How to move from travelling in a group to solo travelling.

When did I know it was the right time to start travelling solo, and how I did it.

From 2011 to 2017, I generally travelled with someone or a group, or joined a tour group, so that I could meet new people and share the experience with other travellers. 

It wasn't that I hadn't travelled on my own before. When I was 18, I moved out of my home to attend university and took care of myself. I moved between towns and cities every two years as an adult before relocating overseas to live in London. And even in London, I would sometimes take day trips around the United Kingdom on my own to explore. But an actual holiday on my own in a completely different country was something new. 

I knew I was ready to start solo travelling in 2017 when I was deciding which place to visit next. I don't have a fear of taking risks, despite my introverted nature. I love experiencing new things, and I am always up for a challenge. My philosophy in life is to answer the question 'What if?'.

Not 'What if it doesnt work out?' But 'what if it does?' 

I would rather know the answer than wonder what if for the rest of my life. Even if things fail, I at least know I tried, and I have an answer to that question. 

So when it came to solo travelling? There was no question as to whether I should do it or not. But what is different is how we all make that shift towards it. 

Starting with the Tour Groups

Some people can jump straight into solo travelling. For me, I hadn't thought about travelling solo until after some other trips. Working full-time as a project manager meant I spent every day herding cats, and going on a tour that was already planned meant I could switch off and not have to think about anything else. Someone else could worry about it for me. 

The other benefit of starting with a tour group is that you can learn all the tips, tricks, and things to avoid from the tour guides and other travellers with you, as they are generally more seasoned travellers than you. Asking them questions and hearing their stories helped me understand what to look out for, as well as how different each country approaches things and what aspects are worth seeing. 

Starting Easy

Everyone's first solo trip is different. It comes down to what you want to do and experience. For me, my first solo trip was to New York and Boston. I had been to Boston before to see a friend, so I knew what to expect and could ask for help if I got stuck. As an English-speaking country, it made the trip less overwhelming, with the added language barrier. 

New York itself was also just the right size, as there was plenty to do, but I didn't always have to travel far. It was a city that allowed me to figure out how I wanted to spend my time and how I like to travel. 

Being Safe

Feeling safe is different for everyone. Travelling alone in a different country adds to the things we consider when it comes to our safety. 

While each country gives us some level of risk and safety, there are some general rules that I follow:

• I never post photos of where I am until a day or so after I have left.
• Key chains on my bag, so if someone tries to open it, I will hear it and can respond accordingly. 
• I don't stay out late unless I'm with someone or I'm confident to be out alone at night. 
• Keep an eye on the country's news and stay up-to-date on your travel advice and the countries you're visiting. For example: Australia's Smart Traveller website. 
• Always, ALWAYS have a backup plan. Things happen unexpectedly, so I always make sure that I know what I will do to get out if something happens. This includes knowing how the country's alert system works. 

Becoming the New Normal

It may seem overwhelming at first, but after the first few, you start to realise that everything you need to think about is the same. Figuring out how to get around the city. What is the metro or bus system like? Is it easy to get a cab? How do I plan to break up my days? What are things that are worth day trips, and what can I do on my own? Do I need cash or a card? What Sims are worth it? Will an e-sim be ok? Do I need a visa to enter the country, or can I do so without one? There are many other questions you will ask, but the blueprint, for the most part, is the same. Eventually, you will travel between countries with ease. Feeling like a local each time, even on your first visit. 

Your travel style is unique to you. There is no right way to see the world we live in. But what travelling does is give you a new perspective of the world we live in.