Call me crazy

 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 :)