Solo Travel Expectations VS Reality

They say that you should at least travel solo once in your life, and so I did. I did. not because it's what "they" say, but I did because I just wanted to. Not for soul searching, not for finding my soulmate. I did it JUST BECAUSE.

Travelling alone isn't very common for most people because the thought of being alone somewhere you haven't been is a very uncomfortable idea. Safety and budget need to be considered 10 times more when you solo travel compared to being in a group. But think again.



Expectation:
In a city you haven't been, you will be surrounded by strangers who may or may not have any ill intentions. You do your very best to keep away from danger, so you stay right in the middle of the city or go wherever the crowd is to avoid being cornered to the wall.

Reality:
You thought you would be alone, but you are never alone. With airfares getting more and more affordable, everyone and anyone can travel. Tourists are just everywhere and package tours accommodate both groups and solo tourists altogether. You are never alone.



Expectation:
You thought you would have to spend 1500 for a room a night? Accommodation is cheaper. You can get a room for 300PHP for a night compared to a 1500php room for two. Plus, you get the toilet for yourself.

Reality: 
Even for a 500 peso room, it is still good for two people. Solo travelling might be a bit more expensive than travelling with a partner. So consider that.



Expectation:
Remember when you had to decide where to go next so you had to fix your schedule just to entertain everyone's wishes? When travelling alone, you don't have to worry about that and wait for the sun to set and emote all you want till your heart's content (except your flight, you wouldn't want to be late for that!!)

Reality:
But still, you thought you could have all the time for yourself because you wouldn't need to consider your travel mates' wants, since you're part of a joined group, you still have to go along with the travel group's schedule (but at least they follow a strict itinerary, they would leave with or without you....)
You just technically have all the time for a shower to yourself.



Expectation:
One awkward thing to do in public is taking a selfie. Travelling alone doubles that awkwardness. So that is why there are so many selfie sticks protruding and you try your best to take your selfie when no one else is watching....OR you end up taking a photo of your foot in the beach.

Reality:
People are too busy minding their own business or taking jump shots with their mates. So take that selfie away and post it in social media. You are not the only one travelling solo, or at least in a very small group. Be friendly enough to talk and socialise with people, so someone else can take a photo of you. You can't just let your camera be set to timer while awkwardly posing for the camera.



Expectation:
One thing you have to do when visiting a place for the first time is trying their local delicacy. So you make sure to fit that in your schedule to visit that restaurant.

Reality:
As a budget traveller, sometimes restaurants are just too much even for a group. So you end up visiting where the locals eat, which is, I think, the best way to enjoy the local delicacy.


Travelling alone, no one is there to remind you of the careless stuff you are going to be doing. There is only you, and you alone to remind you with that. Write it where you can see it.

And the best thing about travelling alone is you get to realise:

posted from Bloggeroid