Interview with a Solo Traveler, Part II: Advice for Going Solo

Welcome back! You seem to like this blog. Why not share your favorite articles with your friends on Facebook and/or give it a Stumble? Thanks!

Here at SoloFriendly, you generally get the point of view of one type of solo traveler (me). I’m a short-term traveler, a vacation traveler if you will. Tuesday, I introduced you to my friend Danielle Johnston, a radically different type of solo traveler, and noted some scary travel episodes she has experienced. If what had happened to Danielle had happened to me, I’d be rethinking my future travel plans. After all, those are not exactly the experiences most of us hope for when we travel the world solo. But Danielle keeps going.

She thinks you should go, too.  So do I.  In part two of my interview with Danielle, she offers her advice for solo travelers.

SF: What and when was your first solo trip?  What did you learn from that experience?

DJ: My first “solo” trip was actually at 16 when I traveled with AFS (AFS Intercultural Programs) to Argentina to study abroad for a semester.  I had never traveled outside of the U.S. on my own, and I was the only American student in my program that did not speak a word of Spanish.  It was the most invaluable experience ever.  I do not think that I would be where I am today if it had not been for this opportunity.  It opened my eyes to the world and everything that is out there and I haven’t stopped traveling since.  My passion to see the world has only increased as I travel from place to place.

SF: What steps do you take to stay safe when you travel?

DJ: I’ve always felt quite safe and have only been in a few situations that I thought were perhaps “sketchy” and a bit unsafe. While I’m cautious I also don’t allow this to get in the way of experiencing things. You just have to be sure to assess a situation if you feel like it could become dangerous and  just follow your instinct.

In Petra

SF: Of the countries you’ve visited, which would you say are most suited to solo travelers?  Which ones were a bit more sketchy for solo travel?

DJ: South America is a fabulous destination for any solo traveler.  It is full of hostels and cheap hotels which makes it easier to meet new people and find new traveling companions.  It is safe and there are so many amazing places to visit – it’s definitely accessible and easy for anyone to manage getting around from place to place or country to country.  West Africa was absolutely amazing and though a bit more “sketchy” for a solo traveler this should not deter anyone from taking the leap.  Once you’ve gotten your feet wet with perhaps some other solo traveling experiences everyone should head to West Africa.

SF: Are you a planner or are you a “fly by the seat of your pants” type of traveler?  How much advance research do you do before your travels?

DJ:  This totally depends on where I am.  I’m always up and ready for a weekend away but since a lot of the programs that I have participated in last for at least 3 months I definitely have to do a bit of planning.  However, if I am in a country for a period of months I definitely do a lot of “fly by the seat of my pants” planning! I’m always up for a long bus ride or quick flight to get out of my current location to do something new!

SF: You spent  a year teaching kindergarten in the Middle East.  What advice would you offer solo travelers to that region?

DJ: I taught in Doha, Qatar last year – a quick 40 minute flight from Dubai.  The Gulf region is definitely NOT a place I would recommend to travel to unless of course you want a luxurious holiday. There is no “culture” and its just full of expats and other foreigners from primarily Asia (who are treated horribly and paid next to nothing to build all the fancy hotels and malls). It’s extremely expensive and there really is nothing to do but stay in a Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons and hang out at the mall. I would recommend Oman – they do have some amazing things to see and do. But I would definitely cross Qatar and the UAE (Dubai) off my list of places to visit. Save your money and go somewhere else!

SF: I am interested in traveling to Egypt at some point in the future.  Is there anything in particular Westerners need to be aware of when traveling solo to Egypt?

DJ: Being a foreign woman anywhere can be difficult, especially in places like the Middle East. It can be very difficult walking down the street because you are constantly harassed. While I feel extremely safe here there are times that the harassment takes its toll and starts to make you feel very angry and cynical towards some of the men here. But I still love Egypt, and I love being here and this really shouldn’t stop anyone from coming here.

SF: What have been your most memorable experiences traveling solo–your biggest disappointments, your most pleasant surprises?

DJ: Traveling solo can definitely have its lonely moments. But I’ve always met wonderful people from all over the place so you’re not lonely for long. It’s also a nice time for yourself to think about things and reflect on life – I find it very therapeutic at times. My biggest disappointment is how fast time goes and soon my trip is over and I’m on my way back home. I’ve met the most amazing people traveling. Some of them are my dearest and closest friends now. Even if I haven’t spoken to someone in months and then we suddenly are reconnected through an email, Facebook or phone call we always will have that connection of being in that one place at that one time together. That will keep us friends for life because no one else can share that experience with me!

Sri Lanka

My deepest appreciation to Danielle for sharing her personal experiences and advice with us.  After reading her advice, I still don’t think I’ll ever be quite as fearless as she is, but I will always love living vicariously through her stories.  Thanks, Danielle!

Photo credit:  Danielle Johnston.

Interested in long-term solo travel, but not sure where to start? You can now buy The Art of Solo Travel: A Girl’s Guide by Stephanie Lee, which contains all the basic information you need to get started on your long-term solo journey. Read my review of the book here.