Job Discussion Forums

[dixie]

Okay....so for the first time in my life Im planning a trip to Oaxaca and will be doing so solo. I have never travelled alone and am a little nervous about it. Not so much for safety reasons (although of course those are a concern) but mostly for boredom reasons! I'm not sure how long I can manage before I get bored of spending time with me.

Any experienced solo travellers have any advice for me? Should I plan on 'being on the go' a lot to keep things interesting? Or should I just 'play it by ear'?

If I don't do this trip alone...I stay home in DF alone...which has the security of being home...but also an extremely strong boredom factor (and a waste of good travel time!). So f*ck it...I'm going!

Any words of wisdom are greatly welcomed! Thanks!

...dixie

[samizinha]

Congrats! I've done a solo trip before, and it's liberating! See as much as you can, talk to locals, and bring a good book! Cheers.

[Guy Courchesne]

Something that worked for me in my solo travels, particularly those across Canada, was to write. Pitch a tent in the deep woods somewhere, soak in the experience of nature, and then pour it out on the page.

[Dragonlady]

still good advice, but deleted anyway

[jillford64]

I have travelled alone a lot in Mexico and other countries. I prefer to have a general plan before I leave. I always make a hotel reservation for at least the first night so I don't arrive in a new place and not know where I am going. I also identify the "must see" things and when and what days they are open so I don't accidentally miss something I really want to see. After that, I'm flexible. I always take a good book and my journal. Travelling alone isn't easy for me, but it is liberating and builds self-confidence like nothing else I've ever done.

[dixie]

Thank you so much everyone!! This is exactly the advice that I need! After I posted ...I started doubting myself and thinking 'maybe I should wait until a friend can come along..' but no! I refuse to miss life because of a few nerves!

Thanks again! And any other advice...keep it coming!

[lozwich]

I agree with all of the above, and also, you might want to stay in a hostel. Its a great way to meet people, and find temporary travel buddies. Then, when you're sick of people, you can go stay in a hotel and have time to yourself.

I first travelled alone internationally at the age of 22, before mobile phones and the internet existed. It was the best thing I ever did, and I've never looked back.

[jillford64]

Yeah, if you wait for a friend to come along you might possibly never go anywhere! Another piece of advice: You should be prepared to feel every emotion from despair to euphoria, often from one moment to the next.

[Guy Courchesne]

I can't help but notice that only women are responding in this thread, save for me of course. Would the advice be different if Dixie were male?

[jillford64]

I'd give a man the same advice I'd give a woman. That is, if a man ever asked for advice

[MikeySaid]

[hlamb]

I travel alone often and prefer it. My first trip was to Europe at the age of 22. It was difficult but I loved it and had the time of my life. Use common sense, especially when alcohol is involved or you're going places at night. I also write a lot and my travel journals are now very precious to me. I stay in hostels because that allows me to meet people from everywhere and there is always someone to chat with if you are bored.

Have fun!!!

[lozwich]

[Ben Round de Bloc]

[sarliz]

Hey Dixie-
Here are my two angles: 1. My first solo trip in Mexico was to Oaxaca, and I had a great time. People are friendly, there's a ton to see, and the Paulina Hostel was really clean and an excellent place to meet other traveller-types. 2. I'm living and teaching in Oaxaca as we speak, so if you do turn up down here and you're wanting for some company, I'm always game for a beer or mezcal. Cheers!