Conquering Your First Solo Trip
So you’re thinking of taking on Europe, Asia, South America, whatever continent you fancy… all by yourself. Naturally, you’re probably a bit nervous to be so far out of your element without the comfort blanket of friends or family. It’s normal, but the fact alone that you’re thinking about it tells me that you should definitely do it. Traveling is the one thing I can say that I’ve never regretted regardless of the financial burden. Money will come and go, but the memories you make become the stories you’ll remember. There’s nothing more fulfilling than learning and experiencing a new culture.
Don’t get me wrong, traveling with people is an awesome experience too, but there’s something liberating about doing it on your own. I might be a little biased since I’m kind of a loner, but even my most extroverted peers have adored taking on new cities by themselves. You get to beat to your own drum, hang out with anyone you meet for as long as you like, take your time with seeing all the sights and never feel rushed to fit in everybody’s personal agenda. You’re a free bird without any restraints. There’s nothing quite like knowing that you’re completely unknown; you feel so small but so big all at the same time. I got to know this entirely different and surprisingly adventurous version of myself, a version that had been dormant for far too long.
Nevertheless, there are a few challenges that come with tackling a solo trip. There are the obvious things to think about like avoiding theft, mastering public transportation, staying safe, etc., but it’s really that inner voice telling you how scary it is and uncomfortable you’re going to feel that’s the killer. That’s what’s going to stop you from getting everything out of the experience. A solo trip can easily go one of two ways – lonely and awkward or spontaneous and full of new tales to tell. It’s all about the mindset. Easier said than done, but commit to making it a positive experience! Here are just a few tips to start you off on the right foot on the way to having the time of your life.
1. Ditch the Hotels… Stay in a Hostel
To me, this is a pretty important factor. I’m not saying it’s impossible to meet friends on your daily excursions around town, but the hostel culture is the perfect environment for meeting people that are doing the exact same thing as you are. Hostels are a hotspot for solo travellers, who are almost always down for a new adventure with a random stranger. You’d have to make a conscious effort to avoid making friends, and this is coming from a total introvert. I’ve found it surprisingly easy to socialize along my travels because of hostels, and every time I’ve opted for a hotel room or Airbnb, I’ve harshly regretted it. Sure, the privacy is nice, but you can get that when you go back home. The more hostels you stay in, the easier it’ll get and the less you’ll care about what everyone thinks of you. Just be yourself and I promise that people will love you for it. Most of my hostel experiences have ended with the dorm feeling like a new little family.
Keep in mind… some hostel experiences will be better than others. If your first time is a nightmare or super boring, don’t let that stop you from trying another one. Read up and choose the ones people speak highly of – reviews are your best friend. Most hostels are full of some pretty cool people, but unfortunately there are a lot of strange people out there and you’re probably going to run into one eventually. Don’t worry, hostels have security if things get weird and it’ll make for some interesting stories to go home with, so just go for it!
2. Don’t Give into Your Anxiety
For those of you who are more extroverted and comfortable in social situations, this section might be irrelevant so feel free to skip over to the next section, but this is what I personally struggled with the most on my first solo trip. It was tough to stop overthinking for long enough to just go sit somewhere by myself. It seems simple right? Just go sit at the bar! Talk to someone! But for those on the shyer side, this can cause a full-fledged internal panic attack. I know it sounds dramatic, but it’s a thing for some of us. I wish I had some more helpful advice, but you just have to do it. It might go well, it might end in a short conversation with someone you’ll never see again. Either way, nothing THAT bad can happen, I swear. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Sooner or later you’ll be a pro, wondering why you ever worried in the first place.
3. Keep an Open Mind
Be open to making friends with people that you never thought you would back home. Nothing exciting happens in your comfort zone and the most amazing part of solo traveling is the people you meet along the way. Someone who rubs you the wrong way at first could end up being your favorite person by the end of your trip. I’ve made friends with waiters, buskers, full-time travellers, locals, teenagers, older people… you name it. You’ll miss out on so much if you gravitate towards the people you’re used to. So many walks of life hold amazing stories and life lessons. I’ve created amazing relationships with people that I’ll probably never see again, but the memories stay precious.
However, being a solo traveller puts you in a bit more of a vulnerable situation. Remember to always listen to your gut and stay safe. Stay in well-populated areas, don’t just hop in a car with anyone, and make sure you always have a way to get back to your hostel safely if you need to.
4. Learn the Basics of the Local Language
This is a short little tip, but I’d learn the basics like ‘Hello,’ ‘Thank you,’ ‘Please,’ ‘Goodbye,’ and whatever else you can memorize of the local language. It’ll make it easier to approach people and show that you have respect for the culture of the country you’re visiting. It’s not polite to assume that everyone speaks your language just because it’s English. Most locals will find your effort endearing or humorous, and then proceed to speak to you in English. It’s a good way to break the ice.
P.S. English will most likely be spoken widely within tourist areas, but it’s just common courtesy to make an effort to communicate with the locals in their native language.
5. Relax and Have Fun!
The most important tip I have is to let go and have fun. Try to restrain from letting the stressful moments put a damper on your whole trip. At the end of the day, you’re traveling a foreign place and don’t have anyone to help you. Bumps along the road are inevitable. I can guarantee that you’re going to miss a bus, a train, have a delayed flight… you know, all the fun stuff that comes with the territory. Try to see the funny side of things and power through the times you’re feeling doubtful or regretting your decision. I’m a worrywart, so I learned this lesson real quick. Positivity is key. Remember why you’re there and make the most of it, taking in all of the good with the bad.
Choosing to venture off on a solo trip was the best decision I’ve made to date, and it could be yours too! If you’re scared of it, it’s probably a good idea. As corny as it all sounds, traveling really is the best food for the soul. Who doesn’t love a good cliché?
