Solo Travelling
Written by Tara O’Malley
Photography by Elizabeth Hunt
When I was sixteen, I took my first solo trip abroad. That sentence alone often takes people aback when I speak to them. The flights had been a Christmas gift, one that had been discussed and was hugely appreciated. All safety precautions had been taken. The destination was one I knew well (London) and the flights were flying out and landing in familiar airports. I had someone to see me off at the beginning of my trip and pick me up at the end. I was staying with family throughout the entirety of my stay. I remember feeling like I was embarking on one huge adventure. I had not been in an airport alone before, but I knew my way around well enough that I could go through without many nerves. It was exciting more than anything.
At this point in time, I have travelled quite a bit on my own. I started going to different places across Ireland with my family when I was really young, but ever since that first solo trip to London I’ve been going off on adventures alone more and more. Most recently I attended a Hozier concert in Dublin and stayed overnight in a hotel, alone. I was a bit apprehensive about it, but going to a concert by myself was something I wanted to try at least once. I ended up bumping into some old classmates and had a great time. I was able to join in a social group for the night, one I would not have interacted with if I hadn’t been alone. It helped that the concert itself was fantastic too. Apart from the nerves about attending the concert alone though, I had no reservations about taking that trip.
It wasn’t until I left secondary school and started mixing with new groups that I started to realise what a terrifying prospect solo travelling was for people. Many of my college friends had not travelled alone much: the closest thing to a solo trip they had taken were the trips they took to or from their accommodation in Galway City. My work colleagues at the time, most of them still in secondary school, had not even thought about making a trip alone, even though travelling the world was one of their main goals once they were able to save enough disposable income. They all commented on how brave and adventurous I was to have the guts to travel around all alone, but I didn’t think it was such a novelty. In a way, I still don’t.
I don’t always travel alone. I do enjoy taking trips with other people. Being able to explore things with another person is always fun, and it can often push you to do things you might never do yourself. I enjoy those kinds of trips as well. I suppose that the crux of it is that I’m an introvert at heart, and sometimes I need a break from people. Sometimes I need to go to a different place and explore it alone, to be able to make my own schedule without worrying about entertaining or pleasing the person I’m travelling with. I used to feel that was a strange or selfish thought to have, but now I understand that it is necessary for me. Sometimes this means that I take a long walk outside for an hour with my headphones, and sometimes this means I book an impulsive flight if I have managed to squirrel away enough money.
There are cons that come with travelling alone, of course, and they are things that you need to consider if you want to think about doing it yourself. One of my main considerations when planning a solo trip is my safety while I’m away. When I’m on my own and on the move, especially as a female-presenting individual, I am constantly alert and aware of my surroundings. This is especially true when I am alone in a place that is not my usual haunt. I’m careful in that regard, and have come up with a system that works for me.
Before I go, I do research on the places I’m staying or visiting to make sure I feel comfortable about them. I make sure to keep my important items secure at all times. I also search directions for a place before I am out in the open, so I don’t have my phone out the whole time while trying to find a hotel or a venue after getting off public transport. What people say about trying to look like a local who knows where they are going has always worked for me. I also try not to stay out after dark if I’m alone, for my own comfort. I have someone at home that I am regularly in contact with during the day: this usually is nothing more than sending texts and pictures on Whatsapp, but it keeps us both sane to know what I am up to. Most nights I will also ring home for an hour in the evening, which might be the only time in the day that I would have a conversation with someone.
I know that a trip like this would be another person’s nightmare. I long for these types of outings though. I think it is important to be able to be alone with yourself and to be comfortable in your own company. These moments are essential for you to get to know yourself properly and be in tune with what is going on with you. You don’t need to make big plans or jump on a flight to do these things either: something simple like having a wander around your nearest city or a solo date in a coffee shop would give you that same opportunity. Being able to sit with yourself, while also taking in a change of scenery in some way, is a great way to recharge.
The point is, solo travelling need not be this scary act that you should fear. Yes, you may have to take more safety concerns into consideration, and yes, it may feel strange or uncomfortable at first. In my opinion though, as long as you’re careful, nothing should stop you taking the opportunity to take yourself on a solo break if that is something you want to do. Whether it’s a road trip across Ireland or a flight to somewhere further afield, give solo travelling a go if you’ve been thinking about it. I promise, it will be an experience that you will never forget.
