What you should expect as "A Solo Traveller"
"Some journeys in life can only be travelled alone." - Ken Poirot
When travelling alone you are provided with a sense of freedom that you don't encounter when you're a group traveller. There are no restraints with respect to what you do, how and when you do whatsoever you wish to do, unless of course these limitations are implemented by the law governing your destination country or by you creating your personal rules to follow when you travel.
For example, you may want to limit the areas you visit to avoid illegal or dangerous confrontation with locals or immigrants or even other tourists like yourself or... the country may decide that persons should not be seen on the streets after a certain time and you would need to adhere to these laws to refrain from being arrested or fined at the least. These laws are put in place to ensure your security.
Although not unlikely to be assaulted or robbed when travelling as a couple or a small group of friends, you must bear in mind that the chances are even higher for you when you travel alone. You are seen as an "easy target". So you must remember that as a solo traveller, you alone are responsible for your safety and you should put measures I place to safeguard yourself from threats.
Travelling alone is advantageous as it is said to be much easier to meet persons if you are travelling in this way. This is because more often than not you tend to stay in places such as budget hotels, hostels or Airbnb. This is of course to pay less for accommodation so that you can use your money for other things that you deem necessary. In some cases, you use this form of accommodation to meet locals and travellers like yourself so you don't feel completely "alone".
As a "lone wolf" type traveller, you nonetheless become a master of taking "selfies" and being self-sufficient. You adapt to your surroundings very easily and you tend to grab the most of experiences whereas when you travel with others, your time is spent sharing each moment. As a result, time is spent taking photos of your travel companions or deciding what you all want to eat instead of visiting another attraction, taking a hike or enjoying a really nice restaurant.
Being alone, you dictate which activities you want to do and when and where you want to do them. This does not subtract from meeting new people and forming lasting friendship or even becoming a group of single travellers but it does permit you to have...Complete and utter liberty...
And that is in principle... the expectation of "A Solo Traveller".
8 comments
Good morning, nice, good information and interesting read. Enjoy your travels and be safe
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteWhen you travel alone, you don't get to try as much local food as you wish without friends to share!
ReplyDeleteThis is true, you are limited to doing everything by yourself unless you meet persons to spend your time with.
DeleteI have never travelled before and I agree with all you say except for companions limiting you from meeting people. I agree with it but not totally because say your companion is the adventurous type they can actually encourage you to talk to them more. However as the group gets bigger I can see your point. Cool stuff keep it up. Looking out for more stuff like cool places to see and cost effective safe places to stay
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. We encourage you to travel as soon as you can. Companions can indeed help you to meet people but the more companions you have as you said, the more difficult it becomes to go out of your "comfort zone" and meet others.
DeleteYou can check out our post 'Should I stay in a hostel' and subscribe to receive updates!
There is no guarantee that you will meet people as a solo traveller.
ReplyDeleteThere is no guarantee that you won't either. It honestly depends on your personality and your intentions when you travel.
DeleteArthurIdyllicVoyages thanks you for your comments.
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