Why travelling solo is fantastic

It was four years ago when I went travelling on my own for the first time. Four whole weeks to Sri Lanka to be precise. And I couldn’t have predicted that this one journey would have made me want to see as much of the world as possible! Now four years on, I still love travelling solo.

All the time in the world

Why do I prefer to travel on my own? Rather than travelling in a group.

You can go exactly where you would like to go. If you do not feel like doing something, you don’t need to do it! More time for what you really want to see and do. Great!
Travelling solo gives you lots of freedom. When you travel on your own, you start to appreciate yourself more but also the little things around you.

Collecting memories and special moments

Your feet in the sand. Reading a book in the park. Dancing in the rain. Travelling alone gives you memories and precious moments you will never forget. Meeting new people is one of those. Because, even though you’re travelling on your own, you’re not really ever alone! If you want, you can meet people just like that. Who, like you, are exploring the world solo. This way you can find the perfect balance between some me-time and being with others.

Doubts about travelling solo

I completely understand you might have some doubts about travelling alone. It is a bit scary the first time. My advice is to talk to friends who have travelled on their own before. And search online where you would like to go. You will come up with all sorts of excuses: you’re not sure whether you are really going to enjoy it. You don’t have enough money. Is it really a safe destination? Etcetera. But one thing is for sure. If you won’t try, you will never find out. And all your doubts will disappear once you are travelling solo.

Tips for solo travellers

Travelling alone will be a constant learning curve. About yourself. But also about the best way to travel solo. Here are some tips. Things I’ve learned during my travels:

If possible, book a flight which arrives during the day. It is much nicer to find a hotel or a hostel during the day. And to explore the place when it is still light. Not so great to arrive when it is dark and you don’t really know where to start.
Book the first night (or the first two nights) before you leave. This way you don’t need to worry where you’re going to sleep that first night.
Make photocopies of your passport and all other important documents. And store them in your dropbox, cloud, etc.
Passport. Credit card. Mobile phone. These are three most important things you should always carry with you. I can assure you that you will one day lose something. But if you have these three items with you, it will usually sort itself out.
Take your time to get used to your new environment. Explore the area you’re in. Whether you like it there. Where your favourite coffee bar is. It is absolutely normal you will have to get used to the new culture, new people and the weather.
Don’t book everything prior to your departure. Most of the time you will be able to easily book hostels, hotels, day trips, etc, in the country you’re staying. Sometimes it will be cheaper too.
Ask the people you meet for tips where to stay or where to go. This way you’ll find unexpected and beautiful places.
Hostels and hotels will be able to assist you arranging transport to the airport or other destinations.
Be open to new experiences. But never be forced to do things you really don’t want to do. Say NO.
Keep a travel blog. A great way to remember your journeys. And, if you keep a travel blog online, your friends and family can enjoy your travels too.

But the most important thing is to relax, enjoy and experience the greatest adventures ever!

dominique