A bit of a different type of post, but I thought I’d share my thoughts and experiences with solo travelling after a month (3 remaining) backpacking Europe. Hopefully this reassures some of you at home, that I am in fact having a great time, and for anyone who may read this that is unsure about solo travel, here are my thoughts (and if you have any doubt, it is most definitely worth it)!
You’re Never Alone
Despite the fact you’re “solo” travelling, you’re quite literally almost never alone. Staying in hostels sometimes just feels like a big adult school camp, but with alcohol. So as long as you’re open to talking to people and having conversations, you will meet so many awesome people. Also, regardless if you consider yourself shy and introverted, it’s still absolutely possible to make new friends. I’ve met people in all sorts of ways from cooking in the kitchen, meeting over dinner, in the elevator, in dorm rooms, participating in hostel activities, and even out and about at attractions. The best piece of advice I ever got was “just be the person that says hi”. From this you lose nothing, yet have so much to gain. I’ve found that talking to different travellers whom are all at very different stages of life offers such new perspectives and ideas. It really helps open your eyes to understanding people and the world.
Travel Friends Are The Best
This statement is so true, and really doesn’t need much explanation. Often the people you meet travelling are like-minded, and you quickly form the best friendships with them even after only a few hours together. It means that even while solo travelling, you still get to create awesome shared memories. The thing that sucks though, is that every few days you have to say good bye to all your new friends, over and over again. But then you make more, so it’s a cycle.
Finding Comfort In The Uncomfortable
Especially in the first few weeks travelling, and my first day or two in each new location I always feel more uncomfortable and stressed. Travelling to new cities and countries is challenging. There are language barriers, and so many unknowns that it can be daunting. Honestly it should be a bit daunting. However, along with this eventually comes a feeling of comfort in uncomfortable and challenging situations. After travelling for a month, I now feel quite at home outside of my comfort zone, and actually enjoy the challenge it provides. This brings a new kind of freedom and excitement, if I’m so willing to be challenged mentally, emotionally, and physically, then I really could achieve anything. I must also admit (as those of you who know me well know) I am someone who loves planning, and structure, routine and schedules are my best friend. But this trip is teaching me to sit back and go with the flow a bit more, it’s surprising how freeing that is.
Self-Assurance and Confidence
It’s incredible how rapidly your confidence and belief in yourself develops when you only have yourself to rely on. I am now much more confident not only in my day to day activities, like taking myself out to eat at a restaurant, but also my ability to navigate things like public transport in a foreign country. I know it’s no ground-breaking feat, many people have done it before me, but for those concerned that they don’t have what it takes, you do!!
Gratitude and Appreciation
I’m so grateful that I have the opportunity to be here and travel the way I’m travelling. I think about it often, while I quite literally dreamt of it, I never knew I would be able to spend 4-months on holiday on the other-side of the world. To all the people that supported me getting here, and embarking on this trip, I appreciate each and every single one of you. There’s also a sense of pride that comes with witnessing New Zealand’s achievements from an international perspective. Pride for our little island nation, and the way it is viewed, and how much success it has.
My Biggest Challenges
While I love writing about the great times I have solo travelling, and I absolutely advocate it, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. It can be challenging, and I wouldn’t be being realistic if I didn’t talk about that.
Personally, I usually find travel days to be the hardest, especially the long ones. There’s always an element of uncertainty regarding train delays (almost always), missing connections, and needing seat reservations or such. Not only do these days me tired, but then I also have to learn how to navigate a new city, or even country, just to get from the train station to the hostel with all my luggage. Recently this has been in 30 degree plus weather. However, what I do enjoy about travel days is that they give me time to sit and enjoy the peace. I get to listen to some music, look at my photos, and really appreciate the my time.
Also getting sick. It is bound to happen, at least once, if not multiple times especially when staying in shared accomodations. But it is not pleasant, you have no personal space, and you still have to look after and provide for yourself, there’s no one to look after you. This usually makes for a pretty miserable few days, however, it does pass, and you will be alright. But it’s certainly one of my least favourite aspects of solo travel.
Travelling to a range of countries where English is either not spoken, or not the first language has left me feeling somewhat ignorant. As much as I try to learn a few key words and phrases in each new country, I am left wishing I could speak a second language. It has definitely highlighted the privilege I have from growing up in an English speaking country. However, I must also say that even with the language barrier I have had no issues with communication as you figure out a way. Google translate is my best friend.
Top Tips
⁃ Pick your hostels wisely.
Location is much more important that you think, it’s worth paying a bit more for a better location, otherwise you end up paying more on transport. Also as a solo female traveller I am willing to spend more for higher rated hostels that are safer, more comfortable and have a better social environment. Use the HostelWorld app/website to look at hostel options, ratings and reviews, but always book direct for better rates and more flexibility!
⁃ Know what works for you/what YOU want to do
Don’t waste your time trying to make other people happy or meet their expectations. Identify what you enjoy, whether that be sightseeing, museums, or partying and do what makes you happy. There’s no point spending your entire trip doing things don’t enjoy just because others are doing them or say you should do them. For example, I do love to go out and have a few drinks, but I’ve quickly learnt that I don’t have the energy to do this all the time as I like to go out during the day to sightsee. But it’s important you do what you enjoy to get the most out of your trip.
⁃ Planning, planning, planning
This is a dreaded word for many people. When travelling Europe in peak season (May – August) planning and booking ahead is pretty critical. However, moving into shoulder season, planning ahead becomes less critical. While I am still trying to plan at least a couple of weeks ahead (but keeping my bookings flexible) as this gets me the best deals but I know plenty of people who are just booking the next destination as required. Once again it depends on what works best for you, but if you are visiting a popular hotspot, or in peak season, it is best to book in advance so you don’t miss out.
In Conclusion
So far, solo travel has been the most rewarding decision I have made. Yes it has been challenging, but there’s no other way I’d rather have done this. I’m seeing the most incredible places, and meeting amazing people from around the world. Time is flying by way to fast, but I am so excited to see what the next few months have to offer.
~ Nikita’s Nomadic Notes
Nikita’s Nomadic Notes 