16 Mar 2023 | 3 mins
Overview
  • Before I left for a year of solo travel, my family and friends told me all the potential risks, threats and perils. 
  • Despite all that, I didn't feel unsafe for a second. 

"How many fingers am I holding up Nana?"

"Four," she responds, confused. 

"Thank god. Blurred vision is a sign of an aneurysm". Because for real, when I told my nana that I was going to be travelling around Europe and South America for a year, and a fair chunk would be solo, I thought she was going to have just that. An aneurysm. 

She then bombarded me with horror stories of solo female travellers, scary media portrayals of other countries, the many perils that lay at every corner around the world... She cried as if I had a death wish. 

 

When you tell people you're solo travelling, their responses may be similar. My first tip is to never let what they say enter your psyche. Ever. Respect that they care for you and only want the best, and move the heck on. 

I'm not saying to be ignorant of the hazards that come with solo female travel. But guess what, unfortunately, this world is cooked - potential hazards even lay in your hometown! I mean, we've been taught safety measures since we were kids. Don't get in cars with strange blokes, don't walk alone at night in risky areas... We know how to have our heads screwed on correctly and how to avoid potential threats.

What am I saying? Don't manifest the worst, but still be vigilant.

I'm gonna be completely honest. I never once felt unsafe. I'll say that louder for the people at the back. I never once felt unsafe. 

In fact, I felt fearless. Invincible. Untouchable. 

After an hour-long walk in Cusco, Peru, I remember looking down at the view of the city and thinking "my god, I got here on my own". I started laughing like a loon, feeling on top of the whole world. 

 

One thing you also need to remember is that a lot of solo travel doesn't end up being solo! I linked up with hundreds of people and groups at hostels. We'd share transport, walk home from pubs together and explore the city, getting to know each other whilst getting to know a new place. Being solo meant I met so many more people than I would have if I were relying comfortably on a friends' company. I mean, that's just one of the zillion perks that come with solo travel. 

You get to make your own plans and do what you want when you want. Solo travel is like a masterclass in kicking yourself out of your comfort zone, becoming more independent and getting to know yourself so much more. 

Thank god I didn't listen to my Nana. Or anyone else. The media too. Thank god I didn't let any horror stories enter my psyche, manifesting the worst. Thank god I just took the leap.