SOLO TRAVEL - The Good The Bad and the Better YOU!
SOLO TRAVEL - THE GOOD THE BAD & THE BETTER YOU!!
Previously, I have read articles written about the good the bad and ugly of travelling solo. I thought to myself, why even associate the word ugly with solo travel?! For me, there is nothing ugly about travelling solo, not even the bad is that bad, if you know what you are about and have researched, planned and learned how to protect yourself when embarking on a solo vacation.
The drawbacks for me are some of those darn long flights especially those that I spend 10 or more hours just sitting in an airplane. Those pesky airport procedures can also kill some of the excitement in the beginning, but as soon as I get to my destination, my energy level and excitement are once again soaring high, no matter how tiring the journey may have been.
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THE GOOD
Travel is all good and beautiful because of the good outweighing the so-called bad every time. On very rare occasions you may hear of a plane crash, but it does not mean that travelling in a plane is bad or ugly. It’s the same regarding solo travel, the rare case of someone being raped or murdered while travelling alone, in some cases because they didn’t practice proper safety precautions as a solo traveller. I will divulge to you, what may be considered, the good, the bad, and the better you emerging as a result of travelling alone.
- Independence – Total freedom, make decisions on your feet and step out of your comfort zone.
- Problem Solver – No one to rely on but yourself you must be your problem solver and thus becoming better at it with every trip.
- You are your boss – You don’t have to wait for/on anyone or compromise on anything with anyone.
- Make new friends – For those who prefer to stay at a hostel, it’s the easiest way to make new friends.
- Your Private room – It’s safer than sharing and more private and peaceful, especially if the company is a snorer (I have a funny line regarding this. If you are a snorer say goodbye to Cora lol) it’s a huge deal-breaker.
- Improved social skills – Your social skills are greatly improved as you communicate with and meet different people from all ethnic backgrounds, cultures, sex, religions and gain perspectives of their world, you may even learn a few words in a new language.
- Freedom and solitude – All the time in the world to reflect and think or read a book (my top 2 recommended must-read books) on your flight or in the privacy of your room.
- Open Schedule – Set your schedule and change it according to circumstances, without having to collaborate anything with anyone.
- Self-Sufficiency and Self-Reliance – when you are travelling alone you have no outside help and one to rely or depend on but yourself, you will quickly learn to be self-sufficient in every sphere of your life. You will learn not to rely on others to solve your problems both mentally and physically.
- Open-mindedness – Travel helps you see things not just in black in white, you also learn to be open-minded and see/appreciate the “shades of grey”.
THE BAD
- Planning a vacation – One of the biggest challenges of travelling is researching and planning a solo vacation, on your own. The flight schedule, hotel bookings and making sure all come together without the help of a booking agent. This can be overwhelming for some, but if done correctly it becomes easier with time.
- Fear-Factor – Some people are fearful of the unknown and venturing out alone in an unfamiliar country. My response to this is if you do your research then there is nothing to fear especially if the country is known for being safe. Many times, your country has more crime than the country you are embarking, therefore, you have already learned how to take the necessary precautions and to be street smart in your country. If you have done your research and practice safety measures when you are travelling, then there is nothing to fear but fear itself.
- No support net– You have no one to rely on if you are sick or have any other problems you may need help to resolve.
- Loneliness – If you are not accustomed to being alone, especially when travelling, this can lead to a bit of loneliness and or depression.
- Higher Costs – The reality is because you are alone you pay full price for everything with no assistance.
- Accommodation – higher room costs because you are paying for your room on your own. If you have company, you can split the cost of the room and even food, etc.
- Taxi cost is higher – you will pay more alone from/to the airport the cost for a taxi is borne by you as there is no one to split the cost with you or in many cities where you pay per ride and not per person.
- Tour Companies – such companies tend to charge higher if you are alone than if you are with a group.
- Fear of Flying – (I am a bit especially on those flight where you sit on a plane for half-day) for those who fear flying, this can be a bit unnerving, because you will receive no comfort from anyone. You are stuck digging deep inside for strength …and maybe your nails deep into the seats lol. when the airplane starts bouncing and rattling due to air turbulence.
- Language barrier – I have been to many countries where I don’t speak the language, but because some of the locals understood English it became easier for me. On my visit to Russia, I learned very quickly I needed to turn to my translator, and this is where buying a sim card (with free data) can help you. You can use your translator everywhere (restaurants, buses, taxis, etc.) to assist you in communicating. No need worrying if you cannot speak a foreign language, gesticulating works perfect as well.
- Safety – you are more vulnerable alone because no one is looking out for you, as opposed to if you’re a couple or part of a group. You must take caution walking the streets after dark or desolate back roads, because of the fear of being raped or mugged. Also, in some countries some males may see a female solo traveller as an easy target, so you must know how to guard and protect yourself always.
HOW DID SOLO TRAVEL MAKE A BETTER ME?!
- Solo travel has toughened me up to face any challenge in life.
- More self-reliant – The best person to get it done “right” is ME
- Even though the world has billions of people you are alone, and you are your best company (I have learned to be comfortable with myself/by myself) a lot of people need an entourage to be seen or to go anywhere or they feel lost or out of place. not me!!
- Life is short, enjoy it. Find what makes you happy and do that (for me TRAVEL). EAT what you love SLEEP as late as you like, EXERCISE. when you can and most importantly PRAY ALL DAY (you don’t need to be on your knees to do so).
- Nothing is impossible or too difficult to do…or at least try.
- My tolerance level is very low for lazy people, petty people and people who like to complain about everything but do nothing to try to change the situation they are facing.
- Never Procrastinate…the best time to do anything is NOW!! It’s my mantra.
- I am more well-organized.
- I am more grateful for what I have. and tend to focus more on what I have instead of what I don’t have. On many occasions, I have witnessed how happy and contented many people in other countries are, even though they live in squalor/poverty, this enlightened me somewhat, that money and “things” don’t make anyone happy.
RECOMMENDATIONS
I will make two recommendations for a first-time solo traveller,
1. Stay at a hostel where you will meet other solo travellers, this is if you are afraid of being alone, therefore, you can share a room and have a support network, both in and out of the hostel.
2. I will suggest starting off with “small steps” and take a mini stay-vacation in your country. Then move up to a small island nearby, before you know it, your confidence level and bravery are to the point where you can visit somewhere far from your country, top suggestions, Africa, Asia or Europe (visit Europe before 2021 BREXIT/ETIAS).
So, get going, make that step today towards a solo vacation, and share with me, your concerns or experiences of your first trip alone.
CONCLUSION
Travelling alone may be a bit daunting to someone who has never done it, however, with detailed research, planning, and preparation (see how to prepare for a solo vacation) it’s all good and easy. I think everyone should travel at least once. Go out there and find out your strengths and weakness and let your survival skills and strengths shine through. As you become a pro solo traveller, you will soon see The Good the Bad and the Better you as a solo traveller” applies to you also, minus the “bad”.
So, get going, make that step today towards a solo vacation, and share your concerns or experiences of your first trip alone.
MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS
These are my essentials and gadgets I can never do without for a smooth and stress-free vacation. All are available on Amazon for direct links to the products and information and suggested uses .
For MUST-READ BOOKS Think and Grow Rich is an excellent book for those who who are looking to improve their life and personally grow and develop. How to win friends and Influence people (#Ad) another self improvement and and social skills development read (excellent read …perfect for long airport layovers and during your flight) or during your free time. CLICK HERE for the entire list of travel essentials and uses/descriptions
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