"Travelling Solo"
Post on: July 19, 2019
There are pros and cons to travelling solo. Travelling solo is oftentimes seen as the route to self-discovery as we tread off the beaten track.
However, I have friends who find it inconceivable in travelling alone. “Our experiences ought to be shared. Imagine imbibing Chardonnay on the hilltop overlooking the splendour of the land while the chef whips up a sizzling lobster meal – how can I finish it… more so cherish the atmosphere all by myself?” my buddy rhapsodised when I broached the subject.
On the other hand, another friend who is a veteran of solo voyages interjected, “You decide the itinerary for the day. One day, you can mingle with the locals in a boisterous setting while relegating into obscurity the next day. You travel on your terms – changing your mind according to your whims and fancies without annoying anyone.”
I would say, to each his own. The world is your oyster – you can do anything or go anywhere you want. A person will only know which is more fulfilling after going through it. And for those who want to go solo, here are some tips:
Keep a low profile – don’t be a show-off with fancy watches or jewellery. Bear in mind that muggers would be scrutinising those who travel solo for an easy target. It may not be possible to fully assimilate with the locals like wearing their traditional outfits and carrying their swagger. However, we can try to fit in by not flaunting our opulence blatantly.
Ask and you will find your way — It baffles me why people are so apprehensive on doing this when they are unsure of their destination. Rather than wasting time and energy going in the opposite direction, get it right the first time. And as a word of caution, ask people who are in a position to know the locality well like the security officers or local shopkeepers.
Be accessible to your family and friends – the advent of technological advances has made it easier to keep in touch 24 hours, now that many joints provide free Wi-fi access. Also, it would be good to register with your local authorities prior to your departure.
Read up and do your homework — it would be great to learn a few words and phrases of the country you’re visiting. It would make your journey and thyself endearing especially when the locals hear you speak their language. They would be impressed and it can be a great ice breaker to greater things.
Have a gung-ho attitude — Travelling alone entails that you should step out of your comfort zone and do the things which you never thought of. Even if it means bringing your luggage and a whole load of accessories into the tiny cubicle of a toilet. Well, you got to find a way to manoeuvre somehow — a “can do” attitude is a prerequisite.
Bring a book— you will be thankful for this. Travelling means exploring and getting into the thick of the action and burying yourself in a book may seem a misnomer. However, in times of loneliness, a book can be a great companion especially while soaking into the café culture. It can also serve as a pretext when we want to avoid talking to unsavoury characters. Reading a book can be a polite way of telling others we are disinterested in their conversation. Alternatively, when the situation warrants, be confident enough to introduce yourself to others and the book can serve as a great topic of discussion.
All that glitters is not gold… – Be wary of unsavoury characters trying to seize you up like a hawk. One has to be extra vigilant while on a solo trip. There is nobody to keep watch over you and one has to be on guard. This is especially so while partying the night away. Be cautious of tricksters who have mastered the art of charming you with their sweet talk and innocent demeanour.
Travelling solo may not appeal to most of us. Having a companion makes the trip more vivid and memorable. By sharing the experience with someone, we tend to play down the encumbrances we face during the journey. Moreover, the joyful experiences are amplified when we have someone by our side. Also having a companion means sharing the cost – it could be a massive saving considering the hotel charges which can be halved.
Despite these, if one has the spirit of adventurism and a gung-ho attitude to go solo, nothing can be a deterrent… “When was the last time you did something for the first time?”
By Shaji Thomas Varughese
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