You want to travel. You make a vague plan. Maybe you’ll fly to Thailand or maybe to Mexico, but either way, you’re leaving in six months time. You start saving money, you start doing research every single night and your level of excitement grows with each passing hour.
Of course, as this will be your first ‘real’ travel experience, you naturally prefer to travel with other people and so you start asking your friends to join you on your epic adventure. As you show them photos you found online of white sand beaches on a Thai island and of the Mayan ruins of Chichen-Itza, you are more than confident that you will have a travel partner or two in no time at all.
But interestingly enough, the first friend you ask, perhaps your closest friend, turns you down. And so you move on to the next friend, but they too, tell you that they have no desire to join you at all. The third friend, the fourth friend and even that guy that you don’t really like but whose company you think you could stand for a few months in Southeast Asia, all say no as well.
Suddenly, you are faced with the idea of embarking on a journey to faraway and very foreign lands all alone. You start to doubt whether or not you are up for the challenge, whether or not you have the courage necessary to survive as a solo traveler.
Maybe you decide to postpone your trip for another six months, hoping that one of your friends will change their mind and decide to tag along. Maybe you decide to forget about your trip altogether, fully convinced that you can only travel so far away from home with a friend or travel companion by your side.
You still desperately want to travel, so much so that you still spend many a night awake in bed researching random destinations, reading every travel article you can find and browsing through travel blog after travel blog. But now you try to accept the fact that what you read and see online is as close as you’ll come to actually traveling yourself.
DON’T GIVE UP JUST YET!
Perhaps, during your online dreaming, you stumbleupon my travel blog and you decide to stick around long enough to read a couple of posts. Maybe you find yourself reading this very post and you can relate to that process of giving up on your travel goals simply because you don’t want to travel alone. And in all honesty, if that is the case, then I’m quite happy that you are reading this post right now.
Here’s my advice to you. You may be on your own when you board that flight to Bangkok or Mexico City, but believe me, once you arrive, you’ll NEVER actually be alone.
That’s how travel works. Unless you stare at the ground and never talk to anyone, you’re going to meet people when you travel, lots and lots of people from all over the world who will be interested in meeting and hanging out with you. In fact, meeting new people is probably one of the easiest things to do when traveling because you have an instant connection with every other traveler. All travelers are strangers in a foreign land and as a result, we often would love an opportunity to travel with a new friend.
Maybe you’ll meet someone at the hostel or guesthouse where you’re staying or at a cafe, in a shop, on a bus or just in the street. Maybe you’ll end up wandering around a city for an afternoon with this person and then parting ways. And the next day, you’ll probably meet someone else to share new experiences with as well. Perhaps you’ll meet someone and decide to travel together for a couple of days or even a couple of weeks. Maybe your plans match up so well that you team up for a month or more.
The point is, you’ll meet plenty of people in just about every single corner of the world, even if you’re the most shy, introverted person on the planet.
MY FIRST SOLO TRIP
When I left for Southeast Asia back in 1999, I did so all alone. Sure, I asked every single one of my friends to join me, just as most of us would do, but they all said no. However, after a long, hard internal debate, I made the decision to visit Asia anyway, with no travel companion. And this decision proved to be the most important decision I have ever made.
I won’t lie to you. When I boarded that flight from Los Angeles to Bangkok, I was shaking. I was so scared of the uncertainty that awaited me that I could barely even think and as a result, I couldn’t help but realize that this was the most terrifying experience of my life.
In fact, several years later, when I was given ten seconds notice one day that I would have to give a forty-five minute presentation to 1000 people on a cruise ship, the fear I felt at that moment was NOTHING in comparison to how I felt on that flight to Thailand.
But of course, despite the fear, as I soared high over the Pacific Ocean, high over Taiwan and eventually into Southeast Asia, I knew that there was no turning back.
AND THEN MY FLIGHT LANDED…
…and I passed through immigration and customs at the Bangkok Airport and I even managed to make it from the airport into the city center without any problems despite the fact that it was after midnight. I spent the night in a budget hotel room and then, during my first stroll around the streets of Bangkok the very next morning, I met a British traveler at a cafe. We started talking and sure enough, we both had planned to travel overland to Cambodia in order to celebrate the Millennium at Angkor Wat.
That was it. Just like that I had a travel partner, less than nine hours after I had arrived in Bangkok. And we got along so well that we ended up traveling together for almost two months.
Will that happen to you when you embark on your adventure? There’s no guarantee of course. But again, if you look up, smile and start conversations with those around you, the chances of you actually being alone are quite miniscule (unless you want to be alone).
And before long, you’ll understand why I answer every single email that asks me what it’s like to always travel alone with the very same response. I simply say, “I may be a solo traveler but I’m never really on my own.”
So, with that now said, I urge you to not let the fear of traveling by yourself stop you from achieving your travel goals. It would be such a shame to let that happen, especially when that fear will disappear shortly after you arrive at your first destination.
Have you experienced this fear? Have you reconsidered your travel plans when your friends didn’t want to join you? Do you agree that meeting people is quite easy while on the road?
Back in 1999, I left home for a 3 month trip to Asia that has still yet to end.
It’s fun to travel with a friend, and it’s a different experience going solo. Both good! I’ve met people all over that I now visit or plan other trips with — I would have missed out on some unique friendships had I always insisted on starting with a travel buddy.
For times when I’m on the road and really would like a connection, CouchSurfing is a great resource. Even if you’re not looking for a place to stay, there’s always someone willing to meet with you or an event for local CSers.
Hey Catia – That’s so true as sometimes we don’t even try to connect with other people around us when we are traveling with friends from the start. And I often think about all of the incredible friendships that I would have missed out had I not traveled on my own most of the time as well!
Good one Derek, and it really motivates those who want to travel on solo. Like you say ” “I may be a solo traveler but I’m never really on my own.”
This is the similar things happen to me too. When a person travel, you get to learn the country’s culture, people and language and the experiences you gain will be tremendous! Next Destination for me end of this year on my own :SPAIN!
Hola Victor! So you’re already planning your next adventure? That’s so good to hear and obviously, you don’t seem to mind if you end up traveling to Spain on your own
Hola Derek,
Yes, in fact I am learning Spanish again and again this time. I am planning to come to Bangkok @ Yangon this June 2012. Hope all goes well, keep reading your blog on Bangkok
I bet it gonna be a good trip as well Derek!
Gonna buzz you on Bangkok if I have some questions mate!
Till then, take care amigo!
Hey Victor – That’s all good news and of course you can let me know if you need any Bangkok advice…looking forward to hearing more about your trip!
This is exactly what I answer to all the people who ask me how I can travel solo … If I waited for someone to join me, I would never go anywhere! But then, I never spend more than a week alone out of 3 months.
@CrazySexyFunTraveler – Exactly…and I can only imagine how many people give up on their travel goals simply because they can’t find someone to join them!
That is exactly what I’ve been doing the last year, postponing.
However, don’t you think it is different for women?
Hey Simone – I honestly don’t think it’s that different for women…I’ve met an infinite number of solo female travelers as well, in every country I’ve been in, including places such as India, Pakistan, Syria, Nicaragua and more. If you were to show up at a hostel or guesthouse, you would meet other travelers just as I would. And I’ve traveled with new female friends that I met while traveling numerous times.
Sure, I wouldn’t fly to Delhi as a solo female traveler if you’ve never traveled before, but if you fly to more common destinations I think you’ll be quite surprised at how little you actually have to worry about
Great post Earl! On my first trip I was all alone on a flight bound for Calcutta. I was so scared. While waiting in the Seattle airport I struck up a conversation with a nice Indian woman. Later I boarded the plane and she was seated directly behind me! She eased my fears and saw to it I got to my destination. It was a defining moment for me. The lesson was if I followed my heart it would all work out and it did and continues to be so.
Hey Maureen – That takes some guts to fly to Calcutta on your first trip! But then again, your story about the woman you met is a perfect example of how things do tend to fall into place and how quickly our fears do disappear. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Earl, I have not travelled alone as such yet but I have spent a lot of time on my travels alone as my partner has always been studying (she finally finished this week
). Meeting people is easy if you just be outgoing and genuine. It seems the less you try the more people you meet too!
Hey Forest – That’s a great line about the less you try, the more people you meet. It does seem to be that way. And it is all about being genuine, smiling and just shaking people’s hands…interact with others and they will interact with you…and who knows where it will lead?!
And a big congratulations to your partner for finishing her studies!!
Really great post! It is exactly how things are happening. Even as a woman I love to travel alone. One of the main points in traveling for me is actually meeting other travelers, having interesting conversation with them. And as I firstly was afraid, there is nothing to be afraid even if you are a woman. There is a lot of single girls/women who are traveling alone and they also love to have company. So grab bag and just go, there is nothing to be afraid of.
Hey Soph – It’s great to hear a woman’s perspective on this and to see that you feel the same way. In the end, there’s no difference between a solo male or solo female traveler in terms of their ability to meet other travelers and people in general. So either way, you just strike up a conversation and you’re bound to have some new friends/travel companions before you know it…
It’s hard to find a person to travel with. And also it’s hard to find the good match as a travel partner. So travelling solo can be a great deal I think. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want. Also being solo force you to go and talk to people, to make new friends and a new social life in the countries where you go. I am in m world tour since november 2009 and I am doing it solo since April 2010 (at first I was with a friend) and Yes I love it
Hey Tunimaal – You brought up some excellent points and it’s great to hear that you’re currently out there exploring the world! I too love the freedom associated with traveling on your own, being able to wake up and create your day based upon what you want to do…and yes, being forced to talk to others is a good thing as you never know who you’ll meet…could be a new friend!
I love traveling on my own, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I do think it’s unforutnate when fear keeps people from traveling, but I also think you have to be the right kind of person to be able to do the solo travel thing. People who are uncomfortable by themselves might thrive on a tour group. It’s most important that you know yourself.
Hey Erik – That is also true, some people simply have no desire to travel on their own. And of course, there’s nothing wrong with that at all. If someone feels more comfortable with a group, then by all means, they should travel with a group tour. Either way works, as long as the person gets out there and tries to achieve their travel goals!
I love everything about this post. It’s 100%. I remember planning for my epic RTW trip and asking all my friends. Of course like you mentioned they all turned me down for one reason or another. It discouraged me a bit, because I was scared… it would be traveling alone for the 1st time in my life. What got me through it was reading your blog and many others. I planned away and well look at me now… about to be on the road for a year already. I will never forget saying bye to my friends as they dropped me off at the airport and feeling alone. After that moment… I was never really alone. You really do meet so many amazing people on the road & it’s so easy. When people ask me at home… if it’s scary to be alone. I let them know of the whole trip I have maybe… MAYBE been alone 10-20 days of the trip and majority of those are by choice where I don’t want to be bothered.
I love your answer “I may be a solo traveler but I’m never really on my own.”.
OH & the other awesome thing is you even meet up with other travel bloggers at time and travel together with them. On this trip I have met over 15 and it’s just been amazing. I remember meeting you in Playa. Ahh won’t forget that. Thanks for inspiring me & others to explore the world.
Hey Jaime – Has it been a year already?? That’s unreal, and a big congratulations to you!! I think it’s been quite obvious that you’ve been having a good time out there in the world
Like you said, it is indeed scary to start off on your own, but rarely will you meet someone who tells you that the fear lasted very long after their flight took off. That’s just how it works and there is more than enough evidence to back that theory up.
I hope to meet up with you again at some point on your adventure, ideally in India!
Thank you my darling boy! I’ve been traveling alone for quite some time now. When I hit home base and try to “bloom where I am planted” I find I have nothing in common with my peer age group who have been married for decades and simply cannot fathom traveling without a partner. You are a great comfort to this old broad.
Hey Annie – Your comment put a big smile on my face
I know the feeling of not fitting in back at home and I can’t even imagine what would happen if I was afraid to travel on my own. So a big cheers to you for getting out there anyway as well!
This is so true! Travelers are drawn to each other around the world. So many times I started out traveling or my own or with my wife and ended up with an entourage. It’s quite something how it just happens. You meet people in a way you might never meet them at home.
And you make your own choices. Total freedom. It’s nice. You can’t wait on people forever.
Nice post!
Hey Justin – Thanks for commenting! And I always try and think what my life would be like if I hadn’t met the people I’ve met over the years while on the road. It does just happen and it really is amazing how little we actually have to worry about making new friends even in the most foreign of places.
I ended up going solo on my last tour of the south west coast of Turkey. Friends said I was crazy and hubby was getting into a panic. Thing is though, I think I enjoyed it more because I was on my own. Sure there was the moments when I wished my photos, actually had people I knew in them however the freedom of just going where and when I wanted to go was amazing. I don’t think I could have done it when I was younger but as I am getting older, I find myself more comfortable with my own presence.
Hey Natalie – That freedom is something special, especially when the result is such rewarding experiences. But we do have to be comfortable with just hanging out with ourselves in order to summon the courage to begin a solo trip…but usually, once we pass that first step, the feeling is, as you said, amazing!
I leave for my first solo RTW trip on Feb. 5, and this is exactly what I needed to read to ease my fears about traveling alone and feeling lonely! I will probably still feel lonely at times since I’ll be away from family and friends, but it’s nice to be reminded that new friends are always just around the corner.
Hey Devon – Not too far away now at all! And you are correct, there will still be moments of loneliness (I still have those even after 12 years!) but there will also be endless moments of meeting new and interesting people who you will connect with. And that makes it all worthwhile!
Way to go Earl, you’re in your element, doing what you do best, convincing people to travel. With every blog, you are gaining more followers. And with this one, you should get a lot of feed back. Great topic and question!
My first big trip (and solo trip) was backpacking around Europe for 4 months. Several of my friends and I worked the crush season in a small California winery. We worked 16 hour days and just saved all our money ‘cuz there wasn’t any time to do much else. Four of us had the plan to all go to Europe after the last grapes were changed to juice and safely in their tanks learning to be wine. However, one by one, each of the other three found some reason that they couldn’t go. So, that left me alone to make the trip by myself. And I did!
As I was 25 and had a year in Vietnam under my belt, I felt there was nothing I couldn’t do. I don’t remember being scared but rather think that I was out to show up my buddies that I could do something that they couldn’t. And I did!
Although I traveled alone, I was never really alone, only when I wanted to be. Those 4 months were very “confidence building”. I met several other travelers who I traveled with for weeks at a time. The stories I returned with would fill a book. But, that’s another story.
Earl, when we finally meet up sometime, somewhere, it’s story/ beer time.
Meanwhile, keep up the blog and continue the message with your stories. I hope it won’t get old for you encouraging others to travel, solo or not. You’re kinda like a musician playing the same song over and over again but to a new audience every night. Think of it this way: How many times have the Stones sung “can’t get no Satisfaction”? And it never gets old. Keep on Truck’n!
Hey Steve – That’s another reason to get out there and travel on your own, to prove to those around you that you can survive out there in this world and that you’re not as crazy as they think you are
And believe me, I won’t get tired of trying to convince others to achieve their travel goals. Every time I read a comment or an email from someone who has made the decision to start traveling, I’m even more motivated to continue with the blog than ever before!
Now you have me curious about your stories, so I guess we need to make sure we do get a chance to meet up at some point this year! Looking forward to it of course…
It took me a long time to muster up that courage/drive to travel on my own, and I’m really quite glad that I did, and it’s exactly like you described in your article. I’m a lot friendlier and more willing to talk to others when on my own =) It is nice having your own time too though!
@Simone it’s not really that different for girls! if you’re a little paranoid, pick an ‘easier’ country to start off with, but once you do it, it’s hard to imagine why it took you so long to get around to it
Hey Jac – It’s great to have another example of someone who found the courage to leave on their own and was then happy with the results! And yes, being able to sneak away and enjoy some ‘on your own’ time, without having to worry about a travel partner, is definitely another bonus of traveling solo
Exactly. Traveling is an easy way to meet people, and people are even friendlier to you when you travel alone (especially if you’re female, and sometimes we do have to be careful with the overly friendly).
Hey Ellen – Absolutely, it does pay to be a bit cautious at times. But even with that, there is no shortage of good people to meet out there!
Earl thanks for being such an inspiration! Your blogs bring such joy that at times Im reading with tears in my eyes…
Tell me Earl, when you travel do you plan the places you are going to? As in the cities or do you just go with the flow? When I travel I would want to be organized but adventures and randomness are so fun! I just need a ‘little’ advice!
Thanks for being amazing! Best wishes!
Thanks for that comment Meghan, I’m not sure what to say really
As for your questions, usually, I don’t plan much beyond the city I’m arriving in. I personally prefer to leave everything open so that I can make decisions based upon how I feel, new places I learn about, random recommendations, etc. Like you said, such randomness is certainly fun, and quite addicting as well!
Of course, it may pay to have a list of the places you would ideally like to visit in a particular country without actually booking rooms or making any definite plans. This way, you can start off by following the list you made and then, if randomness strikes, you have nothing stopping you from heading somewhere new. But then you can always return to your list of places in order to have some basic structure with your travels and not feel as if you are completely winging it!
I’ve been traveling solo in Latin America for over 14 months. I enjoy doing things on my own and not having to compromise on what I want to do or where I want to go. But I have found that when I do want to be around others, I can always find some great travel buddies.
Hey Stephanie – You’re definitely another great example of how traveling solo is not as scary as it may sound, for females as well. I think a lot of people would think twice about traveling through Latin America on their own (both males and females), but this part of the world is just like all the others in terms of how easy it is to meet other people. And traveling solo does give you that perfect balance between being around others and enjoying your own company!
Great post. Something I have found is when you make friends while traveling, it is like your relationship is put into a time machine. Someone you spend 4 days with in Thailand feels like a friend you have had back home for years. I found that very interesting and strange. We are all in it together and meet like minded people so things work out. Keep it up.
Bert.
Hey Bert – I know exactly what you’re talking about. When you share such unique, often life-changing experiences while traveling, even if it is with someone you just met, it seems to create a much stronger bond. I have a couple of really close friends now who I met over 10 years ago while traveling and I only spent a few days with each of them!
I have some trips where I meet heaps of people (and create some lifelong friends and travel partners–people who I meet traveling always seem more keen to meet up again in some new place in the world!) or when I’m just on my own, and I like it that way. Sometimes, traveling alone is the best way to get to know yourself, whether you want to or not.
Hey Christine – Traveling and actually being on your own certainly does have its benefits. And I think that once we begin our travels, we start to realize that being on our own really isn’t such a bad thing, and then we can decide if we feel like spending time with others or just wandering around solo.
Lovely post, Earl
Earl, this post was wonderful and gave me hope for my travel dreams to come true! I’ve tried doing many trips with friends to places within our state, and for some reason or another the plans never work out. I’m sick of it! I want to see the world, and nothing’s going to hold me back anymore! Besides, half the fun of traveling is all of the different people you meet along the way. I do ask you this though, how do you go about knowing who to talk and who to keep your distance from? I know a lot of it is instinct, if you meet someone and something feels off, stay away. But I don’t want to be totally guarded either or I won’t meet anyone. I guess I’m just wondering how cautious I should be while traveling and socializing with the natives, as well as fellow travelers.
Hey Autumn – I appreciate the comment! To be honest, if you use the exact same common sense that you would use at home when meeting people, you’ll be fine when you are meeting people overseas. And even if you decide to be cautious, it doesn’t mean that you can’t engage in conversation. Of course, if a stranger walks up to you, asks you a couple of questions and then invites you into his car, I would avoid that situation. But in general, if you meet people during the normal course of your day, in crowded places, you’ll be safe.
You definitely don’t want to walk around as if you suspect every person around you is out to get you. Like you said, this won’t lead to much interaction at all. So remain open to meeting people, be slightly cautious until you feel comfortable and just don’t do anything that seems like it might be a bad idea.
Other than that, get out there and enjoy this world of ours!!
P.S. How young is too young to start traveling?
That’s a tough question…I’d say that you’re old enough to travel if you feel ready. Realistically, it will probably be more challenging for someone under 18 but there is no set age
Your article helped boost my courage in planning for my grand “I’m going to do this one day” South American trip 100%. Do you have any advice for people like me who suffer from chronic health conditions in relation to solo traveling. I suffer from Fibromyalgia, a musculo-skeletal condition that causes pain and inflammation throughout the body. It limits what I can do on any given day but I would still love to go out and travel solo through South America for a couple of months regardless sometime in the future.
Hey Matthew – I’m glad this post gave you a courage boost! As for traveling with your condition, as long as you are able to move from place to place in general, my advice would simply be to travel slowly. Don’t try and stick to a strict schedule, leave your travel plans relatively open in order to accommodate any days in which you might not feel well enough to travel. Luckily, in places such as South America, you don’t need to plan much in advance. You can book transportation and accommodation last minute without any issues, allowing you to really make last-minute decisions based upon how you’re feeling.
So I definitely think it is doable! And taking your time is actually a great way to travel anyway. It gives you a much better feel for a place than if you were to rush through a country, spending one or two nights in every town you visit!
Back in 2003 I was taking my very first super long trip abroad, not to mention it was my first flight. The destination – USA to be part of a work and travel student program. I was really excited. I was supposed to go with a good friend of mine, but at the last minute she couldn’t find a seat on the same flight as mine so she arrived a couple of days later. I was going alone. I was terrified and excited at the same time. I did manage to get the hang of it, not get lost, and most importantly NOT PANIC when I couldn’t find a place to stay for the night. But in the end it was all good. Since then I’ve learned to rely on my own skills, not to be afraid to ask questions, and to develop a taste for solo traveling. Most of my trips were done alone, and yes, being with someone is great, you get to share the experience, but traveling by yourself is just as great, gives you freedom and “forces” you to meet other people. When I will plan my RTW trip, most likely I will be doing it alone and try to meet as many travelers as possible! That’s one of the beauties of traveling
Hey Joseph – As I read the words “not panic” I was definitely nodding in agreement. That’s a huge part of it as things tend to work out much better when we are able to calmly assess the situation and realize that we do have the skills necessary to survive in a strange land. And usually, as was your case, the result is an increased fondness of solo travel. It can become addicting once you realize that you are able to tackle the world on your own!
And I shall look forward to hearing about your RTW trip!!
It is so nice to see some women commenting about travelling alone and successfully. I hope to achieve that some time this year by going to Cuba. I believe that it is a lot easier to meet other people when you are on your own because you more approachable.
Thanks for this great post.
Hey Victoria – It is great to have solo female travelers adding their comments and proving that life on the road is not as scary as it may seem! That will be excellent if you make it to Cuba and have a chance to experience it all for yourself as well
Hi Earl
I *definitely* had that fear! I went to South America as a solo traveler in 2004 for three months. It was my first time traveling alone. I was shaking in my boots! As soon as I arrived in Peru I met a guy and we ended up traveling for two out of those three together. We are still really great mates. I also traveled with a boyfriend for nine months again in South America. As much as I liked traveling with a partner, the freedom I had traveling alone felt amazing. I’ll be traveling solo again towards the end of the year in Central America. I’m sure I’ll have the same nerves but the excitement of boarding the plane will override that I’m sure.
Great post, Earl!
Hey Kirsten – Well, the freedom of traveling alone must have felt good if you’re planning to do it again this year! And I had to laugh when you wrote about making a friend as soon as you arrived in Peru and ended up traveling with him for so long. It seems so crazy in normal life for complete strangers to create such a bond in a matter of minutes but it’s just so normal while traveling!
Such fantastic advice, I think so many people need to hear this. Just like any big dream, it’s not always easy (usually impossible) to drag others there with you. You have to step through the dark doorway alone and on the other side are all those people who love the same things you do.
Hey Kim – I like that about stepping through the dark doorway. That’s exactly how it feels. Of course, as soon as you pass through, the darkness vanishes but it’s still hard to convince ourselves to take that step!
Great post! My first trip alone, like you, was to Bangkok. I had all kinds of silly worries running through my head on the plane about spending months on end by myself, or how miserable it would be to eat dinner alone every night. Of course the reality was nothing like that. In fact there were several times during my trip where I had to rent a motorbike, book myself out of a hostel and into a guest house and just spend a few days going off on my on adventures, because I literally had NO time to myself! Right from the very first few minutes of arriving in the airport I was surrounded by other travelers who were as keen to chat and meet new people as I was. When I tried to explain this to my friends back home they shook their heads in disbelief and told me “Yeah but you are confident, I wouldn’t be able to do it,” but that just simply isn’t true. As you point out, it is so easy to make a connection with a fellow traveler. And since everyone is usually packing their days with elephant treks, jungle explorations, and all kinds of other random adventures, the small talk of getting to know someone tends to be a lot more interesting than it would back home!
I really hope that there are people out there reading your post and making the decision to travel solo, because traveling alone is a wonderful thing. It teaches you to believe in yourself, and it opens you up completely to new experience. These days I honestly don’t think I could travel any other way.
Hey Natalie – I’m glad you mentioned how things change as soon as you arrive at the airport because I can’t even count the number of times I’ve met other travelers after getting off a plane and ended up sharing a taxi into the city center, staying at the same hostel and then hanging out for a few days or more. And I also agree that being confident has little to do with it as I was extremely shy and self-conscious when I first started traveling. It really does take a few seconds of small talk to meet good people…and then, just like that, you discover you both want to go to the same market, the same temple or the same restaurant and off you go…having just met but already feeling like friends!
My first solo travel was to India. I actually flew there with a friend who really wanted a travel companion, but I made it clear that I wanted to go my own way once we got there. I spent my first week “solo” with you, over 10 years ago now, so I guess that was a good idea
Hey Rose – Of course, I had you in mind with this post. A great friendship has formed and it’s all because each of us wanted to travel ‘solo’!
Hi Earl!
Great post, dude! It’s really funny reading the beginning sentence where you mention both Thailand and Mexico, as the two were the options for my first working nomad experience. I finally chose Mexico, especifically Playa del Carmen!
I gotta say that your blog in particular has been really helpful, as there are so many posts about the destination I chose before knowing you’d lived there. I am taking off Feb 12 (I’m from Argentina) and can’t really wait to confirm all the good things I’ve read about the Mayan Riviera and Mexico itself.
Initially, I am staying up there for around 3 months – do you think it’ll be enough or will I end up extending my stay?:D
I love your blog!
Best regards from Argentina!
Gracias Nico! And I’m jealous you’re heading up to Playa del Carmen. I think 3 months might be sufficient if you don’t become addicted to the white sand beaches
But the thing with Mexico is that every state is quite different from each other so I’m going to guess that after 3 months you might want to visit other parts of the country…which you should, because there are incredible destinations all over the place.
But hey, if you end up extending your stay in Playa, I will understand perfectly well…after all, I ended up getting ‘stuck’ there for 2 years!
This is a brilliant point to make. Having never travelled alone for me the idea of travelling to a foreign country is quite daunting but I guess there isn’t really much need to be scared.
Your post is actually quite closely related to my latest post so when it goes up I’ll send a link through here.
Thanks for the insight
Hey Gemma – I look forward to reading your post as well!
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Just less than a month before I leave for India on what will be my first ever solo journey this post is exactly what I needed to read! Thanks for sharing, you have gifted me much needed confidence!
Best Wishes.
Hey Fiona – I’m super happy to hear that and I wish you the best of experiences on your Indian adventure! India will always remain my favorite country on the planet and I’m confident that after the initial adjustment period, you’ll love it as well
Great post. I think the thing with travelling alone is that it makes you more approachable to others, not just fellow travellers but also the locals. I’ve had locals coming up to me for a chat, buying me a streetside stall dinner, or even spending half a day exchanging stories before making sure I get on the correct train.
Plus I just like the spontaneity of travelling alone!
Hey Red – That does make sense. Locals do tend to approach travelers who are on their own as we tend to look a lot more confused and lost
But that’s great because you never know where those conversations will lead and as you pointed out, it often leads to some interesting experiences!
And just like that you’ve completed most of my queries..
*Think of travelling to India* -> Search your site for India blogs
*Still got questions* -> You answered them all via email!
*Shitting bricks about travelling solo* -> You wrote this post!
Brilliant Earl, thank you mate.
Hey Andrew – I’m glad I’ve been able to help and hopefully this was the last piece of the puzzle to get you out there! But now it’s my turn…I expect to learn of some new places from you that I should visit on my next trip to India
Great article. Definitely something I needed to hear today.
I have so many plans for mini-trips this year running through my head (saving for bigger trips in the near future!), and will more than likely be going solo for a few of them. Definitely excited about solo travel, just have to keep the nerves in check!
Hey Kristin – Well, it’s time to turn those plans into reality! And don’t worry, we’re all still nervous up until the last minute but it takes just a minute or two after arrival at your first destination for that to all disappear…
Earl, you have just written the blog I wanted to, after facing down south america solo (which ended with about three nights without friends) I wanted to tell my friends how it can be done, thanks for saving me the trouble of writing this blog! Trust you don’t mind me sharing. Love the blog and page, keep it up bro
Hey Ben – Haha…sorry to steal the idea but glad to have saved you some time
Please feel free to share the post, that’s no problem at all. The more people we can convince to travel solo, the better!
I was so scared to go it alone but i 100% agree with this blog. I arrived in Buenos Aires and had to kill baout 5 hours untill i took a bus to Iguazu Falls so walked about and saw some sites and it felt fairly normal besides the language barrier. I managed to eat and see some sites and find the bus station with out any freak outs and then as soon as i git on the bus, i lovely couple from Canada started talking to me and we became friends and really enjoyed the next few days together. I was basically never alone from then on. Everyone wants to meet new people and make friends. Even people travelling with someone as they get a bit sick of one another and fresh faces releaves tentions of being stuck with the same person for 6 – 12 months. As long as you are a friendly person who isn’t looking to smooze of others, you will be a valued traveller by many. You quicjkly learn who and eho not to make a travel companion and you loose the desperation for someone to talk to pretty quick as you realise, they are all in the same position as you are.
Hey Jackie – That last line is something is great to realize. Every traveler is in the same situation! So of course we all would love an opportunity to meet and spend time with new people, it just makes sense. Thank you for sharing your Argentina tale as, despite how crazy it sounds that you met such nice people so quickly, it is important for those who are hesitating to travel on their own to know that this is actually quite normal!
What are your tips for females travelling alone?
Hey Carmen – As several of the female commenters have said, what I’ve mentioned in this post pertains to solo female travelers as well. Of course, there are certain parts of the world that may not be as female-friendly or that may present some extra challenges (some male-dominated cultures), but in general, you need to use the same common sense you use at home to avoid negative situations. Be cautious when you think you need to be, research ahead of time any particular local customs that you should follow (as should male travelers) and as they say, don’t walk down dark alleys at night.
Also, the more you travel, the more ‘street smarts’ you’ll gain and so soon enough you’ll be able to detect which situations are fine and which are potentially something to avoid. But with all of that said, as other females can attest to, the chance is much, much higher that your travels will be filled with incredible experiences, not negative incidents!
Great post, I too asked all my friends and while I’ve always had somebody on my several trips to the greater european area, I couldnt find anyone for this trip to Asia. The thing i love about hostels and travelling is how easy it is to relate to people! Ive had some of the best conversations with Chileans/Scotts/and Aussies alike. Theres so many things in common with travellers, and the fact that you won’t see most of them again (except on FB) helps break down alot of the barriers! SO i booked my trip, one way ticket starting in India and then ill be moving eastward for 4+ months on my first solo (depends how far 9k will go). this post helped put some confidence back into my sails because as the date gets closer im getting a little nervous =) But whats the worst that could happen?! =D
Hey Steven – That’s perfect that you’ve booked the flight and are heading off on a new adventure! Like I mentioned, being nervous is natural (I still get nervous myself) but if you thought that things won’t work out, you would never have booked that flight. You know you’re going to meet new people, you know you’re going to have another incredible journey and you know that you have nothing to really fear in the end.
All that’s left to do is experience India and beyond!
I would have to agree on all you have said in that post! I was shitting my pants on the plane, thinking I must be stupid for doing this, specially that the 2 friends I was going with cancelled kind of last minute but told me that they would be able to travel next summer, so I was thinking “couldn’t you have just waited one more year and go with friends? you had to be so stubborn?”
but yet it proved to be one of the best decisions I have ever made! I loved traveling solo and meeting people from many nationalities and back grounds. and now i know that traveling with friends leaves you with little chances of meeting people, and actually diminishes your chances of feeling the adrenaline and the adventure!
Hey Mina – I’m certain that’s a thought that many travelers have about ‘why couldn’t I have just waited?’. But chances are, those same friends would have canceled the next year as well and then that would have been a waste. So, as you discovered, the best possible thing to do is just say ‘screw it’ and get out there on your own! And that way, you will meet plenty of new friends as well that you certainly would not have meet if you were traveling with other people from the start…
Hey Earl,
I have really enjoyed looking through out your site and seeing what you have been up to. I like to think I am an avid traveler, until I see your list of countries visited. I just recently returned from a couple of months in Zimbabwe, and you seriously need to go there it is amazing, the hospitality, landscape, and culture is just like nothing I have experienced. That was my first trip going alone, though I knew people on the other side, it was quite the experience. I too tried to get people to come with me but going alone was the best thing that ever could have happened for me! Good luck in the rest of your journeys, and maybe someday I will bump into you in travels!
- Abigail
Hey Abigail – Thanks for the recommendation and Zimbabwe is one country that I absolutely want to visit, so I know I’ll get there. And if you can travel there on your own, then you can travel anywhere! Seems like everything worked out quite well for you on that adventure…
Hey, before wife and kids I traveled alone all over (even saw the World Cup in ’02). But now with a family of six, getting out the local park is an ordeal! Though, my wife and I so badly want to travel. She traveled too before we met, and we did a last trip to South America before we got married…that was almost 10 years ago. I read your website, thinking, is it possible with children? I keep telling my wife we should pitch a travel show about traveling with small children. I dunno. Good luck on your travels.
Hey Tima – Thanks for the comment and it’s definitely possible with children! There are plenty of sites out there about family travel – FamilyOnBikes.com comes to mind first. It might be a challenge but it can be done…
And I like the idea of your travel show, I’d work on that if I were you
Couldn’t agree more with this post. Will definitely point people this way whenever I am asked about solo travel. There are a lot of people that could benefit from reading this!
Thanks Phil! This is definitely something that stops a lot of people from traveling, so hopefully this post will change some minds!
Hi Earl!
I’ve chanced upon your blog just last week and I didn’t know what I was missing! Reading your entry on how you were kidnapped and how you had a friend run off on you with you car made me remember why my folks are so scared for me to travel alone. I’ve been to several countries already (some I have yet to write about since I’m still looking for our photos from the ’90′s) and the world is just so beautiful to not see.
But guess what? I am leaving for a solo trip to the land down under in a few months and I cannot wait! Will be meeting good friends there, so I won’t be alone the half of the time. Will be visiting 3 states, so that should be exciting.
Continue to inspire other people and I’m glad that you have the world as your learning ground!
Hey Kiten – Thanks for the comment and congrats on your upcoming trip to Oz! Having so many people leave comments about traveling solo is hopefully convincing more and more people to do the same
And even with those experiences of mine, I still believe the world is a much, much safer place than most of us imagine!
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It’s like learning to ride a bike. It’s scary as hell, but the second you learn how to do it the feeling of freedom and excitement is infectious and you want to ride a bike for the rest of your life.
Hey Andi – That’s the perfect way to put it!
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