As you may know, I will be going on my South East Asia- and Australia- trip in September. The first country I will be going to will be Malaysia.
This first part will probably be the most exciting one, since I will do Solo Travelling. I have never travelled to another country alone before, therefore I thought I could share my thoughts with you!
Maybe you have already read my Malaysia Blogpost, if yes, you already know something about my expectations etc.
But I cannot deny that I am VERY excited about this time!
There are certain reasons why I chose to travel alone and today I will be talking about these reasons, my fears and my expectations.
Why do I feel like travelling solo will be good for me?
As I already told you, I recently graduated from High School in Germany.
After thirteen years of school, I feel that I have to do something different, to do something for me, on my own.
I guess it is because going to school and being surrounded by the same people everyday is no longer giving me the inspiration I need- which, to my mind, is completely normal.
Consequently, I think that it will be quite helpful not to see my friends and family for a while (This is not meant to be rude!), since I will have to learn to be very independent, without the constant feeling of security my friends and family give and gave me. (Don’t get me wrong, I’m very grateful for that!)
You are your own boss!
I always used to be very interested in exploring and in adventures as well, but if you are travelling with a friend, you will probably have different interests, therefore you will have to compromise.
When you are travelling solo, you are your own boss and you can decide where you want to go, how long you want to stay and what you want to do.
But stay alert, traveling too solo and taking risks is definitely too dangerous when you are in a foreign country on your own.
You should never arrive at a new destination after dark, or go home alone in the dark. This means, do not make yourself a target for „criminals“ or pickpockets. I would also highly recommend to hide brand names, or even better, not bring high-fashion items, or expensive equipment when you cannot protect it from thieves in a certain way (f.e. in a Travel Safe or in a locker).
There will always be people around you
One of my biggest fears is that I will feel alone on my trip.
However, I think that this fear is unjustified, since there will always be someone around you. When you are checking in in a hostel, you will meet so many people from different countries who will love to talk to you or to go on a trip with you. And do not forget – you are not the only solo traveler in the world!
On my last trips I also recognized, that I would have also appreciated the opportunity to go on certain trips alone, since you are usually a little bit limited when you are travelling with friends, because you are often staying in your group, instead of taking the advantage to talk to other people.
Sometimes I really regret that I have not talked enough to other people when I traveled. I mean, you will see your friends at home, but you only have the chance to connect with people from foreign countries when you are traveling.
Push yourself out of the comfort zone
This is one of the best advantages you will have from Solo Travel!
The human being is a creature of habit, which means that we love to have habits and we want things to be comfortable.
However, it may be hard for us to adapt to an uncomfy situation and this is exactly what you have to do when you are traveling alone!
Additionally, this will probably be one of the best experiences of your whole trip!
Don’t be afraid of traveling solo! I will also try to not be!
I am taking the opportunity and I am sure this experience will enrich my life!
Have a wonderful week!
Sophie
by @lucetteromy
Aperture & Wanderlust 