"Not all those who wander are lost:" JRR Tolkien.
What does it really feel like to travel alone? One would expect that it is a very liberating experience, while at the same time being a slightly brave choice to go completely on your own. It’s probable though that the being alone part would be only temporary and at the beginning, as other people travelling alone will want to make friends too. Henry David Thoreau once said: “The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.” This is a known advantage of going solo, as sometimes when travelling in groups some miss out on what they actually want to do as it doesn’t suit the rest. Travelling alone is steadily becoming more popular, with another said benefit being that you are more likely to immerse yourself completely in your surroundings without any distractions, and in that you’ll become less ignorant to the culture. You give yourself the chance to discover yourself.
In April I’m going to Ubud, Bali alone with a Real Gap group who I have never met before. The Real Gap Experience is a reputable travel company that give people the opportunity to visit every part of the World. Booking a big trip can be daunting but the people there will do everything for you, from booking flights to sorting out travel insurance and the necessary visas. Their extensive website provides you with an account when you’ve booked which contains all of your own personal trip notes, flight details and all other important information you need to know before you embark on your adventure. For men travelling alone it can sometimes seem a little safer, and it has to be said that women should be more aware of their surroundings if they choose to be on their own. That being said, the people in Bali are meant to be some of the friendliest people, so there I’m not worried about travelling alone.
I’m ecstatic and slightly nervous at the same time, but I have no doubts it’s going to be the most incredible experience. Although I am going on my own I’m going to be staying at a yoga and meditation retreat, so I will have a base with familiar faces after a few days. I have a real respect for people that simply go to a country without a plan and make their way as they go along. Londoner Doug Higman, 24, went to India last year for six weeks, made some friends as he travelled and had the most amazing experience. “I got out of the airport in India and did have a moment where I was like ‘what the hell am I doing?’” he explains. “After I got over the initial fear, though, I didn’t look back and enjoyed every second of it.” A lone traveller’s words posted on Pinterest caught my eye the other day as they’d written: “As you travel solo, being totally responsible for yourself, it’s inevitable that you will discover just how capable you are.” That sounds fun, doesn’t it?