Prior to Thailand; I had only flown to St. Lucia (a short 7 hour flight– that at the time, I thought was close to my least favorite thing), not to mention I was accompanied by my boyfriend at the time. A few things you should know and consider before taking the trek anywhere alone.
The question I was asked most frequently; “Are you nervous, or excited?” The honest answer was, I was ready. Sure I was both excited, and nervous; but I had packed my bags a week ago, and was longing to just be there already!
So you’ve decided to up and go; somewhere, anywhere but here –and are now second guessing your purchase of a singular round-trip plane ticket. Don’t!
And here’s why…
When you travel alone; you travel on your terms. You don’t have to compensate an experience because your travel buddy is stuck in the hotel or hostel with digestive issues. However; you still have the option of meeting new people and making friends, some lifelong friends!
After traveling to Thailand; I met two individuals who I have kept contact through the internet with for a year now. Consequently enough, I will be flying out to visit and stay with them in their home country of Malaysia next month. That is the beauty of meeting new people and connecting through travel, you create new bonds you may have not otherwise.
“I’ve been a thousand places, and shook a million hands; I don’t know where I’m going–But I know just where I’ve been. I’ve flown a million miles, and I’ve rode so many more; every day, a castaway.”
First and foremost; pack LIGHT. It may be difficult at first, wanting to bring every scenario of items you may need; but chances are you never will use. Plus, most items are easily obtainable; and for a much cheaper cost than the added airfare cost of overweight baggage!
Next, consider using a VPN for travel to protect your identity while using public WiFi. Here is a detailed link to walk you through step by step how to do so: VPN Step-by-Step Guide
As hard as it may be in the situation; be patient, adapt, and be open-minded. “It is, what it is.” is my favorite mantra these days. I learned this quickly after a few mind altering events; one of which was water damage to my iPhone while in Koh Tao snorkeling with still 3 nights and 4 days upon returning back home! I will admit; for about 15 minutes, my mind raced. Negative thoughts, anger, frustration, fear, “There goes all of my photos.” And then I took a look around, I was standing on the top deck of a snorkeling boat, in the middle of no where in Thailand; the sun was shining, below there was a buffet of all the fruit and coffee you could consume, music playing, and the water was the most gorgeous teal color. I had nothing to be upset about. Whether my phone turned back on or not, was out of my control; there was no sense in putting my energy in worrying about it. “It is, what it is.”
(Even after submerging in rice, and days later; it still did not turn on. But, I enjoyed my experiences and surroundings in the NOW. Then, when I got home; I purchased a new iPhone.)
Don’t cause unwanted attention to yourself; this means stay low-key, leave your fancy jewelry and accessories at home– and submerse yourself in the local culture. More times than not; there is only a language barrier when us “Westerners” believe to be superior to those around us. A smile goes a long way; even if you do not understand the language, make an effort to learn some of the most basic words to the region of which you will be visiting. “Hello” “Please” “Thank you” “Toilet” are some of the most basic, yet staple phrases to be familiar with.
Don’t isolate yourself; and I don’t necessarily mean for safety reasons (though that is a good point too.) I mean, just because you are traveling alone; doesn’t mean your experience has to be a lonely one. Create a routine, bring a book, visit local cafes and coffee shops, opt to stay at a hostel or AirBnB over a secluded hotel room, start a conversation, prompt communal meals, get out of your comfort zone, and use common sense and be aware of your surroundings without being anxious and paranoid.
I have to remind myself from time to time, some of these quick tips to eliminate fear and second guessing. Traveling is a virtue; whether solo, with a loved one, or a group– learn to embrace the un-comfortable. With that being said; only a month until I board the plane again to Asia!
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