Answering the 5 Most Common Questions on Solo Travel
December 2024: The grounds by Prague Castle
I somehow managed to get a scholarship from Durham, and one of the many perks of this scholarship is that I often get invited to sit at the high table for college formals.
And, everyone has to stand up and be silent when we enter the room to flute music like it's a wedding procession (not even joking). I absolutely love it (my friend Ollie tells me he hates having to stand up in reverence for me LOL).
Well, the other evening on a high table, I was sitting next to a 20-year-old who first told me “No way I was 23” and then followed it with a “You know, I’ve always had a thing for older women…”
At this point it dawned on me, I am getting too old for this place. AND, my days of being a free student are running short. So, that night, I impulsively booked a $36 trip to Poland. I leave tomorrow.
I think half of the fun in traveling is being excited about your trip. So, I blabbed to anyone who would listen “I have decided to go on a spontaneous solo trip!”
When I tell people about my solo travels, I typically get “Oh my gosh, I wish I could, but I don’t have the balls to do it.” Then, they ask one of these questions:
Note: The images below are all from my solo winter interrailing trip to the Christmas Markets in Prague, Bratislava and Budapest.
Q1: Why do you travel solo?
December 2024: One of my favourite places I’ve ever visited, the world’s most beautiful library inside the Strahov Monastery, in Prague.
I travel by myself because you don’t always have someone to go with you. My friends live all over the world now, from Palm Beach to Taipei. And, I would rather go by myself than not go at all.
Life moves way too quickly and you never know what will happen. Something fabulous could happen (like I become an overnight celebrity and need a security team with me at all times). OR, I could end up paralyzed and have to live the rest of my life at home. While I am relatively free of commitments, healthy, and living in the UK, I want to make the most of it.
Most importantly, my travel junky reputation precedes me. When I am catching up with friends, they always ask me where I am going next. And I can’t disappoint.
Q2: Don’t you get bored and lonely solo travelling?
December 2024: Enjoying a hot cider in a pub I stumbled upon in Prague.
Yes, at times. But, like I mentioned, I think at this stage of life most of your friends are in different spots in life, so feeling lonely some of the time is inevitable. I’d rather feel a bit lonely in a new country than feel lonely sitting on the couch.
It’s about perspective as well. I could feel bad for myself and ruin my own trip, or I can enjoy the moment and be grateful that I am 23 and traveling halfway around the world. I know this because I’ve been paid to take out the garbage on Saturday nights, scrape dishes, and scrub Tootsie rolls off the floor (literally). When life is good, just let it be good.
Q3: What do you do all day on a solo trip?
December 2024: A famous coffee house in Bratislava’s Old Town,
So, I typically start with going on a walking tour on the first morning to get acclimated and see if there are any sites I had no idea about to add to my itinerary.
Then honestly, I indulge myself in museums, see the sites, and when I get tired, go sit in a cafe and do what I do best: eat. By the time the sun sets, I head back to my accommodation for the night. If I’ve met a friend from the day, I might go out for a drink later, but very rarely.
Q4: And you don’t mind eating on your own when you solo travel?
December 2024: A dinner I enjoyed by myself in a gorgeous restaurant in Old Town Bratislava.
I do not mind at all. It is not scary. I’ll tell you what’s scary: your card getting declined at a vending machine. Can’t speak from experience though... Eating a schnitzel at a lovely tavern in Bratislava is not scary.
Plus, I like eating when and where I want to, no negotiating or coaxing a picky relative to try tapas. I just bring a book, or if the restaurant is particularly interesting, people watch.
I think it's also how you frame it. Call me delusional but I always just assume strangers think I’m cool for eating by myself. And if they think I’m weird, so be it. It’s free entertainment for them at their meal!
Q5: How do you meet people while you travel alone?
December 2024: Me and a friend I made in Prague, enjoying the regional Pilsner.
I usually start by making small talk with girls in the hostel or on city tours. If I like them, I usually suggest getting a meal. This is a great way to have a bit of company without committing to a whole day with someone. It’s just like a date. If the meal goes well, you can see them again.
I’ve had dinner with an American girl in Oxford, a Dutch girl in Dublin, and a Mexican-American girl in Prague. I’ve genuinely enjoyed each meal. Plus, when there is an awkward silence, just ask them about their dating history.
Solo Travel Safety for Women - Tips and Tricks:
December 2024: I had a very generous auntie gift me a bit of money for Christmas. So, I spent it on my very own “Grand Budapest Hotel” room for the final night of my trip.
Avoid posting on social media until after the trip. You never know who sees your posts (plus, your content will be better once you have all the material to work with).
For safety, always share your location and send regular updates to your family or friends.
If you want to avoid looking like a tourist, walk with your headphones in and walk with a purpose like you are walking to work. Also, avoid smiling and taking 500 photos.
Try to lower your voice and not sound super American. Americans, unfortunately, are often perceived as naïve and therefore more susceptible to pickpockets.
