It has been two and half months since I embarked for my European semester, and it is certainly true that I have experienced an incredible number of adventures. Although I loved meandering along Las Ramblas in cultural Barcelona and the riding camels along the coast of Tangiers, Morocco with fellow UNC friends, some of my favorite adventures were when I took adventure a step further and stepped outside of my comfort zone — whether that be traveling alone or meeting locals that showed me the secrets of their city. Although it is always fun to share travel experiences with your friends, traveling alone can be one of the most rewarding experiences, allowing you to have a new perspective and also provide plenty of time to reflect on your experience. As I have begun to dabble in solo travel, I’ve definitely learned a little bit more about myself, but also the perks of going your own way.
How to make the most of traveling alone:
1. Pack lightly.
There is nothing more cumbersome than carrying loads upon loads of luggage when you travel. Since traveling throughout Europe, I too have learned the value of packing light (it has always been one of my greatest challenges). Although it is helpful that most of the European airlines strictly limit your luggage, you can still over pack a backpack. I like to bring a few food essentials with me when I travel in order to cut down on the amount of money I spend, so figuring out how to pack clothes, toiletries and peanut butter can be a challenge. Also, when you pack light, your ability to travel is easier and you can take your belongings wherever you go. Packing light forces you to only bring what is necessary and take a break from the distractions that often get in the way of getting out and experiencing life. After all, it is very likely your life is not going to end if you are away from your laptop for two or three days, but rather be enhanced.
2. Utilize Web sites like CouchSurfing and Workaway.
Before I left the United States, I signed up for CouchSurfing and Workaway, two Web sites that provide travelers the opportunity to travel by staying and interacting with other people. Not only is this a great way to learn about a culture or a city you know nothing about, but it is also a fantastic way to save money. In March, I arranged my first CouchSurfing experience with a young couple in Paris, and that weekend has been transformed into one of my favorite trips of all time. Although it took me a while to finally find someone, which can be common, I could not have imagined a better experience! My decisions to stay with Caroline and Vincent while my friends got a hostel allowed me to see things from the eyes of a Parisian, like the breathtaking Paris monuments at night or Père Lachaise, the final resting place of greats like Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. As the semester continues, I definitely hope to surf a few more times!
Workaway is a similar endeavor, but involving free room and board in exchange for a week or more of volunteer work. The international network has jobs ranging from au pairs to organic farming to remodeling houses. In a few weeks, I am set to travel to Galicia, Spain for six days of work with an ecological non-profit that is working to restore an oak forest. I am most anticipating six days in the mountains of northern Spain and a break from the busy life I seem to get wrapped up in on a daily basis.
As a solo female, it is important to take a few more precautions with these Web sites. Although most people are probably just fine, I always made sure to look for couples or fellow women to stay with when I enquire about couches. I also took into account the amount of references each had and if they were verified or not. While it may require a little effort, when you do succeed in finding a great couch or place to work, the rewards can ultimately be endless.
3. Enjoy the journey
One of my favorite quotes, written by photojournalist Dan Eldon, is, “The journey is the destination.” When traveling alone, one of the greatest joys I have found is the literal traveling, whether by bus, plane or train. On my six-hour bus ride to Madrid, I absolutely loved having time to think and reflect on a lot of things such as next year’s classes, my next trip here in Europe and my plans for the summer. Additionally, here in Spain the journeys are always accompanied by beautiful landscapes — I don’t think I will ever get tired of seeing the grassy hills, rocky peaks and small pueblos that dot the Spanish countryside. Whatever method you travel by, use the time for relaxation and preparation; it is not every day that you find yourself with such a sizeable amount of alone time. Additionally, plane or bus rides can be a great way to meet fellow travelers and swap stories. Even if you started your trip solo, you might just meet a companion to do some exploring with once you arrive to your destination.
4. Plan your own agenda.
The best thing about traveling solo is the independence you have — the only person you have to please is you! Instead of trying to cram 12 hours of sightseeing into one day, you could spread over a few, or simply pick and choose what is the most important to you. When I traveled to Madrid last weekend, although I stayed with friends who lived there, I did most of the tourist things on my own since my friends had already been. As I walked through the Reina Sofia, instead of feeling rushed, I spent a wonderful two hours exploring modern art on my own terms. As I stood in front of Picasso’s Guernica, it was wonderful to be sharing the profound experience just with myself. The adventures continued after the museum as well, as I wandered through the streets of Madrid, sans map, yet managed to find my way back to the apartment. I’ve learned that when you travel solo, taking small risks becomes more appealing and new. One my recent trip to Ronda, where I went to visit a local newspaper, I left Sevilla with a return ticket and the name of the town where I was supposed to find the office — no plans for accommodations or any idea of what my two day visit would entail. But like most things, everything turned out fine, and the idea of going into future trips with minimal planning strikes me as a welcoming challenge.Â
5. Reflect.
I’ll admit, this is something I don’t always do enough. My original plan was to write on my personal blog several times a week; right now I am lucky if I post a few times a month. Reflecting may not seem as important in the moment, but in the future when you look back on your travels, it can be a wonderful bit of nostalgia. As a solo traveler, it is especially rewarding to document your journeys because I guarantee you will see things through a new and different light. When we travel in groups, I’ve found that it is much easier to get caught up in the schedule and trying to fulfill everyone’s plans for the trip, thus making time for reflection quite futile. But when you are by yourself and the trip is all yours, find time in a park, a museum or your favorite tapas bar to create some written memories.
Whether you write in your Moleskine notebook, your online blog, your class notes or a napkin from a café, the record you make of your trip will be sure to last for years to come.