The first big trip

by Martha Edwards on

I was 21, fresh out of a destructive relationship and going to school full-time when fate stepped in. I was one of those people who told everyone that I loved travel, but until that point, I’d only really gone away with my parents and of those trips had only left North America once. It wasn’t my fault — all my friends were either not into travel or too into their boyfriends to make it priority. And I didn’t want to go alone.

I don’t know what made me stop to read the generic poster on the wall that snowy day when I was embedded in studying procrastination, but I did. Good Times! Student Tour Around the Greek Islands, or something to that effect, it read. The info session was set to start in 20 minutes. I grabbed my books and headed in there. Within a week, I signed up an paid for a 4-week trip with a bunch of strangers.

What followed was a month of wicked fun that was mostly memorable, except when too many shots of ouzo blurred the lines of recognition. Our group was made up of 26 twenty-somethings and two surfer-dude guides who were rarely guiding except when it came time to catch the ferry. We had a wicked time together — full of drinking and dancing and endless side-splitting laughter — and though I keep in touch with few of my travel mates, our time together won’t soon be forgotten.

My point is this: For me, this trip was the perfect foray into the world of solo travelling. I gained confidence, and I gained a love of travelling, all without having to worry about eating alone or being chained to people’s expectations of me at home. You see, travelling with a group of strangers is ideal — you’re independent, but still not entirely on your own. I learned a lot about travelling in those four weeks, and I learned a lot about myself. I learned that when necessary, I can navigate the curvy streets of a foreign land and make the bus on time. I learned that I can get along with anyone. I learned that I can budget. I learned to break out of my comfort zone, and I learned how rewarding that can be. In short? I realized that I am a traveller, not just one of those people who claims to be one.

Thanks, Greece.

Solo traveler resources

by Neil Woodburn on

I’ve spent much of my travel career traveling solo. Sometimes it’s by design, other times it’s because I can’t find anyone interested in taking two weeks off and traveling with me to somewhere like Albania, for example. And yes, sometimes traveling solo sucks, and sometimes it’s much, much better.

One Is No Longer the Loneliest Number is a great little article in the New York Times explaining how more and more outfitters are recognizing the needs of solo travelers and responding with options that really didn’t exist even a few years ago.

Take, for example, Absolute Travel. This New York based luxury travel agency has begun offering a service to its solo clients that matches them up with “compatible travelers” so that they are not alone.

Keep in mind, however, that “solo” and “single” are two entirely different adjectives here. “Solo” is okay with traveling alone but is open to seeking a travel buddy to help with the logistics and, perhaps even loneliness. “Single,” however, are those solo travelers actively seeking other singles with hopes of bringing home more than just a souvenir from their next vacation.

So, if you’re in the “solo” frame of mind and looking to travel, spend a moment reading through Michelle Higgins superb article and its fine list of resources.

Going Alone: Tips for a Safe and Pleasant Solo Journey

by Catherine Bodry on
My first trip anywhere alone began in Athens 9 years ago. I grew up in the suburbs of Seattle, and had never even taken the bus, let alone experienced a foreign city. As my plane descended I watched the sprawling white city become clearer and clearer through the smoggy sky, and as we got closer I became more terrified. The plane touched down — and I started bawling. It took several Heinekens and a kind stranger to get me in a taxi to my hostel, and several more days before I recovered from jet lag and culture shock.

The subsequent month I spent touring around Europe were filled with incredible highs — I discovered I was capable and competent, and my self-esteem was boosted permanently — and all-encompassing lows — I got lonely and lost, and in situations that would’ve been funny if I’d been with a friend but drove me to tears instead — and I returned to the States a changed person. I’ve taken several solo trips since then, and I love that traveling alone forces me to be outgoing, or allows me be anonymous.

Of course, there’s smart solo travel, where someone always knows where you are and when they should hear from you. And then there’s … not-so-smart solo travel, like the time I arrived in rural China (Guizhou Province) without a guidebook, language guide, or friend. I cried until the only thing left to do was pick myself up and figure things out. I ended that trip humbled — and as always, amazed by the kindness of strangers and the power of body language.

If you’re traveling alone, you should always have someone who is waiting for you to check in, and who has a copy of your itinerary and passport at the least. To combat loneliness, try staying in hostels rather than hotels, and seek out touristy bars and restaurants if possible. If you’re dining alone, it always helps to have a good book or your journal handy to keep you occupied.

For more tips on having a safe and pleasant solo journey, check out msnbc.com.

GADLING’S TAKE FIVE: Week of July 8

by Adrienne Wilson on

Time for another week of random picks from the bloggers here at Gadling. Saddle up, simmer down and go solo on the slow train if you must.

5. Albertan Cowboy Culture: Where’s the Real Old West These Days?:
When my mind conjures images of cowboys on the open range or prairie searching for the type of things cowboys go looking for I don’t imagine them in Canada. This could just be me, but thanks to Martha the cowboys in my daydream have a new home in Alberta. Some are a little commercialized and others a bit more authentic, but you’ll have to read further for the details.

4. Why Trains Suck in America:
I’ve never taken a train in America. Have you? Ever wonder why so many Americans don’t? See why Neil thinks train transportation is basically dead in the U.S.

3. The Best U.S. Cities for Singles:
It’s summer time in the city and you’re single. Find out which city has the most singles and mosey on over to find your better half. That’s if you don’t like being single for the summer and all.

2. A Canadian in Beijing: Reverse Culture Shock:
Goodbyes and readjustment can be a tough job to tackle after a long excursion abroad. Ember hasn’t been home long and already she is back on the road touring with her band. Check out this last post in her series and find out where you can keep tabs on her future jaunts.

1. The “Wonders of the World” Votes are in!:
The world has made its final decision and the new seven wonders of the world are…

Traveling Solo While You’re Married

by Adrienne Wilson on

Every married couple dreams of the honeymoon after the honeymoon, a life-long of shared adventures and memories made together to be cherished forever and always, but for some couples work schedules, children, and other obstacles stand in the way of this holy travel matrimony. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette runs an interesting piece on how solo travel can place a slight damper on a marriage. One man who took off to Cuba alone apparently didn’t think his wife would mind and while he was away she was contemplating divorce. Other scenarios showed the partner left at home stuck in the rat-race began to resent their globe-trotting counterpart and insecurities rise.

Seems as though this would be a simple thing to work out in a married relationship and it can be so long as each person communicates properly and plans accordingly. From the article you’ll find the answer to solo travel while you’re married doesn’t necessarily involve staying home to watch Discovery Channel type shows on the tube, but can be as simple as keeping jaunts over and out shorter in time span. At the very least each couple should try to make one big trip together each year aside from their solo endeavors.

Good read if you and your honey are finding yourself at the end of two different roads.