| Some people see traveling alone as a daunting and | | | | introduce you to their way of life. These are the |
| unappealing proposition. Others consider it the only | | | | experiences that will make your trip unforgettable. |
| way to travel. So what's the attraction of going it | | | | Develop and grow - You probably started your |
| alone? Here's my take on the highs and the lows of | | | | journey with apprehensions of what lay ahead. You |
| solo travel. | | | | may have had self doubts, unsure of how you would |
| Meet new people, make new friends - You've found | | | | cope with being self-reliant. Traveling solo is the key |
| great deal on your round the world flight ticket, and | | | | to over coming these fears and self doubts and you |
| you've decided to go it alone, but that doesn't mean | | | | will develop a self confidence that few other pursuits |
| that you will remain on your own for the entirety of | | | | can provide. You will see, for possibly the first time, |
| your adventures. A solo traveler is far more | | | | what you are truly capable of a achieving alone. |
| approachable and less intimidating than a large group, | | | | There are some pitfalls to traveling alone: |
| so you will find that other travelers and locals will be | | | | Cost - being alone means accommodation will cost |
| more inclined to approach you. Being alone also | | | | you more as you don't have the option of sharing |
| encourages you to be the one who initiates the | | | | the cost. Even cheap hotels or guest houses will |
| conversation, something you probably wouldn't do if | | | | charge you per room, not per person and if you can |
| you were already with a group of friends. | | | | find a single room, then it will rarely be that much |
| Don't forget: like attracts like, so if it's solitude you | | | | cheaper than a double. There's sadly not much that |
| are after, you may struggle to find it while traveling | | | | can be done to avoid this aspect of solo travel. |
| alone. | | | | Loneliness - every solo traveler will experience the |
| Independence - It's all down to you! You have the | | | | odd lonely moment. To avoid having too many of |
| freedom to go where you want, when you want, | | | | them, ensure that you keep yourself busy. Perhaps |
| without having to make compromises with anyone | | | | book yourself on to a group tour or move to more |
| else first. No arguments, no debates! Be sure to | | | | lively accommodation. There are many ways to keep |
| make the most of this freedom while it lasts! | | | | the feelings of loneliness at bay. |
| See more, do more - Being part of a herd of | | | | Safety - This is an obvious concern, but one that |
| backpackers means that you are going at someone | | | | should be kept in perspective. If you remember to |
| else's pace. You might find yourself on what feels like | | | | take precautions then you will reduce the risk |
| a conveyer belt; briefly glimpsing picture postcard | | | | considerably of anything untoward happening. It's a |
| views, before being whisked off to another location. | | | | good idea to research your destination first, so you |
| Traveling solo means you go at your own pace, | | | | are aware of the dangers that you may face before |
| giving you the chance to immerse yourself into your | | | | you arrive. |
| surroundings, where you can experience cultures in a | | | | Those who experience solo travel often look back |
| whole new way. | | | | on it as a life changing event, although it is definitely |
| Not being part of the herd also means that you will | | | | not something that will suit everyone. |
| probably get to know some local folk, who in turn will | | | | |