When I started to solo travel I got some questions and suspicious looks, but the more I did it the more questions were asked. People are still curious about solo travelers, because I think it is something that most people don’t think about doing.
My first true solo trip was to Italy. I had finished visiting with a friend in Amsterdam for a week and wanted to go to Italy. There were a lot of firsts on this trip: First solo travel, first time staying in hostels, and first independent trip alone. After getting over the initial fear, I was surprised at how much I liked it. I could do what I want, when I wanted or I could do nothing at all. There were a few things that I was more cautious about, but I was ok with it.
When I knew I wanted to travel long term, I knew that I didn’t know anyone that had the flexibility to join me, plus I am particular on who I travel with having been on trips with others that just didn’t vibe with me. I was also on a mission to figure out my life.
Having solo travelled for over 25 months now, I can honestly tell you my answers to the most asked questions I get.
I think it is just as safe as any other type of travel. You need to have common sense when you travel solo, and weigh your risks.
These things for me are:
Everyone will have their own risk assessments with what they are comfortable doing alone, so you do you 🙂
I get nervous when I go to a new place, but not scared. You know, those butterflies of the unknown? It usually takes me a day to have those nerves bound around in my tummy and then I start to ease into the location. The more foreign the place is the more those nerves show up.
I have also had culture shock in certain places as well, which shows up as nerves.
There have only been a couple of times that I have felt really scared on my travels, and they weren’t even human. You can check that story out here.
One thing I did do before I started travelling alone was to stop watching scary movies. It may sound silly, but when there is bumps in the night your mind won’t always immediately go to someone wanting to murder you…it works for me.
I don’t get lonely, or rarely do. I think when I do, it is on longer-term trips, or when I wish I was sharing a particular moment with a loved one. I think this question depends on your personality type though too. I have no problems spending time with myself, but the thing with solo travel is that you tend to meet a lot of people along the way. You can then decide if you want to be sociable or have time to yourself.
You will figure it out. I don’t mean it to be blasé, but I do believe everyone is capable of figuring out what to do. I always carry a small first aid kit with some essentials, and pick up local items along the way as well. I am in Facebook groups for travelers where I can always post in to see if someone is in the same city if I need help. I get contact information for people I meet where I am, to stay in contact but also if something should happen I can contact them. Also where you stay people are going to be very helpful if you are sick.
I read about common travelers sicknesses so I know how to figure out what to do. I recommend reading the book “How to shit around the world”. Also, be familiar with the different ailments that you can “pick up” in the countries you are visiting.
I became really sick in Thailand one time and I don’t take going to the hospital lightly, but I knew I needed to go. I ordered an Uber to take me to the best hospital and checked myself in. Yes, I did mistakes along the way, but it all got sorted.
I highly highly recommend you have medical travel insurance. This way you can feel secure in being covered if you do get sick.
I hope these answers help you decide if solo travel is in your future. If you want any more information please feel free to reach out, or leave a comment so I can answer you.
