🇫🇷 My First Solo Trip to Paris: A Love Letter to Independence ✨

I did it—my first-ever solo international trip (study abroad doesn’t count!), and it was magical. Here’s the raw, unfiltered recap of my empowering Parisian adventure: 🌍 Pre-Trip Jitters vs. On-The-Ground Reality Before leaving, I was a nervous wreck—lost appetite, sleepless nights, playing out every possible disaster in my head. What if I miss my train? What if I get pickpocketed? What if my French fails me? But the moment I landed at CDG, something shifted. No safety net = ultimate freedom. Lost? Google Maps. Hungry? That boulangerie’s croissant will be mine. C’est la vie! 🗼 Iconic Moments That Stole My Heart 1️⃣ Louvre at Dawn: Beat the crowds to see Mona Lisa alone for 30 seconds (worth the 6AM wake-up!). Pro tip: Enter via Porte des Lions—zero queue! 2️⃣ Eiffel Tower Picnic: Cheese, baguette, and €3 wine from Franprix on Champ de Mars as the tower sparkled. Chef’s kiss. 3️⃣ Palais Garnier’s Secret: Rooftop views (ask staff nicely!) + pretending I was in Phantom of the Opera. 🎭 💡 Solo Travel Taught Me... ✔ Resourcefulness > Perfection: Missed my train? Next one’s in 20 mins. ✔ The Joy of Solitude: Sipping espresso at Café de Flore with a book—no small talk needed. ✔ Parisians Aren’t Rude: A "Bonjour" and "Merci" unlocked smiles everywhere. ⚠️ Surprise Challenges Métro Mishaps: RER B closures forced me to walk 5km with luggage—merci, leg day. "Table for One?": Some waiters pity-looked me, but who cares? More steak frites for moi. 🎒 Packing Wins Crossbody Bag: Thief-proof + hands-free for photos. Power Bank: Instagram > battery anxiety. Scarf: Doubled as a blanket for Seine River sunset naps. #SoloTravel #Paris #GirlsWhoTravel #FearlessFemale 🇫🇷