Being a year-long student on a study abroad, many people have asked me the typical question: “So what are you doing during the break?” Options like going home for the holidays or taking a winter class are fantastic ideas; however, I wanted something more. Little did I know, that that “something more” would turn into a 6 week SOLO backpacking journey throughout Europe.
I never thought I could be “that girl” who undertakes a journey like this ALONE, but when it comes down to it, does anyone really think they are ready for an experience like this? After throwing away doubts such as “I could never travel alone,” or “I would be too afraid,” or “What if something happens?” and adopting a new attitude towards my decision, I discovered that I can be a lot more self reliant than I ever thought possible. And the same goes for everyone. If I can do it, a small, 20-year-old girl, anyone can!
So okay, 6 weeks, 19 cities, and 9 countries. Completely doable right? Right!
For the past 6 weeks, I saw many cities in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and England!
The most important things to remember are:
1. Don’t Let Fear Stop You
The hardest part is always the start. Pardon the cheesy rhyme, but its true! Take things one day at a time. It’s REALLY scary to start a journey, or make any change to your life. It’s OKAY! Travel days might not become any less scary, but you’re always going to regret the things you didn’t do than the things you did. Letting fear get in the way of an experience of a lifetime is simply not worth it!
2. Safety First
Alway trust your gut instinct. No matter where you are, or where you are staying always look for a way out! Whether it’sat a hostel, a bar or even couch surfing, know that there is ALWAYS a safe place elsewhere if things get dicy. Make friends with other travelers who you can trust, but also keep your guard up if something doesn’t feel right.
3. Talk
Travel for any amount of time can get lonely when you don’t have someone there with you every second. So why not take the time and meet someone new? Every traveler has a story, or rather MANY stories to share. Who knows, you might find inspiration for the next journey. Also, it doesn’t matter if they are traveling or if they live in your destination city. Everyone loves to talk, and people are always very passionate about the city they live in. Talking to locals is a fantastic way to discover things that you never thought werepossible.
4. Explore
There is no one else there to tell you where to go or what to see. It’s great having a map and learning how to use one effectively; however, the best discoveries I’ve made were when I left the map behind and just got lost (and I got lost A LOT). When you’re alone, it doesn’t matter if you’re lost because there is no one to blame or get frustrated with. Wandering around a city is a great way to get to know it.No map will ever show you the only street in Gent, Belgium where graffiti is permitted, that hole in the wall antique store or that the best place to watch the sunset in Rome is just up the hill of the tourist-filled Spanish Steps.
5. It’s okay to be alone
This is probably the hardest thing to figure out. Being alone with your thoughts is scary. However, I think you learn more about yourself than you ever thought imaginable. You learn how to challenge yourself and above all else figure everything out without anyone else holding your hand. There really are so many reasons to travel solo.
6. Travel light
This goes without saying for any traveler, but especially when you are alone, there is no one there to share the burden of all the stuff you bring along!
7. Be flexible with your travel plans
It’s great to have everything planned out; however, you never know who you are going to meet along the way. There is nothing in stone that says you HAVE to travel alone for the entire duration of your trip, so why not hop on a spontaneous trip with people you meet? Maybe they are taking a day trip, seeing a sight you never heard about, or even going to a city you’ve never imagined going to. Regardless, you will be making new friends and having experiences that will last a lifetime!
No matter who you are, or where you go, traveling alone is completely POSSIBLE. You will astound yourself with what you can do and what you can see! View Europe gap year ideas today.