To Be Alone Or Not To Be Alone?
On January 16th, 2010 I set off on a trip around the world.
Alone.
And I don’t regret a thing.
Often times other fellow travelers would ask, “Don’t you get lonely?” or “How do you do it all alone?”
And you know, I had anxiety about that before setting off too. I wasn’t sure how I’d respond to being off in the big bad world all by my lonesome. You know what I discovered? The big bad world isn’t so big and bad. It’s actually a hell of a lot of fun.
Sure there are downsides to traveling alone, but the benefits far outweigh the detriments.
I understand that solo travel isn’t for everyone, but if you think you fit the mold, hopefully this will help give you the courage to do solo travel yourself.
You’re Never Really Alone
If you travel like me, then you migrate from hostel to hostel. Sometimes even couch to couch. And because you’re on a budget and staying in hostels, you’re sharing rooms with others.
This can be a major pain in the ass if you’re looking for privacy, but on the flip side, it’s a great way to meet new people.
Because you’re sharing a room, you quite literally have a captive audience. This becomes a great time to introduce yourself, meet others, and hopefully make friends.
Some of the coolest people I met while traveling was because we were staying in the same hostel.
Just One Room In A Hostel In Australia
Of course, it’s up to you to be social and outgoing. You could always get your own room in a hostel or not talk to anyone. But what’s the fun in that?
And don’t worry, I’ve found when traveling, people are much more open to meeting others. Everyone is out to have a great time and have amazing experiences. It just takes a little effort on your part to make friends.
And if the hostel sucks and you don’t click with anybody, join free walking tours. It’s a great way to meet other like minded travelers. Walking tours are the perfect time to start up a conversation, make friends, and make plans to meet up later whether it be for food or drinks.
I’m astounded how travelers are so open to meeting new people.
However, my approach to a stranger is much different traveling compared to my normal day-to-day life.
While traveling, a simple, “Hey, I’m Ryan. What’s your name?” will suffice as an introduction to somebody.
If I were to say that in a normal day-to-day situation, that person first wonders who the hell I am? Then why I am talking to him/her?
While traveling, people are just more open to meeting others, hearing their story, and making friends.
Until you travel, it may be hard to understand, but trust me it’s ten times easier to meet people. But don’t take my word for it, try it yourself!
You’re Forced To Be More Outgoing
When traveling alone, you become much more aware of your surroundings and those who are in it.
With a partner or group, you tend to get absorbed in your own tight circle. You focus on what’s happening with you and your friends, while neglecting others around you.
This is totally fine. Hell, I’ve done it plenty of times.
The problem is that when you travel with others, you can limit the potential to meet new friends.
On the flip side, when alone, you’re forced to put yourself out there. You don’t want to eat lunch alone? You don’t want to join a tour alone? Well hate to break it to you, but it’s up to you to find some people to go with.
This is one of the more enjoyable things I find about travel. Making new friends from all over the world becomes a challenge. A challenge that I readily accept. Because let’s face it, it’s not always about the place your visiting, but rather the people you meet when you’re there.
Take it from me. Traveling alone forces you to be outgoing and sociable. Sometimes it happens naturally, sometimes you have to put yourself out there and introduce yourself. Regardless, what do you have to lose besides making new, totally rad friends?
Complete Freedom
Don’t want to leave? Don’t want to stay?
When you’re alone, nobody is stopping you! You’re allowed to be spontaneous without answering to anybody.
When traveling with a partner or group, you’re forced to consider their thoughts and often must compromise.
You’re not allowed to make decisions without considering them first. That can be a royal pain in the ass.
When alone, it’s your trip. It’s ok to be selfish. You can do what you want when you want.
For instance, while in Southeast Asia, I was planning on taking a 10 hour bus journey to the south of Cambodia. The night before the bus, I had the opportunity to change plans and fly to Malaysia for a Formula 1 race. Had I been traveling with somebody, I would’ve had to consider their thoughts and possibly missed the opportunity.
Instead, I bought the plane ticket that night, pissed away my bus ticket for $10, and found myself in Malaysia for a Formula 1 race and Fat Boy Slim concert the next day. Being spontaneous definitely has its benefits.
Formula 1 Race In Kuala Lumpur
Or what about if you wanna visit that girl/guy you met last week in another country? Nobody is stopping you!
Often times, I flew back to meet up with girls I met previously traveling. Although my buddies gave me shit for it, nobody could stop me. And I don’t regret my rendezvous one bit.
Want to fly back to Brisbane to hang out with that cool guy/girl you met, no problem. What about Bangkok, Amsterdam, London? Nobodies there to stop you!
In the end, the trip is about YOU. Do what you feel most comfortable with.
And it’s not to say there’s anything wrong with traveling with others. I met plenty of awesome couples and groups that were outgoing, friendly, and cool.
Just be aware of the barriers you could be putting up when traveling with others. Because in the end, it’s not only about the places you go, but the people you meet.
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Totally agree! I travelled through Mexico and Guatemala by myself and was nervous at first but then loved it. I made some great friends – people I wouldn’t have met had I been travelling with friends. Solo travel does force you out of your comfort zone and take that step to say “hi!” to someone.