10 solo travel lessons I’ve learned (so far)

It has been two weeks exactly since I arrived in Europe. In some ways, it’s hard to fathom how that much time has gone by and at the same time, I’ve felt it keenly. There’s nothing as good as Tex-Mex, and I guess I also miss my family & friends a wee bit.   

Everywhere I go, there’s so much to see and do. History lurks around every corner and unexpected adventures abound. There’s been plenty of getting lost, learning how to navigate buses and trains, befriending locals and fellow travelers, and lots of making it up as I go. So far, I’ve visited Dublin, Kilkenny, Cork, Galway (all in Ireland), Belfast (Northern Ireland), and Glasgow (Scotland). My 8th grade English teacher said that learning happens in the struggle, and it stuck with me (aka I used it in my college applications and pretty much in every autobiographical essay I’ve written since then). I’ve done a lot of struggling on this journey, so here’s what I’ve learned along the way in a list format because who doesn’t love lists! 1) The first day is going to be rough. 

Starting the journey is hard. You are gathering your bearings, getting adjusted to a new culture & environment, and you are jet lagged. Everything seems a bit overwhelming. My first day in Dublin made me regret stepping outside of my comfort zone. I had troubles with my bank account, my phone, and I got lost in the terminal (which is a really bad start when you can’t figure out how to leave the airport). I had barely slept on the plane, and I felt miserable lugging my backpacks around the airport going in circles. However, every day since then has gotten easier. I made it through, and I’m glad for it. 2) Not every hostel is equal. 

(Jacobs Inn in Dublin - We like this hostel!) 

Ahh, yes. Hostels are a great way to travel on a tight budget. Sharing a room with strangers sounds sketchier than what it is in reality. My first hostel in Dublin set my expectations too high. The room had spacious lockers for luggage, a nice & clean en suite bathroom, electrical outlets & a light by the bed, and privacy curtains. It was lovely. Each hostel offers something unique. You have to decide what’s important to you. Are lockers important? WiFi? Free breakfast? En suite bathrooms? Security? Cleanliness? Close proximity to city centre? You pay for what you get, and that’s why you should.... 3) Do your research. I moderately planned for this trip. I carved out an itinerary for Ireland and then shrugged and said “I’ll figure it out as I go.” Let’s laugh together. Not having plans has its perks. You can change course without hassle. I’ve met people along the way who have given me recommendations about cities to visit and places to add to the trek. Since I don’t have anything set in stone, I’m free to move about as I please and meet up with people along the way. However, time spent booking transportation and lodging while over here takes away from time for relaxing & other activities. It’s also a bit stressful since a lot of the better hostels or tours have been booked in advance. Waiting last minute often means you don’t get the better option or you pay more than you intended. It really depends on the person and his/her inclinations, but researching potential accommodations ahead of time never hurts. 4) Don’t overdo it. 

(I took a breather at “The Flaky Tart” in Kilkenny. Yes, I did go in there because of the name.)

If you’re like me, you want to make every moment count, but the body can only endure so much. The best thing I’ve found is to plan points of rest throughout the day. I’ll find a cafe, a bookshop, or go back to my hostel for a brief break. Take a pause - your feet will thank you. 5) Making friends is easy. 

(Friends in Galway! Also, PSA: wear sunscreen.) 

(We got friendship bracelets in Cobh!) 

One of my biggest concerns was that I would get lonely traveling by myself. However, staying at hostels is a wonderful way to meet people. You’re never alone for long. 6) Scary things are not impossible things. 

(I crossed a rope bridge situated 100 feet over rocks to get here!)

Traveling by yourself can be intimidating as can trying a new food or climbing a steep hill (if you’re like me & don’t like heights), but just because it’s challenging doesn’t mean you can’t do it. Beyond the fear is beauty & growth. 7) Expect the unexpected. 

(The sky opened right as I started walking to my hostel. I can laugh about this now...sorta.)

Your plans will change. Buses will be late. Sunshine will erupt into a thunderstorm. The motion sensors in the bathroom will go off in the middle of your shower (and you will have to get out and wave around for a solid minute to get them back on). You will get a cold. You will find people you enjoy being with and end up meeting again later in different cities. Traveling keeps you on your toes and delivers the neatest surprises, helping you to grow in character and develop perseverance. Go with it. 8) Patience & humor are your friends. On that same note, as plans crumble before you, you can react out of frustration or you can get a laugh out of it. Most setbacks are temporary, so don’t sweat it. You’ll get past it. I’ve created countless stories out of my trivial misfortunes - like the time it took me an hour to find the hostel that was a four minute walk from the bus station. It’s not funny yet, but one day it will be! 9) Your confidence grows and so do you. As you learn to navigate new cultures, new cities, and new modes of transportation, you will find that you feel more self-assured the longer you travel. You take what you’ve experienced, and you have a larger repertoire to work from as you go. 10) The people make the trip. A day can feel long when you’re by yourself checking out museum after museum. When you’ve got a pal, the day passes without you noticing. Locals are often friendly and curious. Fellow travelers all contain a similar sense of adventure and passion for experiencing the unknown. Getting to know others and discovering new ways of life with them is profound and exciting. 

Overall, like most things in life, travel is what you make of it. It is dreamy and gritty, exhilarating and terrifying, and it is always, always utterly life-changing. Your friend, K