Photo credit goes to Joe Mabel

Only a few years back, traveling alone was something that only briefcase carrying salesmen were known to do. Times have changed and traveling solo is now an exciting adventure for many seeking to explore exotic countries and intriguing locations. Though some still prefer to travel with others, there are amazing benefits to traveling alone. There are some good points as well as downsides to take into consideration when traveling alone, especially for women.

 The greatest advantage to solo traveling is the ability to do whatever you want, whenever you want. When traveling with others there has to be an agreement on what to do each day. If you want to hike a mountain trail, but the others want to explore the shops in town, most likely you will end up shopping and never experience the hike. Traveling alone gives you the freedom to choose how to spend the day without concerns over what the rest of the group prefers to do which ultimately, gives you a more rewarding vacation.

When traveling solo in an amazing country you will be able to meet many new friends to tell friends back home about. Often times when visiting other countries in a group, the locals will be more timid to talk to visitors. However, touring the countryside alone will have the locals feeling more at ease to engage in conversation. When you take time to sit and chat with the locals you can get a glimpse into the local culture, learn about the customs first hand instead of reading about them in the guidebook, and you can learn about where the locals go which are sometimes the best places to check out.

Unfortunately, traveling solo has its negative aspects too. One of the worst parts of solo traveling is the cost. When traveling with others there are a great many things that are split among you such as the hotel and meals. A single room can be quite expensive when traveling alone and if you stay in a hostel, the price is good, but there can be days where you tire of the others sharing the dorm. When sampling the local cuisine, it can become expensive for a solo traveler as you do not have anyone to split a meal or groceries with.

Many solo travelers are concerned about the loneliness they occasionally encounter. It is difficult to visit an amazing location and not be able to immediately share the beautiful sunset you just witnessed. If traveling a long distance, it can also become lonely with your friends not there to take your mind off of the long journey. Safety is always a concern whether you are traveling in a group or alone. If traveling alone it is important to be cautious of things around you. Many women travelers become targets for crime, but using precautions will help you feel safe. Just keep a hold of your purse and follow your instincts.

Traveling alone can be extremely exciting and rewarding regardless of the downfalls. There are a number of experience that you would actually miss out on if you travel with a group and plus, there is a certain self-satisfaction that you feel when you experience a place on your own. If you are new to the idea of traveling alone, try starting out with a small adventure to get the feel of how exciting solo journeys can be, then move your way up to longer trips.

Maria Freeman writes for Briefcases Direct, a website that offers a unique luxury briefcase selection direct from the manufacturer. She is a freelance writer and self-appointed world traveler who left San Francisco to travel the world, starting in Asia and made her way through Western Europe in 3 months. Maria is based in Manila, Philippines and spends more than half of every year seeking out new adventures, great food and the best bargain shopping in the world.

In 2005 I took my first backpacking adventure and I went solo for the first part of my trip, but for the middle of my trip I backpacked with a good friend of mine. We traveled within Europe for an about two months. Now, mind you my friend and I get a long very well and we have never argued about anything, so I knew this trip was going to be a breeze. Oh and it was, everything went very smoothly and we had a blast together. Yet, while we traveled there were certain things I did notice. But this was not only my first trip I have traveled with someone. I also experienced traveling with a boyfriend. In 2007, I traveled around China for a few weeks with a guy who I was dating at the time. We had a wonderful time, but at the same time many similar things I noticed took it’s course when traveling with someone.

The disadvantages of traveling with a travel partner:

- I found you don’t meet as many fellow backpackers compared to when you travel solo
- Everything takes a little longer within your traveling schedule due to being a duel or more.
- Everything gets a little more expensive (can depend on who you travel with). Food and nightlife budget increases.
- Places/sight seeing can be often missed due to one of you rather wanting to see something else.
- Get tired or annoyed with your travel partner’s behaviours or comparing travel advice.

The advantages of having a travel partner:

- You always feel safer, anywhere you are traveling too
- You always have company: someone to ask for an opinion, advice, chat with, party, eat, and get lost with.
- Easier to take pictures!!!
- Share experiences, moments, and can be very exciting.
- Share travel equipment

I have traveled more often as a solo backpacker only because I do prefer it and it can also be very difficult planning a random trip (that I often do) with someone who is willing to do the same. As for me traveling solo just equals more freedom in every way possible. I find when I do travel alone I see more things in a shorter time period, I meet more backpackers, I spend less money, and I do what I love – experience the world the way I want to. Yet, I have to say, there are times where I would love to have a companion to sometimes share an experience with. Also in certain countries I would feel a lot more at ease if I did have a travel partner with me. Overall it can go both ways. As for me I would recommend traveling solo if you have never backpacked before. You will taste the true traveling experience if you do travel solo. But if you do know someone who is just like you and very easy-going, that may also be a great option for you too. Just make sure you see that places you want to see when you do travel!!

As my second trip to Africa (Morocco being my first) and as my second solo backpacking trip in 2 years (last year was Brazil- Amazon-Rio-Bahia), I’m trying to prepare myself mentally as well as physically. I know I’ll get those butterflies in my stomach as soon as I book my flight. I’m currently in the process of doing research and getting in touch with people who have already climbed it. The plan so far is the following, considering that I’m a solo female backpacker traveling for 3 weeks (this is the price to pay for a career!) is: 

Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro climb

Machame route, also known as the Whisky route, is my trail of choice. Although the typical duration is 6 days, I’ll probably go for the 7- day option so I can allow my body acclimatize properly to the altitude. After all, I do want to reach the top so there is no rush. The trail begins from Moshi so I’ll probably fly directly to Kilimanjaro Int’l Airport to save on time. Flights to Nairobi (Kenya) seem to be cheaper but it’s a 6-hour bus ride to Moshi and I’ll need a visa, I believe. 

African Safari

Safari

One cannot go to Africa without embarking in a safari experience! I’ll be a little pressed on time so I’ll probably limit my safari experience in the Serengeti to 3-4 days. I initially thought that I’d have to fly to the Serengeti but there are tours that leave from Moshi which is awesome news! It saves me both money and time! 

Zanzibar

Zanzibar

Ladies and gentlemen! I’m not leaving Tanzania without visiting Zanzibar! An island off the coast of Tanzania, it’s literally a beach paradise. An African island with an Arab influence, Zanzibar hasn’t changed much in the last 200 which means that its pristine beaches have been maintained in tip top shape. 

The plan for now is to keep on researching flight itineraries, pricing and overall planning of my Tanzania trip. One tour operator I’ve been considering is Zara Tours. If any of you have taken a tour with them, or can suggest a good tour operator, please share the info with me! 

In the meantime, I also started training. I don’t have a specific training plan for now but cardio and biking are in the plan. Trying to train 4 days per week but 3 is good, considering I’m already somewhat in shape. 

If you have any information to help me plan my trip, please contact me at offtrackbackpacking@gmail.com. 

Otherwise, stay tuned with updates on my next solo adventure in Tanzania. Africa, here I come!

1. Do not draw attention to yourself as a tourist.
2. Trust you own gut feeling; If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
3. Keep you eyes open to your surroundings – public places.
4. Always feel confident and walk like you know where you are going, even if you don’t.
5. Avoid looking like a tourist; camera around your neck
6. Don’t worry about a little lie– that is allowed when it comes to solo-traveling.
7. Always know where your hostel is, have a map on you, or know where the local transportation is located at all times.

I believe solo traveling can give you the chance to indulge yourself completely. You can do exactly what you want to do and take in your surroundings that no one else can. Plus you can meet as many people as you wish. Once you meet people, traveling alone becomes something else entirely. Yes, you are a solo- traveller, but you are surrounded by people who are doing the same thing as you.

So how do backpackers take the fear out of people’s minds about traveling solo or backpacking at all?