Travelling Solo

There's something romantic about setting off into the great unknown with only your trusty backpack as companion. Each year many Australian travellers opt to go it alone, whether driven by that intrepid spirit of adventure or just taking the only option open to them.

Heading overseas without the safety blanket of a friend, lover or tour group leader can be daunting. It can also be an amazing journey of self discovery. Making sure your solo trip leans towards the latter category is often a case of being prepared and knowing what to expect.

Firstly, when you're fresh off the plane it's important to allow yourself time to settle in. If you haven't travelled alone before, it might take a while to get into the swing of socialising. Striding over to a group of people and striking up conversation comes easily to some, but for others it's as agonising as having teeth pulled. However, much like dental work, you just need to seize the day and do it, otherwise you can end up feeling mighty unpleasant.

Hostels are a great place to make friends. There's often a bar, shared kitchen, organised tours and other events designed to bring strangers together. Be open and personable and remember most people in hostels want to meet others, so you've already got an advantage over your average Sydney bar.

Of course it's not always that easy. On my first (ahem, only) solo trip overseas, I spent a week in Spain feeling that time had stood still and not in that nice, romantic way. Everyone I met seemed disinterested, confidence was waning and the lonely hours stretched ad infinitum before me. It was probably the lowest I've ever felt. Little did I know that days later an entire Italian rugby team would turn up and I'd be inundated with long lazy days (of the good kind) and some hot Spanish nights to boot. For me, the highs and lows of solo travel were definitely more intense than the times I've headed off in the company of friends. But that's exactly what's made them some of my most memorable experiences.

The planning side of things can also be more intense. As a backpacker, you're quite vulnerable when you're lugging your belongings to and from stations. With no one there to watch your back, it's best to plan to arrive at a new place in daylight so you can scope out somewhere to stay and get your bearings. When you're out and about, you also need to remember that being alone makes you more of a potential target. Walk confidently, use your common sense and try to avoid dodgy places especially after dark.

Drugs and alcohol are another danger area. Although you'll probably be among friends when you partake, it's hard to know whether people you've just met will stand by you if things go bad. Be extra cautious of any substance that will influence your ability to take care of yourself. Because in a worst case scenario, no one else will. As a precaution, always carry important information such as an emergency contact and travel insurance details with you.

When you travel alone, you're probably not going to find friends to hook up with in every place you go. But this doesn't have to be a bad thing. Many of us don't often spend lengthy periods with only ourselves to rely on for entertainment and direction. With no one to fall back on, you'll probably surprise yourself with the things you can do. And at the end of the day, the memories you bring home will be extra special because you did it all on your own.