Traveling Solo

After all the traveling I have done, I wanted to experience something a bit different.  I usually focused on my destination and the many things it offered.  Now, I want to focus on meeting the people along my travel and how to stay safe while doing it.  I was hesitant at first but I am so glad that I took the leap.  "Take chances! Make mistakes! Get messy!"

I agreed with everything here except for "eat slow".  With some people, if you eat slow, you don't eat!  You know who you are.

The most amazing thing about being on your own, is the freedom to do whatever you want without regards to anyone but yourself!  If I wanted to walk down the street ten times to decide which restaurant to eat in, I would do that!  You only have yourself to please.

By traveling solo, I opened myself up to meet new people everyday.  Each comes with words of wisdom and valuable experiences for me to learn.  I was very fortunate to meet good people along the way because we all know bad people lurk around all corners of the world.  Each person came with a story as unique as the place he/she came from.  Some traveled to celebrate a new beginning; some traveled in search of adventures; some traveled hoping to connect; some traveled to find themselves; and some traveled to escape.  Regardless of the reason, everyone traveled in search of a change from everyday life.  I traveled to escape from my daily life, find myself, and search for new adventures.



My first night in a new country, I met a lady originally from Thailand that I would consider like a "mother hen".  She gathered us all together and made sure we were taken care of whether it be words of advice, lodging, or simply companionship.  Whatever we needed, she made sure we were taken care of and had the experience we came searching for.  I am very fortunate to have met her because I know that this does not happen very often and for it to happen on my first solo trip, I felt very fortunate.  I ended up spending most of my time with her because I know good people are hard to find.

Also on my first night, I met a girl from Singapore that I instantly connected with.  I felt that we were friends from past lives.  It was so easy to open up and be myself around her without hesitations.  She traveled in hopes to reconnect with a past love.  We shared stories and experiences like we were old friends.  I  hope she finds what she is searching for.

Safety
As always, safety is the main concern regardless if you're traveling alone or with other people.

1. Don't accept rides from strangers even when they look innocence.  I was fortunate that the guy was harmless in the end.  Learn from my mistake and don't do it!
2. Don't give out your information: hotel or destination.
3. Lie and say that you are traveling with friends.
4. Look like you know where you are going even when you don't have a clue which way is up and which way is down.
5. Use your best judgement.  It's there somewhere.
6. TRUST your instincts!  You have them for a reason!

Traveling solo is an experience that all travelers should do at least once.  When you are on your own, you are more aware of the world around you.  Your mind opens up and you take in a lot more.   If you're lucky like me, you will make long lasting friends along the way.

Kicking back with just me and the beautiful sunset in Oia, Greece.