7 Realities of Traveling Solo
That fresh buzz in Maine
I’m a massive proponent of solo travel, for both yourself and your existence in the world (because after you solo travel, you’re life, how you see it, and how you treat others will never be the same - I swear it). Whether you’re road-tripping through Scotland, backpacking South America, or spending a weekend at the beach a few hours away from where you call home, getting out of your comfort zone makes a difference. Not to mention, it feels good to take your trips into your own hands. No waiting for anyone else’s calendar to free up or compromising on points of interest.
All that being said, there are some realities to solo travel that personally, I think aren’t talked about as much as they should be. As a society, we can easily romanticize things or make “empowerment” claims without giving people the information they need to actually make it (whatever the claim may be) happen for who they are as humans. We’re all different, right? For me, I like to know what I’m getting into.
I’ve compiled the below list of seven realities that I’ve found true over 10+ years of solo traveling. The intention of this list isn’t to dissuade you but to go in with your eyes all the way open. Use these details to empower yourself, push past your nerves, and book that ticket!
You Will Likely Experience Bouts of Loneliness
As freeing as it can be to take your itinerary into your own hands, sometimes you’ll find that having a buddy to ohh and ahh over sights or sharing a gelato with would be really nice.
On the flip side: First, remember how much social interaction you get on a daily basis. It’s easy to miss what we don’t have in the moment but find a way to ground yourself to the reality that is your actual life. Travel is only for moments of it. The breather you get from coworkers, partners, kids, and even sometimes friends doesn’t happen often so, enjoy it. Secondly, solo traveling is the best opportunity to push past your discomfort and meet new people. Do I hate those initial interactions with a stranger? Absolutely. Do I love having a new travel buddy to share experiences with and stay connected to for years to come? 100%.
You Have to Find Joy Solo
You know that feeling at a concert, when you’re screaming the lyrics to Fix You beside one of your best friends, and the moment is even more fun because you get to feel all the feels together? Those feels are all yours now.
On the flip side: This oftentimes is absolute magic in my opinion. There are so many things you enjoy that might irritate a travel partner or that you wouldn’t be able to do because the itinerary of multiple people's interests was too full. Learning how to enjoy these moments on your own will make sharing them with someone even more special.
There is Only You to Look Out for You
Getting on the plane, finding a taxi, checking in, that’s all on you. This is also true just for overall safety. There’s no one there to watch your back or your backpack.
On the flip side: Traveling solo will sharpen your street smarts like few things will and while it might make you a little more standoffish out of protective defenses, it will also teach you to be alert to everything around you.
It Can Get a Little Pricey
It’s realllyy nice to split that road trip gas bill or hotel room with someone. Sadly, with solo travel, that Airbnb is all you baby. This doesn’t mean you can’t find amazing deals and budget travel, you definitely can, but that can often come with some comfort sacrifices. I mean I’m in my thirties and just backpacked around South America, staying in hostels the majority of the way so… I know how to pinch a penny.
On the flip side: You’re about to become a budgeting, money master when you start to realize how quickly you could burn cash if you’re not careful. So put that cruise control on and get money-conscious so you can do more fun things! This also makes you a lot more aware the next time you travel with someone that sometimes the five dollars you owe them does make a difference.
Snapshot from Machu Picchu
5. Mental Exhaustion Can Settle in Faster
You and you alone get from one stop to the next. There is no one else to lean on, no one else to feel your “pain,” no one to navigate pitfalls in real-time with. And that can really suck.
On the flip side: Those moments will make you an even better traveler. The times when your train is now boarding 20 minutes early on a track far away will teach you to always plan ahead. When you don’t speak the language and desperately need directions, you’ll remember that when you’re back home and come across someone in the same circumstance who you can help. All these moments lead back to something greater, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.
6. Be Ready to Carry Everything Everywhere
I would love a travel partner for the simple act of not having to take my bag(s) to the toilet while waiting for our flight to board. It’s so annoying! Whether it’s a bathroom break or the cobblestone streets and steep stairs in Europe, pack wisely my friend.
On the flip side: This does wonders for your packing and shopping mentality for a trip, since it’s your back alone that will break.
7. You Will Become Your Friends and Family’s Go-To Travel Leader
This one might be the most annoying of them all. I love to travel, that is no secret. But do I always want to be in charge of every trip I go on? Nope. Sometimes I would love to sit back and let someone else take the reigns. Obviously, I will have an opinion but I don’t need to be the boss of the whole trip. To be honest, most of my family and friends aren’t big travelers so often, instead of contributing, they look to me to make the decisions. This can make a trip really unfun. The stress of other people's enjoyment is very heavy and can feel unavoidable.
On the flip side: Try to see the positives. You now have someone to split that tank of gas with and gasp over sights. You’re also helping someone see more of the world, who probably isn’t going to do so without you to lean on. If you can, find ways to broach this before a trip to hopefully get any and all on the same page, ahead of your adventures. Even if they are just in charge of the dinner plan each night or being the most elite copilot.
On the flip side to all of these points, remember that nothing worthwhile is always easy. Part of the joy of solo traveling is the struggle. Let me tell you, whether you navigated an hour away or across an entire continent, you will feel like an absolute badass simply because you proved to yourself that you could, with no one's help.
As an additional resource, here are 19 Tips for Traveling Solo as a Woman that will help you feel more confident as you explore this truly beautiful world.
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