Travel Solo or With Companion(s)? Part I

Would you or have you traveled to another country by yourself? If not, what is stopping you? Safety concerns? Loneliness? Fear? Insecurity about not being able to communicate in a non-English spoken country? All valid feelings. But what if you want to go somewhere and no one can go with you? Do you forego such an incredible opportunity and give in to your fears? Traveling with family and/or friend(s) certainly brings you guaranteed companionship and conversation. Great memories and experiences with those you know and love. And let’s get real – how many of us are comfortable eating alone at a restaurant, let alone traveling half way across the world by ourselves? All of these questions were swirling in my head 17 years ago….

Greece and the Greek islands was a destination I dreamed of going since I was a mere 12 year old girl….why there? From my recollection, it was some history lesson that inspired me and it was an immediate bucket list destination…..it only took another 19 years to arrive there…doing the math, that made me 31 years old (and single). I just aged myself, didn’t I? I’ve traveled internationally but never by myself. No one had the time and/or budget to join me, but this was the year 2003 and I knew the Olympics was coming in 2004…so this I decided was the time to go. Well since I was going all the way there, I opted to add Turkey onto my itinerary. Why not, right? In February 2003, I worked with a travel agent and booked my R/T airfare arriving into Athens, Greece and 3 weeks later, departing Istanbul, Turkey to return home to the US. Hotel stays were booked and it was going to be up to me to get to all of my destinations. Trip booked for June 2003.

March 2003….Iraq war breaks out. Those around me warned me of going to Turkey because of it being an Islamic State and I’m a blonde American. Reinforcing those safety fears….from those who haven’t traveled solo. Okay, I get it but they didn’t convince me to change any plans.

This dream trip of mine ended up being the CRAZIEST trip of my life. Details to be told in a follow-up blog (Part II)….airline fiasco, losing my passport, and what ended up becoming a life-changing event all took place on this solo trip to Greece and Turkey. If I could go back and re-experience this incredible trip, would I? HECK YES!!! Do I regret not postponing this trip so that someone might have been able to accompany me? No…Why? Because my traveling alone, forced me to integrate myself more into the culture of the two countries and gain a deeper and personal experience with the locals and their customs. Also, I was on my own schedule and didn’t ever have to compromise on what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go…..a phenomenon that happens when you travel with others. I met some incredible people and made permanent memories on this solo trip more than any of my other trips where I was traveling with family/friends or in organized groups. Am I promoting NOT traveling with friends and family? Certainly not…..but doing the solo thing is really not as scary as we first perceive it to be. Consider the pros and cons to make that decision. Both are bound to create long lasting memories, not to mention wonderful experiences in your life!