Travelling solo can be daunting, but it can also be an unforgettable experience that really is worth the nerves of flying and taking a trip by your self.
Personally, I think everyone should plan a solo trip at least once in your life. Whether thats a spa weekend, a trip to a new city, or a trip half way around the world – you are out of your comfort zone, and you can learn a lot about yourself, even if it is just two days.
My first solo travel experience was two years ago, but it wasn’t any old solo travel experience, I was moving to Canada for a year as part of my degree. When I stepped on the plane to Toronto I didn’t know anyone, I was completely out of my comfort zone, but I have never looked back on that years and regretted it. Yes, it is a slightly different situation to a week in Spain by yourself, as I met an amazing bunch of people who truly made my Canadian experience, as well were all in the same situation. You are forced to speak to people, and if you don’t, well you will probably get home sick and book a flight home.
We have probably all been in a situation when your friends or family don’t want to go to a certain city/country, have no money, can’t get the time off of work, or they ignore you, but you want to do something. Solo travel can be the perfect opportunity to do exactly what you WANT to do. You don’t have to rely on anyone, you can visit the places you want to visit, eat where you want to eat, and stay in whatever hostel, hotel, or air b’n’b that you want to. It’s all up to you, you can’t upset anyone, and no one can upset you if they make you do something you don’t want to do, as you are doing the trip for yourself, and no one else.
My second solo trip came in the winter reading week in February 2018, and a 5 day trip from Toronto to LA. I stayed in two hostels, went on all the trips the hostel put on, ate whenever I wanted to (so yes I ate all the Acai bowls, and In and Out), and even went for dinner with people I met in both hostels from all over the world. You hear new stories, get tips on where to go (and where not to go), but most of all you are making memories. Now, of course, solo travel is what you make it. Some people may not want to stay in hostels, that tend to be more friendly than hotels, but you may also be on an organised trip, where you will get talking to people. This is what I did in the Canadian Rockies (Moose Tours – highly recommend), and by the end of the trip you have so many memories, and you have probably made friends.
Solo travel does have it’s downsides. You can get lonely, especially when staying in a hostel where no one talks ( Hello Singapore, honestly no one spoke in BEAT Hostel, like no one – even breakfast was quiet). Then again, Facetime, and social media can be a godsend, so you can talk to people back at home.Solo travel does have it’s downsides.
My tip is that if you want to go on a solo trip, start small. Maybe a city break within your country, or somewhere in Europe, and stay in a hostel. More than likely hostels put on trips most days, there are social areas in the hostel which forces you to talk to others. Research as well; where to stay, the safe areas, what you want to do and places you want to visit, transport links etc. You can always plan an itinerary before hand, and perhaps send it to your parents or close friends, if it helps with worried family and friends.
Have you have taken a solo trip?
Life of Alicia 