“Travel is never a matter of money, but of courage.”
— Paulo Coelho
Surrounded by those who are never in one place for more than a year and have a penchant for traveling, I have learned a key quality that all those who travel possess: courage. Travelers are courageous souls who are not afraid to embark on adventures that are challenging and often step out of their comfort zone.
I consider traveling alone to be a religious and sacred experience. The thrill and the adrenaline of wandering off on your own in a city you can’t call your own is exhilarating. However, there are few who can ace it.
Solo traveling is life-altering. It makes you realize your capabilities and how agile you can be in life. Waiting for others to respond to plans is not my ordeal and nor should it be for any solo traveler. The phrase ‘more the merrier’ is very true; however the phrase ‘less is more’ is effective as well.
Solo traveling translates to sink or swim. You have the entire ocean to yourself to explore. It provides you the complete freedom you are looking for and it contributes immensely to your personal growth.
In this blog, I would like to share some tricks that I vow have made solo traveling easy.
I am an ultimate coffee enthusiast, it is not only essential but an experience I would not trade for anything in the world. There are many places that offer delicious coffees however; I have tasted outrageously bad coffee as well. Hence I never go on a trip without some of my dark roast ground coffee and a portable French press machine.
I always look for guides and friends. When you’re traveling solo, you are at your own mercy. Visiting an unknown country is enriching, however stressful. Even more stressful is to make sure you are eating and visiting the right kind of places.
2 years ago in Thailand, I was left alone for 2 days and I decided to venture out. Thai street food is popular for being a bizarre yet once-in-a-lifetime experience. I made a friend at the local coffee shop who offered to take me to the overnight street market where I explored some hidden jewels. These are the moments that make your trip all the more enriching.
Solo Traveling is not only a lifestyle choice but it will give you depth as a person. Traveling changes you and it will contribute towards making you more independent and a taskmaster. So embark on your journey and don’t forget to write to me about your experience!
The Globetrotter 