12 Things You Should Know Before Your First Solo Travel
Ever considered going travelling by yourself? Here's a few things you should think about.
This one may seem very obvious but it’s ALL down to you. One of the reassuring things about group travel is you can afford to slack sometimes, whether it’s choosing a place to stay, directions or even food, you can let someone else take the lead. But when it’s just you, it really is just you. It can be a lonely thought but also very liberating; while there’s no one else who is inclined to look after you, it also gives you the chance to learn about yourself.
People will ask you why you want to do it. Whether it’s a month long trip or a few days away, people will always ask why you want to do it, as if it’s the actions of an absolute lunatic. But there’s something quite poignant about being comfortable with your own company, and hey, you’re rarely alone for long.
It’s okay to be lost. Serendipity is a great thing, you never know what you’ll find along the way.
You don’t have to love it. Solo travel isn’t for everyone. Never feel like you have to exaggerate your trip for the awe and amazement of others. The experience was about you, no one else.
Making friends can be hard. Some people can start a conversation with anyone like it’s the easiest thing in the world but others may struggle. Start out by talking to a person on their own, as opposed to tackling a big group which can be daunting. Start with the basics; eye contact, smile, introduce yourself. What’s the worst thing that could happen? I mean, unless they express any psychopathic traits, stay and maintain a conversation.
Learn the language; don’t assume that everyone will speak English. It might be a common world language but it don't just assume everyone knows your language and culture. Immersing yourself in the language and culture is also a good way of keeping safe; it doesn’t scream you’re a bumbling tourist, carrying lots of valuables without knowing where you’re going.
Solo travelling CAN be for introverted people. Contrary to popular belief, travelling isn't exclusive to extroverted people. And it isn't limited to middle-class gap-year students who can afford to travel around South East Asia and the like, on Bank of Mum and Dad. Nor is it just for those that spend months working temp jobs for to afford their travels. Travelling shouldn’t be discriminatory, it should be for anyone.
It’s okay to be homesick. My sister spent 3 days in Thailand before she cancelled everything to come home. This definitely might seem like the actions of a lunatic but sometimes if there’s an ill feeling creeping up on you that refuses to go away, it’s okay to just return home. Money comes and goes but who knows what graver ills coming home might save you from? (She went to Thailand a few days after the Bangkok bombings which might’ve played a part)
It’s okay to be weird while you’re travelling, you don’t know anyone nor do you owe them. (I’m sat in a park in Geneva blasting Bruno Mars on my laptop, and singing along, quite badly, but who cares?) As long as you’re not upsetting anybody, you’re good to go.
You might get very sick. I spent some time in a hospital in Bali after eating something dodgy. At the time I thought I got malaria and I was definitely dying but eventually I got better. Health Insurance is a must, especially for longer travels.
Try to live the holiday version of yourself at home, you know, the one who doesn’t have a care in the world, the one who 9/10 times is in a good mood. Don’t let the woes of day-to-day life throttle your spark. And most important of all, have infinite amounts of fun!
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