Occasionally when I talk about traveling alone, people will mention the movie Taken starring Liam Neeson. In the film, Neeson’s daughter gets abducted while traveling in Europe and he sets out to rescue her. Other concerned, squinty-eyed reactions from people likely stem from horror stories in the news and the fact that I look like an unaccompanied minor when I’m by myself. However, there is a part of me that likes this shock factor. It's like telling people you ride bulls or motorcycles.
I was met with mixed reactions from fellow American travelers in Rome when they found out that I was there alone. A group of American girls in their 20s chatted with me as I headed toward the Forum of Augustus. They were a bit surprised, but also a bit impressed. However, I was a bit more afraid to admit that I was solo mio to a couple of elderly women. They seemed concerned, but avoided chastising me for it. Years later in Belfast, people hardly batted an eye at the idea of solo travel. Progress? Maybe not because two years after my Belfast jaunt, I overheard someone say, “That’s stupid” when another suggested a solo trip.
As previously mentioned, media and pop culture seem to have an effect on the perceptions of women traveling alone. Works of fiction and nonfiction show the risks, but there are plenty of positive depictions in media as well. Eat, Pray, Love and even Moana looked like pretty great soul-searching adventures. Plus, scary things can happen even in one's own hometown. That's why I have a metal bat under my bed and walk with my car alarm key fob in hand.
Learning how to be alone is important.
Movies and news reports aside, getting from Point A to Point B on your own in a new place always gives me an empowering sense of independence. It has become somewhat of an itch I need to scratch every few years or so. Also, think about it like this: you get to see everything that YOU want to see. No compromises and no waiting around for other people each day.
As for loneliness, flyin’ solo doesn’t mean no human contact. You get to meet other travelers in the same way as if you were with a group. I’ve had a drink with a nice Australian lady in Rome, chatted away with a couple of Americans en route to the Titanic museum in Belfast, and more. If an introvert like me can do it, why not give it a try? Booking a spot on a walking tour helps. You’ll already have something to talk about!
Overall, you get to step out of your comfort zone and surprise yourself with what you can do all on your own. In that way, traveling alone can make you feel more confident. From the overnight bus rides between countries to wandering around small lakeside towns in Italy, I always look back on my solo trips and think to myself, "I can't believe I did that." I would like for more people to have memories that make them think that as well.
Ways to Make Traveling Alone Less Scary:
Most hostels have separate female and male dormitories and lockers large enough to hold luggage.
As much as I enjoy spontaneity when traveling, planning your lodging and transportation ahead of time can cut down on anxieties, and give loved ones an idea of your planned whereabouts in case of an emergency. But don't tell your mom if your hostel is a bit sketchy (I'm just kidding. Sort of).
Don’t tell just anyone that you’re traveling alone unless they have no way of figuring out where you’ll be at other points in the trip, especially where you’re staying.
Obviously, some countries are safer for women than others. Many countries around the world do suffer from high crime rates and violence. Research your destinations beforehand to judge if traveling with a group or if going on group tours are better. However, no matter where you go, common sense is the best practice.
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