Last week, I chatted with the Intercordia students (you should consider supporting their fundraising efforts) about some of the challenges they might face in their summer adventures.
Eight women from our community will be volunteering abroad in Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe. They will have support, but ultimately they will be travelling alone.
Solo travel is very different than going on a group tour, or even taking a trip with a loved one or a best friend. It can be scary, it can be lonely and it can be overwhelming.
It can also allow you to experience things that a group would not.
It is pretty tricky to immerse yourself in a culture when you’re trying to maneuver a gaggle of girls. If you learn for independence and want a challenge, buy only one ticket.
People ask me: isn’t it dangerous to travel by yourself? They seem especially concerned that I would venture to unknown lands, as a woman no less.
Inviting disaster, clearly.
Although I believe in common sense precautions, I don’t think that we should let our fears keep us from enjoying travel and adventure.
Some feminists say that there can be no advice against being attacked, only work to make the world a safer place.
I suggest that instead of following rules based on opinions and hearsay, we need to do only one thing – trust ourselves.
Trust your instincts and be prepared mentally and physically for potential dangers but recognize that at some point you have to live dangerously. After all, we take risks every day.
When I was in Uruguay, I showed up at a B&B and found that I was the only guest. Because of this, I got invited to a birthday party about 30 minutes up at the coastline and bounced along dirt roads in an ancient 4×4 with a man, his beautiful toddler and an extremely disobedient dog.
I wasn’t a tourist; I was part of the family.
A number of times, I have been taken into homes as a lone traveller, able to blend in. I have met people, especially those also by themselves, made friends immediately.
For backpackers, there are always folks going the same direction as you and you can join with a group should you need some company.
Better yet, get to know the locals – it’s much easier when you’re by yourself.
For all of the moments of loneliness and trepidation, I have experienced many more chances for wonderful personal reflection and selfish spontaneity.
As with all travel options, there are pros and cons to travelling solo. This kind of adventure might not be your cup of tea.
But if you’re itching to experience a challenging, independent, free lifestyle, try the best example of travelling “light.”
