In a time of self-isolation when human connection is hindered, not feeling lonely can seem like a daunting task. So what’s up with solo travel?
Being able to keep your own company and becoming in sync with yourself can give you a whole new perspective on being alone. That, of course, does not equal being lonely. And that’s exactly what solo travel has been offering all along.
I took my first solo trip back in Uni. The month-long adventure in Ukraine that had my parents worried, my friends cheering on and myself craving for more. I did my best to quench that wanderlust in the years to come – sometimes solo, sometimes not – and I can wholeheartedly say that travelling alone is something everyone should do at least once in their lifetime.
Why? Well, let’s dive into the good, the bad, and the… “hey-it’s-actually-not-that-awful-of-an-experience” of solo travel, shall we?
Personal Growth
Pro: Ask anyone who’s done it, and you will get the same answer: solo travel is freeing. Always being in GO mode, connected to the outside world at all times and living life on the fast lane has an impact on one’s psyche and will lead to the oh-so-dreaded burnout. Taking that solo trip will give you the time and space you need to reflect, travel inwards, and become in touch with yourself – all of that while doing something you love. Being alone with your thoughts while people-watching in a busy Italian plaza, on a beach or taking in the views of an alpine scenery will open your mind and help you see whatever issues you’re facing more clearly.
In the end, you will be recharged and ready to take on the world. And what’s not to say this can’t be applied these days? Until it’s safe to go travelling again, take a journey within yourself, read a book, bake a cookie, and be more present in your own life.
Con: There will be times during your solo escapades when you will wish someone else will be there with you. Sipping on an iced tea watching the world go by is all nice and beautiful, but the kinda loud, giggly group at the nearby table will make you wish you had a friend to exchange a word or two with from time to time.
Travel is all about making memories, and there’s no way around it, the fondest memories are those you can share with a loved one. But being in the moment does not mean not staying connected at all. Share the photos you’ve taken once you’re sitting down for your lunch break, catch up with your friends when you’re back to your hotel room and keep the people back home updated as you go. Word of caution, though: Don’t overdo it. Remember why you’ve chosen to travel solo and put your phone down if you feel yourself slipping back to old habits.
Tip: Be open. Travelling alone does not mean cutting off all social interactions. In fact, you are more likely to introduce yourself to and get to know new people when you’re travelling solo than when you’re comfortable knowing your friend is there with you. Go say hi to that giggly group or sign up for a day trip – you’re guaranteed to make some new friends (even if it’s just for a few days).
Taking Responsibility
Pro: If you’re a bit of a control freak, this will come so naturally to you – scarily natural. If you’re not, then I guess it will be a bit of a challenge (I wouldn’t actually know, I fall into the first category…). But hey, you gotta start somewhere, and what’s safer than a solo trip into an unknown land with strange people and a language you don’t speak or understand?
When you travel solo, you will have to take that extra step to ensure everything runs smoothly, from knowing the wheres and whens, the places you’ll be staying, how you’re getting there and all the small, but vital, details. The upside of throwing yourself into the deep end is that you will work your organisation skills and that will, in turn, come useful in your day-to-day life.
Con: Remember the “unknown land” bit? While safety is something you should have in mind when travelling regardless if you’re doing it on your own or not, it is something to be taken seriously especially when you’re riding solo. Suddenly, the experience of getting lost on a back-street is no longer an adventurous expedition, but rather unsettling.
In relation to this, solo travellers might also miss out on the night-time experiences like staying out late enjoying the mayhem of the Marrakesh medina, bar hopping or checking out the clubbing scene.
Tip: Be confident. Try as hard as you can not to appear lost or foreign. If lost, either follow the hordes of tourists or, in their absence, ask for directions from people working in stores or restaurants – they’re more likely to give you reliable information. Keep the contact details of your hotel, guides or other locals you befriend in handy if you find yourself in a jar of pickles. Lastly, keep your phone charged. In Europe, at least, the mobile data charges are minimal, so Google Maps really is your friend. I always keep my mobile data on while abroad (in Europe) and I haven’t had to sell a lung to pay for my phone bills yet.
Your Own Pace
Pro: You’re your own boss, baby. When travelling solo, you’re setting the pace. You can lie in if you wish, zoom around a new city or take it nice and slow. Bottom line? You don’t need to worry about what others want to do. This is another reason why solo travel is freeing. It gives you the option to plan your own time and schedule just as you wish to do it.
However, don’t forget to hold yourself accountable. When there’s no one else around you to reign you in, you can easily fall into an extreme. Don’t take it too slow or else you’re wasting precious travelling time, but don’t overpack your schedule either. (Don’t overpack anyway, think about the environment). Make a plan and try to stick to it as much as possible.
Con: This is one I personally struggle with. Working in tourism, a good chunk of my job is all about planning trips. Naturally, when I travel, I try (key word: try – I’m still a control freak) to distance myself and let the others do the planning. Sometimes it’s nice to just sit back and relax. 🙂
Travelling solo, being the only one in charge is as much a blessing, as it is a curse. Especially for a first-time traveller, this can be particularly overwhelming. With no one else to share the burden of planning with, you’re on your own. And if your trip sucks, well… that’s on you. At least you’ll do it better next time.
Tip: Be proactive. Do as much planning as you can back home. Research the locations, figure out travel routes and draft your itinerary. This way, when you’re on the ground, you can actually enjoy your trip and feel like you’re on vacation. Plan your days, but allow some room for flexibility. Especially in travel, plans always change.
Plus, you can ask others for input. Asking for help doesn’t count as cheating (you’ll still be doing the travelling bit alone). If you have friends who’ve been travelling alone, or have already visited the locations you’re going to – they’re your people.
Sightseeing
Pro: In close relation to the point above, travelling alone means you will only visit what you want to visit. You don’t have to negotiate your holiday times with your travel buddy. As such, you will maximize your holiday by visiting the places on your bucket-list and skipping the rest. And this will leave you with plenty of time to take it slow or find other activities you might want to try out.
Con: As people, it’s in our nature to be subjective. You can easily get distracted by your own “To See” list and miss out. A travel partner, on the other hand, can show you a hidden gem you might have overlooked otherwise. Either way, it’s good to keep your eyes peeled and mind open and give a try to other places that might not be on your list.
Tip: Be curious. Don’t just stick to your own itinerary. Ask other travellers or hotel staff for things to do. If you’re spending more time in one place, signing up for day trips can be a good way to both socialize and see new things.
When you’re travelling with someone, you don’t have to do everything together either. If there’s a landmark you really want to see, but can’t be bothered by an art museum, split up. This way, each one of you maximizes their time and you can share your day when you meet up again in the evening.
Finances
Pro: Okay, we’ve already established that solo travel gives you the very much needed flexibility and independence. This applies to finances as well. In a “choose-your-own-adventure” type scenario, you have complete control over how much money you want to spend. As such, you can downgrade your accommodation to cram as much visiting as you can in. Or perhaps skip a few sights and splurge on a nice meal. Either way, you’re the only one in charge of your own budget.
This is not to say that when you’re travelling with someone else, they dictate your finances. But you will have to compromise here and there, so you might end up spending a bit more. Which is definitely not the case when travelling solo.
Con: Travel expenses, such as lodging or transport, are cheaper when travelling in groups, on the other hand. The costs will go down the more people in your travel group, so you win some, you lose some.
Likewise, for group tours and day trips, there are single supplements involved for solo travellers, with some tours actually not running unless a minimum quota is reached.
Tip: Be smart. Don’t cut costs down if you’re sacrificing your overall enjoyment of the trip. If you’re planning beforehand, start saving money as soon as possible. To keep the costs down on the trip, opt for shared accommodation such as hostels. Some group trips also offer the possibility to share, being cost-effective for solo travellers. When it comes to transport, public transport is the way to go (literally).
Solo travel is a form of self-care that is often overlooked. When you need a break away from the world to find yourself again, it might just be what the doctor ordered. In the meantime, stay at home.