Solo Backpacking
"Go backpacking, on your own, are you mad?!" is a common reaction to the notion of taking off backpacking on your own. It's something you’ll probably even wonder about yourself.
The truth is that travelling solo gives you more freedom. You can go where you want when you want.
As a solo traveller you are more approachable both to locals and also other backpackers – you will meet far more people than those in a close nit group.
Will I be lonely?
You will have "bad" days, just like you have bad days at the office, but when you look back on your travels it won't be these you remember.
You must learn to be comfortable with your own company and be comfortable being alone. When out and about, take a book, notebook and pen or anything that allows you to comfortably sit on your own in a café or relax in a park on a sunny day. But when the opportunity arises, put that book or pen down, chat to people.
Talk to other backpackers - there’s nothing backpackers like more than to share with others about their trip and experiences. Of the people you meet, it’s likely you’ll end up either travelling with or bumping into these people as you go along.
Have a plan, know what you’d like to do tomorrow or when you arrive in xyz. Have a plan but keep it flexible where possible. Don’t pre-book that trip two months in advance unless you really have to.
With trips and tours on offer in most destinations, it’s likely that many of the things you want to do are going to involve being thrown in with a new bunch of people on a regular basis. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and sink a beer or two around the camp fire.
Where to stay
Your choice of accommodation can have a major influence on the people you meet.
Big soulless hostels or hotels are unlikely to be as friendly as a smaller more intimate establishment. This also applies to big backpacker destinations like Cairns on Australia’s east coast or hostels located in city centres.
Pick a smaller hostel slightly off the beaten track or one in a suburban location. It's likely you will find people there who have also made the effort to get slightly off the beaten track. Often these hostels will provide courtesy buses to the main places of interest, so these places aren't necessarily inconvenient.
Choose a hostel to meet your mood. If you’re looking for a party, a hostel with party nights in the hostel bar will no doubt suit and be full of others with the same idea.
Hostels are a great place to meet others, particularly in dormitory style accommodation – when you sleep meters away from others it’s almost impossible not to meet other people!
Be open towards others, strike up conversations, acknowledge those around you and be happy!