Travelling Alone: What You Need to Know

Travelling Alone: What You Need to Know

Travelling alone… ooh so romantic. Entirely existential. What a time to find yourself!

 

Yes… and No. I really believe that travelling, especially travelling alone is romanticized in our culture. I toured Europe and California on my own for a couple of months, I would definitely recommend it. But I think there are some things you need to know…

Me trying out my new Selfie-stick in Paris.. bad idea. It is much more fun to ask locals for pictures .. or other Tourists… šŸ™‚
  1. Be realistic about how much time you can spend alone

Seriously. Seriously. Seriously. Everybody is different in this area. Some people love being on their own….

…some hate it. It all depends on what kind of person you are and what you need. This does not mean solo voyaging is only for introverts, but being realistic aboutĀ  your limitsĀ  willĀ  help you schedule your trip in ways that areĀ energizing.

I am a major extrovert. Travelling was enjoyable for me, butĀ it was also tiring. WhenĀ I began to plan my trips according to my needs, I had a better time.Ā  I made it a priority to talk to locals and was mindful of where I stayed, opting for hostels and friends’ homes. I also began sending postcards to my family, which was a fun ritual to stay in touch.

You can be as creative or as basic as you want; just be honest.

2. Travel is faster andĀ  there is more room for personalĀ for luxuries

IĀ  had full control over my itinerary and in conjunction my finances. Therefore I could do whatever I wanted, because I was the only one involved!

Ā 3. It is less safe to travel on your own…Ā 

This one is obvious, be safe when you’re voyaging solo.

4. Things can get existential… fast.Ā 

When I started my trip in Europe I had just recently gotten out of a long-term relationship. That pain of this, in combination with travelling alone was BRUTAL. The trip definitely made me stronger, but that pressure is not for everyone, especially long-term. If you have some unresolved issues travellingĀ canĀ help you, butĀ be kind to yourself and be realistic of what you handle. You may even want to consider travelling in doses to make your own healing a priority.

5. You will make friends with yourself

This is the main reason I recommend travelling on your own.Ā  When you witness a beautiful moment or see one of the world’s wonders the first person you can share this with is… yourself! At first thisĀ was weird, but I began to generate a kinder relationship with my body and it was empowering to be ableĀ to spend uninterrupted time to get to know myself. This time is incredibly moving, and I hope more people are able to experience it.

6. You will make new friends

THISĀ IS THE BEST PART OF TRAVELLING ALONE. You cannot predict who you will meet on the road and what gifts they will bring to your life and trip. Every person and encounter will be different,and because you are travelling alone, you will be vulnerable to the unpredictable. The joys found in this possibility may surprise you.

 

That’s about it for me… I hope this was helpful… would be curious to hear if anyone has any thoughts of their own. šŸ™‚

 

Be well.

 

Jeeves