Yea man!

 “Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute the experience.”

As I was getting ready to embark on yet another adventure, this time to Miami, USA and Montego Bay, Jamaica, several people were eager to ask the question “Alone?”. (I also got asked that same question numerous times throughout my travels.)

Of course, there are some people who are no longer surprised by my ‘crazy’ adventures, but there are still many who, mainly due to the media and/or society’s expectations, disagree and/or have concerns about females travelling alone.

Travelling solo, I will admit, isn’t always ideal. In addition to feeling lonely at times, not being able to share foods or split taxi/hotel costs, and struggling to have any decent pictures taken of myself (Major dilemma, I know!), I do often worry about my safety, particularly due to the fact that I’m a single female whose physical appearance sticks out almost everywhere I go. I am often on high alert, and constantly checking my surroundings. I tend to stick to the most touristy spots, while trying to choose activities that are more suitable for the lone traveller. And, of course, I generally don’t venture out too late at night once it’s dark.

I can’t lie, walking through the streets, both in Miami and in Montego Bay, did have me a little on edge. The constant starring and the frequent comments did make me feel quite uncomfortable at times. Luckily, on this most recent trip, I had the opportunity to meet up with a few friends, as well as to make some new connections. Travelling with others was a lot of fun, and it most definitely made me feel a little more secure. That said, I can’t deny the fact that I still did enjoy doing a few things on my own.

Travelling alone can be daunting, but it also has its advantages; one of them being the freedom - I do what I want when I want! What’s most rewarding to me though is that when I am alone, I am forced out of my comfort zone. I have no choice but to push past the discomforts and overcome many fears, which I have found leads to a lot of personal reflection and growth.

“Travel is more than seeing something new, it’s also about leaving behind something that’s old. Whether that be your past, your misconceptions, your comfort level or your anxieties, the next time you head down a new path, realize that there’s no better time to be the new you.”

Initially, when I began travelling, many many years ago, I planned alot; my accommodations, transportation, tours and activities…With experience, I’ve gained some confidence which has allowed me to be more flexible and spontaneous. I try to go with the flow, which usually brings on some really exciting experiences.

There is absolutely no doubt that there will always be risks involved when it comes to travelling, especially alone as a woman, but so far I feel like the positives have definitely outweighed the negatives.

I am itching to see the world, discover new places, learn about other cultures, try new foods, and make new connections, and quite honestly I hope my travel stories will convince others to take a chance, and to open themselves up to a world of experiences too!

“Solo travel not only pushes you out of your comfort zone, it also pushes you out of the zone of others’ expectations.”