Travelling on my own-what to expect

grandturistmo

It’s something which most of you have probably done but I’m heading off on my own tomorrow for the first time ever, what should I expect.
Had a bitch of a year relationship/work wise and I’ve decided, well to hell with this place for a while…anyway I’m not normally that much of an outgoing guy but I’ll have to be when I’m away.
Never been to even a bar in Ireland on my own so I’m a little concerned..anyway what has everyone elses experiences been like?
How do people find striking up conversations with strangers etc?
..half thinking I’m heading off at the worst time of the year, xmas party season/Christmas day/new years and all that
Anyway any advice appreciated.
The travelling man

Catari Jaguar

My brother went off to travel the world alone. he was 22 at the time. Been in Asia now since March. He missed his first flight out there. Then lost his camera, 3 pairs of glasses, broke his guitar, iPod and lost his bank card. Also had his year old skate runners nicked hah! He's a total airhead and he's getting on grand, not a bother on him. Wandering around, laid back... So even if you're anything like him chances are you'll land on your feet!

He says it easy to make friends as everyone is so friendly and usually on the liquored up side. So if you're in any way nice to them you'l be grand. Also, he reckons everyone from different countries his met are just like their country's stereotype. Maybe bear that in mind too. Don't be too naive or trustworthy though, you'd want to watch out for some scammers n that. Just relax and have a good time!

gagalina

Heya,

just take it nice and easy and dont fret about it! If you are staying in a typical hostel, it'll be full of other travellers who are quite easy to talk to. You meet people in reception, in the kitchen, on the bus, in the pubs, in the room (if shared) - so there is pretty much no way you can travel without meeting people.
And should you feel lonely, write a email home or give home a quick call - that worked grand for me.

Gagalina

LegacyUser

Hi there,

I was in the same situation years ago. I travelled alone (which is completely out of character for me) and I had the time of my life. I GUARANTEE you the first hostel you go into within a few minutes you will get chatting to people and go for a few bevys' hear of people going places, be invited along.

You will be approached by other backpackers when you are on your own. Never ever in all the dozens of hostels that i stayed in would me (and my new found friends, at the time) would ever let somebody sit/drink/eat on their own..(unless they wanted to)

You will meet the most interesting people, create friendships with the nicest people, you have the advantage of doing exactly what you want to and not compromising trips, places, because other people want to see them. I did this for nearly a year and i came home a different person, and a better person... I could go on and on (and bore you) but the message i'm trying to get across is don't worry, don't fret, it will all work out and you are about to embark on a very exciting time in your life so savour every moment and best of luck...

...by the way (and this is for everytraveller, be careful of cash, Ipods, cameras etc, if a hostel has a safety deposit box use it) otherwise don't bring anything too expensive away..

Oh, and pack light!!!

tbh

grandturistmo wrote:

It’s something which most of you have probably done but I’m heading off on my own tomorrow for the first time ever, what should I expect.
Had a bitch of a year relationship/work wise and I’ve decided, well to hell with this place for a while…anyway I’m not normally that much of an outgoing guy but I’ll have to be when I’m away.
Never been to even a bar in Ireland on my own so I’m a little concerned..anyway what has everyone elses experiences been like?
How do people find striking up conversations with strangers etc?
..half thinking I’m heading off at the worst time of the year, xmas party season/Christmas day/new years and all that
Anyway any advice appreciated.
The travelling man

Good On You! You'll have your ups and downs, but you'll be a better person - much respect there. Let us know how you get on. Meeting people is easy, to quote Radiohead - the first couple of times feels a bit awkward but after that it's easy. And it's a skill you'll bring home. Best of luck - I'm jealous.

Captain Corelli

grandturistmo wrote:

It’s something which most of you have probably done but I’m heading off on my own tomorrow for the first time ever, what should I expect

Expect nothing I think, but hope to have the best time of your life. Then make an effort to make this true. In my experience, expectations rarely come true, which can be for the best or the worst.

I’m not normally that much of an outgoing guy but I’ll have to be when I’m away.

It is excellant that you are aware of what you have to do. No1 else will socialise for you. It is true that you will meet so many people like you and unlike you so make the most of these meetings. Just enjoy yourself.

As for meeting people:
1. Hang out at pool tables/dart boards in bars.
2. Internet message boards for travellers. Some countries have better ones than others. Try Gumtree, craigslist, 'Thats' magazines etc.
3. Don't get lazy. Try to do something new everyday(depends on where you go). Hostel common rooms are great for good advice on what to do.
4. Golden Rule: Enjoy yourself, and stay alert.

I envy you going away(I don't envy that nervous, butterfly stomach feeling you will have tomorrow tho...).

Let us know how you got on.
P.S Where are you going? If you specified someone might have 1st hand experience...

Black Swan

Have travelled a bit. No prob meeting new people. Have kept in touch with a few over time. Have visited them again later. Although from different cultures, in a way they are just like us. Get bored with the day-to-day and when someone new shows up, it can be a break in the monotony and fun for them too. Some I have met have turned into spontaneous tour guides, taking me around in their cars and showing me the sights.

Most I have met while travelling have been good sorts, but you need to be cautious in some countries. Read the travel advisories before entering a new country. For example, if you end up in Brasil, SA, be careful about going out alone at night. Crime is a problem, as is the small but possible risk of kidnapping (When I was there last, some of the locales in Porto Alegre joked about kidnapping as a national pastime).

Then again, some of the travel advisories are exaggerated or untrue, so sometimes you never really know. For example, the USA State Department online travel advisories for Cuba were all off, cause they have had 40 or so years of bad international relations between the two countries. I felt very safe when on the island, no matter where I went, and the people I met were gracious and fun! On the other hand, Jamaica I've been to twice, and although the tourist advertising suggests an island of nothing but sun and fun, you better not go into the cities at night alone if you are smart.

Ruu_Old

Don't expect anything, as has been mentioned, that is the whole fun of it. :)I loved travelling alone and might set off somewhere next year myself but bring the wife with me this time. What part of the world are you thinking of going to?