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Solo Travel

How does it feel to be a solo traveller?

Friends, family members and acquaintances are all inquisitive of my travels. People are interested in this travelling solo phenomenon because it’s such a different topic and a rare thing to think about. Who would usually think about travelling on their own? I know I didn’t. It didn’t even cross my mind at all that is something I can do and should do.

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Nervous for my first solo trip

A good friend of mine moved to London for work for a couple of years. While I was happy for him for his new opportunity, I was also quite ecstatic about the potential for myself to travel. I was tired of waiting around for someone to go with me, so I decided to go on my own. Life was passing me by, and I didn’t want to wait any longer.

Right away I knew I wanted to make my first solo trip as easy as possible while visiting all the major sites I’ve wanted to see.  If I said I wasn’t nervous, I would be lying. My biggest fear at the time was not being able to handle unknown situations and manage my way around a foreign land. So the planner in me planned the trip as much as I can. The planning was extensive with the colour-coordinated spreadsheet, flight information, a list of the main attractions, and almost anything I can fit in a formatted document. All accommodations were researched and booked before departure. It was a lot of work! But I knew the work would make me feel prepared for the trip. At least I got the majority of the items covered; I should be able to handle the rest.

Addicted to the adrenaline of solo travelling

To say my first solo trip was fantastic is a complete understatement. It was more than amazing, more than anything I can imagine. There were no words to describe how I felt at the time except that I felt ecstatic, accomplished, and rejuvenated.  I had all these positive emotions because I felt such a sense of accomplishment and that turned my dreams into reality.

For me, it is all about the challenges involving solo travelling. It is like solving a puzzle – with each piece that fits into place, the more accomplished I feel. I enjoy the challenges that come with this territory and overcoming them. There is such a rush when you overcome something tough. And by overcoming something that you didn’t even think you can, you feel more confident in everything that you do. With every bit of success along the way, I became more confident as a traveller and as a woman.

My worries about the unknown subsided as I became more confident through my experiences. In fact, I made friends with it. I enjoy tackling the unknown because those are the type of opportunities you can push yourself and see how you handle specific situations. I feel it is all a matter of perspective. Turning a negative into a positive can change your view on many things.

Travelling solo: the best feeling in the world

I love to travel solo! Without a doubt, this is my favourite thing to do in the world. I never thought I’d be one of those people who would love to do that. As an only child, I’ve always been pretty independent of an early age. So travelling solo wasn’t far off from my regular life except that it is a foreign land.

I never felt lonely on any of my solo trips. I use the alone time to be by myself. The solitude time I’ve had on my solo trips have shaped the person I am now. I made a lot of big life decisions on these types of trips because your mind is clearer when you are away from your daily lives, and your spirit is high because you are in a new environment, amongst new things and new friends.

And not to mention the freedom you have on the road where your options are endless.  Your initiative and imagination only limit you.  You get to make all the decisions on your own and not having to consult anyone. Everything associated with travelling solo will give you such a liberating experience that you will never forever. In fact, these types of trips will often change your life.

You have to try it out yourself

I will say that solo travelling is not for everyone. Each person has their own set of preferences in life and travel, and sometimes the solo journey is not a part of it.  However, I do urge everyone should at least try it once. If you don’t like it, then at least you gave it a try. However, if you do like the experience, it can open up many doors in the future. The world is full of possibilities, and your action only limits it.

Do you share the same sentiment? Leave a comment and let me know.

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Thank you for reading my post about my solo travel story

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how does it feel to be a solo traveller - ms travel solo
About Author

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I've been a solo traveller for 18+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!

2 Comments

  • Jocelyn Vachon
    December 31, 2019 at 9:10 pm

    Dear Queenie,
    It’s New Years Eve and here I sit with morning tea,home in Massachusetts on a little slice of paradise: Cape Cod. My desire to travel has been life long… I don’t even know how I stumbled upon your site, but it feels like serendipity!
    I’m 57, a full-time nurse on a busy acute care unit, and have one son, who is now married and has one child. It’s my turn to do what I’ve always wanted: TO TRAVEL! I’ve decided 2020 is sure to be a banner year and reading about you and your travel experiences is soooo inspiring. I’m excited, anxious, a bit scared of getting lost, but more than anything, I am looking forward to realizing some of my travel dreams! I love your site and so appreciate it! Planning has begun in my mind, heart, and
    on paper. An August/September trip to Portugal is at the top of my list. Hope it’ll be okay to reach out as it gets closer. Thanks again. Jocelyn

    Reply
    • queenie mak
      January 1, 2020 at 10:35 pm

      Hi Jocelyn, thank you so much for your comment! Those are all valid feelings – I felt them too when I first started travelling. Sometimes I still feel nervous or maybe more like excitement. But whatever it is, I love the feeling of travelling solo (I also like to travel with friends but there’s something about the freedom of travelling alone). Portugal is a great spot and it is easy to get around. Yes, please stay in touch! Thank you again for your lovely message. Happy new year! 🙂

      Reply

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