Solo Travel to Uzbekistan at 22 – Marie's Story
At just 22 years old, Marie dared to do what many don't: travel alone to the other side of the world.
At just 22 years old, Marie dared to do what many don't: travel alone to the other side of the world. Last June, she set off to discover Uzbekistan, that still-hidden gem of Central Asia. Between desert landscapes, mythical Silk Road cities, and warm encounters, her adventure proves that it's possible to travel alone safely, even in an off-the-beaten-path destination.
Through her testimony, Marie shares her emotions, her encounters, and what this experience taught her about the world and herself. An inspiring story for all those who dream of taking the plunge into solo travel or of discovering Uzbekistan differently, far from the crowds.
The spark of departure: why travel alone to Uzbekistan at 22
Every adventure begins with a spark. For Marie, it took the shape of an Eastern dream, images of blue domes and endless landscapes. Between excitement and apprehension, she chose to venture out alone on the Silk Road in Uzbekistan.
Was this your first solo trip? What gave you the courage to travel alone to Uzbekistan at just 22?
"It was my first time traveling alone. I finished my classes early that year and thought it was a good opportunity to go to Uzbekistan, which I'd seen photos of and was fascinated by. I was happy to travel alone because it let me create the itinerary I wanted, at my own pace and budget. Even though traveling alone worried me a bit, it was mostly an adventure and challenge I wanted to take on."
Why choose Uzbekistan, a destination still unknown to most travelers?
"I couldn't say exactly why, but this country fascinated me for a while. I'd say it's mostly because of the diversity of what you can find there: magnificent blue monuments, deserts, mountains, Soviet architecture… My expectations were high, but I wasn't disappointed at all once I arrived."
Your suitcase before departure: minimalist or did you bring your whole house?
"I like to think I was pretty minimalist, just a big backpack on my back. I did manage to fit my flip-flops in my bag (perhaps thinking I'd find a beach?)... which I never used."
The journey itself: immersion and emotion
From the first moments, Marie is drawn in by the calm and gentleness of Uzbekistan. In overnight trains, yurts in the heart of the desert, or the narrow streets of Khiva, she discovers a country of rare hospitality, where beauty hides in landscapes as much as in human encounters.
Khiva & Samarkand
A journey through the great cities of the Silk Road, between blue domes and mythical heritage.
When you arrived in Uzbekistan, what were your first impressions?
"On arrival, Uzbekistan seemed very calm to me. There weren't many of us getting off the plane, there was no crowd or noise at the airport exit. So my first impression was peaceful – I felt quite serene."
