Solo Traveling

The Art of the Independent Voyage

Written by: Eunice Hahn Illustrated by: Sage Zbinden

There are some shared moments in the world all solo travelers regularly the world all solo travelers regularly experience. The panicked pat-down to check for your phone, ticket, ID, wallet and phone again while next in line at the security checkpoint. The sense of dread that grows while walking down the aisle and futilely listing the reasons that crying in 24B will make the perfect five-hour seat mate. And no one can forget the casual phone game and headphone combo that doubles as the international sign for “Why yes, I’m here alone. Please don’t talk to me.” While every exciting trip and Instagram-worthy shot shows a small glimpse of the exhausting journey, the siren of the unknown calls more and more siren of the unknown calls more and more to travelers each year to pack his or her bags and set out to explore the world, even when it means doing it alone.

THE PULL

Solo trips are not for everyone. There’s a reason why police officers have partners and presidential candidates have running mates. The support of another person offers security and perspective, something greatly appreciated when dropped in an unfamiliar environment. The comforting presence of someone who is there for each step of the ride decentralizes the daunting travel responsibilities among those along for the ride, allowing one to focus more on the majestic scenes and less on safety pre

That being said, traveling stag also comes with its own appeal. It offers individuals an exciting opportunity to grow in independence, says Garrett English, director of Academic Engagements. Having overseen and advised students preparing for study abroad programs, English knows the added value found when students choose to take on a study abroad trip solo.

“When you’re with another person, a lot of the times they’ll figure out (everything), so you tend to rely on them,” English says. “But when you’re by yourself, you’re by yourself, you’re completely reliant on your own abilities to adapt, problem-solve, critically think and be flexible. That really builds a lot of confidence (in students).”

THE PREP

Having a fun solo trip, especially one involving a high level of cultural difference, requires plenty of prior planning. To avoid trip-ruining surprises, travelers should triple-check Plans A and B before departure. Packing a variety of essentials in a carry-on, such as a toothbrush or change of clothes, helps minimize casualties if a check-in bag is misplaced between transits. Getting the dates right on tickets, visas and lodging is also a must, but the intangible preparation, such as cultural research, is equally important.

English advises that students try to learn phrases in the local tongue and emulate the customs of the area as much as possible — which means maybe not packing flip flops on a New York trip — so they can learn from the culture and have respect for its norms.

While planning requires hefty responsibilities, once solo travelers step off the plane, train or car, what’s left of the trip rests entirely in his or her hands, allowing for an exciting level of freedom.

Stefan Rupp, senior history major, experienced this freedom last summer. Describing himself as having a reserved yet independent personality, Rupp undertook a three-month backpacking trip around eastern Europe, guided only by local conversation and a strong sense of wanderlust.

“The only part (of my trip) that was planned was my first flight to Europe from Chicago,” Rupp says. “The rest was just heading north and meeting people on the way. When you travel with other people, you always have someone to talk to, but when you travel by yourself, you’re forced to speak to people (you normally wouldn’t). You’re able to learn more about life or even where to go next.”

THE PRACTICE

For the unsure traveler, a weeklong trip or overseas plane ticket might seem intimidating, but solo sightseeing doesn’t need to be a whole endeavor for it to be worthwhile. The thrill of adventure can be found even through a 20-minute drive around the local Riverside area.

For Hannah Lapos, sophomore forensic chemistry and criminal justice major, spontaneous lone road trips allow her to decompress after a long week and see as much of California as she can before she graduates.

While she’s undertaken larger trips, such as an overnight campout at Joshua Tree, most of her trips involve taking random roads as far as they go and discovering hidden outlooks or scenic routes.

“Solo carpool karaoke,” Lapos says is her favorite part of traveling alone. “Nobody’s judging you. Play whatever (music) you want because you’re the one with the AUX.”

Whether it be the grocery store or halfway around the world, going somewhere alone can be scary. But no one should let the lack of companions stop him or her from trying something new and having a good time.

Whatever one makes of it, solo travel offers the opportunity for people to push beyond what’s comfortable. So if there’s been a bucket list trip vacation you’ve had on your mind, who are you still waiting for? ◆