This year I was introduced to a new word. Eleutheromania is an intense and irresistible desire for freedom. The timing was good because when I came across this word I was three months into a tip on my own and I had never before felt so free.
My travel companion of choice is myself. I’m not a loner; quite the contrary actually. But I love the freedom that solo travel allows and the opportunities it creates to connect with other travellers and locals. People always ask me if I get lonely and many women tell me they would love to travel alone, but find the proposition scary. Travelling solo is way easier than many think, ironically, a solo traveller is rarely alone.
There is a community of travellers around the world who are drawn to one another and create community wherever they go. I’m eight months into my current solo trip and my first port of call was Thailand. There I met many great people who have become my global family and who I’ve met in all the countries I’ve subsequently visited.
Thailand
We solo travellers have a mutual understanding of what we want: adventure, independence and freedom. We hang out with one another when we want company but if we decide to go another route or change our plan that’s generally accepted without question.
My favorite thing about travelling solo is being able to do whatever I want, whenever I want. If I want to stay in bed all day or pound the pavement sightseeing, it’s entirely up to me. It’s my journey and I can shape it whatever way I want.
Travelling solo with an open plan is the most liberating thing I’ve done. Eight months ago I booked a one-way flight to Bangkok with no real plan of where I was going to end up. I’m currently travelling on the west coast of the US; somewhere I had no intention of visiting when I started. But through serendipitous meetings and being open to what arose, I’ve found myself here. The world really is my oyster.
Deirdre climbing Mount Kinabalu
Solo travel makes us confront our true nature and helps us learn more about ourselves. This trip has helped me grow in many ways; it’s strengthened my intuition, confidence and self-reliance. All a person needs to pack is a sense of curiosity, openness and flexibility and she or he will be set to enjoy the wondrous adventures that solo travelling brings.
Of course, just like in ‘regular’ life, there are drawbacks. One has the usual ups and downs that come with being human and they can be made more difficult without one’s usual support network around. It can be lonely sometimes but with communication being so advanced now Skype is a good substitute for calling over to a friend for a chat. It works out better financially than travelling with a partner. Accommodation is cheaper and sharing taxis to and from the airport can be split. Sometimes you get tired of eating alone and not having photos of yourself and of course there are safety concerns too. But all these hurdles can be overcome.
Safety is of course a primary concern for most travellers, especially us females, and common sense is the best protection from danger. It’s a good idea to prearrange accommodation when arriving in a new country. Have a designated person at home who knows your travel itinerary and who you keep in regular touch with.
Deirdre in the Middle East
Dressing inappropriately can attract unwanted attention while travelling in more conservative countries. Women travelling in Africa, Asia and the Middle East are best to adopt the motto that ‘modesty is the best policy’. Take your cue from locals of the same sex and do your research before you pack your bag. Many women wear a ring on their wedding finger and pretend that they are married.
Register your travel plans with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade here, https://www.dfa.ie/travel/citizens-registration/ It’s a good idea to leave a copy of your passport with someone at home.
Use social networks to connect with other travellers. Websites like Couchsurfing are great resources to meet local people and cut down on accommodation costs. Even if you don’t feel comfortable with surfing on a stranger’s couch you can use the site to meet locals or other travellers to explore. Meet ups for nights out and sightseeing trips are regularly posted. Or you can use it, as I have, to meet travel companions and share transport costs.
If you feel that you’re not ready to travel by yourself but have no one to go away with, you could join adventure group tour companies such as Intrepid Travel or Gadventures. That way you can test the waters with a premade gang of travel buddies. Even if you’re in a couple or travelling with a friend it is healthy to have some personal space – and time - from each so you both can have your own adventures and experiences before meeting back up.
Deirdre hanging out in Lisbon
There has being many situations where I’ve had to step outside my comfort zone and have had to rely on the kindness of strangers. Using common sense and tapping into your intuition has worked for me and I’ve been reassured that most people are good and helpful. They are interested in why I’m visiting their country and are eager to assist if want to help you.
So do it, the world is just too big and interesting to not be exploring. Eleutheromania is as good as it sounds.
