Travelling alone raises eyebrows and inevitable questions. Isn’t travelling safer in a group? Aren’t experiences better when shared with someone? Wouldn’t it be lonely? What about meals alone in a restaurant, awkward or what? Wouldn’t you look desperate, friendless and pitiful?
The stigma attached to travelling alone has largely disappeared among Westerners; in fact it’s regarded as cool compared to being led around as one of a herd of tourists. However, locals in more conservative cultures, see a lone traveller, especially a woman, as an oddity.
If you can overcome the stigmas the advantages are definitely there. Flexibility is endless; In an instance plans are changed to do that tempting excursion on a tip off from a fellow traveller. Rest when tired or go for it to squeeze in that extra activity. Linger where there is good company or hit the road when something does not measure up.
A ’must go to destination’ can be the catalyst for the first lone travel experience. If there's no potential travel companions on the horizon you could be following your passion as a solo act, or not at all.
Sounds too hard or too scary? Consider the choices, another compromise holiday or stepping out alone and giving a dream destination a go.
In the same way financial planners assess a client’s risk appetite to choose a suitable investment plan, the solo traveller decides how far to move out of their comfort zone.
Advantages
- Travelling alone increases communication skills, even if they are only hand signals, and not always polite.
- A lone traveller is more approachable, be it from curiosity or pity, and strangers are more likely to start a conversation with a solo traveller than with a couple or group.
- You meet lots of people. Often travelling alone is less about being alone and more about a constant change of companions with whom to share the road for a time.
Disadvantages
- It can be more expensive as room rates and many excursions are priced on a twin share basis.
- Being tied to your luggage even when going to the bathroom or buying a magazine because of lack of a companion to stand guard.
Do
- Connect with backpacker trails, not only are excursions and accommodation cheaper they attract independent travellers like yourself.
- Take advantage of booking on the spot or negotiating a better price as a latecomer. A little luck and fast-talking can get great deals.
- Stay alert - Bus and train stations are hunting grounds for thieves.
- Use common sense - arrive at destinations during daylight and avoid sparsely populated back streets. If your instincts scream danger, grab a respectable looking cab.
- Consider the best time of the year to travel . Hikers and climbers need to be present in the height of the season otherwise it is difficult to tag onto a group.
- Respect local customs and adopt an acceptable dress code, e.g. don't wear shorts or spaghetti straps in conservative cultures.
Don't
- Allow concerns to become paranoia. Relax and enjoy the journey.
- Be an easy victim. Thieves are opportunists looking for easy pickings.
- Have all your money and credit cards in one wallet or money belt. Separate them so you will have access to funds if a wallet is lost or stolen.
While travelling alone is not for everyone, for many it is the only way to go.
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