I’ve always been a really independent girl.
I love my alone time and know how to manage my finances, work and personal life all by myself, thank you very much.
Now, this is all useful, but it’s not quite the same as traveling solo.
Before this trip, I had never embarked on a long journey to a destination without friends waiting for me. It certainly has its ups and downs, but I think it’s a truly unique experience.
Yesterday was a very rainy, cold day in Santa Fe, Argentina.
I had planned on waking up early and going to the zoo, but when I heard the pouring rain, I decided to sleep a bit longer.
When I did wake up, I was going over my options in my head. I realized I had no one to please but myself. I didn’t want to go to a muddy zoo an hour outside of town, so I didn’t. I did, however, badly want to exercise.
Most people look at rain as something that forces you to stay indoors all day and cannot be persuaded, but I had no one to persuade.
I changed into my running clothes and walked past the hostel employees who eyed me strangely.
I admit it, as soon as I walked outside I was cold. My sleeveless shirt and shorts were not rainy day attire, but I ran anyway. I ran through the rain, sprinting to keep warm.
After a few minutes and several crazy looks from drivers, I just couldn’t stop smiling and laughing. I was soaked and I felt totally free.
Traveling solo means you are in charge
If you don’t want to spend money on lunch, you go to the grocery store and buy something cheap. If you want to splurge on a giant ice cream (as I so often do), no one is telling you not to.
I am a very efficient person, so I can plan out several activities and move through them at my own pace. Yes, nightlife is a little trickier because I can’t exactly bring a book to a bar to entertain myself, but there are always locals or other travelers to meet up with.
I don’t think I could declare myself a solo traveler at heart, at least night yet. However, I think it’s something that everyone should try.
Take a weekend and go away all on your own. Perhaps take a run in the rain, or just have a veg out day in a hotel- no one is around to judge you! Either way, embrace solo traveling!
4 Comments
I am currently halfway through a 3 month trip around Europe, alone.
I think that you got it in one!
My first solo trip was last year though, to cambodia, which I found a lot harder as I was sick with gastro the whole time, and no one was there to get me water or food if I couldn’t be bothered getting out of bed.
But I survived! And now I know I can do anything!
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1992/3 – I got on a bus from London to Kathmandu with an overland tour, then headed down into India on my own. 5 months later I arrived into Bangkok to Thai protests. Here’s my 1993 diary entry leaving Bangkok and heading to the islands for the first time. 20yrs later, Koh Phangan is still my second home!
Back to the Beginning: Arrival to Koh Phangan 1993
http://miaescobudkohphangantales.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/back-to-beginning-arrival-to-koh.html
I took a month out a couple of years ago to go to Canada on my own it was amazing. Currently planning a working holiday to New Zealand on my own later in the year 🙂