Travelling alone, even before I experienced it, always held a certain allure. I could easily picture myself wandering through an unfamiliar city without specific plans, doing what I felt like doing when I felt like doing it, without needing to manage the feelings and expectations of other people. I was nervous about it as well, mostly because of perceptions around what is considered safe, but I knew the only way to figure it out was to take the plunge – And I’m glad I did. Here are some things I learned along the way.
- Being an Introvert Definitely Helps
My first-time solo travelling was at a pivotal point in my life and directly following several weeks of travelling with people. So, in addition to many things to ponder and dream about, I was also ready for some alone time.
But even I can only go about a week of solo travelling before I start to really need to talk to people. I have never taken so many photos or posted so much on social media as when I was travelling alone. Along with seeing some of the most beautiful architecture, sunsets, oceans, gelato, temples, etc. that I had ever seen, there was no one to be in awe with me and I realized that I wanted others to join me in acknowledging that, yes, it was incredible!
- Eating out isn’t nearly as much fun
In normal life, I feel great about going to a restaurant on my own and bringing a book, some work to get done, or a podcast to listen to. But trying new foods in a new place is such a communal experience. I found that meals became much more of an “I need to eat something” experience, as opposed to being adventurous with what I tried and savouring the food.
In a group: “If you order the fish and I order the steak, I can try yours and you can try mine.” “Should we get a carafe of wine or a pitcher of beer?”
Alone: “What’s your most popular dish? [Inner monologue, “I really hope I like this because I’m stuck with it either way.”] “I’ll have a glass of your [cheapest] red wine” [Inner monologue: “I’m walking home after this, so I don’t want to drink too much. I have a bottle of wine in the Airbnb that I can enjoy once I get into the safety of locked doors.”]
- Bookstores and libraries are my favourites
I have a special place in my heart for books. Especially hard copy, used, musty smelling books where you can page through and see the wear. Pages folded down as bookmarks, notes here in there in the margins, library cards showing who had last checked it out and when, or maybe a note inside the front cover relaying a birthday or graduation message from an aunt or uncle or parent. There’s nothing like finding a bookstore or library where you can wander unhindered for hours if you wish.
Bookstores, for me, always pose the risk of spending way too much money (not to mention the weight that it might add to your checked baggage) but exploring books is a unique way to experience a new culture and it’s an ideal activity to do by yourself. And, plus, a book purchased in some romantic location with plenty of traveller’s nostalgia is going to automatically carry with it a little bit of extra magic.
- Official tours are the way to go
When I spent time in Lisbon, Portugal, I realized very quickly (after a day of getting lost and wandering the city on foot) that the best way to see all the touristy hotspots was to sign up for official tours. Many are free, but even those with a cost were worth it. I did a tram tour, a bus tour, and a boat tour all on the same day! It allowed me to relax, knowing someone else oversaw logistics, and simply took in the beauty of the place I was visiting.
Solo travelling might not be everyone’s preferred option, but there is a certain magic about exploring a place alone with your thoughts, with the freedom to do exactly as you please. But, even for someone like me who treasures my alone time, solo adventuring will be an every-once-in-a-while activity, rather than the standard.