Pros

• People are more willing to help you
• Easier to ask for help and favours
• Do what you want, when you want
• People are more likely to approach and include you
• More likely to YOLO things and be able to change plans last minute without having to consult anyone or consider anyone else
• Save money, you naturally feel the need to be like all backpackers and live on a tight budget
• Learn to be independent, get used to eating along, get stronger from carrying own stuff and being more aware of what to bring in future
• Figure things out yourself if something goes wrong
• More likely to squeeze in to get a space e.g. buses, shows
• Get out of comfort zone, challenge
• Time to reflect
• Increase compassion and care as you meet people from everywhere
• Learn to stand up for yourself
• Face your weaknesses
• Teachers you to streamline your life, packing little and living simply
• You’re never truly alone
• The world will no longer be as scary as you think
• Learn to trust your gut instincts
• Makes you more spontaneous
• Walk loads
• Collect memories and photos instead of things

Cons

• I definitely kept on wanting to tell someone about what I was doing, what I encountered, my feelings, my upcoming plans etc. So I guess it’s not purely traveling solo if I’m always texting, insta storying?
• Unable to stay out too long when it’s dark. Potentially affecting the joy of watching sunset peacefully
• Always have to be SO alert and awake
• Major dress down, act poor, pretend I’m just a student
• Have to take the cheaper transport option as you can’t split cab fares if in a large group. Public transport takes a lot longer and have set times
• Hostel room = potentially messy, crowded, upper bunk, people snoring
• Lonely! You also feel scared
• Not as safe, therefore limited places, countries you can visit
• Can’t discuss options to rationalise
• No one to watch your back or help you with simple things e.g. a zip or fluff in your hair
• Some activities are more fun with more people
• Overtime if you have to do all the planning, it can get tiring. No one to share out the work load

Tips for first time solo travellers:

• Towel x2 (activities outside)
• Ear plugs
• Torch
• Learn to read a map
• Be willing to speak to people
• Avoid eye contact with dodgy looking people and groups
• Always be around other people and stay on main roads
• Find out about student/youth discounts
• Cough candy
• Pre-book at least your first hostel, don’t assume you can’t just roll up especially during peak season
• Consider travelling during low season if you want a more quiet trip and better service
• Your hostel will have a locker so don’t worry about sleeping with your valuables
• Bug spray
• Sunblock and shades
• Always pick up a map of the area, learn to rely on that rather than Google maps especially to get away from tech
• Don’t hitch hike alone
• Pack light, it can get tiring if your bag is heavy
• Water bottle