I’ve had many dreams throughout my life. When I was younger, I wanted to be a construction worker, don’t ask me why–Bob the Builder. Two dreams that didn’t change when I learned I had to wake up early were studying abroad and seeing the Northern Lights. I knew that living in Minnesota gave some chance of the latter, though it never seemed to work out for me. The best chance would be to go to Iceland and see them, but that’s a six-hour time difference from home, and and a nine-hour flight. Whenever my family had enough time off for a trip that far away, we didn’t want to go somewhere cold.
The dream of studying abroad came a bit easier, as it has become more common with each generation. I was even able to take that into account when applying for college, ensuring that a good amount of students go abroad annually, suggesting a strong study abroad office and flexible programs that encourage time abroad. While I prioritized looking for a good program academically, I also wanted a place where I could see other parts of the world. This led me to look deeper into options in Europe. Even from London, on the western edge of the continent, it feels like everything is a two-to-three hour flight or train ride. Zurich? 2 hours. Barcelona? 1.5 hours. Venice? 2 hours? Reykjavik? Wait–Reykjavik? As in the Northern Lights capital of the world? 3 hours away.
Soon after getting settled in my dorm and classes at King’s College in London, I looked into booking flights to Iceland. My extensive research on Trip Advisor, Expedia, Kayak, and other travel websites found it was cheaper to fly IcelandAir than any budget airline option–luggage was not an option–it was snowing! Of course it helped that not many people want to go to Iceland in January. Top travel tips–always consider the cost of luggage and transportation to/from the airport: sometimes a carry-on suitcase can double the price of the ticket, or flying out of a smaller airport farther away can cost more money to get to the airport than for the actual ticket.
I was hoping one of my flatmates would want to come with me, but those from Chile and Dubai had already broken in their long underwear for the 50 degree weather we had in London, so 20 degrees wasn’t exactly exciting them. My friend who was abroad in Ireland’s schedule didn’t align with mine: the choice seemed clear–I needed to do this on my own. I thought I would be more afraid at the idea of solo travel, but, better to go solo in Iceland than Italy!
To say my parents weren’t exactly thrilled with that decision would be an understatement. After calming them down by sharing my location and itinerary with them, it was pure excitement (except for my credit card, of course). I was excited to do what I wanted at my own pace and not be concerned if what I wanted to do was what someone else wanted to do. I had flown alone before, Ubered alone before, hoteled (if that’s a word) alone, but never an entire trip.
It turns out–it was a healing experience. I guess I can’t guarantee that it was the solo part and not the Iceland part, but the snow, the lights, the cold, the people, and the silence had me return to London as a new person. Did it help that they spoke English? Yes. That I didn’t go out to a bar every night? Also, yes. But I was able to be aware of my surroundings, be cautiously courageous, and have the trip of a lifetime including the Northern Lights, Blue Lagoon, and other incredible Icelandic experiences. It was a dream come true.
Lauren Mccutcheon
Spring 2024
GW England - King's College London (GW Study Program)
Milken Institute School of Public Health
Public Health Major