One week until I take off —alone—for Croatia. When I tell people I am going by myself there are two main reactions: “Wow good for you!” or “Alone?! I could never do that.” The former are impressed where the latter are nervous, and require much explanation to how and why I would go places alone.
Solo travel is not only something I enjoy, I really feel passionate about it. I’ve met many solo travelers and never has anyone voted thumbs down on going solo. First it is absolutely thrilling to be on your own, and second you’re really not alone for very long. People are friendly when they travel, you can talk to strangers, travelers, foreigners, natives…all walks of life together in a random place at a random time.
I find being solo to be the most freeing feeling. The stresses of day to day life melt away as the plane takes off. Juliana alone is different; she is a wannabe hippie, more flexible, more chill, open to changes, a dreamer.
But for the naysayers, there are certainly safety measures when traveling alone. You have to be aware of your surroundings, make sure you know where you are going, you must judge people (like probably don’t ask the man talking to himself in dirty clothes on the corner for directions…?). When going to multiple cities, I make sure my trains arrive in the day light and map the route from the station or port to the hostel in advance.
Oh I said the word that scares people. Hostel. It’s a hotel but with dorm rooms. You share a bathroom. People are nice. They sit in the common room and have a beer together. Some places are nicer than others, just like hotels. For some of us, traveling isn’t about staying in a fancy room with perfect sheets and high end soaps and good lighting. Instead, I can save the money, meet like-minded people, and spend it on food and experiences…how much time are you really spending in your room anyway? If you need me to convince you hostels are nice, I am happy to oblige. I’ve changed many peoples minds about this already.
And so, one more week until solo Croatia for 12 days. I look forward to seeing ancient sites, enjoying Mediterranean sun, eating seafood by the sea, getting lost (safely) in the city, and meeting new friends from around the world. ☺️
