{"id":3133,"date":"2014-10-19T19:53:48","date_gmt":"2014-10-19T08:53:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dontforgettomove.com\/?p=3133"},"modified":"2019-05-30T21:27:51","modified_gmt":"2019-05-31T04:27:51","slug":"backpacking-solo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dontforgettomove.com\/backpacking-solo\/","title":{"rendered":"Backpacking Solo: The One Thing I Wish I\u2019d Known Before Traveling"},"content":{"rendered":"

The internet is filled with backpacking tips for first time backpackers. Bring this, ditch that, roll your clothes, pack bottom heavy. But the number one thing I wish I\u2019d known before taking my first solo trip is this:<\/span><\/p>\n

When solo backpacking, you won\u2019t be alone!<\/em><\/h2>\n

Okay, I know that seems obvious, but hear me out. Backpacking solo can be really daunting. And unless you\u2019re a total lone wolf, you\u2019re probably a bit worried about being by yourself so often. I know I definitely was before my first trip backpacking alone through Central America<\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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When I first landed in Mexico, I was nervous to be embarking on my first solo backpacking trip. Wearily, I directed my taxi to take me to the busiest sounding hostel in my guidebook. <\/span>I felt like I had newbie written all over my face.<\/i><\/b> I nervously walked in, eyes darting around trying to assess the friend potential of each of the other travelers, praying I\u2019d make at least one friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spoiler alert: I did. I made many friends! I made friends that night from all over the world that I ended up traveling with for the next few weeks and some I still even chat to today. <\/span>Because, that\u2019s what happens when you travel.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Anyone who wants to see the world, but is too nervous to go traveling on your own, don\u2019t be. Going solo pushes you to get out of your shell and talk to people you would otherwise never connect with. By the same token, being a solo traveler comes with a strange gravitational pull that attracts other travelers to you. A person by themselves is much more approachable than a couple or group. You\u2019ll find yourself being asked to join on day trips, share a taxi or grab a meal.<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s not to say that you won\u2019t ever be alone. Because you will. It\u2019s an inescapable fact that at certain points you\u2019ll be by yourself. But any solitary situations you might end up in will be worth it, because at your next destination you might find your new best friend, your soul mate or just an incredible group of people to explore the world with.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the end of the day, no one can you teach how to travel alone. Once you experience it, you’ll know if solo travel is right for you. Until then, here are some more tips and tricks that I wish I knew before my first solo backpacking trip, that will make your trip as smooth and worry free as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Traveling Alone? Be Prepared<\/h2>\n

I\u2019m not saying you can\u2019t spontaneously book a trip and be a plane the next day. But a bit of preparation goes a long way, especially when traveling alone. When you\u2019re traveling solo, everything is your responsibility. You don\u2019t have anyone to rely on to make sure everything goes smoothly. Doing your research helps limit the amount of OMG moments that will inevitably pop up. Here is a basic list of things to research before your trip:<\/span><\/p>\n