{"id":26760,"date":"2016-09-29T11:32:21","date_gmt":"2016-09-29T11:32:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?p=26760"},"modified":"2024-04-05T15:26:50","modified_gmt":"2024-04-05T15:26:50","slug":"nervous-about-solo-travel-dont-be","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/nervous-about-solo-travel-dont-be\/","title":{"rendered":"Nervous About Solo Travel? Here's Why You Shouldn't Be\u2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

When I first told other people that I was going on a trip around the world, the first question I almost ALWAYS heard from people was: \u201cWho with?\u201d When I replied that I travel alone, I remember being peppered with\u00a0pitying glances, frightened facial expressions, and numerous anxious questions. Yes, I am a woman who travels alone. Voluntarily. And no, I\u2019m not afraid! Here\u2019s why\u2026
\n\"Collage<\/p>\n

Freedom, not loneliness<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Travelling alone means having the freedom to be able to change my schedule at a moment\u2019s notice. It means sleeping when I want, exploring when I want, eating when\/what I want, and never having to justify myself to someone who\u2019s schedule seems to conflict my own. The only compromises you have to make are led by your own values and norms (or sometimes your wallet).
\nI believe that many people have different ideas of what travelling really means to them. When I travel alone, I\u2019m not stuck all day bored at a hotel pool on my own, and I don\u2019t go running on my own\u00a0at night in sketchy unlit neighbourhoods, obvs. When I travel solo, I\u2019m actually rarely alone! I\u2019m constantly learning from wonderful people I come across while I travel, and I actually find it way easier to meet those people on a solo trip.
\nAll it takes is one night in a hostel to connect\u00a0with\u00a0fellow\u00a0travellers. Whether you\u2019re out sightseeing, or bonding over a local beer, there\u2019s always someone new to meet.
\n\"6<\/p>\n

Gender shouldn\u2019t be an issue<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As you already know, I am a woman, and therefore in some situations I may be more vulnerable than a man would be. \u00a0However, throughout my travels I have felt safe, \u00a0and nothing has held me back \u00a0from new adventures. Joining up with traveller networks and following blogs (like this one) helps me to stay safe and independent by giving me heaps of trustworthy travel advice. For anyone, male or female, the most important thing about travelling is to JUST GET STARTED!
\n\"5<\/p>\n

You only have one enemy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you are travelling alone you have only one real enemy: yourself. We often let self-doubt, tiredness and frustrations creep in, and when travelling solo,\u00a0that can be hard to bear! I run a lot and have learned that it\u2019s a type of therapy for me. It gives me time to sort out my thoughts and replenish my mind and soul. Figuring this out was worth its weight in gold, and has allowed me to embrace my alone time as something positive.
\nTreating yourself to some time out to recharge is a powerful thing, and one that you won\u2019t regret.
\n\"laura<\/p>\n

Love the world<\/strong><\/h2>\n

I could go on writing for hours because I am absolutely in love with solo travel! Be\u00a0brave, let go of those fears, and get started. You will quickly realise how good it is for your soul, and how enriching it is to share the road with people from all over the world. Need some help meeting new people? Check out the video below.<\/p>\n