“Don’t you get lonely?” “Aren’t you scared?” “But who takes photos of you when you’re travelling alone?”
These are some of the most common questions I get asked when people find out that I travel solo. In this blog post I am sharing with you 5 myths about solo travel that shouldn’t put you off from doing it. Before travelling solo, I also believed these as well. However, travelling solo was one the best decisions I ever made and has changed my life in so many different ways.
Everything mentioned in this blog post are based on my personal experiences but as with anywhere, do your research, be aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts
1. You won’t have any photos of yourself
There are a few different ways to get photos of yourself when you’re travelling alone. You can use a tripod and a timer and this way you can get as many photos as you’d like and choose exactly how you want the photos and videos. All photos in this blog post were taken with a tripod and most of my photos on my Instagram as well. If you’re in a busy city, I would recommend asking someone to take a photo of you. People are usually very friendly and will be happy to take photos of you. This can also be an opportunity to start a conversation with them too.
2. You’ll get lonely
Just because you’re travelling alone, does not mean you are lonely. I’ve had the best time travelling solo and have made so many friends from all over the world. You can meet people in hostels, through group tours, or just starting a conversation at a bus stop! I’ve actually found it a lot easier to meet people while travelling solo. However, please remember that it’s normal for everyone to feel lonely sometimes.
Check out my blog post about my solo trip to Maui HERE
3. It’s way more expensive to travel solo
Sometimes hotel rooms and taxis can work out more expensive if you’re alone. However because you are travelling alone, you can choose what to spend your money on and what you want to do. Hostels are perfect for solo travellers, and are very affordable. I’ve stayed in hostels from as little as £2 per night! Even in the US I was only spending about £20 per night. Travelling alone also means that you choose what activities you want to do and therefore not spend a lot of money if you don’t want to. Joining group tours is also a great way to see places without having to rent a car.
4. It’s too dangerous
I have felt more uncomfortable walking in my hometown and getting catcalled, than being alone in a completely different country. Yes, you have to be careful and aware of your surroundings when travelling alone, and you might get some unwanted attention, especially from males, however it does not mean that you shouldn’t travel solo. Do research, don’t drink a lot of alcohol, don’t walk alone at night, respect the country’s culture.
5. Eating out alone is weird
A lot of people think that eating out alone attracts attention from others in the restaurant and that they will think they are loners. One of the many things I have learned while traveling alone, is that no one actually cares. No one is watching you. If you are nervous about eating alone for the first time, try to get a seat at the bar or try to go to a restaurant or cafe with a more casual setting. At the beginning I did feel a bit self-conscious that everyone was staring but after my first time eating out alone, it was much easier and now I don’t even think about it anymore, I just go for it.
Like I mentioned earlier, it is important that you do your research before your trip and to always trust your instinct. You don’t have to do a 6-month backpacking trip for your first time. You can start small with day trips and weekend trips to a nearby city to give you a feel of what it’s like.
You can watch my short documentary here about solo tourism and the impacts on self-confidence by stepping outside one’s comfort zone
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