Travelling alone was a life changing experience
By Darren Cronian on Wednesday, May 28th, 2008

There have been two occasions whilst travelling where I have stood awestruck, once at Cape Tribulation in North Queensland, the other was whilst walking between the Petronas twin towers in Kuala Lumpur, which at the time was the tallest building in the world.

Travelling alone was a life changing experience

My parents thought I was mad travelling half way across the world on my own, but it was something that I had to do and I came back a different person – more confident, on a complete buzz, and these experiences gave me the passion I have for travel today.

There’s a misconception that travellers who travel alone are lonely people, with no friends, and they don’t want to socialise. Actually, single travellers are adventurous, enjoy their own company, and are confident travellers.

If I was to go on holiday with friends, I would end up laying next to the hotel pool or on the beach in Ibiza every year, not walking over Sydney Harbour Bridge, or snorkelling in the Great Barrier reef, believe me, that is much more fun.

Have you travelled alone, and if not, what is stopping you?


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12 responses to “Travelling alone was a life changing experience”

Jeff | 28 May, 2008 at 2:48 pm

I feel that traveling alone can be a great stress-reliever. I don’t get as frustrated with minor problems when I’m traveling alone (i.e. when my flight is delayed). I enjoy trying out different restaurants and bars on my own. It’s fun to check out the souvenir shops without being in a rush. Most of all, you can make your own schedule as you see fit, as well as being able to take TONS of pictures. I have been to Spain and Mexico on my own, and they really changed my perspective on travel. It gives you a lot of time to reflect, so I am glad I have such a high appreciation for traveling, because it really is a hobby of mine that I never want to give up. This world is so magnificent, that I just want to discover all of its hidden treasures.

Nomadic Matt | 28 May, 2008 at 3:03 pm

I only ever travel alone. You meet more people that way. You go where the wind takes you. only way to go. Most long term travelers, or the die hards, I know tend to favor single travel.

Your timing is funny though. I just had a guest blog discuss this topic and i’m diving into it in a few days….

Andrea | 28 May, 2008 at 3:29 pm

I travelled alone a lot when I was in my early 20s and I loved it. It really pushes you to be more adventurous and make an effort to meet people. Plus there are no compromises to be made on where to go and what to do. The only thing I don’t like is having to eat alone in restaurants.

Now that I’m married, I go everywhere with my husband and it’s just not the same. The feeling of being on an adventure has gone.

I miss travelling alone.

Kate | 28 May, 2008 at 5:55 pm

If I’m going on a package holiday for a week then I go with friends or family. As a backpacker though, I travel alone. I love it most of the time although sometimes I do wish I had a friend with me - someone I’ve known for donkeys years and can have a good chat with rather than having to start every conversation with “where have you been?” “where are you from?” “where are you going?”

Saying that though, I love being able to do my own thing and not having to answer to anyone. Next year I’m planning a trip with a friend and I’m just not sure how it’s going to work out….

Darren Cronian | 29 May, 2008 at 6:20 am

@ All

Yes, I’m not too keen about eating in restaurants alone, but I would rather eat out at restaurants rather than stay in the hotel to eat.

@ Andrea

Interesting that you mention the adventure has gone, last year I went to Crete, with my brother, and it wasn’t the same as travelling alone.

@ Kate

That’s what I like, not having to answer to anyone, do what I want to to do, which sounds selfish but, you work hard for our holidays.

Pete | 29 May, 2008 at 4:35 pm

I find that traveling alone makes me a markedly different traveler. Not necessarily better or worse, just different. I feel more spontaneous about participating in “touristy” activities and am admittedly much less likely to head out on a 4 a.m. bender (nothing like waking up with a clear head.) Traveling solo seems to produce a more introspective experience for me and I agree it’s nice to just have time alone without any pressure.

Darren Cronian | 29 May, 2008 at 10:52 pm

@ Pete

Great points about 4am drinking sessions, I’m usually in bed for midnight when I’m travelling alone because I like to be up early.

You cannot beat walking around the resort or beach early in the morning before breakfast - would I do that on holiday with mates, no way, I’d be in bed til midday!

Rohan | 3 June, 2008 at 5:17 pm

Great article Darren.

I have never travelled alone but you have made me want to try it out for myself.

Darren Cronian | 3 June, 2008 at 11:28 pm

@ Rohan

Thanks.

You should try and travel alone once in your life. It’s not for everyone, but it gives you a great deal of confidence knowing you can cope with being by yourself and in new surroundings.

Moh | 24 August, 2008 at 6:34 pm

Darren - you have described the experience of travelling alone perfectly! I had the same awestruck feeling in Laos recently - it was breathtaking! Struggling to find another destination that lives up to the beauty of Laos .. any ideas?

Santhi | 29 September, 2008 at 6:58 am

Darren was thinking of a beach getaway in Krabi..i never travelled alone except for this one time where i had to go to India alone on a business trip but then there everything was arranged for me.I seen so many people travelling alone and find it kind of interesting and always wonder if i would be able to do it someday.

You said you had most fun when you travelled alone.Any tips you would like to share?Would you encourage a single girl like me to go travelling alone?

Rossi | 21 October, 2008 at 6:48 am

Thanks guys for sharing your opinion. I am scheduled to fly to Krabi with my friend on my birthday (on November 3rd) and last minute he canceled. I am kinda tick off with that but I thought to myself that I’ve got the plane ticket. Why not head on an adventure on my own ? i love meeting new people and when reading your article/ comments it somehow strike a chord . I’ll give travelling alone a try and what a better time then going on your 26th birthday ? The problem is who is going to take pictures of me ? :)

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