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My Travel Journey
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I didn't start out as a confident solo traveller.
My travel confidence is something I have built over time, starting with a group volunteering trip abroad as a teenager, then a summer camp experience in my early 20s.
I fell into solo travel after a trip to South East Asia with a friend went sour (we're all good now). What started out as a shared trip turned into my first experience backpacking solo, and I was surprised at how quickly I adapted. South East Asia made it easy as there were so many other travellers, generally following the same route, so you're never really on your own unless you want to be.
After that, I found myself in Central America, again, not entirely planned. I didn't know anyone who had backpacked here, and although my friends and family had some hesitation, my first solo experience (and a strong case of post-COVID travel desperation) pushed me to go for it. It ended up being one the best decisions I made.
More recently, I went to South America, a real bucket list trip of mine. It's generally more popular among experienced travellers due to higher costs and longer, more challenging journeys between places. By that point, everything I had learnt from previous trips gave me the confidence to take it on, and it ended up being my favourite so far.
What No One Tells You
You will feel unsure at the start.
Even now, I still get that 'Why am I doing this?' feeling at the airport before a trip. It's not a sign you shouldn't go - it's just nerves.
The first few days are the hardest.
Getting your bearings can feel overwhelming at first, but give it a few days. You'll settle into it quicker than you think and find your own rhythm.
You won't click with everyone (and that's okay).
You won't always find your people straight away, and not everyone will be your kind of person. Don't let that stop you from doing things on your own, whether that's going on a tour or to a restaurant. Travellers come and go, naturally you'll find your crowd.
