10 Things Blogs Haven’t Told You About Traveling Alone

I read the blogs about how exhilarating traveling alone is and how you have to do it at least once in your lifetime. I read the blogs about how traveling by yourself internationally will force you to adventure, get out of your comfort zone, and make new friends, etc. I didn’t however read the blog about how you’d have no one to split the cost of a cab with, and that you’d be the one that has to plan all the logistics. 

 

I’ve traveled with a group of people to 14 different countries, and I’ve now traveled alone to 4 countries. Here is what I can tell you about my solo journey through the Balkans otherwise known as Eastern Europe (Serbia, Macedonia, Albania, and Greece) and what I’ve realized by comparing it to the World Race: 

 

What Traveling Alone Brings:

 

You get to make your own schedule, plan your own adventure days, and do and see whatever you want whenever you want. You have no one to tell you that they don’t want to see another castle, or trying to pull your leg to go to a museum if you don’t want to. Traveling alone truly gives you the freedom to do and see whatever your budget allows and your heart desires. 

 

Less Safety 

Even though you have more freedom in what you do, at the same time there is less freedom in when and how you do it. At least in regards to traveling by yourself as a female (which is what I’ve experienced). You have to plan WHEN you travel with safety in mind. As a group you don’t really have to worry about that, but as a single woman you have to make sure your getting off the bus in the new city during daylight hours. This way you’ll have plenty of time to find your accommodations and get dinner all before dark (in some cities it is completely fine to walk around at night by yourself, but I wouldn’t recommend doing that in any city if it is your first time there. Especially when you arrive with all of your luggage.) As long as you have common sense, and are aware of your surroundings – you’ll be fine. Just get to know the area you’ll be in and talk to locals about the safety of the area. Do your research, and be aware. 

 

When you are traveling in a large a group it doesn’t really matter when or how you pull out your electronics. You have other people to watch your stuff for and with you, and to help protect you from thievery. Although, as a solo traveler if you are pulling out your iPhone every five minutes to take a selfi (especially in a poorer country) you are practically putting a target on your back because you are waving around a device that costs the people around you three months salary. I would recommend that you know a little bit about the economic status of the countries you are visiting. It’s fine if you bring your fancy computer and phone with you, I just wouldn’t have your computer out on a long bus ride or carry your phone around in your hand while your walking by yourself or in small groups.

 

One thing I definitely did not read on a blog was the difficulty of going to the bathroom when you travel by yourself. As random as that is, it is something to consider! If you have a friend with you, they can watch your big ol’ backpack on travel days when you go to the restroom. When you are by yourself, it is practically an obstacle course when you have to drag all your luggage into a stall to go pee one last time before you hop on a bus for 7hours (It’s doable, but your bladder may get stronger). 

 

Now depending on if you are an introvert or an extrovert this could be a pro or a con for you. For me it’s been a pro on this trip. My last traveling experience I was overwhelmed by the amount of people that were always around me. This trip, I have spent days with barely saying a word to people. Like today for instance, I am traveling by myself to Albania from Macedonia. I’ve said a couple words to some other girls on the bus, but I haven’t had a full on conversation all day. This can drive you crazy and make you feel incredibly lonely, or you can tap into the opportunity of solitude. I have chosen the latter and have realized just how much silence and solitude does wonders for your relationship with God. 

 

If you want to make friends or not, traveling alone creates them. The experience forces you to talk to other people. Whether out of the NEED to speak English with someone once you hear them speaking the same dialect as you, or simply because you are lonely and don’t want to take another selfi on top of a mountain – it happens. You’ll eventually want to have someone with you to share in what you are experiencing. On the other side of that, when you travel in a group you don’t really need to talk to other people. You already have your friends by your side. 

 

You are by yourself, you are the it person for everything. You are the one grocery shopping, planning logistics, planning adventures, taking pictures, updating family, doing ministry, etc. I am traveling and doing ministry, this means that I am the ONLY go to person. For example, when you travel in a group to do missions you have 7 other people (give or take) who can share their testimony at church if the pastor asks. When you are by yourself it is all you. You suddenly become the one man/woman show for testimonies, music, presentations, teaching, and whatever other kind of situations you get yourself into. 

 

When I traveled in a group I almost got into this “sheep” type of mentality at times. I would just follow the group because someone knew where we were going (not smart for safety purposes, you should always know where you are and pay attention to your surroundings in case you happen to get separated from the group). Now as I travel by myself I am forced to have a good sense of direction, otherwise I’m not making it back to my apartment, the grocery store, or the bus station etc. 

 

Traveling the world in a group or as an individual gives you a greater sense of confidence and adventure. Although, there definitely is a greater feeling of accomplishment being able to say that I’ve navigated getting myself between three different countries the last month and a half – all by myself! 

 

Whether it’s because you have another 7hour bus ride, you are bored from being by yourself so much, or because you are really praying no one steals your bag while you are in the bathroom – traveling by yourself will increase your prayer life, and your families! 

 

Overall, my solo trip through Eastern Europe has been a positive experience. Yet, I think next time I choose to travel I’ll bring someone with me. It probably won’t be as big of a group as I had on the World Race, but a friend or family member would be nice. Having someone with you gives you a sense of security, plus you have someone to actually take your picture and split the cab fare with!