Confessions of a Solo Traveller

Whenever people heard i travel alone,  they often told me, "i could never do that.", "i can't do it alone." or "wow."

Well, i most certainly did not toddle my way out to the unknown world! In fact, my first semi-solo travel trip came at 11, when i was on my way down south meet up with my uncle! Another runaway at 16, i skipped school, hopped on a bus, went 300km away from home, and told my mum i slept over at friend's place. My first real dip into the solo travel pool came in when i was 23, i went Krabi, Thailand. It was perfect for me at that time, i really needed a break, peacefully alone. Sometimes, i hung out with other solo travellers; sometimes, i explored on my own. Sure, i got lost, it was intimidating at first, i backtrack, ask for direction and realize 'twasn't a big deal. 'TWAS NEVER A BIG DEAL!!!

Immediately, i found myself with courage going to other places alone, each single trip works wonders, i am brimming with self-confidence and personal growth. i am more capable than i'd ever doubted. The preconception of solo travel is something happened when we who don't have anyone to go with, who without friends. but i'd gotten so much comfortable with travelling alone! i have more time to eat, walk and take pictures.

i don't always enjoy staying dorm, sometimes, i want privacy. 
that when i would allocate some extra money to spare on accommodation for the last  2 days of any trip, nothing luxury but something in between, as long as it's comfortable and not too pricey.

i love coffee. i love books. i love music.
l would never travel without a book. Often i found myself venture into places, not only to experience the raw cultures, but to look for a comfortable coffee shop, come back the next day with books and music.

i love walking.
i walk. until i can't walk any further, with that pair of New Balance.

i hate beer. 
but often i drink when travelling alone. it makes me look more sober and outcast, i love it that way. 

i am not rich. stop saying that!
i need months to save, funding for my travel expenses. i save, then i spend, the cycle goes on, and i don't have much savings. also, i am lucky to have a job that lets me to take extended leave to travel.

i am introvert, but i like talking to other travellers. 
they might be strangers, but talking to them wasn't like any small talk. it subjects to their travel adventures, thoughts, something out of the box, as culturally differs.

i tell people i am a student.
i don't know why i say that, it seems the word student kills any conversation that might jack up my work stress while i'm travelling.

i don't call home. 
i know, this is something i'm ought to start doing. many times, i tell my family about my trip 1 day before my flight. still, such is a life of a single who lives alone.

i hate checking-in luggage.
i always travel with a 38L travelling bag and a camera belt pouch. it makes me look cool when i don't have to wait for my luggage at the conveyor belt. also, i get to skip pass all the waitings at customs.

i named my Deuter bag, Camera and iPod.
Denver, Kimber and Ally.



These are my confessions, i am not recommending anyone to follow my example. If you've been wanting to try travelling alone, i encourage you to try it at least once.

Alone i wander in the waste of rashes,

like one whom his heart pounds with anxiety,

only the world is my book, guiding my way of seeing things.

Regards,
JW