I've spoken to people who would love to travel but feel hesitant about going alone. In conversations with them, I've heard concerns about safety, loneliness, money and whether they'd have the confidence to do it by themselves.
Having travelled solo myself, I wanted to share my experiences and offer some practical advice to anyone who is thinking about travelling alone but is unsure about taking that first step.
The Reality of Travelling Alone
There was only one person who said to me that travelling alone was boring. I asked if she had travelled alone before, and her response was ‘no’. I wouldn't let the opinions of people who have never travelled alone put you off. Most of the people I met while travelling solo found the experience incredibly rewarding and learned a lot about themselves and life along the way.
Solo travelling is part of the adventure, and throughout your travels you will meet like-minded people. When you stay in hostels, you will often meet people and spend time with them. You may also meet people on day trips to sites or on activities. For part of your journey, you may end up travelling together.
Even when you are alone, this can give you time to reflect and embrace solitude. Travelling alone means you can decide what you want to do and follow your own schedule. You can be flexible with your decisions and choices. You can choose how long you want to stay at a place before moving on, who to hang out with and what site to visit next or what activity to do.
There may be times when you do feel lonely, and that is normal. You might be tired and just need to relax. You can contact family or friends through WhatsApp, Instagram or Facebook Messenger. You can even have a Zoom or phone call. Technology does help make travelling a lot easier, and you are only one phone call or message away from a conversation.
Planning for a Safe Solo Trip
I have known people who got mugged travelling in Bolivia, Cambodia and in my own city of Dublin. Safety is a genuine concern. Whenever you are visiting a new country, do some research about the cities and places you want to visit. Learn about their culture, belief systems and way of living.
Look at hostel or hotel reviews of the places you are staying in to give you an insight into what previous travellers thought of the place and whether they felt it was safe. Leave valuables that are important to you in a locker and use a good lock. If you feel safer carrying your passport, for example, then do that. Don’t drink too much. Just have your wits about you and be careful while out.
Making Solo Travel Affordable
That depends on where you want to travel. When I travelled in America, Canada and Europe, it was far more expensive than when I was in South East Asia.
When you have decided where to go, do some research into how much it will cost for food, transport, accommodation, tours and activities you want to do in the country or countries you plan to visit. This will help you budget how much you want to spend each day and estimate how much your travels will cost.
Depending on the countries you visit, you might need to get vaccinations, and it is a good idea to get travel insurance in case you get sick or injured. Take these costs into consideration before you travel.
To find cheaper flights, check out Skyscanner, as deals are usually offered and there are plenty of airlines to choose from.
For cheaper accommodation, there is Workaway. Instead of paying for your accommodation, Workaway allows you to exchange your time and help for food and a place to stay. Check out their website for the programmes they offer. Couchsurfing is another option where hosts offer travellers a bed or sofa to stay for the night. While the stay itself is free, Couchsurfing requires a paid membership.
When you explore all the options available, research and plan, you can make savings along the way while travelling.
Why I Prefer Travelling Solo
For me, I prefer to travel by myself. I create my own adventure and just like making my own decisions. I have travelled with friends before, and most of the time we end up following our own plans and meeting up again later that day. I find that travelling solo makes it easier to meet new people. With friends, you might just stick with the group.
This is a personal choice for each individual, whether they want to travel alone or with friends.
Taking the First Step
This is when you need to trust yourself. Look at what you have achieved and accomplished in your life to date. To overcome this fear and start building confidence, just book your flight. That’s the first step, and once that is done, you are committed to going. The other steps will fall into place.
The first step is always the hardest, and once that is done, you can take small steps each day before you begin your travels.
My View
If solo travelling is on your mind, just do it. You won't regret it, and you will learn so much about yourself. Even if it is only for a weekend away, a couple of weeks or one month to start with. For me, it was one of the best investments I made in myself. I came away with experiences, personal growth and memories that I wouldn't have had otherwise.
