Realizations of a Solo Traveller

In the Philippines, I only traveled alone once. It was not actually a solo trip since I joined a public tour to Mount Pinatubo. I became friends with other guests in the group and we even exchange messages until today. But that was the first time that I experienced the peace of solo traveling. When we arrived at the crater lake, I picked a spot far from the crowds and sit there for three hours just enjoying the view. I didn't imagine I could actually stand doing nothing but that's what a peaceful place does to you.

A few months after I began studying in Europe, I took solo traveling to the next level. My first trip was a day trip to Bratislava from Vienna. It was out of my plan. I was travelling with three other friends from the Philippines, Cambodia and Malaysia. We were supposed to go to Salzburg that day but then my right knee was really killing me so I told them that I wouldn't go. At 9AM, I couldn't withstand the thought that I would let the day go to waste. The train station was within walking distance so I checked the trains to Bratislava. Bratislava and Vienna are the closest capital cities in the world. The travel time only takes an hour and a one-way ticket costs 12 euros. So I bought the ticket and hopped on the next train. I didn't have a travel guide but who cares? I just want to explore. A month after this trip, I seriously considered solo travel. By February, I set off to another two-week trip in Spain and Greece. And that's it. My life was changed forever.

I came across this lake during my solo trip to Bratislava

-It teaches me to be independent. From planning the itinerary, navigating the streets, figuring out the right stop and carrying my luggage - I have to do everything on my own.

- It gives me more time to explore. I don't have to wait for anyone in the morning. I can skip the places that I don't really feel like seeing (like museums and old buildings). I always prefer a walk in the park or along the beach.

- It lets me confront the fears I never knew I had. The thought of solo travel gives me a lot of fears. Instead of being excited, I was so nervous before the trip that I actually considered not pushing through my plans. I also realized that I am afraid of staying in an island with a low population and insufficient public transportation.

-It allows me to meet other people. There are a lot of solo travelers and it's so easy to strike up a conversation that otherwise would not happen if I am traveling with my friends. In Santorini, I met a Polish girl while waiting for our bus and we ended up exploring Oia for the whole day together.

- It makes me see the best and worst of the people. I received a lot of unsolicited help from strangers - from asking if I wanted them to take my photos to those who were asking where I wanted to go after noticing that I was looking at the Metro network map for a long time. On the other hand, I met people who took advantage of me because I am a female and was alone. I will write another entry about this incident when I'm ready to disclose it.

- It gives me freedom. As stated, I am not fond of museums so I can skip them. While seating on the lakeside for hours is a waste of time for some, this is how I love to spend my day. I am a great fan of bodies of water and I am happiest when I have hours to sit and just look at them.

- It improves my way of handling emotions. Things went wrong but I didn't have anyone to share my problem with. There was no one to comfort me when I lost one of most treasured property. I lie down, analyze my feeling and think of all the happy thoughts to counter my depression.

- It allows me to do everything or nothing. While most of the travelers start their day at 10AM, I like to go out as early as 7AM and walk around the city. When I don't feel like going it, I can stay in the hostel all day and do my work. No one's there to drag me.

- It gives me more time to observe the environment. When traveling with friends, I tend to give more attention to them than to my surroundings. Being alone, I observe the people in the metro, the groups in the park, the dogs, the falling leaves, the sky, the birds, the flowers and even my feelings towards these things.

- It makes me a strong and determined woman. Being able to travel in different countries alone gives me confidence. After each trip, I am always proud of myself for figuring out the right stops, for reaching my desired destinations and for gaining wonderful experiences.

- It changes my perspective in life. More often than not, I revise my itinerary after going back from a trip. Seeing my strengths, I realized that I can explore off-the-beaten paths and go out of the comfort zone offered by the city. I became more fond of adventure trips and countryside tours. While I became more confident, I was humbled by experienced travelers that I met along the way. Traveling made me realize that this is what I want to do for all of my life.