The Solo Traveler
Follow that path to discover who you are as a traveler
Traveling solo can be both a daunting and exhilarating experience of self-discovery! You get to spent time just getting to know yourself. Recently a friend told me that she has always wanted to travel on her own, but has yet to muster the courage to do so. I don’t blame her. If you have never travelled on your own, and are one of those who find being alone even during meals, awkward, then it can indeed be intimidating – even if you know that you will probably find traveling solo a rich experience.
Eve Writes | 26 October 2018
Life & Culture : Eve Travels
Eager, but too afraid to travel solo? Here are some tips for beginners.
To start, like everything else in life, it starts with small steps.
Try eating alone in a restaurant a few times. Go somewhere where you don't usually go to with your circle of friends or know you won’t bump into anyone, if you can’t stand the idea that some might ask you that obvious question “makan sorang ke” or “oh, you’re alone?” (Rest assured – if you travel overseas alone – rarely will anyone ask you this.) While at the restaurant, think of things that will occupy you while you wait for your order to arrive. This can range from people watching and making observations about them, reading a book or a magazine, doing work or even chatting with someone online. If you are at a mall, go around shopping by yourself as well. Try visiting malls or places where you don't usually go to and try doing it for more than hour or so on weekends or public holidays.
Try staying one night alone in a city or town in your country where you have been before. For example, if you are from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, drive or take the public transport to say Melaka or Penang and stay in a hotel that is within your budget. My advice is to go during a peak holiday season, so that wherever you choose to stay doesn’t feel quiet.
Research The Place. Use TRIP ADVISER! Before you go to the town or city, look up some activities you might want to do, and places you want to eat while you are there. The hotel you choose, should preferably be walking distance to these places as well. For example, if you are staying in Melaka, plan to stay near Jonker Street which is not only near tourist sites, but also near the night market, and plenty of eateries. A good place to stay in Penang would be in George Town, say for example on Beach Street. You will want to plan for some activities and things to eat so you have something to look forward to, and which will occupy your time fully (and hence you will have no time to feel alone or lonely!)
Next Try Doing It For 2-3 nights. Again, research the place first and plan your time so you are occupied. Or, if you want to go somewhere to relax, you might want to choose a hotel which again, is mostly occupied and has its own facilities like a pool, gym and spa. I once travelled to Cape Town, South Africa and Chiang Mai, Thailand, on my own, and didn’t realise that it was off season.
While Cape Town was not so bad but in Chiang Mai, I found myself to be one of two guests in the hotel! I was OK about it but it is worthwhile checking beforehand if you are a newbie solo traveller.
Traveling alone can be a wonderful
eye-opening and soul-awakening experience.
If you feel comfortable travelling on your own in your country – take the next steps and travel to a country you have been before, or where they speak a language you are familiar with. For example, if you are Malaysian, you can try going to Indonesia and Singapore first. However, I would advise that you go to a touristy place first as there will be more hotels and activities catered to foreign tourists. In planning your time, you may want to seek a local tourist company that can take you around rather than attempting to go to places by yourself. Look for a reputable tourist agent (and do a check on beforehand what their services are like on Trip Advisor) and join their organised trips. You might even make a friend or two on the same trip (but always be cautious about being too friendly with a stranger while travelling until you know for sure this person is trustworthy). You can also do your research via Zafigo, which provides useful tips and information for women travelling in Asia.
Solo female traveler 101: Trust your instincts
There's so much to be said about the power of intuition.
If something or someone gives you an uneasy vibe, there's no shame in walking away or saying no.
If you are ready to take the step of going to a country you have never been before, you may want to go somewhere where you know someone. The advantage of this is manifold. Firstly, you of course get to meet this friend again. But other advantages are that you won’t feel so alone, or can call this person, just in case you need help or advice while travelling in the country. Your friend might even offer for you to stay with him or her. But if you still want to travel alone – you can plan to stay with them a few days – and then go off on your own. There have been a number of times I have stayed with friends in different countries, but I go off on my own to do my own activities while for example they are at work. Mind you, these are also friends who understand that I want and can go off on my own so that they don’t worry about me and feel compelled to entertain me all the time. Whatever the case may be, there is a certain comfort travelling to a new country when you know someone there.
Should you decide to finally venture off somewhere solo, always keep your wits about you so that you stay safe. Try as best as you can not to go out late at night and avoid quiet areas. Do your research, and stick to beaten paths first.
Of course there are many other things you need to look out for when traveling alone. Why not get some tips and tricks on staying safe while traveling solo from this awesome travel experience log called Alone Abroad.
A place where travelers from all over the world share their stories, experiences, and anecdotes, it's a great place to start to pick up some pointers for you to be on your way as a seasoned solo traveler!
