Stepping outside of the box

Hello Gemba 😊

I am 38 and have been travelling on and off, since I was 19.
I went to most of the places by myself.
Dont worry, u will meet lots of people.
About your career, dont worry about that either.
I traveled, got a few qualifications, worked for a few companies, have a child and own an appartment.
There is not law saying u have to choose between travelling and a career or other things. U just many not be able to do all simulatneously, unless u are lucky.

Mel Reply to this

Gemma, I too am planning on travelling alone next year, to Japan, Oz and Nz for 6 months...and yes the thought of it is equally exhilarating and terrifying!!! It is something I really want to do though, so even though the prospect of being alone for so long is so very daunting I know that I will regret it forever if I don't do it now, when I can.

I do have a confession to make, however..I was so very nervous at travelling to Japan alone that I managed to goad a fellow friend into travelling there with me..if you are really feeling the nerves perhaps tackle a friend to see if they will accompany you to a few places. I have also been making contact with everyone and anyone I know from these countries, to see a few friendly faces along the way really reassures me. So perhaps I won't be alone quite as much as I thought I would...

Big advice would be to start saving the pennies!!!

I would also recommend tackling any problems or anxieties you have straight away, this place is perfect for doing this! For example, I managed to get in a right old tizz about going to New Zealand in the winter, thinking this is completely the wrong time to be doing it, but after a few messages back from people in the travel forums I feel confident I am making the right decision.

You won't regret doing it, and you WILL meet a ton of amazing people along the way, I am sure of this. Good Luck!!



Reply to this

Thanks very much for all of your replies they are all really comforting & have definately made me think that i need to do this for myself, as scary as it might be it seems like there will be loads of people in exactly the same position & i should be brave & take the jump!

i wish you all the best in all of your travels & hey might even bump into a couple of you on my way!! :-)

thanks again xx Reply to this

Hi Pete!

thanks for your reply, i was thinking of going to Thailand first of all & possibly doing a tour through Intrepid, have you heard of those tours? do you know if they are good??

I havent had a look at lonely planet yet but i have heard it mentioned a few times whilst looking through this web site so think i will def have to look into that.

your are right tho i will have to not be to shy & introduce myself to people as they are more then likely in the same position to me. How are your travels going? have you been to any places that you would recommend as a must see? Reply to this

sorry for the 2 messages my computer was having a funny 5 minutes! :-) Reply to this

hi gemba, i just got home from a year on the road in japan, oz and south america, alone. i cant reccommend it highly enough, dont be a pussy, youre in the best possible place to do this - young, fit, strong, and free of committments (you can always go back to work after). just bugger off now, seize the day, do it while youre into the concept, and you wont look back. a lot of people (parents, friends etc) and travel guides often make so much fuss over girls travelling alone. thats all bullshit. so long as you take the usual precautions, listen to your instincts and choose any companions carefully, then you will be fine. say yes to every opportunity for a new experience on the way, and get out of the rules and regulations that normal daily life puts on you. dont be scared! you will find that there are tons of girls travelling alone, of all ages too - especially in oz, nz and i think asia - and you dont have to be alone when you choose not to. you can always hook up with other travellers. sometimes being a lone girl is a definite advantage - some locals will be curious about this and want to help you out, and be protective, and it means youve got the freedom to join people as you choose without checking with your travelling partner first. sometimes its a conversation starter.
i knew no japanese and no spanish when i started, but i picked up spanish quickly by practising with locals and stuff like buying bus tickets, ordering food, asking about hostels... you'll be fine.
mel (onehorsetown-loaferville)
Reply to this

Hey - who put this box there in the first place?! There's no box, there's no limit! I'm 29 now - but have been traveling the world alone - every now and then meeting friends from home along the way - since I was 21.

This time I'm travelling indefinitely. Alone. The thing is, you're never really alone. Far from it. Constantly surrounded by people in buses, trains, dorm rooms, bars, tourist attractions - in fact, sometimes you'll crave some time alone!! It's a brilliant way to make new friends, try things that you wouldn't normally dare, meet the locals... Both Pete and Mel have some good tips about meeting people, but I'm sure you won't find it a problem. Gemma - you'll have the time of your life, guaranteed!

Reply to this

Hi Gemba,
I'm a mate of Pete's (LobsterCheeks). I'm travelling too, but to different places to Pete, so also on my own. I'm away for at least 12 months (I'm half way through) and was slightly worried about travelling alone before leaving, but once I got on the plane I was too excited to worry. I've met plenty of lovely people on my way round so far.
I started in Nepal, which must rate as one of the friendliest countries in the world. Thailand's a good place to start though, especially if you've not been to Asia before.
Anyway, if you really don't enjoy travelling, you can always just head back home knowing you gave it a shot. But I reckon you'll love it.
Good luck.
Chris Reply to this