Embrace the thrill of Solo Adventure: My journey to travelling alone

Solo travelling can be fun but daunting when it’s your first time. It can bring a lot of mixed feelings, such as worries about getting lost, boredom, and safety. I will share with you the things to do on your first solo trip that I have learned while travelling alone.

Despite these fears, I decided to explore Europe alone, starting with a trip to Brussels in March 2023. I struggled to find someone to join me who shared my interests and wouldn’t stress me out. At that moment, I told myself, “If you want to see the world, you better start now and find the best way to do it alone!”

Why Brussels, you ask? Well, the answer is simple – perfect weather conditions! Before this expedition, I had already explored Paris, Barcelona, and Geneva. During my Paris trip, I stumbled upon a gem of a website called getyourguide.com, which has since become my go-to for travel planning.

Now, let me share with you how I transformed from a nervous newbie into a fearless solo traveler:

1. Let go of the fear: My biggest fear was getting lost because on a scale of one to ten, my navigation skills were a mere one out of ten. Armed with a physical map and my Google map, I still get lost.

But guess what? I realized I wasn’t alone in this struggle. In Paris and Barcelona, I saw people using the maps, pacing back and forth and spinning around on a spot as their maps rerouted. I learnt that the confusion that came with navigating new places was not peculiar to me, and I could only get better at navigating if I tried. So if you are directionally challenged like me, take heart! You are in good company, and you’ll improve with every journey.

2. Plan Like a Pro: I live by the motto, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. My friends even call me the “chief organizer”. So, I meticulously planned my Brussels adventure. I delved into extensive research, uncovering the best places to stay, top attractions and most importantly eat! ( I’m a sucker for good food!). I also booked my flights and accommodation early to save money and secure a convenient location. 

Pro tip: Opt for accommodation near transport hubs like train stations or bus stops to make getting around easier.

3. Sound the alarm! Security alert!: Safety is a paramount concern for solo travellers like me. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are basic steps I take to ensure my safety. Firstly, I notify my friends and family about my travel plans, sharing accommodation and flight details with them. When booking an apartment through Airbnb, I take advantage of their safety feature, which allows me to share booking details with someone else. My quest for a secure adventure continues as I scour hotel reviews, hunting for hidden treasures and steering clear of potential pitfalls. Nestled in my bag, I carry pepper spray as a silent guardian, hoping it remains untouched. I’m vigilant about avoiding late nights, returning to my lodge by 8 p.m. or no later than 10 p.m., even in Europe, a region known for its relative safety. For trips where I need to work remotely on Fridays, I obtain security clearance and provide my flight details and address to the office. By taking these precautions, I enjoy my travels with peace of mind.

4. Book shared/group tours: Now let’s talk tours. Some travelers prefer the DIY approach to save money , but I am all about the full experience. When I travel, I crave a deep dive into local culture and history. I don’t always have time to research every top spot in a new city, so booking tours is my secret weapon.

Tour guides enrich your experience by sharing fascinating stories and answering your burning questions. Plus you get to meet your fellow adventurers along the way.

I usually limit my trip to three days, so I rely on getyourguide’s tour recommendations. It’s a game changer! Don’t get me wrong’ I also enjoy going off the beaten path sometimes, exploring on my own, and soaking in the local vibe. It’s all about balance. I also discovered the importance of reading reviews before booking accommodation to ensure safety, cleanliness, and helpful staff. 

Although my first solo trip had challenges, such as getting lost and experiencing occasional loneliness, I quickly grew comfortable and relished my “me” time while exploring new places. Even when I got lost, I reminded myself I could handle it and factored in extra time to account for unforeseen adventures.

If you’re considering solo travel, don’t let your fears hold you back! With a bit of planning and preparation, it can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

Now, I want to hear from you. What are your solo travel fears? And for those who have ventured solo, share your most unforgettable moments? Let’s embark on a trilling journey together.
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