Olivia's Tips for Solo Travel

Over a delicious dinner of sushi in downtown Boulder, a new friend asked me for my thoughts on travelling alone. I'm no expert (yet) but I have had a lot of "road" time to think about such things. When I told her some of the things I've learned in the past 3 years, she asked if I'd write them down for her.

Well, heck... if I write them down for one person, I may as well write 'em for everyone! So read ahead if you've ever wanted to venture out by yourself, but were afraid to do so. One caveat: if you really want to get some good advice on solo travel, read the tips from people who've done it longer than I have. Taking a self-defense class is also highly recommended, although I've never been to one myself.

Okay, here's some personal travel philosophies...

Definitions: When I'm travelling, there are only 3 kinds of people in the world: Good people, Goobers, and Creepers. Goobers are people who are annoying, but wish you no harm. Creepers are predators, who wish you ill, and are the ones that we want to avoid. Good people is the largest category, thankfully, and encompasses everyone else.

1. When it comes to lodging, you pay not for amenities, but for security. For example, some people "stealth camp" in public parks, corn fields, and on the side of the road. Stealth camping is free, and is a great option if you feel comfortable. If the idea makes you uncomfortable, however, you'll need to upgrade your security and pay more... for a campsite, let's say. If camping alone makes you nervous, you'll need increased security like a shared dorm in a hostel. If sharing a room with a stranger weirds you out, you can sleep in a hotel, which is even more expensive but more secure, and so on. You get the idea. Basically, it's a good idea to have extra cash on hand so that if you need increased security, you'll be able to afford it.

2. As a solo traveller, your main job is to gather and interpret information. Use your resources well, and try not to rely on just one source (a guide book, or the person you meet on the bus) for reliable information. Whenever you're able, get a 2nd. 3rd, and 4th opinion. If one of them is dead-wrong, you'll be glad you did.

3. Protect your information. People ask travellers lots of questions, and you need to be careful how you answer them. Part of your personal safety comes from poeple not knowing your full story (your age, name, route, solo status, etc). If a stranger gathers enough information about you, and they're a Creeper, than can use it to harm you. SO, when asked a question like "what's your last name?" you can respond "I'm sure you understand: I don't give out that information". Be vague when talking about plans for travel, use words like "maybe" and "sometime". Don't give specifics. Good people will totally get it, and the Goobers and Creepers will be frustrated. Too bad for them.

4. You can't be everyone's friend, and you don't want to be. If someone is behaving in a way that makes you nervous or unsure, they're a Goober (or worse still, a Creeper). Whenever you identify someone as a Goober, get away from them. They may not be doing any harm, but they're not doing you any favors either. You've got a job to do (gathering and interpreting information) and the Goober is just getting in the way. If you don't like 'em (for ANY reason), get rid of 'em. There will be better folks to meet down the road.

5. Be aware that there are times when you will be more dependent on others than you'd like. When travelling, situations come up that you cannot always handle/survive by yourself. You will need the help of others, and you must be very picky about who it is that helps you. Remember that Creepers are very good at detecting desperation in others, and that any panic on your part will impair your judgement and make you vulnerable. The best thing is stay calm, and confidently refuse help if you get weird vibes from anyone. Wait until a better offer comes along, even if you're scared.

6. On that same note, if you're ever in a situation that is bewildering, scary, or confusing, STOP. And think. Take some time out, and get some space. If another person is rushing you, be confident and demand space (no need to ask politely). Good people will understand that you need to make clear-headed, safe decisions. Creepers, on the other hand, will continue to try and rush you/not give you space, since part of their trap is to keep you desperate and off-balance. If someone ever rushes you through a decision ("Get in the car, quick, I'm in a big hurry!"), uses physical force or guilt-trips you towards an action/movement, immediately assume they're a Creeper and get away fast. Remember: if you're wrong, and they're actually not a Creeper, it doesn't matter. When you're alone, all that matters is that you act on your instincts, since there is no one else's to go on. Assume that you are absolutely correct, and act on that until you get more perspective from someone you trust.

7. Strive for balance with strangers. If they ask you a question, ask one back. Be aware if someone is starting to be in a position of more power/information than you, and work to correct it. Creepers will be the ones who are super-curious about you and withholding about themselves. If anyone acts this way, it's a red flag and you should ditch 'em.


So, all of the above are things that lots of solo travel experts could probably tell you. This next piece of advice, though, is the most important one to me. It's the one that I couldn't find in any literature so far, and I had to learn it the hard way. Overcoming this next obstacle is the first step to even dreaming about a solo adventure.


8. Build yourself up mentally. Positive thinking is essential to solo travel. Taking control of your thoughts needs to be worked at and practiced, or the fears and worries that you naturally have can ruin your trip. Long before you ever leave home for an adventure, you can prepare yourself for solo travel by channeling your thoughts and staying positive. Allowing your fears to haunt you can turn you into a nervous wreck, or make you abandon the trip altogether.

I think there is a popular myth that worrying about something will better prepare you for it happening. This is absolutely untrue, especially when it comes to solo travel. Worrying and imagining worst-case scenarios just gets in the way of your job (gathering and interpreting information) and causes undue stress, anxiety, and can lead to impaired judgement. Finding ways to channel your thoughts is difficult but important, and I've outlined a way below:

i) When you begin to worry or imagine a worst-case scenario, recognize it.

ii) Make a conscious effort to curb the route of the story you're inventing, and bring it to a swift conclusion with yourself coming out alright. For example, if the idea that someone might attack you enters your head, quickly envision yourself hurting the assailant, escaping, calling the police, and getting rescued. Keep the ending as positive as you can.

iii) It is best not to linger on these thoughts (don't get hung up on details or specifics) as they can start to break down your self-confidence and impair your judgement. Finish your day-dream quickly by making yourself the hero, and then move your thoughts along to something new. Take inventory of your body and gear, or get distracted by something on the road. Rejoice in the moment, and derive happiness from the realization that the present is very good (yes, this is a little bit of Buddhism at work, here). Think "yeah, that terrible thing could happen to me, but right now I am safe, healthy, happy, well-fed, loved, excited..."

iv) Always picture yourself strong, safe, and unharmed at the end of a worry. It will get easier with practice.



I hope these tips prove useful to someone! Please remember that every person has their own style for traveling, dealing with strangers, and handling stress. These ideas won't work for everyone, but it'll get you thinking, at least. :D