REFLECTING BACK ON MY FIRST TIME TRAVELLING ALONE
99% of people who set out to travel are anxious in some way about going it alone. My first time travelling was full of highs but it wasn’t without it’s issues, nothing more so than that first feeling of anxiety that you have.
A JOURNEY OF 1000 MILES STARTS WITH A SINGLE STEP
Don’t let this put you off however, these obstacles were nothing in the grand scheme of things. At the time you are nervous and there is always that element of doubt, but as my trip progressed I began to realise the nervous energy was just excitement. It took me to actually go to realise this and 3 ½ months around Canada and America sure sorted me out. I couldn’t have chosen a better place to start. If you want to see the ’08 Canada & U.S. Photo Series, click here. My diary got lost in the mayhem of technology so excuse to lack of written content.
Reflecting back on my first time travelling solo
THE U.S. & CANADA
Canada and The U.S. are one of those places which offer almost any experience you could imagine but without the huge culture shock you might not be ready for. Not to mention the infrastructure setup for backpackers to get around. It’s a place I would recommend to anyone, regardless of where you are from.
Reflecting back on my first time travelling solo
TORONTO
One thing I will remember about my first time travelling solo is the beginning. As with all my trips, I always remember the drive to the airport, the nervous excitement but this was different. My uni class from Glasgow took a trip to Toronto as part of our course. We rented the entire floor of a university residence and it turned out to be one of the best weeks. There was always something going on outside your room; laughing, music playing, kicking a ball (usually with alcohol involved) and people walking in and out of your room like it was their own.
Back to an empty room. Reflecting back on my first time travelling alone
SILENCE
At the end of our week I had to stay an extra day before catching a train to Montréal. It was there I would start my real solo adventure. However before that it was time to say cheerio to everyone. So I headed downstairs, said my goodbyes and watched them off with no idea what was to come. I was gutted of course but excited to know my adventure was really only starting. So I headed back upstairs and once I got to my floor it hit me like a ton of bricks.
WELCOME TO SOLO TRAVEL.
This was the biggest wake-up call I’ve had. Nothing told me, “you’re on your own” like the silence I experienced on that floor, it was hard to explain. I wasn’t used to it so headed straight for my room which made it all the more apparent, the silence was deafening.
Reflecting back on my first time travelling alone
GET USED TO IT
In this day and age I would just take my phone out read my messages, listen to my podcasts or scan through my social media, anything that offers a distraction. But there was none of that and as soon as I sat down I knew I was better to keep myself busy.
Now it happens more often but I now know it’s only temporary, I just kept myself distracted and reminded myself what was the come. Although even my wildest expectations wouldn’t have come close to the fun I was going to have over the next 3 ½ months.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I wouldn’t change any of my first solo trip for anything. There are just so many benefits and nothing makes me happier than seeing others do the same. I have yet to have someone come back to me and regret even a second of it.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
