Solo Travel: Would You Do It?
By Cahaya
@cahaya1983 (11116)
Malaysia
September 12, 2015 1:09am CST
I think traveling is just amazing and really, nothing opens one's eyes to the world and its people like traveling does. I can testify to that.
I'm currently reading a book about a female backpacker who goes to all the different corners of the world - alone. Obviously, when you travel solo, you just have to be prepared for dangerous, strange and funny encounters. Safety is definitely not a guarantee, but for the adventurous and independent lot, the excitement about what lies ahead often seems to outweigh the risks.
I've never experienced solo travel though, and I doubt that I ever will.
Would you ever travel alone to foreign countries, and why?
13 people like this
16 responses
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
13 Sep 15
It can be risky, yes. What's the crime rate like over there in Switzerland?
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (472060)
• Switzerland
13 Sep 15
@cahaya1983 Switzerland is a safe country the crime rate is very low, especially in the country side. Most of the crimes are committed in the three biggest Swiss cities (Geneva, Zurich and Bern).
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
13 Sep 15
@LadyDuck I've heard a lot of nice things about Switzerland, my friend's parents used to live there for some time. Hope I can visit someday! Well, not alone of course.
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@resuri (116)
• Manila, Philippines
14 Sep 15
It is really good to travel especially when you are young, we are adventurous and independent. Travelling is a valuable experience that will teach us many things about life. One day I would love to travel overseas and see the world. I know our life is not complete without experiencing travelling even once in our life.
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@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
14 Sep 15
@resuri Sounds exciting! Where in Australia? I have a cousin living in Canberra. The last time I was there I was only 7 years old. I'd love to go back to visit!
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@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
14 Sep 15
I agree, but traveling alone is a completely different experience compared to traveling with someone else or in a group. Have you ever traveled alone or have you thought about doing it?
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@resuri (116)
• Manila, Philippines
14 Sep 15
@cahaya1983 I haven't travel alone. I seldom travel in my life, but I am planning to travel to Australia alone soon. It is my greatest dream of mine
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@dodo19 (47336)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
19 Sep 15
@cahaya1983 some things can be scary. It's not always a bad thing to stick with what we're comfortable with.
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@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
20 Sep 15
@dodo19 I agree. I guess it also depends on where you're going. Some places are safer to go if you're traveling alone.
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@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
19 Sep 15
There were times when I wanted to try something new and adventurous like that, but I guess I'm just not much of a risk-taker and choose to stick to what I'm comfortable with (traveling with others).
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@allknowing (137764)
• India
13 Sep 15
Package travel is what we opt for. It takes care of all the nitty gritty.
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@allknowing (137764)
• India
13 Sep 15
@cahaya1983 I like the arrangements that they make for us. All what we need to do is hand them our passport and sign some forms and the rest is taken care of. We stay in 5 star hotels, a coach is at our disposal, our luggage is checked in and checked out at different airports. While in the Us I got in and out of 21 planes and this I think I would nothave been able to do if we were to do it on our own. - There was even a cruise to the Bahamas which they organised as part of this tour. I have gone to Australia, New Zealand and 7 countries in Europe and quite a few States in India. My first foreign tour was to Singapore and Bangkok including Pattaya. .
To each their own any way.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
13 Sep 15
Oh I'm the opposite! I usually don't opt for packages, I just think it's more fun to explore on your own. I did go with a travel package once though, it wasn't too bad.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
13 Sep 15
@allknowing Sounds like you had a lot of fun! I think I prefer the other way because I'd rather go to the "less touristy" places and get closer with the people. I opted for a package when I went to Indonesia but in the US and Europe my friend and I went exploring on our own.
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@sofssu (23662)
•
13 Sep 15
@cahaya1983 That bis true.. and there is none better than my husband for me.,
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@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
13 Sep 15
I like to have a travel companion too. I think it's nice when you have people you can share the travel experience with and talk about it with them later on.
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@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
13 Sep 15
i've traveled 'cross the u.s. by myself, e'en drove to alaska back in the late 70's solo, took me 3 weeks to reach my destination. 's fer travelin' to foreign countries that way? there's a few i'd do if'n i was younger, but many there'd be no way. too much ill goin' on 'n i'd dislike bein' caught in the midst 'f such.
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@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
13 Sep 15
Ah, been a long time for you then. I'm sure you had fun. Yeah traveling solo abroad has a completely different set of factors to consider. Not for everyone that's for sure.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
14 Sep 15
@crazyhorseladycx I would too, plus I don't think my family would ever agree to that. Like you said, you never know what would happen especially if it's thousands of miles away from home.
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@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
14 Sep 15
@cahaya1983 yepperz, i've been sidelined fer a few years. last long trip i took solo was when my dad passed in 2011. 1301 miles from my driveway to his. i've not fears 'f doin' such in the u.s., but fear i'd be a tad bit nervous doin' such elsewhere. jest so much goin' on these days 'n one jest ne'er knows.
1 person likes this
@excellence7 (3655)
• Mauritius
24 Sep 15
I love solo traveling. I have posted something too on travel in my discussion board. Do read it.
I started solo travel the year I turned 23 and I am 27 now. I have been to all these countries alone:
Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa and India.
I traveled to the African countries on business trips but I always made the most of my trips to adventure around. I am traveling again to northern India in November; most probably alone.
Solo travel really heals the soul. It helps you forget everything for a while. It helps you set yourself free from all bondage and commitments.
Having been a solo traveler who has traveled extensively and intensively, I can say that it comes along with both its good and bad surprises. It's also about risking your whole life at times. It's scary but true. For females, I will highly advise to somehow submit to a degree of planning when going for a solo trip, for example contacting a trusted travel agency.
I went to Mumbai earlier this year and I planned nothing. I had no idea about where I was going. All I know is that I was travelling. I had good and bad encounters. I saw people fighting and people loving. I saw people laughing and people crying. I saw a mix of all emotions. I witnessed love and hatred.
Be ready. Solo travel has both its brightest and darkest side.
Have a look at my travel blog:
1 person likes this
@excellence7 (3655)
• Mauritius
25 Sep 15
@cahaya1983 Atlas Obscura is awesome! I have never been through this website before. Than you for sharing. Let me know your views on my website.
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@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
25 Sep 15
Very useful information, thanks! Sounds like you really have an extensive travel experience. I agree, the risks are not the same when you're a female traveler and that's one of the reasons I've never considered traveling alone. Do you know the website Atlas Obscura? If you're looking to visit rare places you really have to check it out (if you haven't already).
I'm gonna go check your blog now.
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@Porcospino (31366)
• Denmark
12 Sep 15
I have travelled alone in the past. I have visited Estonia, Italy and Hungary on my own. If my friends couldn't afford to travel or didn't have time to travel, and I chose to travel alone instead of staying at home. I have never had any bad experiences, but of course I am extra careful when I travel alone. Today I am married and my husband and I travel together. It is much more fun to travel with my husband and it is safer, too.
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@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
13 Sep 15
I agree, there are more risks to consider for females traveling alone. In Europe it's relatively safe to travel alone, I suppose? And yes you're right, the cost can be a hindrance for some people. One time I was even willing to pay in advance for my friend because I really wanted to travel but didn't want to go by myself.
@scheng1 (24649)
• Singapore
9 Oct 15
I have traveled solo before, but nothing really exciting happens.
I do not feel lonely or the need to talk to anyone.
i just like the peace and quiet when you are alone.
I think many people overestimate the difficulty of travelling solo.
There is nothing to fear, and nothing to get excited about. The other passengers are too self-absorbed to notice solo travelers or to target solo travelers.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
10 Oct 15
I think it probably depends on where you travel too? If one goes to the typical tourist spots probably you wouldn't get noticed but some backpackers go to really remote destinations and they get recognized very easily. But then again, I'm sure everyone's experience is different.
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
18 Sep 15
Safety is one of the greatest concerns for me too, and I guess it's true for most female travelers. No harm in being extra cautious about things.
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
13 Sep 15
Oh where are you now? I also prefer to travel with others. Not necessarily in a group, though.
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
13 Sep 15
I'm sure you would find it exciting then. Any particular destination you would like to visit alone?
@sprinklesare4winners (531)
• Avenel, New Jersey
13 Sep 15
nope! i think id want someone to share my experiences with. of course i do like being on my own but not in that instance.
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@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
14 Sep 15
Me too, I like to share my experience with someone. And you're right, independent travel is completely different than being independent in other things.
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
13 Sep 15
If you're the adventurous type, it might be for you. But of course, better to do a little research on those places you plan to visit.
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
13 Sep 15
Same here, when I travel it has always been either with friends or family. I don't think I would travel alone, especially to another country.
@sueznewz2 (10409)
• Alicante, Spain
15 Sep 15
I don'tmind travellingalone, but it wouldn't be by back packing... and there are quite a few places that are on my no go list.... lol's...and while I do travel on my own...I much prefer travelling with company....