Backpacking: Why flying solo is good for the soul
As the number of women travelling alone rises, HANNAH BRITT says you need to lose others to find yourself.
As I watched the bus drive off into the night, leaving me alone on the outskirts of a Cambodian city, the first twinges of regret started to emerge.
It was 2am, my phone battery had died during the 10–hour journey from Vietnam to Phnom Penh and the only information I had to go on was the name of a hotel I'd scribbled down on a scrap of paper.
I started walking down the road when a man emerged from the darkness ahead waving his arms at me.
Convinced I was about to be mugged I was terrified.
But instead the man I was so sure would attack me turned out to be one of the kindest strangers I've ever met.
Using broken English he asked if I was lost.
He then took me to the hotel, checked me in and even gave me a bottle of water.
Before I had set off I was warned by worried friends and family that as a woman travelling on my own I was putting myself at risk.
However I firmly believe my solo travels have changed me for the better.
Tomorrow sees the release of Wild, a film starring Reese Witherspoon, which is an adaptation of the bestselling book by Cheryl Strayed, who backpacked alone for more than 1,000 miles across America in a bid to get over the death of her mother and the breakdown of her marriage.
Cheryl found herself in several challenging situations.
In one scene she is forced to hitch a ride in a middle–aged man's pick–up truck.
Assuming the worst she starts spluttering lies about how her husband is waiting for her.
However, just as in my case, the truck driver wasn't plotting any harm but instead kindly offered her a bed and hot meal.
But like myself and many females travelling alone, she had been conditioned to expect the worst.
Of course it pays to be wary and to trust your instincts.
However being overly cautious can dampen your sense of adventure and limit your experiences.
And perhaps opinions are starting to change.
Wild Official Trailer #1 (2014) - Reese Witherspoon Movie HD
I had time for myself and my thoughts, slept when I needed to, ate when I wanted and even cried when I felt like it
According to a survey by 101 Holidays, 58 per cent of single holidaymakers are female, with that figure rising for more exotic trips.
Last year, following a nasty break–up, I decided to embark on a travelling holiday alone around Peru.
Despite worried looks from my friends and family, as soon as I booked the ticket I knew it was the right decision.
I had time for myself and my thoughts, slept when I needed to, ate when I wanted and even cried when I felt like it.
And thanks to hostels and group tours, travelling alone didn't mean I always had to be on my own.
Joining a trek across the Andes to Machu Picchu, I met some incredible people from all over the world.
If I'd gone with someone I already knew I may have never danced until dawn with Matt from New Zealand, watched Jon from San Francisco try guinea pig or cry with laughter while Michelle from London was carried up to the summit on a dodgy–looking donkey.
Yes, your family will worry.
Yes, you'll probably get scared at some point.
And yes, you'll probably find yourself in some sticky situations.
But trust your gut, learn to let go and there's a good chance you'll have the time of your life.
THE LONE RANGER'S SURVIVAL GUIDE
BEN ROSEVEARE, head of travel for tour company Intrepid Travel, shares his top tips for a safe trip.
- Write down key information. For each place you visit, store important numbers such as the local tourist office in your phone and on a notepad. Take hotel details out with you. You will feel better knowing you have them.
- Be gentle with yourself. It can take a whole day to acclimatise to a new place. If you feel tired, then sleep. If you're hungry, eat. Remember it's supposed to be fun, not an ordeal.
- When going out for the evening, leave a note in your room saying where you're going, who with and when you expect to be back.
- Know your own limits, especially where alcohol is concerned. It's absolutely crucial to keep your wits about you.
Visit intrepidtravel.com for more information.
