Going it Alone
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“Why don’t you just go by yourself?” Rachel asked. I let the thought sink in – my mind was swirling in confusion. My gut reaction was to provide all kinds of reasons to not go alone – who would I talk to, what’s the point, I would be lonely, what would I do by myself, it’s weird, people will think that I’m a loser. But all of these thoughts were stuck in my throat – my mind was not letting them come out verbally. Instead, my mind listened to all of the excuses that a young un-confident girl might make, it analyzed them with my 28 year old brain, and was confused. Why couldn’t I go by myself? Why shouldn’t I go alone? What’s the worst that could happen? At that moment my brain pushed away all of the excuses and what verbalized out of my mouth in a questioning tone was “I don’t know, I guess I could.”
This was it – one of the big life moments where my life took a massive change – a new road – a road to independence.
I had just broken up with a boyfriend who I had planned to go to the Bahamas with for New Years. We both had our tickets, but I decided to call it quits before the New Year – which left me with a ticket to the Bahamas. I had planned to just give the ticket up and write it off as a ‘breakup cost’. However, my girlfriend Rachel was someone I looked up to, she was strong, smart, independent, and slightly feminist – her simple question and then further support was what made solo travel and going it alone a part of my vocabulary.
Table of Contents
I did what I didn’t think I could do – I went alone.
Going it Alone
Since that first solo trip to the Bahamas (which turned out amazing by the way thanks to all of the cool people I met as a solo traveler), I have never stopped. I have traveled around the world solo to places like Jordan, Lebanon, Mongolia, Nepal, India, Morocco, South Africa, Patagonia, Turkey, New Zealand, and Oman. However, that first trip alone was the key to opening up the whole world for me. No longer would I need to – or want to – wait for others to join me to do what I wanted. The amazing sense of freedom and choice that swept over my life at that point was life changing.
Solo travel and living life boldly has now become a strain of my DNA – it’s inside of me, it changed me, it saved me. For me the strength I get from traveling solo doesn’t just stop at travel. I actually live my life solo the majority of the time. I eat out alone, I go to movies alone, and I go enjoy a nice glass of wine on my own – it’s a way I live life. I don’t let being solo stop me – and neither should you.
I know that many of you may be planning a solo trip and if it is your first, then I say “BRAVO!” You are doing the right thing. One of my many goals with this website is to help you do what you think you can’t do – and for some of you that means going it alone. I hope you are getting the support from friends and family like I received from Rachel.
We Go Solo
However if you aren’t getting that support or if you are feeling concerned – know that there is a whole community of traveling women out there who support you at #WeGoSolo . The idea of #WeGoSolo is to promote and encourage women to travel safely.
This was the brainchild of Mariellen Ward – an avid solo traveler who started this online movement to support women and discrimination against female travelers that was evident in the media this year. Check out all of the great articles of women who have gone solo before you and are better off because of it.
The team at HostelBookers, #WeGoSolo, and myself are passionate about helping you fulfill your dreams of seeing the world. Hostelbookers even has special hostels that cater to the female solo traveler with female only dormitories and excellent safety ratings. And if you aren’t a dorm person, it’s still worth it to stay in a hostel as a female traveler – just get a private room and enjoy the supportive community and friends you’ll make at the hostel!
“We know many of our customers are very happy choosing to travel solo. We’ve been encouraged by Mariellen’ Wards #WeGoSolo project from the start and we hope that by teaming up on this project we can inspire women to have the confidence to travel solo if they want to.” –Via HostelBookers
What’s your dream solo destination?
Meet the other #WeGoSolo Ambassadors!
Mariellen Ward of BretheDreamGo.com
Amanda of Dangerous-Business.com
Shivya of The-Shooting-Star.com
My greatest solo adventure was moving to Spain for a year to teach English – I barely knew Spanish and definitely didn’t know anyone else! I’m itching to do another solo trip anywhere outside of Europe – love the idea of island hopping in SE Asia!
I always travel solo – to visit friends and relatives. I also went to the Camino twice alone – you meet the most wonderful people! I would love to trek more – anywhere! by myself.
Darlene
Yes – walking the Camino solo was an amazing experience – I honestly would never want to do it any other way! Darlene – give me more specifics…I want to know where you want to go and what you want to do on your solo dream trip!
I want to get up the courage to go to Croatia – I am scared to travel to Europe alone……
You should come here! 🙂 It’s beautiful, and not that scary at all.
Your post is very encouraging! I admire your guts! 🙂 Hope one day I’ll be as half as courageous as you!
And my dream solo destination? Ireland! :))))
You DO have the guts – start telling yourself that right now. Step one…completed!
Africa is next on my list, of places to explore with the freedom of solo travel!
Africa – one of the most challenging places to travel – solo or otherwise. But definitely the most rewarding! Where in Africa do you want to go?
Ahhh, thinking an overland truck from Cape Town to Nairobi would be a good start. And get my Africa-travel confidence up. Then completely solo to Uganda and Rwanda. Then up to Egypt, and across to Morocco. That’s the idea at the moment!
I love Montreal, but totally want to see Prague or Florence
Lovely old cities! You could do both with 150 Euros in lodging!
I have never gone on a solo trip and I hope to do so by this year. I would love to travel to Sydney for a start.
I’m turning 25 this year and travelling solo has been on my bucket list for quite a few years!
Hopefully I can strike that off my list by year end! 🙂
Sydney is a great choice – you won’t be solo long there as there are so many people you meet there – you’ll make new friends in no time!
I really connected to this:
“I actually live my life solo the majority of the time. I eat out alone, I go to movies alone, and I go enjoy a nice glass of wine on my own – it’s a way I live life. I don’t let being solo stop me – and neither should you.”
This is how I live, but I have some friends who think its strange that I choose to do things by myself when there are plenty of people to do them with me. I enjoy the company of myself, or a good book as I eat alone. I have found that it hard for some people to wrap their heads around the idea! As I am preparing to embark on a solo trip around the world, I am excited to continue living my life solo, just in other places!
My dream solo adventure would be to Patagonia, Argentina. It would be amazing to literally go solo to the end of the world! It has everything I love; wine, adventure, mountains, and wildlife. So different from where I live and somewhere I would love to travel solo!
Thanks for the kind words. Patagonia does have it all – I was just there in Jan/Feb for the first time and I did it solo! A great choice!
I know Thailand might be a clique now, but I want to go there as my top destination. I lived in Singapore as a little girl and I went to lot of places around there, but not Thailand. So, it’s one of those places I just want to go to before this life ends or I’m physically incapable.
Wow – I can’t believe you were in Singapore but never made it to Thailand. My sister and her family lived in Singapore too for 5 years – a lovely location!
Thailand. I have been wanting to visit for years ever since working at a Thai restaurant in the States. The people I worked with are some of the nicest I have ever met, and I want to experience their culture and hospitality.
I love the fact that you worked at a restaurant and now want to go there – lovely! Plus – you’ll know what food to order when you are there! But be warned – the food is soooooo much spicier in Thailand than other countries!
Would love to travel to Sicily. I know it may not be as exotic as some other places but my grandfather was born there and I would love to check it out and see if I could find some family. It’s hard to believe that my generation could be the last of the family line.
I love travel with a purpose – and your plan sounds great! Do you know any Italian?
Paris is my location of choice! I’m planning a solo trip with no end in mind starting this September after my 21st birthday, with my first destination being Australia, but the Holy Grail of places that I want to visit is Paris!
A first time trip to Paris is beyond memorable and exciting!
Hi! I think travelling is great either way. I enjoy travelling with a friend but also love to travel on my own because it is just easier to meet people. For me it’s important to get to know the culture and try to understand their way of thinking (just got back from a trip to Istanbul which was my first oriental country and was very different but lovely). My dream destination as a solo traveller would be Vietnam. I’d love to work there as a TEFL teacher in the future.
Have a nice week Sherry!
Stef…I know a few things about teaching ESL in Vietnam! 🙂
Did you teach English in the past as well? Where have u been?
Yes – I taught in Ho Chi Minh City – a little about my ESL experiences here – https://www.ottsworld.com/blogs/category/life-experiences/esl/
I’ve done a lot of solo trips and it’s always been an amazing adventure – I’ve never once regretted it! Right now I’m dreaming of a big solo trip for my 30th birthday next year. I want to go back to Africa and climb Mount Kilimanjaro (and then visit Zanzibar for some R&R :)). It’s something I’ve wanted to do for years, and it’s great to finally have a plan that’s coming together!
Some great solo travel plans for your big 3-0!
I have plans to travel solo around the World for 60 days in 2015 and I am making the plans for it. I have been to Europe often (annually) and its either been Italy or France since 2000. I have traveled a solo only a little so this is going to be very interesting and challenging. But I will have a purpose in all the places I stop. Its an exciting goal!
Wow you are going RTW in only 60 days! That will be a blur! Sounds amazing to me…will need to follow along!
Love the post Sherry and thanks for the tip on #WeGoSolo – I had no idea until I read this.
Yeah – happy that I could introduce it to more people!
I just returned from a five month solo trip to South America and I look forward to going it alone again in future travels! Right now, I’m dying to see Berlin and will have the opportunity to visit (solo) after completing the Mongol Rally this summer. Can’t wait!
Woohoo for the Mongol Rally! I have a bit of experience with that…ha! Good luck – what’s your team name so I can follow along?
I’ve been to Greece, London/Paris and am going to Iceland solo in September – however, I usually join up with group day tours in order to meet some others and not feel so “alone”. I aim to go somewhere solo where the language and culture is completely different.
Well – I have a few recommendations when it comes to somewhere the culture is completely different! Let me know if you ever want advice! Group tours are super for the solo traveler – I do them all the time to meet friends too!
After following your travels last Spring as you walked the Camino de Santiago, I can’t seem to get that destination off my mind. I would love to take on that challenge myself someday. I see travel as the best way to learn more about yourself and I can’t think of a destination that would be a better education.
Looking forward to following your next adventure! Love your blog.
Thanks for the kind words! The Camino is an amazing way to travel solo where you never really have to be alone! But it was my solo hiking time on that trip that was the most rewarding and eye opening to me. Great choice!
I want to drive through Provence, just taking my time, meandering through the hills and down the coast, stopping whenever and wherever I feel like it and experiencing whatever seems interesting to me at the time.
Road trips are lovely solo. I did that in Costa Brava one year and loved it!
I would love to travel solo to Bali.
A la Eat Pray Love?! Sounds great!
I would love to travel solo to Sweden! I’d love to get lost in cities like Stockholm and head to the great outdoors for some landscape photography, and if I could be so lucky, catch the northern lights too.
Anywhere and everywhere! Travelling alone makes you feel like you are floating and anything is possible. I would like to take another solo bicycle trip, this time through central Asia especially Iran and Kyrgyzstan. The greeting you get from people when you jump off your bike dusty, hungry & tired and take off your helmet – and then they see you’re a girl! – is magical.
I spent two months in Ecuador and I’d love to go back – it was amazing. I’d also love to go to Japan. It’s the only part of the world I haven’t explored at all.
I did Japan alone and loved it!
My dream solo destination is Iceland 🙂
Ohhhh – me too! I’ve never been there yet!
My dream solo destination would be India! Does anyone have any experience traveling there alone as a woman?
Check out http://www.breathedreamgo.com – Mariellen Ward is an expert about traveling solo to India – you’ll get all the info you need there! Good luck!
And I should say that I also traveling in India alone – and all was great.
Of all the places I’ve travelled alone so far, I found that the only one that really turned heads was in America. That scene in Forgetting Sarah Marshall where the waiter looked shocked and said ‘so you’re just here…by yourself?’ wasn’t that much of an exaggeration as it turns out. Not that I’m ever going to let that stop me. I’ve worked in America twice at a summer camp, and found myself travelling in Costa Rica afterwards both times (I wanted to see all of it!) I’ve done a couple of other solo trips too, and I’ll be heading off to Nepal in September. I’m so excited! My dream destination though would have to be the Galapagos Islands off Ecuador. First, it’s a two-in-one deal, because you can’t get to the Galapagos without going through Ecuador (and while you’re there…). It’s in a stunning location with stunning scenery. I would just want to island hop and watch turtles. =D
I like the way you think…two for one!
I travelled solo through South America in 2008 and also many countries throughout Europe. My dream solo travel destination is French Polynesia!
I was born and raised by my vietnamese parents in Germany. Right now, I am in the USA as an AuPair. Besides taking care of my host children, I definitely got to see a lot of places so far.
I traveled by myself for my vacation to Florida and Mexico which was my first time solo. At first I did’nt intent to travel alone but after I have waited for companion’s answers week after week, I decided to just fix the plan and book the flights. I didn’t want to wait any longer or even worse not being able to go at all just because no one else could come!
In the end, I can say that I do not regret it and that I had the best time. Going solo for the first time made me worried of course but after my vacation I felt so self-confident. I feel more open to new people and culture now.
Some months later I traveled to Chicago on my own again just because I felt so good about it the last time.
I still want to see a lot of places, so I have a whole dream destination list. For now, I would be really excited to see Australia, Thailand and India.
( I played Holi in NYC, it would be amazing to experience it in India. I met an Indian girl while traveling in Mexico and she strongly recommened it 🙂 )
Thanks for sharing your first solo travel experience! I hope you are enjoying the US!
My dream destination is the French Polynesian Island of Bora Bora. This looks like such a beautiful destination that I could only dream of spending time there in solitude for some much needed R&R!
I’ve never been there – but I want to go now too!
I have travelled both alone and with my partner in the past, and both are great options. But if I could choose one destination for a solo girl trip I think it would have to be Alaska. It is a truly expansive and beautiful place where I think to fully embrace the wonderous natural surroundings you have to go alone and be awed by it all!
A super choice – nothing like being alone in the middle of nowhere surrounded by beauty!
I’d love to travel through Asia alone!
would like to check out N Africa (Morocco & Tunisia)
Just started solo travel, and have been to Israel, although I really was never alone while there, which was amazing! I have a solo RTW trip planned which includes Iceland, Kyrgyzstan, India and Nepal, and then where ever the wind takes me after that! Definitely taking inspiration from the comments above!
Love your choice of countries on your itinerary…you are a wild one for sure!
My goal is to travel around Brasil next year during the World Cup. I have always wanted to visit and as an avid football fan, going during the World Cup would be the ultimate.
There are a million places I’d like to go but the dream destination that’s next on the list is Argentina!
Yeah! I just was there in January – Patagonia and Buenos Aires – I hope you love dancing and meat!
My dream solo destination is South East Asia. I’ve never been to that part of the world and I’m itching to see it for myself!
A great choice – it’s so vastly different than most of the world…I love it!
I write this at EWR literally just coming back from a solo trip to the UK (waiting for my flights home). My dream solo trip is to spend 3-6 months working my way through Japan. I went with a friend a couple of years back using a tour, and now I want to immerse myself in the country. I’ve already warned my boss that I’m doing this the year I turn 50!
As some have already stated: so many destinations!
One dream I have is to visit Hong Kong. Is seems the least attainable at the moment ($$$$) so I’ll keep discovering places closer to home where I can get by bus! 🙂
My dream destination is Hong Kong
My dream destination would be to go to Peru and see all the beautiful sites there and go to the Amazon rain forest. I’m only young but over the last couple of years I’ve been travelling every chance I can get. Over the summer I’m travelling round Eastern Europe for two months with some friends. I would love the adventure of going to Peru!
Obviously that’s only one of the many destinations I am determined to explore, I hope to see most of the world’s beauty at one point 🙂
Dream Solo Destination- A trip across South America… To learn the language, experience the culture, meet new people!
I’d love to go hiking in Scotland. Clearing my mind surrounded by nature…
Mmmm:)
Sounds perfect – especially at this time of year!
I wanna go to Columbia and meet Gabriel Garcia Marquez before Dementia gets him completely and just talk to him. I wanna tell him how he makes me okay on any damn day.
I think my dream solo destination is the Seychelles. So far I’ve been lucky enough to see quite a bit with and without my family, but honestly. As much as I love my 3 little boys- a good relaxing rest for mama would be spectacular!
I love the idea of a solo mom trip!
Morocco
Dream solo destination – Canada 🙂
Sicily..Sardinia..Malta.
Ahhhhh
what a dream.
I’d like to go just about anywhere solo! At the moment, Thailand is at the top of the list.
I would love to visit Germany, in particular Berlin. I have heard fantastic things about the place and I really want to see more of Europe. While I was travelling solo through Africa and India, I found myself talking about how little of my own continent I had seen. I plan on focusing on setting that to rights 🙂
My dream solo destination is Machu Picchu. Knowing that there are many tour companies catering to single travelers, it’s my first choice to actually venture out doing the solo gig. Wish me luck 🙂
That’s a great way to get used to and ease into solo travel – I love traveling with groups – but yet alone! You will love Machu Picchu!
I’ve traveled both solo and with others. I love the freedom of solo travel!
It’s impossible to pick a single dream destination.
Right now I’m wanting to go to Turkey and Morocco.
Great choices – Turkey has amazing food to explore and Morocco has a fascinating culture to explore – both are equally great for a solo trip!
Sherri it was so great to meet and learn from you at Bloghouse. Sometimes I feel like my friends and family just think I suddenly woke up and went, “yep gonna take off to…. by myself.” Really though it’s reading blogs like yours where I realize that if you or another traveler can safely and successfully travel by some place across the world alone, then I can travel solo as well.
My dream solo destination, just a place I want to go to in general, is Morocco. My travels have all been in North America and western Europe so I think there’d be a bit of culture shock, but Morocco is a place I’ve wanted to visit for a long time.
It was super meeting you and getting to spend time with you…if only to assure you that you aren’t indeed crazy for wanting to be a traveler and blogger! You can travel anywhere you dream up…some places are more challenging than others – but all are worth it! Yeah for Morocco – a GREAT place for photography!
Love the #WeGoSolo movement! My dream destination would have to be New Zealand… it just looks so beautiful and so amazing! Hoping I’ll get there someday 🙂
I ripped off the bandaid with five solo weeks through SE Asia. My next destination is hopefully Central America as part of a RTW.
My dream solo is wandering the streets of Europe stopping for coffee and wine while I make my way through all those books I have been meaning to read. For now, that’s how I plan on ending my trip.
My dream solo destination is Noway. Ever since ready about the Fjords about 6 years ago, I have craved to go there. Looks so stunningly beautiful.
Sorry, I mean Norway.
Ha…I deciphered that! Best of luck – I too want to head to Norway one day!
I’d love to go to Rio, buy a new VW camper (which they make in Brazil!!) and drive it from Brazil, across central America, the US and up to Canada, staying on couches, in hostels and, of course, in my van!
I love a good road trip plan! Sounds fabulous – I want to stow away with you!
I would love to visit Greece!
Rainforest hiking/camping – Jamaica or Belize!
Hiking and camping solo…now that’s a trip!
My dream destination would be Tokyo, Japan! 🙂
Finland 🙂
Yay for female solo travellers!! Have done a few relatively long solo trips my self (1month – 1year) & totally love it!! My dream destination: Bali
Bali is a great choice for solo time! Plus – it’s a great place to relax!
Great post! I would love to do South America but more specifically Peru. I hope to get there some day.
I have been to most of the US with friends but last year i did London and Paris for 2 weeks all alone. I was encouraged greatly by my mom. she said ” Dont hinge your enjoyment of life on other people, you may not get another chance.” My dream as of now is Italy! Fly into Milan, then train travel to Florence, Venice, Naples(and Pompeii) then finish with Rome and the Vatican.
LOVE your mom’s advice and I can’t agree more. I’ve been traveling with my mom now for a week in Nova Scotia and I have been talking to her a lot about this concept – it’s how I live my life completely. I hope you make it to Italy!!
Dream solo destination: Iceland.
Who needs therapy when you can travel on your own? I happened to have the opportunity to visit Salalah a month ago. Those were the three best days of my life. Perhaps it was the fortune of finding an escape of sorts when it felt felt like the walls were closing in. Reconnecting with myself did wonders. I’ve taken an oath to treat myself to a new experience on my own At least once a year starting with a trip to London to celebrate my 25th birthday and to meet a friend after 10 years.
I agree 100%…everyone needs some alone time to get life and thoughts sorted out!
I would love to do Eastern Europe solo.
I’m surprised you haven’t already Stephanie! I too need to get to Eastern Europe!
I would like to see Vancouver. It may sound odd since I’m from Toronto but I see the value of learning about my own country after having travelled solo in many other countries. Plus I love the beauty of the mountains!!
It’s always good to explore your home country! Great idea!
Definitely Paris!
i realized i enjoyed solo travel when i took a study abroad seminar to switzerland for a month. i had always been pretty attached, always traveling with boyfriends, and going on trips afterwards in switzerland or germany by myself was such a great and empowering experience. being so independent was an amazing feeling. i now have no problem doing other things by myself (movies, concerts, hikes, really anything). i am grateful for that opportunity to break out of my shell as my own person and really go where i want to go, not where someone else decides. you learn so much about yourself!
as for my dream solo trip– where wouldn’t i go? perhaps a work stay in bali or a trip to the beachy mediterranean would be nice.
My dream solo destination is New Zealand!
My dream solo destination is Japan.
Hi 🙂 My dream destination cant be a single place as there are so many countries to explore and live and love!!..I would love to go to an exotic place like Maldives or a transcontinental country like Turkey or Canada which according to me is the best country to live or a dangerous place like Mexico..I really wanna go to these countries and see for myself how strong & confident I am!
This is a hard choice because I think of it as my dream destination that I happen to be traveling solo.
But I choose Istanbul, Turkey.
It is very difficult for me to choose a dream solo destination with there being so many amazing places and cities that I have not had the pleasure in visiting. After living the past 12 months of my life in Germany and learning about a new culture, It has made me want to take a step further and learn or even integrate into many more different cultures. However, if I were to choose one place in the world that I would love to visit Chicago, USA. From a young age, has Chicago been on the top of my list and I hope that one day I will be lucky enough to have the opportunity to go there!
My dream destination would be Peru. I hear that they’re an up and coming culinary destination.
My dream solo destination is Bulgaria!
#WeGoSolo – what a great idea. Thanks for being such an inspiration! My first fully solo trip was to Peru, followed by a month in India and a few jaunts within the U.S., including a month in southwest Utah. I’d LOVE to visit Africa next, specifically Kenya/Tanzania.
Glad to have got introduced to your blog through this contest! I have always been awestruck by the beauty of newzealand through the pictures my friends post and it has been my dream solo travel destination!
I have only really traveled alone once and I must say, it was a great experience – to have my own schedule to be able to shut everyone else out and walk through the streets in my own head.
My dream travel solo travel destination is Singapore. I like to be alone in big cities.
The Golden Triangle in India!
Right now, it’s South Africa. I want to go back and explore more as well as volunteer. I am starting an initiative to help women in Khayelitsha, South Africa and could use as many free nights as possible to help in expenses!
South Africa is definitely at the top of my list! 😀
I traveled alone to Greece and it was the best experience of my life! Made amazing new friends. Experienced things more fully because I wasn’t zoning out with a friend. I witnessed everything, entirely. I got to do exactly what I wanted whenever I wanted. Selfish? Yes! I’m in a foreign land and I go to see/do exactly what I wanted.
Selfish is not a bad thing…sometimes it’s necessary to put yourself first!
I would like to go to Africa, specifically South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. The idea of going to these countries solo scares me a bit – I suspect it would be a lot more challenging than some other countries I have visited.
My solo dream destination is China. I have been to the touristy spots of China and I recently discovered that China has vast areas of ecological interest. I love nature and I’m very much interested about the idea of doing ecotour/s which I believe is best experienced in China. I dream of traveling to Zhangjiajie Hunan, Jiuzhaigou Sichuan, Yangtze River, Guilin and Lhasa Tibet.
Some great choices! China is so huge and would be a challenging destination!
My dream solo destination is Spain! I’d love to study Spanish there and see the sights!
My dream solo trip would have to be either Australia or New Zealand. I’ve always wanted to go, and I think I’m a great trip partner 😉
Ha! – I bet you are a wonderful trip partner!!
I’m 23. I’m a young girl from Africa. After graduating in South Africa, I packed my bags. During my few months as a solo traveler I’ve learned so much about myself and the world. Every new destination feels like a dream – something I thought would never be possible for a girl like me. My dream solo destination is India. I’ve read so many blog posts, books and articles about India and if everything works out like a dream, I’ll go there someday…
I went to south america solo for three months, 5 years ago. I am going back again in three months, for 6 months this time.
My dream solo vacation would be to go to Australia and New Zealand! They are places full of adventure, and at the end of the day that is what I want my life to be about.
Sounds great!
My dream destination is the whole world. I want to see it ALL!! 🙂 Do an around the world trip following the sun. However if I do have to chose a top 3, then that would be Africa, South America and Europe… Nope can’t narrow it down to countries.
My dream destination is New Zealand!
I would love to go to Stockholm. Or Oslo. And Japan. Solo 😀
I’d love to travel to South America again. I’ve been to brazil and Argentina but the experiences of my fellow travellers has inspired me to want to go back and go further south, right down to Ushuaia
I would really like to travel the UK. Edinburgh is my current dream destination.
I would like to go back to South America to visit the countries I didn’t have time to visit on my first trip, like Ecuador and Colombia.
I was travelling around that contintent for 16 months on my own, and I absolutely loved it. It was my first trip alone, and before I started it, I was a bit scared that I wouldn’t like the experience, but I met so many people, and everyone treated me so great, that I fell like home everywhere I went.
That’s why I stayed for a bit longer in every place I visited, and, unfortunately I run out of money before I could visit the last countries in my plan (Ecuador and Colombia).
I love travelling solo, it makes me feel kind of obliged to meet more new people than when travelling with friends. My dream destination is Ireland – I would want to see literally everything – from big cities to green deserts. I love Irish culture and throughout all these years I have heard so many wonderful stories and opinions on the people and the sights… I hope one day I will be able to feel the Irish spirit all around me!
You are right – you do naturally meet more people when you are traveling solo!
My dream destination will be the ethereal kingdom of Bhutan
That’s on my list too!
I want to go solo to Canada (or Australia).
Turkey is next on my list!
I was just there solo last year! It was amazing!
Definitely Australia or New Zealand.
I have done Europe a few times solo as well as Cuba. I would love to travel India solo as I think it would be very challenging and that I would hopefully come out a stronger and more confident woman.
Wow – I’m jealous that you went to Cuba solo. I’m sure you’d have a wonderful time in India!
I dream of exploring New Zealand by myself and visiting geektastic spots like Hobbiton.
Is Hobbiton the little village that was created for Lord of the Rings. I never saw Lord of the Rings – I’m clearly not Geektastic enough!!
Yup that’s it. You may not be geektastic yet, but you’re approaching semi-nerdiliciousness 😉
Machu Pichu – for the sheer excitement!
Do you want to hike to Machu Pichu or take the train?!
Barcelona!!
Because I’ve never been there, but it is a destination that has always attracted me!
It’s a great city, beautiful, interesting, with a lot of people!
Holds a vast mix of cultures and traditions … Fabulous architecture, Roman ruins, medieval city, the “capital of the Catalan Modernism” …
For me it just seems to have a mystical ambience!
It has many places to meet and visit! Several museums, squares, want to go to the Picasso Museum and the Natural Sciences 🙂
There are many other places I liked to go. India <3 Greece, Italia, Turquey, Copehagen, The Netherlands, …many!
Ive done a solo train trip fm Syria to Iran, which was so far and by far the best travel experience of my life. My next one should be one of the Arabic countries which I havent been to yet (Oman as an example), but I would like to take train from Prague to Iran one day as well!
wow – you went through Syria something that won’t be done for some time to come. I was close to getting to Syria – but fighting broke out and I had to change my plans. I had heard such wonderful things about the people there.
A real deserted island, but don’t pick me as a winner because I don’t think I can book it through hostelbookers 😛
I did east coast to west coast across the USA (and then back again!) a few years ago. The one place I didn’t make it to was Alaska and looking back now it was the one place I really wanted to visit; I love how vast and remote the landscape is, perfect for an active adventure!
I’d love to visit Nepal and see thwir culture, mountains and Budhist temples
My dream destination would have to be Montevideo, Uruguay!
I was just there this year! Lovely!
My dream destination would be Australia/New Zealand. I had my first solo traveling experience last summer when I was going to do study abroad for a month and decided to travel around Europe for three instead of just being with my classmates. I saw 14 countries in one summer! I’m a law student and I was struggling a lot after my first year and it was really that solo experience that reaffirmed my faith in humanity. I really hope that I’m able to see the whole world because traveling brings out the best in me.
My dream solo destination is Indonesia, for the scuba diving.
My first big solo trip, 9 months in SE Asia, was solo because my travel partner bailed on me at the last minute. It turned out to be a blessing, as I realized I loved traveling alone. On that trip, I went snorkeling in Indonesia and was blown away by the beauty of the reefs. I can’t wait to go back, to go scuba diving. Being a solo female diver is great – it’s always easy to meet new dive buddies on the boats!
Today, my dream solo destination is Ireland and Scotland. Tomorrow, who knows?
Norway, to see the fijord and islands. 🙂
I’ve done a bit of solo traveling, now I have an epic month-long couchsurfing + carsharing tour coming up in July (solo and unplanned :D)… For now my dream travel destination is Israel and Jordan. If only it fell under the Schengen Visa!! Sigh…
Hey fellow Travelers! 🙂
I will admit that I’m not as adventorous as some of the people commenting here. In fact, I have never travelled alone before, but I would love to start (and I am just 20 years old, so I think I have plenty of time:).
So, my dream destination would be Reykjavík (Iceland), because it looks amazing on photos and I have never travelled so far North in my life yet. My “coldest” destination so far was Filipstad, Sweden (it’s not too far from Stockholm), and I found nature to be beautiful and untouched there. So I hope that I could relive that experience hiking close to Rykjavík.:)
Thank you for this chance.:) Good summer to everyone!
Cheers,
Pat
You have to start somewhere and Iceland is a great place to start a solo trip!
Sherry! You know me! I can’t possible pick just one.
My dream solo destination is currently MOROCCONORWAYECUADORANTARCTICA!
Serious, when I allow an opening for any of these trips, I will consider myself a very lucky woman. Morocco – for the spice, smells and sigthts. Norway – fulfiling a dream since childhood to visit Greig’s birthplace, the Fyords, and Kon Tiki. Ecuador – Galapagos and the blue footed boobies! and Finally Antarctica – bucket list is to see all the penguins in their natural habitat. Enough said.
Travel in Safety. Jane
Jane – I love your answer! I don’t think they have a Hostel in Antarctica….yet! I”m still hoping you get there regardless!
Entry period has expired. I will be randomly picking a winner and announcing on July 9th! Thanks everyone for sharing your dream solo destinations!
My dream destination right now is Paris, France. May sound prosaic, but I’ve not been yet and am longing for the chance to drink wine and stroll the Champs-Elysees.
I’ve always dreamed of going to New Zealand and hiking there
Too late, I would have wanted to go to hostel.cr
Send me email when competition will continue!
I always dream to going australlia or new-zealand
I started traveling solo this year. My first destination was Nepal-Tibet. I will continue with more trips, as you said it changed my life and better it changed me.
When I talk about me from my solo escapades at the end of the world, I feel it takes me (your choice) for a super brave amazon species. And I love to wander in East Europe next time.
You are a super brave amazon species!
Hey Sherry, I think it’s cool you’re encouraging women to travel solo; I’ve been doing it for over three years now and still loving it.
I remember the idea of being by myself in foreign countries felt very daunting. Three years later I almost can’t imagine those thoughts anymore, as I’ve never felt alone as I’ve met some many great people along the journey.
Happy Travels!
Hey, what a great post.
I have so many female friends that consistently ask me what it would be like to travel solo as a female… and although I try to provide a bit of insight from the people I’ve met along the way, the fact of the matter is… I have no clue.
This will be a great reference that I’ll be sending people do in the future. Much appreciated.
“it’s inside of me, it changed me, it saved me”
YES!
I totally agree with this….
I was afraid to travel alone but than I realized that I’m missing out on all the fun! why should I wait for someone to join me…so I just went SOLO and loved it!
Happy to hear you broke out on your own Yana! Glad it was a success!