Comments on: My First Solo Travel Experience

By: Emily

Emily — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 02:43:54 +0000

Thanks for your comment, Jodi! I’ve also heard that the French are more helpful if you try to speak French–I just only knew about four words But I did really enjoy getting to go where I wanted when I wanted. I was bummed when I had a great moment that I wished I could have shared with someone, like looking at the Eiffel Tower lit up at night, but I loved that I was able to spend only a few hours at The Louvre and not feel stuck there with someone else who wanted to spend the whole day!

By: Jodi Henderson

Jodi Henderson — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 01:37:15 +0000

I like doing stuff by myself, and traveling is no exception. My first “big girl” trip was to France last year and I loved it. Luckily, I remembered enough French from high school to help me get by; I found that French folks were much more helpful if you tried to speak French. Other than that, I just find it so much easier and more enjoyable to do what I want when I want. Sometimes it would be nice to share an experience with others (and I’ll do that in the spring when I take my niece and nephew to Paris) but being alone is where it’s at for me.

By: Dani Good

Dani Good — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 03:53:35 +0000

I would like to travel solo! it will push you to really get to know everything around you. Nice story!

By: Becs

Becs — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 23:48:30 +0000

Even though I had travelled alone various times around the UK, Ireland and the US (and Italy, but I met up with people there), Paris was the first place I went to alone where I didn’t speak the language and I had the exact same expirence as you. Taxi drivers who wouldn’t take me to my hotel because I was too close (luckily, I found it quickly!) and didn’t really do much at night because the city was kind of daunting and I wasn’t staying in the best area.

I think Paris would be better with a partner or group and I’ll give it another chance someday. Just not anytime soon.

By: Adriana

Adriana — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:02:25 +0000

I was kind of on the same boat – just never thought I would travel alone… just thought it wouldn´t be as fun, until 2 years ago I spent a month in Asia traveling alone most of the time, but met friends when they were not working and made new friends at hostels and it was a great experience!

By: Greg Ackerman

Greg Ackerman — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:58:18 +0000

Great piece Emily. Traveling alone CAN be intimidating. It’s also freeing in a way one would not imagine until actually doing it. Spent nearly a month abroad 2 summers ago, primarily in St. Petersburg, RU. Had friend living there, but he owns a business there, so often I was on my own. By the time his parents came (I did not even know they were coming), I knew ST. Pete’s well enough on my own to be THEIR guide. His Mom kept remarking how well I knew St. Pete’s. I did not tell her I had one of those wanderingaroundincirclesimlost moments just near the area she and I were standing.

This is my favorite building in St. Pete’s. http://bit.ly/ChurchofSpilledBlood I still get goose bumps thinking about first time I saw it, with a gorgeous Russian friend as my guide, the building lit from the ground as it was dark. I was stunned at it’s beauty. And hers.

By: Anil

Anil — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 14:07:27 +0000

I travel more often alone than not and don’t mind it. The nice thing is the absolute freedom to do whatever you want but there are times when it would be nice to have somebody around to share the experiences with. I think it’s good (if possible) to try and achieve a blend on every travel. Get some alone time in while making it part of your pre-trip plans to meet up with others or going to some social/expat/etc. event.

By: Shannon OD

Shannon OD — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:21:46 +0000

What a great opportunity for you! I agree with everyone else – if you do it more often you will find your own rhythm and become more adjusted to the pace of doing whatever *you* want to do Cheers and sounds like a great experience!

By: Emily Gerson

Emily Gerson — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:35:34 +0000

Thanks for your input, everyone! I’m glad to see that everyone agrees that it gets easier the more you do it. I know it’s not for everyone, but I think traveling solo sometimes allows you to be more open to new experiences. Cheers!

By: Have Pack, Will Travel

Have Pack, Will Travel — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:25:56 +0000

Great story Emily. It’s true, it can be challenging but once you get the first one under your belt, you’re ready for anything!

My first solo experience wasn’t by choice either but it helped shape the rest of my travels and experiences so I am truly thankful for it.

By: Lauren Quinn

Lauren Quinn — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 00:41:46 +0000

I’m all about the traveling solo, for the same reasons you felt it was beneficial. It’s for sure not for everyone, but I think it’s something all travelers should experience at least once. I feel my most comfortable when I’m alone in the world. I dunno, I’ve got lots to say on the issue; here’s what I mean: http://lonelygirltravels.com/2009/12/14/sola-a-fetal-manifesto-and-healing-tattoo/

By: Frank - Our Hiking Blog

Frank - Our Hiking Blog — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:40:03 +0000

Great post Emily.
Both my daughters (at the time 18 & 19) travelled for over 6 months solo. It was b scarry for us at times with the occasional midnight phone call seeking assistance – I even ended up once speaking to a Thai doctor at 3am to clarify just WHAT he intended to inject my daughter with! (antibiotics in the end)
They generally stayed at backpacker accommodation in shared rooms so there was a ready group of new friends to enjoy the sights (and party with…) Another great option they found was WOOFING. Both of them did it for various time frames, Gave them stability (and time to dry out!)
Sue, my wife, recently went on a 6 night backpacking trip on the Overland Track in tasmania solo. She was 52 at the time and still very nervous BUT had a ball – She blogged about it here: http://ourhikingblog.com.au/2008/04/overland-track-tasmania-sues-solo-trip.html

Good luck with your next trip!
Frank