>  Travel Inspiration   >  Here’s Why You Aren’t Suppose to be Afraid About Travelling Solo

Over the last few months, I have received so many messages asking my opinion on solo travelling. As a girl taking on the world solo, to quickly conclude, it is probably one of my greatest accomplishments yet.

My very first solo trip was to Ecuador. A country that speaks a different language from what I am accustom to. A country that I knew no one personally and also one that had a completely different culture.

I travelled there for 3 months and I couldn’t think of a better way to start off my journey as a solo traveller. Here’s why you aren’t supposed to afraid about travelling solo.

1. You Are Not Completely Alone

I think one of the most mystical things about solo travelling is that you be solo the entire time. Yes, you can have that, but when you decide to venture out in the world solo you aren’t technically by yourself. Yes, you decided to book a plane ticket to someplace new, with no friends or family. But, you will meet travellers along the way which will eventually become friends.

2.Be Smart About It

Do your research! One of the things that will help you to feel more comfortable is knowing more about the country you will be visiting. Research the places you’d like to see, the things you’d like to do. Read up about the country so you won’t have surprises.

3. It Is Okay If You Don’t Speak The Local Language. 

As I mentioned in previous blog posts, I knew just a couple of words of Spanish when I first decided to visit Ecuador. I went. Travelled. Loved it. I learnt a few more words there that I used to get by, but my time there was nothing short of “amazingness“. You do not have to be afraid about travelling to a destination solo if the local language isn’t what you are use to. Though it is always better to be familiar with the local language, it isn’t a must.

Tip: You can purchase a daily phrase book. I did and it helped.

4. Travelling Solo is Better than You Think

One of my most favourite things about travelling solo is that you get to do exactly what I want. You can go to the tourist attraction sites that you presume would be more of an interest to you, you can eat out at the restaurants the locals recommended (don’t worry about eating out alone, just take a book with you), you pretty much decide the when and the where. It sort of being like being selfish, but not really. Often times you will meet other travellers who’d like to join in on the adventure you’ve planned.

5. Stay in Budget Hotels

If you plan on travelling solo or backpacking I do recommend staying in hostels or guesthouses with other travellers. You can find some booking options on Hostelworld, Booking & Hostelbookers. These are obviously some less inexpensive options and a great way to meet other travellers. Making reference to number 1 on this list, you won’t entirely be alone.

6. You Get to Meet and Interact with People From All Over The Globe

From personal experience when I travel with friends from home I realise it is harder to make new friends on the way. Generally speaking, it is like you don’t feel the need to make yourself available to meet new friends as you already have company. When you travel solo, you will make an effort to talk to other travellers, you sort of want the company. These newly found travellers can eventually become travel buddies. It’s great, I love it. From travelling solo, I have friends from all over the globe. In fact, I will be meeting a friend I met in Colombia on my trip to Mexico in a few days.

Solo travelling can be a little intimidating at first, but nothing beats being optimistic and a little research. If you have travelled solo before I would love to hear your take on it in the comments below.

Happy Travels in 2017