Okay, so there are tons of myths around travelling solo out there on the interwebz, and so I figure it’s about time we held these to the light and go about debunking them – once and for all.
Because, in my opinion, travelling solo is the only way to travel, and I’d hate for people teetering on the edge of taking the plunge and going solo to be dissuaded by these myths.
So are you ready to do a little myth busting?
1. Travelling solo is really lonely
Ha, what absolute bollocks! Travelling solo is anything but lonely, especially if you stay in dorms, join tours or – I don’t know – just talk to people…
True, there will be times when you’ve just rocked up to a new city and haven’t had the chance to meet anyone that’s staying at your hotel or hostel. Or the ones you meet give off the stinky air of being anti-social.
But those times are rare – so rare, in fact, that you should cherish them. Indeed, after a while, it can be pretty exhausting telling your story (where you come from, where you’ve been, where you’re going, etc) to all the cool people you meet on your journey, and you’ll be glad to have a night or two to just kick back and recharge your social batteries.
2. Travelling solo is more expensive
Okay, so there is some merit to this myth. Travelling solo can be expensive when travelling in countries that don’t have a developed hostel culture or serviced well with public transport (Iceland, for example). In these countries, being able to share a double room or the costs of a car is definitely going to help you travel further for longer.
But apart from these cases, travelling solo is just as affordable.
In fact, going solo can actually end up costing you less, as you’ll only be doing things you actually want to do, and you won’t feel pressured into going along with your travel mate to that museum (or wherever) that really doesn’t interest you.
Also, you won’t have to waste your money at a restaurant (that’s outside of your budget) that your friend wants to go to when travelling solo: you can always dine within your budget.
3. Travelling solo is awkward
Whilst it’s true that travelling on your own requires a little extra effort on your part to socialise and make friends on the road, there’s definitely no requirement for anyone travelling solo to do this. Some people like to be on their own and make the occasional mate. Whilst others love making new friends in every stop on their itinerary. Each to their own, I say.
And whilst some people may look down on you, or even feel sorry for you, for travelling by yourself, that’s all them. I honestly think there’s something majorly wrong with people who hold themselves back from exploring this amazing world – or do anything that they really want to do –just because they can’t stand being on their own.
So no, I don’t think people who travel solo are awkward at all. In fact, I think of them more as modern day adventurers who flaunt bravery and confidence.
