I
should probably mention that I am going to New Zealand by myself. Yes, by
myself. Call me crazy but I’m actually quite excited about this. Don’t get me
wrong, it’s not that I wouldn’t enjoy the company of traveling with another,
but there is something unique and challenging about traveling by myself. Although
I have fears about traveling by myself, my excitement outweighs these fears.
Why should I let the fear that something might happen stop me from experiencing
something grand? I don’t think it should. If I were to live in fear, I would
never leave my house. There are both disadvantages and advantages to traveling
alone, and not just traveling alone but traveling alone as a female.
Disadvantages:
·
Safety:
I’ll admit that traveling alone may not be the safest. More likely to be seen
as a target. There is truth behind there being safety in numbers.
·
Possible
unwanted attention from men.
·
No
one to watch my bags while going to the bathroom, at a bus station, at the
beach, etc.
·
Not
having others to share experiences with and bounce ideas off of.
·
Not
being able to split costs for things. Sometimes it may be cheaper to do
something if there are more people. I will probably buy food in smaller
quantities which may sometimes be more expensive.
Advantages:
·
Freedom:
To go where I want, when I want. To make decisions knowing that it will only
affect me.
·
Increased
opportunity to meet others: Just because I will be traveling alone does not
mean I will be alone at all times. I’m sure I will meet others at hostels and
in other places along the way to do various activities with. Also, as a solo
traveler, I will most likely be more approachable than a group would be. I will
also be more inclined to seek out others for conversation and travel advice.
While traveling in Europe, although we met locals, in some way there was very
little need to reach out to locals because we had each other. While traveling
solo, I will have little choice.
·
Increased
opportunity to do things: In meeting others, I may have opportunities I
wouldn’t otherwise have. Locals may invite me into their home for a traditional
meal or maybe I will meet someone that has connections activities, places, and
people that I may have otherwise not had.
·
Kindness:
Even though women may have to be more careful in regards to safety, it can also
be said that being a woman has its advantages. I am not saying that this is the
way it should be, but sometimes women are treated better than men. In reading
about it, solo women are much more likely to get invited to homes and events
than solo men.
·
Discovery
of new things: Rather than being led somewhere, with most places I go, there
will be a sense of awe and discovery. It’s like being a little kid and
experiencing something for the first time on your own even though everyone
around you may have already known about it.
·
Discovery
of self: I think I will be challenged immensely on this trip which will cause
me to grow in ways that I can’t even begin to imagine now. I will have to
overcome simple challenges such as finding my way to the grocery store or
missing the bus. Both my confidence in overcoming these tasks as well as my
knowledge will increase. Being able to discover what I am capable of. I will
challenge and discover myself in ways I may not if I were traveling with
others.
·
Sense
of Achievement: I don’t think this one needs much explaining. I think at the
end of the trip I will look back with a sense of achievement knowing that I
just traveled through New Zealand and Australia for 3.5 months on my own and
survived. (I guess I can’t say that yet. I haven’t made it back successfully
yet.)
I
have taken all these things into consideration. When others have found out that
I am traveling by myself, I have gotten various reactions. There are those who
think I am being foolish to knowingly put myself in a situation that may be
dangerous. Although this isn’t going to change my decision, for those of you
who feel this way, I appreciate your concern and your protectiveness. Truly, I
do. Then there are others who think it
is awesome (but would never do it themselves.) And to that I say, thanks for your
support and encouragement. Some of you may be wondering, “What do your parents
think of this?” My parents are all for it. My dad was the one who helped me
book my tickets. They encourage me to take advantage of opportunities while I
can.
In
traveling by myself there are precautions I will take such as being aware of my
surroundings, not walking alone at night, asking for directions and advice from
women when possible, and most importantly using common sense. After all, I will
be the one that is most aware of the fact that I am traveling alone. I can make
no guarantees as to how often I will update this but I hope to use this as a
way of letting you know my whereabouts and what I am doing. Basically, letting
you know I’m still alive :)
