How to: be alone while travelling
I thought I knew how to be alone because when it came to travel, I was completely fine. I actually prefer it, even to this day.
On my last trip down to the Blue Mountains and Sydney, I spent time with my friend, documenting the mountains and trying to catch as many sunrises and sunsets as possible - I was sick but powered through.
On one particular night, I’d been gifted a night stay at a boutique hotel in Surry Hills. It was the first Saturday night I had spent away from home alone in a while. And I had this whole hotel room to myself. Vivid Sydney was on and I felt like I would be mad if I missed out on it. But I don’t know about you but when anxiety creeps in, it can control every part of you. I got ready so much slower, put on my makeup to an upbeat playlist, and because I was sick I didn’t start drinking, which is what I would normally do to cure my anxiety at that moment. Everything was in slow motion and after three hours of convincing myself that being “alone” was okay. I made my way out of my hotel room.
So anyways, for this to be slightly informative here are some strategies you can adapt if you are trying to solo travel:
1. Choose a hostel that has a good communal area.
Seek a hostel with good communal areas so you are immediately in an environment with others who want to chat / hang out.
Check the reviews on hostel (rec: hostelworld) to see if people have previously mentioned it having a great communal area and it being friendly.
2. Let someone back home know what your plans are
If safety is a reason why you are withholding from travelling solo, then give someone back at home access to your location or even just send through a message to a friend or family member of where you will be travelling.
3. Be open to new experiences and try not to say no
Unless it will endanger your life, I would recommend saying yes to things such as “hey do you want to come with us to check out this new bar?” or “we are going to explore a waterfall tomorrow, would you like to come?” This gives you the opportunity to meet new people, check out a unique destination and collect friends who you can see again another day.
4. Figure out your ‘why’ for travelling solo
Is it to discover more about yourself? Is it because you have a hard time adjusting to others plans and would rather do your own thing? Is it to prove to yourself that you can do it?
Why are you travelling solo and not going with someone? I would have these things written down and make them stick in my mind before going. It just helps to remind you when times get tough, because trust me, they will.
Obviously these are just some tips for solo travel, however nothing really can prepare you for how it will be - you will just have to go check it out for yourself.
Have fun & always stay safe x
