Travelling Alone

My parents thought I was mad travelling half way across the world on my own, but it was something that I had to do and I came back a different person – more confident, on a complete buzz, and these experiences gave me the passion I have for travel today.

There’s a misconception that travellers who travel alone are lonely people, with no friends, and they don’t want to socialise. Actually, single travellers are adventurous, enjoy their own company, and are confident travellers.

Whilst traveling with friends or organized groups is fairly common, by choice or by necessity many people travel alone. Traveling alone is a unique experience and can be a very rewarding way of traveling, despite a few drawbacks.

Traveling alone is not uncommon and most solo travelers are able to meet other travelers at hostels, bars, organised tours or any place where travelers tend to hang out or congregate

Advantages to traveling alone

• Your time and budget are your own! It's all up to you how much time to spend someplace, what your daily modes of travel will be, etc.

• It's easier to make friends with the locals. Many great opportunities to interact with the locals on a personal level can be found and enjoyed without a friend or other companion.

• More space to make your trip entirely your own. Solo travel can be a great opportunity for reflection and moving at an individual pace. Traveling by yourself, you only have to please yourself.

• You will be far more flexible than non-solo travelers, and may find it easier to cope with unexpected setbacks and complications. There's nobody to blame you for your own gaffes, after all!

Disadvantages to traveling alone

• There's nobody to watch your back. And there's no one to watch the luggage while you go buy train tickets. You have to carry all your gear yourself, which can be both inconvenient and stressful.

• It's more expensive, as there is no one to share costs with. Rooms are usually about the same price for one or for two. You'll need to budget a little bit more.

• You don't have any social obligations.

• You may experience moments of loneliness.