, and that being alone so much gave her some anxiety. In fact, many people feel uncomfortable being a solo traveler, so much so that it discourages them from traveling all together. I count myself as one of those people. So we are here in the comments section sharing tips on how to find opportunities to connect with other people when traveling. If you prefer to enjoy your solitude when traveling, good for you! But don't smugly insert yourself into conversations where people ask for something different, and insist that their wants or needs are somehow inherently wrong because they don't match yours. We are not committing a crime for wanting a different travel experience than you. In fact, I cannot even begin to understand why you feel the need to lecture other people for simply wanting some human connection. You are free to live your own life! So quit lecturing us about how we live ours.

  • @chiaraLT
    @chiaraLT3 ай бұрын

    Very impressive and refreshing to see someone choosing to travel by train instead of taking an easy flight. Kudos!!

  • @chrissy138

    @chrissy138

    Ай бұрын

    What's wrong with taking an easy flight? 🤣

  • @sophieschoices9663

    @sophieschoices9663

    Ай бұрын

    ​@@chrissy138Im guessing shes thinking about the environmental impact...An airplanes carbon footprint is much worse than a trains! And its great if ppl start thinking about such impacts when they travel!😊

  • @p800p800
    @p800p8002 ай бұрын

    I am from New Zealand, and I am travelling solo to Edinburgh, My Anxiety Level is off the roof, from the day my leave got approved. I feel you.Glad I bumbed into your video. Seems its normal to feel that way.

  • @convoswithkara
    @convoswithkara3 ай бұрын

    congrats on conquering your fear of travelling alone leonie!!! edinburgh is such a gorgeous city to commemorate such an occasion 🥹 i travelled alone for the first time as well last year (to ireland from south africa) - it's so freeing to do what you want when you want in a whole new place with fresh eyes!

  • @peeptbgod7047
    @peeptbgod7047Ай бұрын

    Best way to strike conversation is to compliment someone or ask a question you already know the answer to. love your vibes!

  • @user-qu8zs7vs1x
    @user-qu8zs7vs1x3 ай бұрын

    Yessss this is my absolute favourite genre of video: girl goes on a solo trip and becomes even more confident and amazing. I hope there'll be more bookish solo trips in your future Leonie because this is absolutely a dream come true for someone who almost exclusively watches videos on books and videos on solo trips!😊

  • @heidiu2scrap
    @heidiu2scrap3 ай бұрын

    Just visited Edinburgh in September. I love history and reading historical fiction and was in my element while there. Thank you for bringing back wonderful memories of my trip there. My anxiety would never allow me to travel alone so kudos to you!

  • @TAbs_00_
    @TAbs_00_3 ай бұрын

    I love that that's the lesson you took out of your trip. The same thing has happened to me. Every single time I've traveled a lot (which I do a lot) something always happens that should ruin my trip but I manage to figure it out and handle it and it just becomes another story to tell.

  • @sarahkendle7564
    @sarahkendle75643 ай бұрын

    I did my first solo trip to Bath in 2021. I found keeping myself busy was key to avoiding feeling lonely. However, I did notice towards the end of my trip I was really missing having conversations with people, and that's a lot for me to say as an introvert. My tip for eating dinner solo is to research the area, some pubs are great for having tucked away corners but others are more for drinking than eating. If you can, book in advance as well - your hotel can help you with recommendations too. Or, if all else fails, go to a Japanese restaurant like Wagamama's being on your own usually means you can skip the queue! If you ever come back to the UK I would really recommend going to Bath in the Spring or Summer, or Liverpool (anytime of year), its a great Gothic, Victorian city, though be warned the accent is thick, even I struggled with it and I am English!!

  • @Buenaheart

    @Buenaheart

    3 ай бұрын

    Same…I’d look at other people chit chatting and be kind of sad. As an introvert, I couldn’t make friends with random people so I was over it after a while.

  • @hugojae
    @hugojae3 ай бұрын

    Did you notice less people approaching you in coffee shops with an e-reader? My sister exclusively uses e-readers in public because she said people (mostly men) would constantly interrupt and ask her what she was reading when she had a physical book. Also, loved the video!! Think I'll add solo travelling to my bucket list!

  • @victoriaschmied7075
    @victoriaschmied70755 күн бұрын

    this is honestly the best "trip to Edinburgh" video I have seen. It captures the city's atmosphere perfectly

  • @yellowletters9465
    @yellowletters94653 ай бұрын

    On exchange in Oslo, away from Edinburgh 😢, this video is making me homesick! Hope you had a good time :) Edinburgh is the only UK city to have 0 haters

  • @EPvanGelder
    @EPvanGelder3 ай бұрын

    Awww. I moved from NL to Edinburgh 17 years ago and never looked back. It’s a lovely cozy place to be with amazing green spaces and the highlands only a few hours away. I even wrote a few books set here. Yes, with vampires of course! I’ve never felt the slightest anxiety about traveling alone, or eating dinner alone etc. I find traveling with others usually more stressful because as a dutch person I like to be way more ‘on time’ than anyone else. But I can see how it can be a difficult thing to do. Awesome that you faced that fear and came out so much more relaxed about solo travel. Love your videos and i’m sad to think you were here alone, wishing you had someone to talk to. I definitely would have said hi if I’d seen you in the pub. Either way, thanks heaps for this video. Lovely!

  • @radix2830
    @radix28303 ай бұрын

    First the Elden Ring trailer and now a Book Leo Vlog. What a lovely start in the evening.

  • @AstarionWifey

    @AstarionWifey

    3 ай бұрын

    thought Elden ring has been around for awhile?

  • @bisma1352

    @bisma1352

    3 ай бұрын

    ​@@AstarionWifey the dlc trailer!!

  • @samuelleask1132

    @samuelleask1132

    3 ай бұрын

    Ooooooo

  • @lilithhel6787
    @lilithhel67873 ай бұрын

    I spent two weeks alone in Edinburg when I was 19 for an english study, and I was never bored. Just exploring the city, slow lifestyle... I could live like that forever. I also bought like 10 books there and had a problem at the airport :D

  • @jeeranko3359
    @jeeranko33593 ай бұрын

    I've been solo-travelling since I was 14 (so... for over 20 years?! Jeez...). Really enjoy it! Like you, I'm an extreme introvert and English is my second language, but I've met a lot of amazing people on those trips and have a ton of stories to tell. You'll get better at it, too, don't worry, practice is what you need. Scotland is insanely beautiful, would love to visit it one day. Nice haircut🤩

  • @karakask5488
    @karakask54883 ай бұрын

    I love traveling alone. I'm so glad that you learned so much and had fun. I've discovered that eating alone at dinner actually sort of opens people up to taking to you. I've had very lovely conversations with the people sitting next to me in various cities. Don't forget that most other people are shy too, so being a little awkward is normal, and it's okay to be a little foolish or whatever, they will be too.

  • @Rotwood
    @Rotwood3 ай бұрын

    I'm so happy for you. Facing fears and trying something new for the first time is incredible. The next time you solo travel, you'll feel even more confident and brave.

  • @daveterret3958
    @daveterret39583 ай бұрын

    28:42 Oh, absolutely. That's been my experience with travelling. Things go wrong and you end up having a reasonably good time, in an interesting and different way than you planned. Most of the time anyway.

  • @debb-id1qk
    @debb-id1qk3 ай бұрын

    the dinner thing is so relatable. i realized I've never eaten dinner alone before.

  • @tal8762

    @tal8762

    3 ай бұрын

    I’ve eaten dinner alone & I agree, awkward. People who stare at a person dining alone make it worse. I’ve ordered room service, restaurant delivery, or gotten take-out for just that reason.

  • @emmadm826
    @emmadm826Ай бұрын

    Edinburgh was the first international city I travelled to alone to attend university. This vlog is bringing back so many memories ❤️❤️❤️.

  • @SnivellusSupporter
    @SnivellusSupporter3 ай бұрын

    I had to laugh at the hurt knee part. This happens to my friend and I EVERY time we go to Europe. We call it cobblestone knee, lol. It's that sudden explosion of walking mixed with not paying attention to where you're putting your feet because you're too excited about what you're seeing around you. I travel with those gel ice packs now to stick on the offending knee as soon as I get back to the hotel.

  • @colinneagle4495

    @colinneagle4495

    2 ай бұрын

    Cobblestone knee! Such a perfect encapsulation of such a common travel injury!

  • @kimhugi2452
    @kimhugi24523 ай бұрын

    I was in London recently and me and my boyfriend went to a pub to have a drink. And next to us there was this older gentleman with his pint of beer reading a book and I thought it was the nicest thing ever! I was just imagining he just wanted to have a drink and read his book or maybe his wife annoyed him and he just went to the pub and he just seemed so peaceful and that’s definitely the peacefulness and confidence I strive for😝

  • @katierasburn9571

    @katierasburn9571

    3 ай бұрын

    yeah its not strange at all for us to pop into a pub on your own and chill

  • @poppycalliope
    @poppycalliope3 ай бұрын

    I love the message of this video: if you're scared you should do it & even if sth goes wrong you'll be fine! Visiting Edinburgh is one of my dreams ❤

  • @still-reading
    @still-reading3 ай бұрын

    Great video! I'm an extreme introvert who has traveled alone many times. In fact I've learned to love it. Good for you for tackling your fear. One hint is to plan a couple of conversation starters. Like, "Hi, have you been here before? It's my first time." Some will respond, some won't, but as a woman alone you'll probably need to be the one to break the ice. Also, asking a question can get a conversation started. I've even been known to ask for directions I don't really need. I will go out to dinner by myself, but often a "picnic" in my room, with pajamas, wine, and a good book can be a great way to unwind, too.

  • @lisannevstheuniverse
    @lisannevstheuniverse3 ай бұрын

    loved this video!! the few times i’ve gone on a solo trip i’ve really beat myself up over my nights in and the fact i lacked the courage (& sometimes motivation) to socialise so it’s so refreshing to watch this video 💛 a solo trip is still a success if you don’t make any new friends and just have a grand old chill time by yourself (and if you do meet new people then it’s also fun!)

  • @andrewmorton9327
    @andrewmorton93272 ай бұрын

    Don't recall any Edinburgh vampires and I grew up here! I'd like to see that as a native and resident of Edinburgh I've seen dozens of 'We spent three days in Edinburgh' videos and they're mostly same old, same old. Same sights, same impressions, nothing new or original. Yours on the other hand was refreshingly different and interesting to watch, capturing more of the spirit and essence of the city. I enjoyed it.

  • @user-ve1lz9dm6j
    @user-ve1lz9dm6j3 ай бұрын

    Travelling solo is the best , the most complete and authentic experience of a place you can have. I travelled solo myself to Edinburgh many years ago and it was great. I never get lonely when I am alone, I guess I am a little bit of a weirdo. Thank you Leoni for another wonderful video !!

  • @briarroseella7142
    @briarroseella71423 ай бұрын

    this is so inspiring leonie - anxious person myself, I also aspire to take a solo trip at some point too! I've taken a flight by myself to my boyfriend who studies abroad right now, but the whole trip alone would be such a good step forward myself hahaha. Thank you for the great video!!

  • @pinkaki28
    @pinkaki283 ай бұрын

    I also travelled by myself to Edinburgh recently and I too felt lonely and kind of frustrated with myself for not socialising as much as I had planned. But spending time alone and reading my book in beautiful cafes was exactly what I needed :) Edinburgh is perfect for first-time solo travellers!

  • @user-iy4nd8ge2r
    @user-iy4nd8ge2r3 ай бұрын

    Edinburgh,Leo,bookshops to get lost in,pubs,face sheet masks,new hair cut... Lovely!!!! What a treat🐿🫖🍵🥧🍣🕯📓🖋

  • @lgbinkley
    @lgbinkley3 ай бұрын

    I really loved your first travel alone travel vlog. This is also one of my fears and I appreciate you sharing your fear of eating alone, anxiety about the travel itself, and meeting strangers. It was refreshing to hear someone else voice my own concerns about solo travel. This is on my list for this year. I love your hair❤

  • @katdance2106
    @katdance21063 ай бұрын

    I recently had my second solo holiday and honestly I love them. I don’t want to do it all the time but sometimes I actually don’t want to talk to anyone. Well done you for trying something new and enjoying a new area 👏 🧡

  • @Luumus
    @LuumusАй бұрын

    I had visited Edinburgh once before and absolutely loved it, so last year when I was struggling with a burnout and an almost-depression I decided to travel there alone, and it was fantastic. I highly recommend it to anyone. Now, to be fair I had travelled by plane alone several times before so that part wasn't new, but staying on my own was new, and so having to manage all the travelling, the accommodations, any issues that arose, the feeling of being alone, is a fantastic way to grow as a person, to gain autonomy and confidence, and to really to be comfortable with yourself. It was just something I found to be immensely valuable. I think it's something one should do (if it's financially possible to do it of course) at least one in your lifetime. Just make sure that you go to a relatively safe place like Edinburgh, Prague, Lisbon, etc. And yeah it went so well that I'm going on my own again this year for a few days, and then I'll meet up with a friend midway through the trip. Very exciting!

  • @dieorwrite9460
    @dieorwrite94603 ай бұрын

    Edinburgh is my favorite city to travel to in a long while! BOOKSHOPS AND BEAUTIFUL GRAVEYARDS AND A VERY SPOOKY HISTORY ATMOSPHERE!! Also so many quirky shops. what an absolute delight

  • @AnnaMastorou
    @AnnaMastorou3 ай бұрын

    Last Friday, on international women’s day, I took myself on a date. In some way, treating yourself to coffee and a caramel cheesecake (in this instance) feels superfluous? unnecessary?? A condescending voice in my head saying “u don’t need to be this extra” … but I was and I thoroughly enjoyed it. You may feel self-conscious and slightly awkward (me filming my coffee), but that subsides when you realise no one cares. And that’s great cuz it isn’t anything groundbreaking. It’s just you making time for yourself and your hobby while also supporting (I assume) a local business :) No joke, I’m budgeting at least two solo coffee dates in my monthly expenses from now on haha Leuke vlog Leonie!

  • @daverushambuza3827
    @daverushambuza38272 ай бұрын

    You have done so well ! If you are eating alone, bring a good book to read. Another advantage of travelling alone is that if somewhere doesn’t suit, you can just leave and go somewhere else. As you have stated in your video, you can plan your daily schedule.

  • @baileyquigley2389
    @baileyquigley23893 ай бұрын

    i love traveling solo!! it shows you how capable you are and also teaches you so much about yourself and what you like to do!

  • @rodrcastro
    @rodrcastro2 ай бұрын

    This was so much my vibe! Even though I've been on quite a few solo trips, I have all the same feelings. The one that gets me the most is not having someone to share that experience with. It's nice to experience things alone as well, in your own time at your own pace, but I would love to have just a friend to be around and experience it with me. For example, I've been to London quite a few times. The first two were with me ex gf, it was great to have her around and share those moments together. After we broke up I went there twice alone, and although it's a city I love and really don't mind being alone, I just wanted to have someone there with me to share that passion, that connection. Even though that is the case, I feel just as you do when it comes to striking a conversation with a stranger. I'd love to do it, but I feel very anxious about it. Last month I went again, this time with a group of friends. It was a totally different experience, and I loved every second of it.

  • @anemelo-tsourekaki
    @anemelo-tsourekaki3 ай бұрын

    First of all, congratulations on your first solo holiday!! It can be intimidating at first but it's such a rewarding experience 🖤 Also a trick to not feel alone (that works for me at least!) is to listen to podcasts that have a laid back enough pace to feel cozy (bonus points if it's about the history of the place you're visiting 😊)

  • @gareman9417
    @gareman941715 күн бұрын

    I've been to Cuba 2x alone, I finally travelled to Ireland last year in October for 15 days, again alone, it was a guided tour of Ireland so I quickly made travel friends in the tour group, 4 of which I still keep in contact with and am planning to meet up with them in Scotland 2026. As an introvert, it drains my energy to put myself out there but, taking time for myself recharges my energy.

  • @hoppergalloway3795
    @hoppergalloway37953 ай бұрын

    i'm so proud of you for travelling alone! it can be scary the first couple of times. i started travelling alone when i was still in school, so i'm accustomed to it at this point, and it is so nice! it is so freeing to do things in your own time, and not have to worry about making sure someone else is also having a good time. i hope you get to try this out more in the future!

  • @shreyalove715
    @shreyalove7153 ай бұрын

    i just want to say i love the vibe on this channel. it feels so homey and whenever i want to relax i pull up one of your videos. also your aesthetic is so nicely curated and also beautiful 💜💜💜

  • @makenzieharvey7812
    @makenzieharvey78123 ай бұрын

    I’m so happy for you that you pushed yourself out of your comfort zone! I just came across your video after booking my flight to Edinburgh! It’s also going to be my first ever solo trip and I’ve never even been out of my home country before let alone on a plane! I have a few months to prepare but I’m nervous and excited. Really glad you posted this because I think we have a lot in common and it feels less scary now! Thank you!

  • @Thegirlwiththebooks-
    @Thegirlwiththebooks-3 ай бұрын

    The way you edit is so amazing… since I got into making videos I really started to appreciate KZreadrs editing more. Love itt❤ and also the haircut is great!

  • @alessiabonath9761
    @alessiabonath97613 ай бұрын

    omg this vlog is literally so great!! the editing and the vibes are just immaculate, love watching it

  • @hornbeam7131
    @hornbeam71313 ай бұрын

    As someone who worked away from home a lot and often had to eat alone in strange places, I know it can be difficult to strike up conversations with strangers especially if you are not an extrovert or a bit shy. Most of the time we put up barriers which prevent people striking up conversations with us. Just maintain an open and welcoming posture. Burying your head in a book, or staring at the TV will definitely deter people. Use a prop, eg having a book on the table, wearing a T-shirt with a funny or inspiring message or an iconic figure on it or wearing or carrying something that might mean you are from the Netherlands. Basically anything that lets others have an opening to talk. Go through all the people in the room and do the mental exercise of spotting something about each of them you could use to start a conversation. You probably wont have to though, as while you are doing this you will naturally present as someone who is interested in the things around her, and usually someone in a busy place will be encouraged to open conversation with you. Or you could try wearing that face mask to the pub, that would certainly get people talking though probably about you rather than to you :)

  • @colinneagle4495

    @colinneagle4495

    2 ай бұрын

    Using clothes as a purposeful conversion starter when traveling is such an interesting idea! I never would have thought to do that!

  • @Bijou_248
    @Bijou_2482 ай бұрын

    Leonie, you did such an amazing job stepping out of your comfort zone! It has been my dream to visit Europe to see parts of my ancestral lineage. Through this entire video, I felt like I was there enjoying the beauty of Edinburgh. I'm also an 'introvert' so I totally understand your feelings. Thank you for putting this video together. 🌼

  • @hamba1998
    @hamba19983 ай бұрын

    I've loved most of your content since I started watching last summer, but this must be my favourite video of yours so far. I relate so much to the feelings of travel anxiety that you describe, and my own first solo trip was to Edinburgh in 2019, where I went through a lot of similar experiences to what you share here! This video made me feel really seen, in a way that has hit me harder than I thought. I hope you will have lots of exciting and enjoyable future solo travel experiences.

  • @cynthiapucheanu34
    @cynthiapucheanu343 ай бұрын

    I travel alone all the time and was so nice to see you experience the same things as I do. I had that same thing with my knee twice in the beginning lol, but then learned to pace myself. From someone who works at her desk all week long, several days of constant walking all of a sudden is a lot. Can totally relate to the social anxiety too, I usually look for opportunities specifically meant to connect with people, like airbnb experiences or expat groups and chat to shopkeepers and such, but I've never been one to want to just go up to people and strike a conversation lol 😅 I personally believe that's one of the most stressful things, even for extroverts, plus I actually enjoy being by myself. As for dinner, I prefer dining in, unless I got a recommendation for a good restaurant. No need to beat yourself up for things that don't feel ok, plus nobody's forcing you to, it's perfectly fine to dine in and give yourself grace. Hope you had a great time! 😊

  • @zh_bd
    @zh_bd2 ай бұрын

    i usually struggle to sit through a full video, but i connected with you so strongly that i watched the whole thing without getting distracted! thank you for calming my mind and helping me relax after a long day 🕯️❤️‍🩹

  • @EtGification
    @EtGification13 күн бұрын

    This resonated with me so much. I have always had that dream too. Something about Edinburgh is haunting me. I feel I MUST be there. I belong there. Thank you for sharing this!

  • @bujobyfilo
    @bujobyfilo3 ай бұрын

    Your talent with editing really accentuates the beauty of this wonderful place 😍 The mashup you did at the end in rythm with the music made me a little bit emotional, and I wasn't even there and never have been, that's impressive! I hope your knee doesn't hurt anymore? Btw I'm french and it's so cute hearing you speak french, you're doing great!

  • @spencer7151
    @spencer71513 ай бұрын

    Oh this video is perfect! I was always very drawn to Edinburgh, even since I was a small child (I am from Germany) and just as I was about to visit it last summer, I got LongCovid and now cant even leave my house. So seeing someone with a similar mindset (what to to, what to look for, the travel-pace,...) visit my favourite city and share your journey really made me happy today! I still would love to visit it one day (this vlog made me want to be there even more) but for now this is also great! 😍😊 Also your new hair look amazing! 😊

  • @nicoleniobium7160
    @nicoleniobium71603 ай бұрын

    I rarely write comments, but! The script, the video itself and the amazing and novel-like intro 😍 incredible! And as solo traveler I can imagine how you felt going out by yourself at night. But it's fine to stay in the hotel room and have dinner there if you not feeling like going to crowded pub. And I like that you share with your feelings and emotions. Thank you for this warm vlog and now I also want to go Edinburgh too. I hope you will have more solo trips in future - it's such a great opportunity to know yourself better. 🙏🏼

  • @reva991
    @reva991Ай бұрын

    Leonieee, this video is absoutely adorable and so real! I love the way you were so honest about your experience and watching you overcome your fears was just so endearing and inspiring. Can't wait to see your future adventures 🎊

  • @nicky_bee
    @nicky_bee3 ай бұрын

    This was exquisite. I completely agree with the awkwardness of having dinner alone, and I do have travel anxiety, but I LOVED my solo trips or solo days on communal trips.

  • @jasmitdhanani
    @jasmitdhananiАй бұрын

    everything about this video is so heartwarming, props to you! as someone with anxiety as well, this was so inspiring to see :)

  • @ALANL4460
    @ALANL44602 ай бұрын

    As an Edinburgh resident if your a solo traveller looking to meet people to chat most locals are happy to chat but are rarely found around bars or restaurants on the royal mile. The best places to meet people would be places like Finnegans wake, Biddy Mulligans, Oz Bar, Wash bar(right on the mound). Theres also lots of pages on facebook to help solo travellers meet

  • @erintrolley3074
    @erintrolley30743 ай бұрын

    what a lovely trip! I'm glad you got out of your comfort zone and had a great time despite some issues. It looked so much fun!

  • @sadiasattar7657
    @sadiasattar76573 ай бұрын

    This video made me feel so many things, I feel the same way in such situations, all this time when I thought about it, I felt like I was making a big deal out of something that’s not that significant and that I was ruining things and experiences because of this, seeing you go through the same thing that I feel like , had made me realise that I’m not alone or different and this is natural and I think the only way out of this is to grow through it , that when I’m struck with the awkwardness of being alone and I’m unable to make the first move, it is okay , I don’t have to be hard in myself and think that this one thing has ruined the entire day, perhaps I can just breath, reassure myself and muster up courage to just smile, maybe conversation will automatically set in after that and I’ll be proud of myself in the end and not feel that ache

  • 3 ай бұрын

    The new hair???? Gorgeous 🥰

  • @ElePranaityte
    @ElePranaityteАй бұрын

    I have been doing solo trips 20 odd years now. I feel you do much! I was like you when I started but the more you do it, the better you become at it! ❤

  • @greisingthesurface
    @greisingthesurfaceАй бұрын

    i totally relate about the pub! it was a little overwhelming and awkward going to a pub with just my friend but knowing that everyone i'd encountered in edinburgh that far was super friendly took some of the anxiety off

  • @cbeezy4733
    @cbeezy47333 ай бұрын

    Just a couple of months ago I had my first international travel experience at 24. Your anxieties are so relatable! Even though I was going to visit someone I knew there, it was still terrifying and of course a few things went wrong, but I figured it out and things even started to feel normal in the end. Huge confidence boost for me. Hopefully you and I both get to do it again!

  • @girlwithoutpearlearring
    @girlwithoutpearlearring3 ай бұрын

    This was such a wholesome video! I did my first solo trip a couple of years ago when I was 21. I was still living with my parents at the time, covid was very much a thing, and I really needed to get out and do something on my own. So I packed my bags and travelled to the Lake of Constance for three days. It was marvellous. Even though I didn't stay for long, it was this trip that actually made me want to be on my own and responsible for nothing but myself. (I moved to my first own little dorm appartment a couple of months later.) I totally get that eating out in the evening can get really weird. I tend to be socially awkward, I feel like an intruder or an imposter pretty much everywhere, and I'll blush when interacting with any sort of costumer service or just strangers in general, so eating out can definitely be a struggle. But on my second evening I just sat down at a restaurant by the lake, ordered some pizza and took some notes on a story I still haven't written down, and was very happy. (Having something to write absolutely helps coping with the awkwardness of being alone.) So, yeah, all I want to say is that your experiences really resonate with me and I appreciate you sharing your trip with us :) (And it can't be a coincidence that I was eating vegan sushi while watching this :'D) Also, your hair... chef's kiss.

  • @luthfialHanif
    @luthfialHanif3 ай бұрын

    I love this vlog so much! It's inspire me to go outside my comfort zone. I'm also a shy introvert person and usually avoid going out so I don't feel awkward. But I'm determined to confront my social anxiety more this year. Love your saying "something will probably go wrong, but you'll be able to solve it". ❤

  • @CoffeeHead27
    @CoffeeHead273 ай бұрын

    Love the haircut! And I feel the beginning of the video, that anxiety for travelling is the worst

  • @TuhinXV
    @TuhinXV3 ай бұрын

    Your editing and story telling capability are on a different level...great job Leonie.

  • @dmoon4269
    @dmoon42693 ай бұрын

    I loved the vibes of the video, and you just reinstated my desire to visit Edinburgh 🧘‍♀ Also a thought about the knee pain 1) After a lot of walking, especially in cities with steep hills, some of the muscles of the leg get really tight with sudden overuse and start pulling on the knee, so stretching or rolling the muscles can really help and 2) after I broke my foot I struggled with knee pain and what really helped me was orthopedic soles, they were a life changer and sometimes when I have knee pain, it disappears after I take a walk in my shoes with the orthopedic soles.

  • @taylorboom6322
    @taylorboom63223 ай бұрын

    So happy you enjoyed your time in Scotland! Edinburgh has a special place in my heart and it's so nice to see others enjoy it

  • @knees0cks_49
    @knees0cks_493 ай бұрын

    the new hair looks so good on you!! and congrats on getting over your fear :) i'm glad you had fun!! i agree (solo) travelling starts becoming so normal so quick. i've been on so many solo trips since my first time last summer and it's been amazing :D

  • @UnendlessxSea
    @UnendlessxSea3 ай бұрын

    I had my first solo trip last year and it was also to Edinburgh. I loved it, it is such a magical city. I loved your vlog and I can relate so much to your struggles. Proud of us for overcoming anxiety and making it! Also, the editing, the clips, it was such a beautiful video!

  • @gabrielleheredia6149
    @gabrielleheredia614913 күн бұрын

    I absolutely loved this video, thank you for sharing your trip with us! Your short hair looks marvelous 💗

  • @sushisonso
    @sushisonso3 ай бұрын

    You definitely have a talent for travel vlogs! This was so pretty and fun to watch, and as a person with social anxiety myself (who would like to travel to so many places), very inspiring to see you try to overcome your fear and spend time alone. I honestly would watch 100 more travel vlogs made by you :)

  • @WPRianne
    @WPRianne3 ай бұрын

    So glad you went alone! I think it's really nice to do things alone because, like you said, you can do what you want and can change plans easily. I don't mind eating dinner alone but I find that people can be weird about it sometimes and judge you for it (happened in The Netherlands even, also my home country). I find it bullshit because even if you're alone, you deserve nice food and you're also just another paying customer so there shouldn't be any problems

  • @TalkBooksWithBri
    @TalkBooksWithBri3 ай бұрын

    I traveled to Edinburgh alone and it was absolutely so empowering! Everyone was so friendly and warm and the city is just truly transportive and magical. Also I’m obsessed with your haircut!

  • @katmoons
    @katmoons3 ай бұрын

    I loved how reflective you were during this trip! Can't wait to explore Edinburgh as well, it looks amazing!

  • @ayari_kusui9729
    @ayari_kusui97293 ай бұрын

    AAA this is one of my favourite vlogs so far !! the book shops , overcoming fears, n jus the solitary journey . I haven't related so bad in a while sdkjhkshg luv u n ur editing

  • @srimapal8604
    @srimapal86043 ай бұрын

    Leonie ! Your videos are like therapy to me ! Be it reading vlogs or even book reviews ! I also wanna take a solo trip since sooo long but couldn’t gather the apt amount of courage to take the plunge yet ! But this vlog is an inspiration ! 🫶🏻

  • @reafamay8158
    @reafamay81583 ай бұрын

    My sunshine is back ☀️❤

  • @rociomartin2074
    @rociomartin20743 ай бұрын

    A good tip for solo travellers would be to stay in a hostel instead of a hotel! You will definitely run into other travellers who are there to meet people and most hostels offer activities like pub crawls or family dinner which tend to be real cool plans. Plus the accommodation tends to be cheaper and some hostels have private rooms if sharing a dorm worries you :)

  • @DemeterTelphousia-Erinyes
    @DemeterTelphousia-Erinyes2 ай бұрын

    Lovely video- I have a similar reaction to travel and I’m 53! I think part of it is excitement mingled with a need that everything goes “perfectly “! Of course the way to do it is to relax, enjoy every bit of it and see what happens. I hope you get to see much more on your travels.

  • @Jo-dk9my
    @Jo-dk9my3 ай бұрын

    omg it looks so beautiful 😭

  • @TheBookLeo

    @TheBookLeo

    3 ай бұрын

    so magical!

  • @LillysWelt22
    @LillysWelt223 ай бұрын

    Hello Leonie, I just wanted to say, that you can be so proud of yourself for doing something you were scared of🤗 I went on my first trip all alone last year as well and I also chose Edinburgh as my place to go. I also visited some places in the Highlands. Somehow I felt so connected to you, because we chose the same place to go for our first solo trips😍😍 Now I'm continuing to watch your video😊

  • @elys_lives
    @elys_lives3 ай бұрын

    I am so happy that you decided to share this with us!! I am scared of travelling alone too and this really motivated and helped me a lot♥️♥️

  • @thepussycat66
    @thepussycat663 ай бұрын

    I'm from Germany and I booked a spring trip to Edinburgh today so this vlog was really helpful! 😊 Also don't worry about eating alone. 😊 Just enjoy what I call a "me time"

  • @elys_lives
    @elys_lives3 ай бұрын

    I am so happy that you decided to share this with us!! I am scared of travelling alone too and this really motivated and helped me a lot! Thank you!!♥️♥️

  • @86fifty
    @86fifty3 ай бұрын

    Proud of you! :) As someone who always has trouble with my knees, I'd guess it was probably the hill-climb that got you the worst, ESPECIALLY if you're not used to hills! The whole angle of your ankle changes and you have to lift your legs higher than usual. Also, just standing can hurt even worse than walking, so standing in the bookshops probably hurt too. But in your case, a single day of rest fixed it! Best case scenario, truly. And the new haircut looks SWEEEEET!

  • @emilymoran9152
    @emilymoran91523 ай бұрын

    Good for you for challenging yourself! Traveling alone can be great (assuming you've prepared in a way that makes you feel safe) because you get to do exactly what YOU want. And Edinburgh is lovely - I'm hoping to go back this summer.

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