How to overcome fear and live the adventure to the fullest
1. The decision
Like everything else in life, making the decision to travel alone takes time and effort. It’s never easy to leave your comfort zone behind and take a leap of faith, but doing so can be truly wonderful. If, even just once, and for a few seconds, the idea of going on a solo trip has crossed your mind, listen to it. Don’t dismiss it as a crazy or meaningless thought. Of course, sharing beautiful things with those you love is a blessing and it’s magical, but sharing an experience only with yourself, allowing yourself to be transported to any situation, has something very romantic about it and is certainly a great act of self-love.
Do not expect to wake up one morning with the solution in your hand, with all the certainties you think you need to have the courage to press that button and book on your own. In fact, that’s the beauty of it: a solo trip tests all your certainties, leaving room for the unknown, for the new. But when it comes to making the decision, there’s one question that has always helped me take the plunge without fear: what have I got to lose? The answer, although obvious, is that you have absolutely nothing to lose, only one more life experience to add to your list.
2. Why alone?
I admit, I am a very sociable person who loves sharing life with the people I love. But today I can also tell you that I would never be able to enjoy the company of my loved ones so much if I hadn’t experienced moments of solitude. Mind you, being alone does not mean exiling yourself and remaining alone and silent for days on end. It means connecting with yourself, listening to yourself, putting yourself first. It means leaving room for life to surprise us, surrendering to the universe and the course of events. During my moments of solitude, I have learned to appreciate much more, even a simple exchange of words with a stranger or an invitation to spend an evening in the company of complete strangers, or taking the time to do exactly what I want, without anyone to contradict me or convince me to do something else.
If today I am able to value moments of sharing and socialising so much, it is mainly because I have been alone. Here’s why: to value even more the people you are surrounded by every day.
3. Fear of finding yourself in difficulty
We are immensely fortunate to live in the age of technology, where the modern world is connected 24 hours a day. Find out in advance about the various data packages available for a particular country, so that you can always call a taxi, use a translator to make yourself understood and check maps so you never get lost. I assure you that there is no greater security than this.
Wherever you go, even in the most remote places, you will find human beings just like you, who will be happy to support you in any difficulty you encounter. You will realise for yourself that all you need is some cash and your best smile, and the road will always be downhill. And once everything is resolved, what you will take away from your experience will be precisely those moments of difficulty, and you will rediscover the enormous strength that each of us has within us.
4. What if you want to meet new people?
One thing that has always helped me a lot when travelling alone and wanting to meet other travellers is hostels or places that offer organised packages (check out our Surf and Yoga retreat Bali). Enriching, adventurous and interesting, staying in a shared room in a community of travellers is definitely the key to turning your solo trip around. Don’t be afraid to talk to other people, always remember that they are all in the same situation as you, and that they are always happy to share a few words, a beer at sunset or an excursion together. Let yourself
be carried away by what is happening around you, trying not to be reluctant to anything that is proposed to you. Throw yourself into things you never thought you would do, and you will immediately notice how your horizons will open up and leave room for even more magic.
5. What about the language barrier?
How many times have I heard people say, ‘I’d love to go abroad, but I don’t speak the language.’ Bear in mind that most people in the world only speak their own language and nothing else, yet wherever I have travelled, I have always managed to make myself understood. You have no idea what you are capable of until you find yourself in these situations. Leave room for imagination and follow this very important rule: don’t be ashamed! It’s not shameful not to speak another language, but it is shameful to let that stop you from pursuing your dreams. One thing I can assure you: you will never be without food, water and a roof over your head, EVER.
6. What are you still doing at home?
So, after these few very basic notions, what are you still doing at home, leafing through blogs and books that promise to give you the answers? You will only find the answers within yourself, by stepping outside your comfort zone.
And if you want to try this experience in a place that makes you feel at home and never alone, come and visit us at Kavo Maison Surf&Yoga in Bali. It’s known as the best surf camp Bali for solo travellers.You will never be left to your own devices; our staff will be your family and the other guests will soon become your friends. So, what have you got to lose?
