What is Solo Travel Really like?

February of 2023 I left the US with a 55-liter backpack and zero solo travel experience to Central America. I am not bilingual, though I aim to be, and my version of ‘exotic’ was driving 4 hours from Tucson to Rocky Point, Mexico.

Seeing the world has always been a goal, though a busy schedule and financial constraints have often acted as a blockade to travel plans. I work remotely, and wanted to give a couple months of remote work and travel a try. Two months turned into a year, and after a full 365, I now feel capable and qualified to explain what solo travel is really like.

Packing

I have another blog post on exactly what I packed when living months out of a backpack. My takeaway is that packing possesses far less importance than I initially thought- this is coming from a girl who almost brought hair extensions and false lashes as ‘essential items’ when living out of a backpack. Pack light - I didn’t use half of the clothes I packed simply because I didn’t want to dig to the bottom of the bag. Also, an organized and consistent location for key items(passports, chargers, wallets, etc.) is highly important - if you’re scrambling from one place to the next, things can get lost easily and the last thing you want is to become a target for theft or to leave something you really need.

I want to emphasize that for my own travel, all bags I bring have zipping and/or locking capabilities.

Arrivals

Landing in a foreign country is always intimidating for me, especially without having a common language. Fortunately arrivals are fairly straightforward since airports are built to accommodate. No matter where you are, you will be following signs through customs, baggage claim, then to transportation. The transit to your accommodation, however, is worth researching beforehand.

In the beginning of the year I rarely did research and chose ‘living on a prayer’ as an alternative method of travel planning. It may have worked out, but not always without a cost. Since then I’ve learned my lesson- I’ll save the nitty gritty for another time.

Bus drivers sporting good vibes in Cancún, Mexico

Depending on your location, the transportation options may not be available at your landing time, and renting a car may or may not be in the budget. I was surprised that everywhere I visited in Latin America had rideshare apps, but in southern Italy, there were none available (to my knowledge). If you desire a stress-free travel experience, research the destination, distance from accommodation, time of landing, safety precautions, and method of transport.

Language Barriers

I practiced Spanish before visiting Latin America, but was very exposed upon arrival. Learning valuable and frequently-used statements is a practice I recommend. “Yo necesito una cerveza y donde está la hierba” is reliable and one you may want to bookmark, it made me upwards of ten friends.

Jokes aside, I had the desire to express myself more frequently and in deeper context. Upon traveling, I realized that many of those around me knew more than one language. It was very humbling to stand in a room full of people who knew perfect English, alongside their native language and two or three others.

Understanding spans much greater when speaking multiple languages. The direct translation is not all that matters- the context, framework, and tone of the language itself builds the culture. I deeply desire to experience this in full, and challenge any other English-only speakers to join me in the pursuit of bilinguality. It's good for us.

In Italy I struggled much more with language than in Latin America. I hardly know any words in Italian, much less grammar and conjugation, and in Southern Italy especially, dialects vary greatly by village. The Italians even joked that every village has its own language, and it really did feel that way!

Despite the inability to speak with eloquence in any regard, I still managed to gain friendships. I now place a higher importance on communication through food, drink, dance, laughter, and the occasional smoke break. I’m not advocating you take up a smoking habit, but basking in the aroma of Marlboro every now and again may contribute to increased friendships, scientifically proven.

This goes without saying but I will say it anyways - know your audience. I believe that most people are good, but not everyone is your friend. Cultural norms vary tremendously, and though I take chances with jokes, I don’t recommend saying anything ‘out of pocket’ unless you feel confident about how it is being received.

Awareness

Being aware is a developing skill for me, but putting myself in another country with nothing but a backpack created a heightened sense. I soon became much more cognizant of seedy characters at the metro, status of my phone battery, and weather expectations. As I grew more comfortable on my own, that awareness extended further than immediate safety.

Remembering my national origin as it relates to the country I am visiting is highly important. What are the socio-economic factors at play? How might the people I meet view my country? Origin influences both our actions and others’ perceptions of us.

Relationship-building and understanding different cultures is a high-value item for me, and knowing the stereotypes others may have can give an advantage. If I can break down walls or potential ‘barriers to entry’, when meeting someone, I will.

I will give an example of what not-to-do. Colombia is a relatively affordable destination for Americans because the US dollar goes far. The price of a manicure, a coffee, or lunch will be of lower cost to Americans visiting because of the higher dollar value. Upon meeting other travelers, I would overhear Americans and Europeans excited over how “cheap” everything was in Medellín. I would then notice the low faces of my Colombian friends following these remarks.

How would this make you feel? If a group of people came into your country, excited and nearly bragging about how cheap and easy it is for them to live, when this is not the case for you. Even possibly, wages may hardly give you enough to get by. The circumstance of countries’ financial situations are largely out of our control, and an ignorant comment that could make someone feel lesser is not worth it, and I can’t imagine it would help in gaining local friends.
I can’t skate out of this sin-free, I’m sure I have said things of similar tone without realizing, and it's my job now to be aware and continue growing, aiming to understand the incongruencies. I’m just grateful I can’t think of anything right now, but I’m sure it will hit me sometime before I’m trying to fall asleep- that’s how it usually works, right?

How did you meet people?

Great question, thank you for asking.

Some models I met, gracious enough to let me photograph

Staying in Hostels helps with meeting new people, but I met the majority outside those parameters, kinda like these guys.

The biggest piece of advice I can give is to follow what you truly want to do, the right demographic will find you. Go on the tour, take the salsa lessons, try surfing, do a yoga class - or whatever is calling you. The most incredible aspect of solo travel is the ability to make every decision without the pressure of another’s plan, what they may think, or what you might be thinking about what they think.

Travel allowed me to be my truest self. In many ways I feel that people I met in travel experienced a more raw form of me than some who’ve known me for years, there is something about authenticity being easiest with people you may never see again. Regardless, this is a unique and memorable experience, especially when many cultures are at play.

Self-Esteem

The most notable effect travel has had on me is an increased self-esteem and sense of gratitude. I feel more self-assured and capable now than ever, conscious of blessings and painfully aware of my shortcomings. Being wrong doesn’t feel so intimidating and being right isn’t something to constantly seek. Learning is now a priority, and seeking to understand, a practice.

If you’re reading this, you have more than many. You have access to technology, resources, and most likely the ability to think beyond of our ‘basic set of needs’- what a gift. This experience has made that more clear to me, and our ability to make an impact is extensive. Grateful for your support in reading this, even if you hated every word, thank you - you took the time and that means a lot to me.

Thank you for reading as always. If you’re traveling, wishing you courage, safety, and wisdom. And if you’re not traveling, I wish you the same. With love.