15 Myths About Solo Travel That You Should Not Believe
For anyone who is about to travel for the first time to another country or continent, there is considerable anxiety when it comes to the issue of traveling alone. However, there are quite a number of benefits reaped from going on such trips.
There are numerous situations where travelers visiting foreign countries and cities on their own will most definitely be shared and there may be such stories that could trigger you into defying the courage to face your fears. Those who are considering taking a holiday on their own, but are somewhat reluctant to go through with the plan, might be suffering from some of the myths about solo travel.
- Solo Trips are a lot costly
Independent and seasoned travelers have ways of traveling without getting into too deep into debts. Flushing this clarion in your mind considering that it will not be easy to pay for the exotic hotels in some countries alone as there will be no one to share the costs of accommodation with, there are always options to try out while still on a solo trip. This might be a get-together with your fellow traveler cohorts or putting yourselves together in a travel fraternity for a month where you take all the travel turns. Even for those who do not wish to stay in hostels and instead book private rooms in hotels, there are still many affordable options available, the loading of public transport and other measures to cut.
- You have to be an extrovert
If you are shy, you may think you will feel more alone when you travel by yourself. But being sociable is not a requirement in order to know people during the journey. For example you could go for group trips or work from popular tourist places. For instance, just knowing someone’s country can lead to great conversations.
- Too risky – particularly for the women
One of the most common misconceptions that people have about traveling alone is that it is dangerous, more so for female travelers. However, threat is always present irrespective of whether one is a tourist or local. Luckily, there are things that people traveling alone can do in order to avoid getting into trouble. For example, do not announce your position all the time and do not stand out by looking too foreign dressed.
- Exploring the world alone is only encouraged for the unmarried
Most people harbor the idea that there are so many destinations for single people only and that there aren’t single people who would be able to travel. Nonetheless, it is not common for spouses to have all the same travel aspirations. Instead of forcing your partner to vacation in somewhere where he or she cares for very little, why not go on vacation alone?
- It’s all about age, you’re too advanced for it
Most think that individual vacations are meant for those who have just come out of college or are career changers. It is however true that solo trips are for all age groups. Do not be limited by age barriers as in all opportunities there is no age limit.
- It is quite impossible to have a good picture taken alone
Of course, this may not be as simple as requesting a travel buddy to take the picture but solo travelers are able to take nice pictures of themselves. From pocket tripods including handheld selfie sticks there are lots of tools which help you take ideal pictures.
- It is isolating
There is a difference between the two concepts and most times, it’s not so. While a tight schedule can indeed add some pack to the eyes, loneliness isn’t usually one of them. For instance, the increase in travelfor single- for many logistics trips speaks for themselves – as WTM Global Hub data has it, 17 % of the world’s travelers now make traveling out of the house.
- You can always find something to do
Even if they are traveling alone or with a companion, there are always some elements of the trip that can be quite nerve-wracking — cold and stuffy airports, long hours of waiting, and cancelled flights. But when traveling in such circumstances, somewhat parochially but nevertheless artistically, one can entertain himself or herself in any number of ways. That’s why those, who have already been exposed to the solo profession, are rarely heard moaning about boredom.
- If there are no good friends – travel only to the rich
However, not every traveler alone is born with a trust fund and their parents financially, supporting them. Not everyone willing to travel alone has to be twitter – it is not a requirement. City trips on the other hand, regardless of the age, have come up with ways of traveling and touring without incurring exorbitant travel expenses.
- Eating out alone isn’t all that great
One of the advantages of traveling is trying the local food, however, some people are not PMA (positive mental attitude) towards a solo trip, because they do not want to eat alone. Nonetheless, one does not have to let loneliness spoil his/her meal. If you sense a state of discomfort, looking for a book may help or going to the bar area, where it is relatively easy to get someone, who is working there, talk to you.
- It’s for people who feel the need to escape
It is understandable how the popularity of “Eat, Pray, Love” has created a consensus of people thinking that solo travelers are running away from their lives. However, people do go on individual journeys for other reasons too. In the vast majority of cases, individual tourism is rather about coping with opportunities available than getting away from something.
- It is applies only to those who have nothing better to do
Another stereotype is the idea that individual tourism is caused solely by the absence of companions. Although this might be true on some occasions however a lot of seasoned solo-travelers will tell you that it is a conscious decision. Traveling solo gives you the chance to do whatever you feel like doing without having to consider another person’s interests.
- The quintessential and common term is ‘self-discovery’
Melanie finds self-discovery the central theme for most of and thanks to the “Eat, Pray, Love” adventure, continues, solo trips are made for self-improvement. Whereas it may be applicable for some of them, most of the solo travelers simply want to live and enjoy the world around them, rather than look for something, or someone or in this case “to find oneself.”
- They have to stay hostels
Hostel accommodation while traveling is a very cheap option and a good method of making friends with other travelers, however, this is not obligatory. Renting rooms in various hotels is quite inexpensive in many of the cities and if you hate hostels for good private accommodations can still be found at reasonable prices.
- Solo traveling is something for those that are not concern about their professional work
There’s a stereotype that, especially in the case of women, or rather particularly women who go for those settled solo vacations rather than just city breaks, that they aren’t career focused. And this could not be more inaccurate. Thanks to the improvement of technology and there exist the opportunity of traveling remotely, many people who are in solo trips managed to work as well. Solo traveling is possible while also accomplishing one’s career aspirations and financial ambitions
Conclusion
Traveling alone can be rewarding, and many people choose to go exploring alone, rather than with others. There are many myths and misconceptions about such trips that should not prevent you from enjoying the pleasures of solo travel. Get one of the best travel credit cards and get ready for your next individual trip.
