First time solo traveling?

I recently joined the solo women travelers group on Facebook. While being a part of that group, I have noticed a bunch of younger girls wondering how to take their first solo trip, being scared to tell their parents, or worrying about safety when alone. I remember being 19 and embarking on my first solo trip EVER! And I too was scared, but almost 12 years later and about 25 countries later, this is what I have to say to those people that just can't seem to pull the solo traveler trigger.

1: Who are YOU?

I recommend that you are super aware of how and who you are at the moment of travel. I, of all people, know about change and I have changed so much over my years. However, when traveling alone it is important to understand how YOU feel and would react to certian things. Simple things like being comfortable with not understanding what people are saying, or how you react to trying new food. Are you social, are you more on the shy side? Do you like to drink too much? Do you like sharing rooms or bathrooms? I could go on and on, but those popped into my head first. YOU have to know of your are willing to be pushed out of your boundaries or if you aren't quite ready to do so yet. Solo trips are about YOU, so know yourself!

2: Do a little research

I like to know what I am getting into. I like to read about cultural norms, traditional mannerisms, language, currency, customs, political unrest, threats, and anything that will make the transition into a new country easier. I do not want to put myself into a situation where I would be uncomfortable and helpless while not knowing ANYONE in that country . I usually know how to say hello, thank you, no, yes, and how much, in the languages of the contries I am going to, or I write them down. I also read up on things that would insult or people would find distasteful in that country. For example; in some countries, wearing short shorts will cause me some attention that I would not like, so I make sure to bring different clothes. Little things, such as clothing and dining customs, can effect your experience.

3: Start slow

I know it is scary, I know that it can seem lonely, I know that it can be super intimidating. I would recommend for your first solo trip to be somewhere you would feel comfortable with. I would choose a location where they spoke the same language or had similar cultural norms. I would also try a shorter trip, a couple days in a different city, or perhaps a week or two in a small country near to your home.

Also, do not expect to see everything in one bang. It is impossible to see everything in one trip. I have come to terms with that fact that not all can be seen in one trip. I plan out what I would like to do and go from there, if I don't get to everything it is cool. I don't expect to.

If you are more like me and starting off slow is not your thing, than you probably already have traveled solo. Hahah.

4: Just go!

I always hear the negatives of traveling solo from people that would "never" go alone, but I have never heard a solo traveler say "Ugh, I will not travel alone, ever again, worst experience." Traveling alone changes you, pushes you physically, emotionally, spiritually, and any which-way possible. I have learned so much about myself in my solo endeavors. I learned that I need MAJOR stimulus at a constant rate (makes sense, now that I know). I learned that I am stronger and more confident than I thought before. I know that I can actually hear myself when I am alone, and I mean not-know-a-single-person-in-the-country type of alone. I learned that I am fucking delightful and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with myself. I also learned that I would not be the person I am without those solo, mind-twirling moments. I have learned about people and place and history and seen the beauty that lays far out in distant lands. I have hugged, kissed, cried, comforted, laughed, drank, ate, listened, talked, danced, ran, slept, learned with strangers, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

So if you are "waiting" for friends, loved ones, or a significant other to travel with you, you might be waiting for a while. The world is happening now, go now while you have the health and time, go now while you can.

You are your own friend, your own family, and your best significant other when you travel and, I think you should be everyday as well, so just go!

What are you waiting for? The chance to pass you by?

Just do it.

(Typed this on my phone, pictures from my summer 2018 solo leg of my trip.)