Have you ever heard that you can't travel alone? Well, I'm here to tell you they're wrong. I have a lot of first-hand experience traveling alone, but the truth is, you don't need friends to travel.
The concept of traveling alone can be daunting, especially for solo female travelers, given the constant stream of warnings about safety and loneliness. But with proper planning, awareness, and confidence, solo travel can be not only safe, but incredibly empowering and fun.
Let's debunk the myth that traveling alone is synonymous with danger and loneliness. Yes, there are risks, just like any adventure involves risks. But don't let fear of the unknown overshadow the incredible benefits that solo travel can bring. And thanks to modern tools like cell phones, it's easier than ever to stay connected.
My parents have always been supportive of my travel plans. They trusted my judgment when I traveled alone through Southeast Asia. To keep my location up to date, I relied on Polarsteps.
Polarsteps is a great travel app that allows you to accurately track your location and record your journey. You can post your photos in various places called “steps” and only people you share the link with can access them. Impressively accurate, I meticulously recorded the entire route of my motorcycle trip through the mountains of northern Vietnam. It doesn't put a strain on the battery either. Additionally, you can purchase beautiful travel photo books in bulk.
As a solo female traveler, I am aware of the potential dangers and won't deny that I had moments of anxiety. It can sometimes feel uncomfortable when walking alone at night in certain areas of Java, Indonesia, or being run over by a taxi driver.
Thankfully, I've never had a problem in such situations. I avoided going out after dark and took taxis instead of walking. When I received an unwanted invitation, I politely declined, and when I was picked up in a hotel elevator, I got off the elevator and went up the stairs, making sure I wasn't being followed. Be honest and trust your instincts.
Another worry some people have is feeling lonely. Traveling alone for months on end may seem unsettling, but choosing a hostel is a great way to eliminate those worries. At a hostel, you will meet people with similar interests. Ages vary widely. I met some fellow college students and a 40-year-old man who has been traveling for 12 years.
I realize that all the examples I have given are very exotic and far away, but I strongly believe that you don't have to travel far to have fun. There are so many opportunities for adventure, especially in America.
I went to Michigan alone for spring break. It was my first solo trip and I had never driven for such a long time by myself, but it was a lot of fun. Of course, not everything was perfect, but that's how you learn. If I had been with someone else, I wouldn't have ended up having a midnight conversation with a Mackinaw City local. The person happened to be good friends with the bartender and invited me to try Jagermeister.
Again, not everything went smoothly — My car was towed in Chicago and I was overwhelmed, but I was able to call a friend and he calmed me down. That's the nature of today's trip. Traveling has become much easier thanks to technology.
Now, I'm not saying that traveling with friends isn't fun. With the right people, it can be a lot of fun, and there are obvious benefits, such as splitting the cost of a hotel room.
But the important thing here is that they have to be the right people. I have had good experiences traveling with friends, including a weekend trip to Prague with my best friend from Switzerland. Our interests aligned and we were both flexible. However, I have also had negative experiences, such as traveling with couples who were fighting. What I'm trying to say is that there are a lot of variables to consider when traveling with other people. However, if you are traveling alone, you are the only factor to consider.
Solo travel is an empowering journey filled with opportunities for self-discovery and adventure. There are challenges, but the freedom to explore on your own terms outweighs any concerns. So don't let fear hold you back. Embrace adventure and discover the world on your own terms.
Lara Kirchenmann is an opinion writer. To contact her, [email protected].
