Some people see traveling alone as a daunting and unappealing proposition. Others consider it the only way to travel. So what’s the attraction of going it alone? Here’s my take on the highs and the lows of solo travel.

Meet new people, make new friends - You’ve decided to go it alone, but that doesn’t mean that you will remain on your own for the entirety of your adventures. A solo traveler is far more approachable and less intimidating than a large group, so you will find that other travelers and locals will be more inclined to approach you. Being alone also encourages you to be the one who initiates the conversation, something you probably wouldn’t do if you were already with a group of friends.

Don’t forget: like attracts like, so if it’s solitude you are after, you may struggle to find it while traveling alone.

Independence – It’s all down to you! You have the freedom to go where you want, when you want, without having to make compromises with anyone else first. No arguments, no debates! Be sure to make the most of this freedom while it lasts!

See more, do more – Being part of a herd of backpackers means that you are going at someone else’s pace. You might find yourself on what feels like a conveyer belt; briefly glimpsing picture postcard views, before being whisked off to another location. Traveling solo means you go at your own pace, giving you the chance to immerse yourself into your surroundings, where you can experience cultures in a whole new way.

Not being part of the herd also means that you will probably get to know some local folk, who in turn will introduce you to their way of life. These are the experiences that will make your trip unforgettable.

Develop and grow – You probably started your journey with apprehensions of what lay ahead. You may have had self doubts, unsure of how you would cope with being self-reliant. Traveling solo is the key to over coming these fears and self doubts and you will develop a self confidence that few other pursuits can provide. You will see, for possibly the first time, what you are truly capable of a achieving alone.

There are some pitfalls to traveling alone:

Cost – being alone means accommodation will cost you more as you don’t have the option of sharing the cost. Even cheap hotels or guest houses will charge you per room, not per person and if you can find a single room, then it will rarely be that much cheaper than a double. There’s sadly not much that can be done to avoid this aspect of solo travel.

Loneliness – every solo traveler will experience the odd lonely moment. To avoid having too many of them, ensure that you keep yourself busy. Perhaps book yourself on to a group tour or move to more lively accommodation. There are many ways to keep the feelings of loneliness at bay.

Safety – This is an obvious concern, but one that should be kept in perspective. If you remember to take precautions then you will reduce the risk considerably of anything untoward happening. It’s a good idea to research your destination first, so you are aware of the dangers that you may face before you arrive.

Those who experience solo travel often look back on it as a life changing event, although it is definitely not something that will suit everyone.

Nick Cox
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