It was –10°C when Juliana Gomes, senior P&C generalist coordinator, landed in Europe. She had just travelled from Sao Paulo, Brazil, where the temperatures were soaring above 40°C. Even as the ice-cold weather pinched her face, she felt a sense of happiness, a warmth within of being able to travel alone.

“I’ve always loved traveling, and I wanted to challenge myself with a longer solo trip. The opportunity to experience the holiday season in Europe was something I couldn’t pass up,” said Juliana.

She had earlier traveled to Dublin, Ireland, and Paris, France, alone in 2016, but she has met family members in both places.

This was the first time Juliana was spending an extended period abroad truly on her own. Even though the decision to travel alone was a deliberate choice, Juliana was cautious. She planned meticulously and researched the destinations thoroughly. She also had the reassurance of friends in both cities.

“The first thought that came to my mind when I landed in Berlin, was, ‘Wow, this is real—I made it!’ There’s something empowering about arriving alone in a new country, knowing that the entire experience is in your hands,” she said.

In the following days Juliana travelled to historical landmarks and enjoyed the local charm. She visited the Holocaust Memorial, the Berlin Wall, and the Brandenburg Gate. In Paris, she had seen the twinkling glow of the Eiffel Tower and walked down the winding streets of Montmartre. Juliana enjoyed the quaint cafés, hidden bookstores, and strolled along the Seine, savoring the city’s poetic charm. With each day, Juliana found a newfound strength. She knew she was adaptable, courageous, and fiercely independent.

Her experience abroad would not have been possible without the support of people in CriticalRiver. Her remote work made it possible for her to grasp the opportunity to stay an entire month abroad.

For those who dream of travelling alone, Juliana says make it simple. “Plan well, but leave room for spontaneity,” said Juliana.

Her next plan is to travel to Italy and London and bring back new stories. The world for Juliana is not just a map, it is a canvas of endless possibilities, and she is preparing to paint her next adventure.