ME, MYSELF & I

It can be scary travelling alone, especially when you’ve never done it before, but, to some, growing old without experiencing everything you want from life is even scarier.

Photo by Ivana Cajina

Solo travel is not for everyone. Some people return home soon after departing, others cry for weeks before embracing it, and some just embrace it right away, but you’ll never learn that if you don’t travel once by yourself. Whether a weekend away, a two-week vacation, or trip around the world, try it at least once. Don’t wait for people or hold back from living your dreams. You could be waiting a long time until someone finally says yes.

There’s only now — and if you don’t go, you’ll regret it. Whether you haven't met that special someone, are travelling on business, or simply need some "alone time," travelling alone can be entirely different than going with a friend. Instead of staying home because you fear travelling by yourself just won't be fun, these tips for solo travel can give you the confidence boost you might be looking for to pack your bag and just go.

Tips for Solo Travel

1. With no one to make the plans for you, or to talk to, take the opportunity to let a place show you what it’s got.

2. You can only really rely on yourself, so sometimes you may need to psyche yourself up to be as mentally strong as possible. Have confidence.

3. Most people, travellers and locals, are just looking for a friend too. Don’t be scared.

4. You need to be open to new things, but always stay on guard too.

5. Sometimes you might need to be rude. When you haggle, when you cross the street, when you backtrack to avoid walking past someone you didn’t feel safe with, or by telling people to go away if they make you feel uncomfortable.

6. Your phone is your best friend, so treat it well. Google Maps, Skype, Facebook Messenger – they could be your only link to the outside world. Download Find Your Friends, get a Life Proof Case do anything you can to safeguard it from the world. If it goes, you won’t just be upset, you’ll be lost.

7. If you feel lonely, book onto a tour. Instant friends guaranteed.

8. Sometimes you will need to force yourself to take part. With today’s lure of technology it can be easy to stay in and talk to your friends from home when you’re not feeling your best. That’s not why you’ve gone travelling. Get out there.

9. Always pay attention and know your escapes in every situation.

10. Don’t get too drunk. Ever. Even if you feel like you’re with friends. Anything could happen that will make them leave you.

11. The best way to make friends is to find a social hostel, and be social.

12. Always let someone back home know where you are. I used a Google Sheet that was shared with my dad and kept it up to date with my accommodation names.

13. Have confidence in yourself and your abilities. You’ll be capable of more than you can imagine if you just allow yourself to be strong.

14. However much you think you won’t be the one who loses your phone and you won’t use the insurance, it’s way better to be safe than to be sorry. Paying the excess waiver now will save a lot of upset later.

15. Learning a few words in the local language can go a long way, both for communication and financially, and shows respect for your destination’s culture.

16. Just because everyone goes somewhere doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good. Be ready to get off the tracks if you need.

17. The world is not as dangerous as the news makes out. Horrible things do happen, but if we lived by the stats we’d never ride in a car in our own country again.

18. You’ll meet some of the most inspiring people when you travel, but don’t forget you’re probably one of them too. Don’t be intimidated.

19. Don’t listen to earphones in the street, or flash your wealth. In some countries owning an iPhone is totally achievable.

20. Don’t let yourself be taken advantage of.

21. The mere fact you’re travelling for fun makes you among the richest in the world. Don’t abuse that privilege.

22. Open your eyes and don’t just hang out with people who are the same as you. Embracing difference and change is how you’ll grow and have the most interesting and life altering experiences.

23. Don’t take silly risks. Wear the helmets and the life jackets.

24. When you don’t know something use the opportunity to talk to someone and ask, don’t just Google the answer.

25. Back up your photos from your phone and camera. This way you’re not too attached to your kit if, for whatever reason, someone demands it from you, or they’re damaged.

26. Some destinations are friendlier than others on the solo travel spectrum. Work out where you belong and, if you’re worried, don’t wander too much from where you’re comfortable (but do wander a bit).

27. Make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.

Photo by Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

You might dread your next solo trip. Don't. It could really be one of the most enjoyable experiences you ever have. Sure, it's fun to make memories with your friends and family, but, solo travellers have plenty of fun too. You just need to have a positive attitude. And, it doesn't hurt that technology has made the world a lot smaller than ever before.

If you’ve been putting off a trip because you’re waiting for someone to go with — stop. Just go. Don’t let others hold you back from your dreams. Along the way you’ll make plenty of friends — from other solo travellers who thought “Screw it, if I don’t go, I’ll never go” to locals interested in meeting new people.

Solo travel gives you ultimate freedom. You wake up and it’s just you — what you want, where you want, when you want. In that freedom and infinite space of possibility, you meet yourself. You hit the limits of what you like and don’t like. There’s no one to pull you in any one direction or override your reasons.

It’s sink or swim and you have to learn how to survive — who to trust, how to make friends, how to find your way around alone. That’s the greatest reward of solo travel: the personal growth. Each time you go away, you learn to become a little more independent, confident, and in tune with your emotions and desires, so what are you waiting for, get packing.