Solo traveling, anyone here ever done it?

There are a lot of cities around the country that i'd love to visit but the problem is that in about 90% of those cities I do not know anyone. has anyone here just traveled around the country by themselves and just sort of wing it? How was your experience?

I have, and always had a good time.



noel_esq. said:

There are a lot of cities around the country that i'd love to visit but the problem is that in about 90% of those cities I do not know anyone. has anyone here just traveled around the country by themselves and just sort of wing it? How was your experience?

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Yes, it works out. When I have traveled like that in the past I've had great experiences. Exploring a new city with someone is a lot of fun, too (except when it isn't . . .) -- but they are very different experiences. For me, one of the best ways to experience a new city is to take a bus or train across town from wherever you're staying and then slowly make your way back, with no established itinerary. Chat with random people in coffee places or bars if that's the sort of personality, or take pictures of interesting buildings, try to find the best ice cream place, or whatever.

I do it all the time. Actually heading back to Thailand in 2 1/2 weeks solo. Great time and experiences.

I agree with lawyerdad about not needing an established itinerary being a huge perk. I took a subway to the Olympic Stadium in Berlin and figured the area looked nice, so I thought I'd walk back. It turned into an afternoon and ended up being just over 6 miles if I'd have gone straight back to the Brandenburg Gate, but I'd taken side streets and whatnot. Slim chance of me being able to saunter like that with someone else.

Another thing to consider is that you won't have to be solo once you get to the cities. If you stay in hostels (not sure if this is your thing) it's quite easy to meet people over breakfast or in the common areas.

It seems, in my experience, that everyone before you leave is surprised you're traveling alone, but you meet so many people who are doing the same thing once you get out there. There's no sense missing out on traveling just because you don't have someone readily available.

If you don't speak the language in the country, be prepared for some serious introspection. It's a good thing.

i would also add.....go and do it. don't wait for anyone/anything. if i had a nickel for the amount of times that i have heard from friends that they wanted to come on a trip with me, i would be a rich man!!

When I got out of the Marines, I was single for a few years and traveled quite a bit for pleasure, always alone, and I always enjoyed myself. Chicago, Los Angeles, Grand Canyon, Minneapolis, Montreal, Quebec, NYC... The few times I traveled with a friend, I began to regret it rather quickly because I usually had to be more concerned with their schedule than I wanted to be. No need to worry about what others want to do when you are alone.

In a few of the cities I knew people and could hang out with them for a night or two but the majority of the time it was always a solo adventure. If I were still single these days, I'd still travel that way.

Agree. When you are with someone(in my case), you have to deal with their schedule/needs/etc.
I love traveling alone. I have gone to Thailand/Madrid/Montreal/Amsterdam/etc/etc solo. GREAT times....

I am about to go on a solo trip once my divorce papers are in (sitting in a mail office right now for pick up) - don't know where I'm going. Hong Kong, Singapore, Brisbane, Venice, and then any number of random places are on my dartboard. I have done Hong Kong alone in the past and didn't find it enjoyable, but I might if I take the approach of enjoying the alone time and maybe hitting up the usual transient spots if I need social interactions. I've been trying to think where I should go and what I should do with me time alone, but I'm guessing it'll end up revolving around food and drink.

A few things:

If you're going to do it, don't do it anywhere its cold. Being alone in the cold sucks, especially when you can't communicate with everyone around you.

Be ok with being by yourself for long periods of time. Some people can handle this, some can't, period.

Be ok with being sexually frustrated

Be ok with dealing with assholes, of all shapes and sizes.

And, most importantly, be ok with taking care of yourself. I've seen WAY too many people on the road just fall apart over the most basic things.



impolyt_one said:

I am about to go on a solo trip once my divorce papers are in (sitting in a mail office right now for pick up)

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Rambo said:

A few things:

If you're going to do it, don't do it anywhere its cold. Being alone in the cold sucks, especially when you can't communicate with everyone around you.

Be ok with being by yourself for long periods of time. Some people can handle this, some can't, period.

Be ok with being sexually frustrated

Be ok with dealing with assholes, of all shapes and sizes.

And, most importantly, be ok with taking care of yourself. I've seen WAY too many people on the road just fall apart over the most basic things.

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As someone who has and is traveling alone...I agree with this^^. Esp the last point. If you are one of those people who can't handle the most basic things, think twice...
I would also add...it's a vacation. Don't get tied too much to the internet or a cell phone. Go and meet and communicate with people the old fashioned way.
I am heading to Bangkok in 2 weeks, My iPhone will get turned off when I get on the plane there and not get turned back on until I get back home. Truth!

I spent a week alone in Costa Rica. Awesome time.

Yep. It can be a great experience--do whatever you want, when you want, no waiting on anyone else. Can also seriously get to know yourself.

It can also be miserable. You've got to be pretty comfortable in your own skin and being by yourself.

On the whole, it was a great experience and I'd do it again.