Here’s Why You Aren’t Suppose to be Afraid About Travelling Solo

Over the last few months, I have received so many messages asking my opinion on solo travelling. As a girl taking on the world solo, to quickly conclude, it is probably one of my greatest accomplishments yet.

My very first solo trip was to Ecuador. A country that speaks a different language from what I am accustom to. A country that I knew no one personally and also one that had a completely different culture.

I travelled there for 3 months and I couldn’t think of a better way to start off my journey as a solo traveller. Here’s why you aren’t supposed to afraid about travelling solo.

1. You Are Not Completely Alone

I think one of the most mystical things about solo travelling is that you be solo the entire time. Yes, you can have that, but when you decide to venture out in the world solo you aren’t technically by yourself. Yes, you decided to book a plane ticket to someplace new, with no friends or family. But, you will meet travellers along the way which will eventually become friends.

2.Be Smart About It

Do your research! One of the things that will help you to feel more comfortable is knowing more about the country you will be visiting. Research the places you’d like to see, the things you’d like to do. Read up about the country so you won’t have surprises.

3. It Is Okay If You Don’t Speak The Local Language. 

As I mentioned in previous blog posts, I knew just a couple of words of Spanish when I first decided to visit Ecuador. I went. Travelled. Loved it. I learnt a few more words there that I used to get by, but my time there was nothing short of “amazingness“. You do not have to be afraid about travelling to a destination solo if the local language isn’t what you are use to. Though it is always better to be familiar with the local language, it isn’t a must.

Tip: You can purchase a daily phrase book. I did and it helped.

4. Travelling Solo is Better than You Think

One of my most favourite things about travelling solo is that you get to do exactly what I want. You can go to the tourist attraction sites that you presume would be more of an interest to you, you can eat out at the restaurants the locals recommended (don’t worry about eating out alone, just take a book with you), you pretty much decide the when and the where. It sort of being like being selfish, but not really. Often times you will meet other travellers who’d like to join in on the adventure you’ve planned.

5. Stay in Budget Hotels

If you plan on travelling solo or backpacking I do recommend staying in hostels or guesthouses with other travellers. You can find some booking options on Hostelworld, Booking & Hostelbookers. These are obviously some less inexpensive options and a great way to meet other travellers. Making reference to number 1 on this list, you won’t entirely be alone.

6. You Get to Meet and Interact with People From All Over The Globe

From personal experience when I travel with friends from home I realise it is harder to make new friends on the way. Generally speaking, it is like you don’t feel the need to make yourself available to meet new friends as you already have company. When you travel solo, you will make an effort to talk to other travellers, you sort of want the company. These newly found travellers can eventually become travel buddies. It’s great, I love it. From travelling solo, I have friends from all over the globe. In fact, I will be meeting a friend I met in Colombia on my trip to Mexico in a few days.

Solo travelling can be a little intimidating at first, but nothing beats being optimistic and a little research. If you have travelled solo before I would love to hear your take on it in the comments below.

Happy Travels in 2017           

  • nashune davis
    April 25, 2018

    Have always wanted to travel the world,getting paid to do it would be awesome I feel a career move coming

  • islandriches
    November 30, 2017

    Thank God for this blog

  • Denneille Luke
    October 3, 2017

    Just discovering your blog and I’m in love. I live in Kazakhstan and am Jamaican like yourself. I do use my breaks from work to travel and have visited Indonesia. I will be using your post about the 17 visa free places to visit as my new “adventure checklist”. 🙂

    • Shea Powell
      Denneille Luke
      October 21, 2017

      Hi Denneille,

      Thanks for stopping by. And you live in Kazakhstan, how exotic! Hope to visit soon. Xx

  • AstridOxford
    June 12, 2017

    I have never really ventured out on a solo travel adventure and I feel it coming to that very soon! These are great tips I’ll put into action when that time comes.

  • Shea Powell
    January 14, 2017

    I can’t wait to hear about it! 🙂

  • Shaye Shaye
    January 13, 2017

    Travelling solo in a foreign country might be good but ensure you are safe and someone know where you are. Only been to the movies and the waterfront solo, it was weird but relaxing though. Lol not really selfish just self pleasure.

    • Shea Powell
      Shaye Shaye
      January 14, 2017

      Hahaha. Shayne, I love going to the movies by myself….Try to do it more often. Eventually you will feel ok about travelling solo. 🙂

  • AlicevstheWorld
    January 11, 2017

    I absolutely love travelling solo! It gives you so much freedom :).

    • Shea Powell
      AlicevstheWorld
      January 14, 2017

      Agreeing with you so much! 🙂

  • Maya Montgomery
    January 10, 2017

    Shea! You are such a dream! Thank you for this. I needed to hear it!

    • Shea Powell
      Maya Montgomery
      January 14, 2017

      Thank you so much for checking out the post Maya! 🙂

  • Tiea Myers
    January 10, 2017

    Thank you for this! I will be doing a solo trip around Central America soon. This will be my very first time traveling solo.

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