Solo Inter-railing....Thinking of going home

Hey guys, just looking for some advice here.

Im a guy, 25, and currently interrailing Eastern Europe. I have been to Berlin, Warsaw and Krakow, and am in Budapest now. Anyway it's really not what I though it would be, I am very homesick and lonely at the moment. I made some friends in Krakow but they since left for Barcelona. My plan was to do Slovenia and Croatia next as I fly out from Pula on July 12th. So 2 more weeks left here. I am thinking of going home as I feel like **** and maybe this solo craic isn't for me. Finding it hrder to make friends than usual. Any advice?

sarkozy

Is it your first time doing something like this? Sometimes, the experience of travelling alone can be strange, spending so much time by yourself, with your own thoughts, not sharing your experiences with others. You're obviously feeling down about it since you're posting here while you're 'supposed' to be having the 'best adventure of your life so far'.

I can relate to this. For years, I went nowhere, even with friends. Then I branched out a bit more, spent time in London, staying with friends. Eventually, I went interrailing with my girlfriend, but even still, when I went to Barcelona for the second time on by own, I felt very unsettled, like I was missing out. Then, the real challenge, living away from home in a tough country, with my girlfriend at home, for 18 months. At times it was very tough.

What I learned, though, is it's character-building and, most of the time, you remember the positive aspects of the experience and a sense of achievement that you did it. This said, there's nothing to feel bad about deciding to go home, it's really your call.

I do think it can be a bit trickier to make travel buddies in Europe than further-flung places, but it sounds like you've been doing really well hanging out and making friends in hostels, etc. You can think of this as a golden opportunity to, perhaps, overcome some shyness. It's amazing what can happen once you just start chatting to people.

Another thing to keep in mind is that, often, travelling in groups means compromising where you go and often missing out on bits. You're in a different headspace travelling alone where you can really engage with your surroundings.

On the other hand, you might just be figuring our how your experience matches up with your expectations - did you expect to be boozing it up every night in hostels with crazy tourists?

Perhaps you can flip things around - you have your plan, but perhaps you might meet people whose plan you might be able to latch onto. Maybe they're going to Slovenia or Croatia, or maybe they're going to Italy. You have options if you alter plans!

Sometimes it can take time to get into your own travelling solo buzz, you pass a point where suddenly everything's really good and you're cool with the experience. It's just different. Just remember whatever you choose to do isn't wrong and, hey, if you decide to stick with it, you might feel a sense of achievement and personal growth, especially when you're back and everyone wants to hear about your travels.

sarkozy

sarkozy wrote: »

Is it your first time doing something like this? Sometimes, the experience of travelling alone can be strange, spending so much time by yourself, with your own thoughts, not sharing your experiences with others. You're obviously feeling down about it since you're posting here while you're 'supposed' to be having the 'best adventure of your life so far'.

I can relate to this. For years, I went nowhere, even with friends. Then I branched out a bit more, spent time in London, staying with friends. Eventually, I went interrailing with my girlfriend, but even still, when I went to Barcelona for the second time on by own, I felt very unsettled, like I was missing out. Then, the real challenge, living away from home in a tough country, with my girlfriend at home, for 18 months. At times it was very tough.

What I learned, though, is it's character-building and, most of the time, you remember the positive aspects of the experience and a sense of achievement that you did it. This said, there's nothing to feel bad about deciding to go home, it's really your call.

I do think it can be a bit trickier to make travel buddies in Europe than further-flung places, but it sounds like you've been doing really well hanging out and making friends in hostels, etc. You can think of this as a golden opportunity to, perhaps, overcome some shyness. It's amazing what can happen once you just start chatting to people.

Another thing to keep in mind is that, often, travelling in groups means compromising where you go and often missing out on bits. You're in a different headspace travelling alone where you can really engage with your surroundings.

On the other hand, you might just be figuring our how your experience matches up with your expectations - did you expect to be boozing it up every night in hostels with crazy tourists?

Perhaps you can flip things around - you have your plan, but perhaps you might meet people whose plan you might be able to latch onto. Maybe they're going to Slovenia or Croatia, or maybe they're going to Italy. You have options if you alter plans!

Sometimes it can take time to get into your own travelling solo buzz, you pass a point where suddenly everything's really good and you're cool with the experience. It's just different. Just remember whatever you choose to do isn't wrong and, hey, if you decide to stick with it, you might feel a sense of achievement and personal growth, especially when you're back and everyone wants to hear about your travels.[/quote

Thanks for your reply. I actually went to Vietnam solo 3 years ago and it was hard at the start but I absolutely loved it in the end. I just can't see that happening this time. It's harder to make friends for some reason. It's the whole thing I don't like, I though because I did it 3 yard ago id be okay but I think I've realised how much I don't like it and how much I'd love of even one of my friends was with me.

sarkozy

Any of your friends able and willing to join you at short notice?

bcklschaps

Travelling alone isn't for everybody old bean. It does get better though... as Sarkozy mentioned earlier.. its takes a little bit of time to adjust to the fact that you are alone and get your head atuned to that fact. Don't feel guilty that you are missing out on some great stuff, here there or anywhere ... probably would blow your budget if you tried to do everything that's on offer everywhere you are going to go, anyway.... so just find your own groove and start to chill out and actually enjoy yourself.... you'll be back in school/college/work soon enough.

If all else fails try to locate an Irish bar and chat to some fellow paddy's, there's world cup games on every day .. a great ice-breaker

grimm2005

Sorry to hear it isn't working out for you. I did it for the first time myself this year and it's been great, although I've stuck to short 4 - 7 day trips. Try and stay in smaller hostels that constantly organise social events, this way it's easier to meet people and make friends. Big factory type hostels are hard for this as there are so many people that you just feel like an anonymous head in the crowd. Staying in dorms is also good as you'll inevitably get talking to someone in your room.

That might not help if you've already got accommodation booked for your whole trip but seeking out pub crawls and walking tours might be another option.

two wheels good

Consider getting out of the city and head for the hills or beach. Find a hostel offering outdoor activities in groups- water-sports, cycling, hiking, scuba diving - whatever you fancy. You'll have ready company and fun activity.