I just want to say, this video actually made me finally bought the plane ticket to London and I'm going to travel around Europe in 6 months, all alone. I've been thinking to travel alone for quite a while now, but when I watch this video, it somehow give me the courage to actually do it. So, I'm busy making some plans now. All thanks to you Sonia! :)
rainyrin YOU MADE MY DAY!!! I promise you one thing: you will remember your trip forever and you will be soo proud of yourself. It won't be comfortable and easy all the time but it WILL be awesome! I'm proud of you for taking the plunge.
I'd love to travel around for 6 months in Europe! I'd love to at least travel around Europe for a month...and I'm actually more excited to do it alone than to have someone come with me for this trip. Love this video :-) Thanks, Sonia!
I'm a single female. For so many times, I couldn't get my lady friends to travel with me. When comes to planning...they all say they wanted to go and too excited to wait for the day...then when comes to buying plane ticket...they all disappeared. I always ended up travel alone to Asia. I traveled many times to Asia alone and it's not that bad. Sometime, I do feel lonely but it was okay because I'm not going to wait forever and ever to see if a friend willing to go with me. I love good adventure around the globe and i will not loneliness STOP me.
I am doing Paris solo, can’t wait. And yes trying to do it with other ladies....some afraid to fly, some no $$$, “my kids ( adults) don’t want me to go”.........
For one year I want to work real hard, do overtime, live on bread and water. Save up so much money, then I want to go traveling alone. I want to see these places where everything is green or there's so many cities. I will travel alone one day. One day!
OMG Sonia! I just did it! I just came back from my first ever solo trip! I spent about 2 weeks, travelling from Amsterdam to Venice, then move to Milan, and then to Paris, and finally to London. And wow! You are damn right! It was AMAZING! It is the best thing I've ever done in my life and it makes me realised that I actually can do more than I ever thought. I always prefer to do the same routine in my life. But this trip, has teach me to be brave, and strong, and never panic no matter how hard the situation is. I learn to face every challenge with a smile, even when someone hit me with their big bag (because I'm pretty small) and when a creepy guy keep staring at me at a train station. I learned how to be alone, and just enjoy every minute that I have in life. I learned to appreciate this beautiful earth that God has awarded to us. I learned that I actually don't need all those fancy meal/clothes/shoes/etc to live. Most of all, I learned that I am actually stronger that I thought. Thank you Sonia, for encouraging people like me to get up and fly away from our comfort zone. I learned so much from this solo trip, and I already started planning for my next solo trip. :')
I traveled alone for the first time by myself in 2013 i had to get away and i did for sure i told my mom she was cool just everybody and the world had a problem. But it was like a dream i felt on top of the world i met people they loved me it was amazing i visited new your it was great now im addicted!!!!
Greeting from Houston, Texas! Last year I was suppose to meet a friend in Capetown, South Africa, last minutute she could not go. I had two choices, refund the ticket or take the plunge and travel alone. Thankfully, I came across THIS video and your channel which inspired to me go. Armed with plenty of research and an open mind, I had a spectacular, amazing, mindblowing, adventured-filled 3 weeks in South Africa. I went white-caged shark diving, bungee jumping, I climbed mountains, went on safari and made tons of friends! This year I traveled to Thailand- solo, and next year I plan to visit Latin America. Thank you for your tips, advice and wonderful videos, they inspire me!!
I backpacked across Australia on my own for 5 weeks. It was the most AMAZING experience of my life! Like you said, everything was about me for once. I didn't have to answer to anyone, ask what somebody else wanted to do, or feel bad if I did nothing for a day. Australia had always been my #1 dream destination ever since I was a kid, and doing it on my own was the BEST choice. I honestly believe that you'll never truly know who you are or what you're capable of until you travel alone.
I traveled with my girlfriend at the time to Lisbon, Portugal and after a week I went off on my own because she wanted to spend more time with her family. That was the best thing that could of ever happened. I traveled on my own for a month around Southern Europe, totally fell in love with traveling, ran out of money, went back home for a month, came back to Europe with a backpack and a EuroPass and 8 years later I had traveled to over 100 countries and all 7 continents. I was completely hooked and didn't stop traveling until I had been everywhere I had wanted to go in the world. Every summer I traveled from 3-5 months to the destination of my choice. It was freaking awesome and sometimes you are alone but you shouldn't feel alone in less you're needy and clingy, but there's always people to talk to or travel with when you're staying in hostels or guesthouses. Just be social and ask questions to your fellow travelers. Yes, there are a few places women should not travel to on their own, do your research. Now get out there and explore your world, you only live twice...
This best summarizes the epicness of my trips alone in Europe when I was 21. Out of the 10 weekends I was in Switzerland, I traveled five out of the seven of them alone. I became extremely confident and full of power and independence going by myself. I did make itineraries, lodging information, and contingency plans, sharing them with my family at home and my roommates in case something went wrong (as it always will lol). But the experiences traveling solo have made a profound impact on my life. As a twin, I always felt dependent on being a unit. While traveling, you are the only one you can depend on, so every logistical victory is your victory. Thank you for putting these feelings into an entertaining video so that others can be inspired to travel solo! :)
I went to Canary Island by my self from Mexico, I found a job and stayed for 6 months!! It was the most awesome experience of my life! That inspired me to come 2 NYC by my self 2, this year is gonna be 6 years living here, happily married with a Puerto Rican guy and a beautiful baby boy!!! Don't be afraid! To travel Alone! It would change ur life 4ever!!!!!!!
I've never been outside of the United States but I'm a huge fan of solo travel. I've been to Seattle, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, San Diego, New York, Washington DC, Baltimore, Scottsdale, Minneapolis, Portland Maine, Boston, and a few other places. It's been so much fun that I know dread traveling with other people.
I was going to be travelling with a friend to Japan next year but he backed out, this video has given me the confidence to go there by myself thank you :D
Traveling by myself has been the greatest joy in my life. It taught me to be self sufficient and independent. I like how you mentioned to not just research things to do and where to eat when traveling but to also study a little about the culture.
I've traveled alone and love it! Love the fact that I don't have to talk to anyone if I don't want to and, like you said, REALLY do what I want - when I want. Gives me time to tune into my own thoughts and feelings about life and take in the world around me without any distraction. Scariest trip alone was to Peru. Ended up being one of the best experiences I've ever had. Keep traveling!
Hi , i'm going to Paris in 5 day's ...the 19th of April and all alone !!! And it is my first time of every thing. First time booking and preparing for a trip . first time in an airport , first time on a plane , first time out of America, first time ine Paris , first...first ...first...first....first ! I'm so excited ! Thank you soniatravels for teaching me what to do and prepared for traveling and thanks to all the youtube family that i learned so much from .
I'm leaving tonight from Australia to Berlin on my first solo journey. I am so beyond terrified as I am new to travelling and I am incredibly extroverted and love being around people... but I am also so excited. It feels like I am tackling a huge fear and I can't wait to feel accomplished and empowered because of it. Thanks for this video! It's encouraging, inspiring and comforting!
I'm a 21 year old female student, and I have recently planned a trip to Europe with a group of students through a website called EF College Break. The students go back to the US on August 3rd, but I scheduled my return for the 8th (five days alone!). I loved this video because for the first time since I planned my trip, you have made me feel free and positive about my decision. Everyone else only seems to be able to contribute warnings. I recognise that bad things can happen anywhere to reckless people, but all I really want to do is bike through trails in England, and sit in cafes for hours in Paris. And for the first time, I feel okay about deciding to do that. Thank you, and I simply cannot WAIT to travel alone!
traveling alone is great! I'm still a teen, but I reach the cathay pacific airline age limit, so I can travel alone, at least on the plane anyway, but it is the most satisfying thing I've ever done in my life. go through the security with no trouble at all, boarding the plane, enjoying the plane ride, finding my way to the immigration at my destination, find my baggage reclaim number within many many jumbled numbers, getting my heavy luggage with no help, and finally walking to the meet and greet hall. knowing that I made it all by myself with no help at all, WAS AMAZING! I highly recommend you all try it for yourself!!!!
I have travelled by myself. It was kinda fun even though it was hard the first few days. The worst part was going to the restaurants alone because they would always asked me when the second person would be coming and looked SO surprised that I was alone haha. Thank you for all these great videos :)
That's true my uncle told me they wanted to exchange my aunt for camels and cows or whatever. It became very dangerous, because the men were looking for her all the time.
Singapore :) I'm a local here. The train takes you pretty much everywhere and it's very well connected. You just have to avoid the red-light districts in Geylang and the hostels for foreign workers (which is far from places of interests) :) Moreover, English is our first language here :)
Europe is great for traveling solo because you can go to many different countries in a short amount of time (so maximize your time traveling). Hostels make traveling solo not-so-lonely and are inexpensive too. I personally feel more comfortable going to places I know the language (or at least can read it). That is because I can figure things out without too much effort or stress.
Loved this SO MUCH Sonia! Traveling alone also really boosts your self confidence - do what you love, make yourself happy, and make memories! You don't always need to be with someone else to be happy.
I am currently in my hotel room, on my first solo trip and I am feeling sooooo lonely, missing my family and friends. But watching you made me smile and I will start tomorrow (coz I need to pass a dark, unlit road to walk out of my hotel) with a fresh, happy start! :) Thank you!
hang is there I have done almost all of my trips alone they all contained moments where I was scared lonely or depressed but I also had a lote of fun stay where its lite and populated watch your drinking take it slow and get the lay of the land before pushing the envelope
Sonia, you couldn't have said it better. I'm a lone traveler and I've always heard others say "I could never do that, I'd be afraid to get lonely". I didn't. I was talking to locals each time I went, did everything on my own time, could go where and when I want, and could get more wild and not worry, and had a blast. Everyone should take a chance and travel alone.
I have traveled alone for years!!! Do it!! It's a good way to enjoy your own company as well as meet new people everywhere! I have only been in the states but this year I am going to Toronto, Canada! Thanks Sonia! I don't feel like I am the only one who does this!!
You are absolutely right...I went to Italy BY MYSELF (a 9 hour flight) ...Rome, Florence and Venice and it was the best trip being able to do whatever, whenever I wanted. Eat lunch in Piazza San Marco, have gelato everyday. Go shopping on the Ponte Vecchio Bridge...Heaven :)
I traveled to Eastern Europe last year by myself, and I can tell you I have never met so much people before when traveling with company. It was great. I'll be traveling to Asia this year by myself. Hope it's as great as the last time. Great video.
I took a surfing trip to Indonesia a few years ago with a crew of friends. Because I had to come home 2 days earlier than them, I had to travel back home alone. It was daunting. We were on a tiny island with almost no western amenities. At the hotel I got in my ride with a total stranger who didn't speak a lick of English. We drove 4 hours on roads that wouldn't exist in the US, and there were no facilities or food stops. At the airport, the check-in desk wasn't even manned. And I was traveling with surfboards in a big travel bag- very conspicuous. I felt so empowered by that adventure. The ability to communicate with gestures and smiles, getting on the right plane, getting lost in an airport bc I didn't know what terminal I had to go to.... it was amazing and empowering.
I pretty much did that last year as my cousin was at her internship all day long and it was very nice. Get good shoes, i mean it ! and get a metro card, I tried to walk for Notre Dame to the Pont des Arts, which is only one metro station away... huh, was too tired before even getting there. It really was a long distance and I had been walking all day so I gave up.
I am a new subbie and I was amazed on how you converse in videos..My first time to travel was going to the United states alone.. with only 500 dollars in my pocket. It was an experience I wont forget.
The feeling of traveling alone is soooooo much freeing (is that even a word..the feeling of freedom, like when you go to the movies on you own). You feel like a boss!! I've done it on my Europe backpacking trip. It was one of the best trip I've done in my life :)
I travelled to Miami and Curacao alone all the way from Finland. I had the most amazing time and felt safe and well taken care of all the time. Yes, it gets lonely sometimes but the freedom is really worth it! Recomment it for everyone. Great video!
None of my friends have the money or the desire to travel right now, which is why I've been putting off traveling for the past five years. I am finally starting to plan a nearly month long trip to Japan. So many people are telling me I shouldn't travel alone (it's too lonely, not as much fun, etc) but I am going for it!
I have traveled alone. Ten years ago, I took a two week Amtrak train vacation from MN to AZ, to Seattle, and back to MN. Then, in October of that same year, I took a week long cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line. In 2009, I took a trip to Boston, as well. So, yes go for it! You only live once in your life!:)
Yesterday, I opened a second savings account to fund a trip to Sweden. I'm going to save up 80 bucks a week which will add up to about 4k exactly one year from now. I've been on the fence about whether to try and convince someone to go with me, but I've been feeling like i need to explore what makes me happy. Videos like this make me feel confident in that choice. Great video and I'll be sure to watch it again once i buy my ticket next year.
YES!! Been over 3/4 of the world, and the time I traveled ALONE to London for 6 days by myself was the best thing I ever did. No kids, no parents, no family, no students, no nobody. Hope to do it again next year!
I've travelled alone to Rome and it really feels great! I don't speak Italian, but it didn't matter. I knew where I wanted to go, the places I wanted to visit but, speaking English helps a lot! And you are right, I have vivid memories from that day.
I LOVE traveling solo! There's something about being able to spend time doing something you love without being rushed. Like looking at a beautiful painting in a museum without someone rushing you to go have lunch. I love get list in a new city an just absorbing the culture. My fav place to do that is Venice. By myself. It's awesome. I was there last year during high water and it was a great challenge navigating the board walkways! Solo travel is awesome!
This is just what I needed, I'm currently in my room at a Heathrow hotel and tomorrow I fly out to New York on my first solo adventure! I'm spending 3 weeks travelling in the US and Canada and I'm so nervous but also so excited!
Hey Sonia.. I've been travelling alone for 20 years now! never any problems just great memories and great friends! It really helps women to gain a greater confidence I believe. Fab tips, Keep up the good work!!! BTW, I think you look like Eva Longoria mixed with Keira Knightly.. Lucky you!
Nice to see Sonia (twice in one day: I just finished a Fluenz Spanish lesson). I've traveled alone quite a bit and it's everything you say it is. Traveling with friends or family is rewarding, too, but when alone it becomes a major adventure. When I dine alone I make a game of it. I imagine myself the most intriguing, interesting and mysterious person in the room. Those eyes all around me? They're not thinking 'who is this poor lonely guy,' they're 'thinking,' who is that mysterious man!'
Excellent advice. Never limit yourself to having to be with others to enjoy travelling. Of course, having a companion is really good too but there's too much in this world to experience and you don't want to miss out.
I just got back from my Orlando solo holiday and I have to say thank you. I was so worried about going alone but then I watched this video and it made me so much more confident in leaving for the trip. Love this channel! 👍👍
I have taken several trips alone when my wife was not able to accompany me. I love to take pics when I travel and when I am solo, I have all the time I want for photos of anything that captures my interest. Also, it is important to learn that being alone does not mean being lonely. Learn to enjoy your own company. My last comment is a question. How did this section become about an individual's attitude about alcohol? I seldom drink, but don't go around trying to convince others to do as I do.
Super tips Sonia! Thank you so much for sharing. I'd like to add that I strongly believe that we solo female travelers should know ways to defend ourselves if we are ever being attacked. Not all of us have time to take self defense classes however, so I'd like to share some tips which I have learned. I've been taking Krav Maga for women classes for self-defense and I've learned that the best self- defense targets on a mans body for women, and the best ways of striking them are as follows: - the eyes (finger poke them) - the nose (palm heel strike upwards) - the throat (chopping like actions) - the testicles (knee / kick / punch / slap / grab-twist-pull and *hold on to them tightly* until he collapses and passes out within a matter of seconds) - the knees (sideways kick to dislocate) I've been taught that even a trained, determined teenage girl could easily take down a man if she goes for these targets, especially if she goes *fast* and *hard* for the *eyes* or the *testicles* (or "high balls" and "low balls" as I've also heard them called.) If he's removed his trousers and he is about to rape you, then *his testicles will now be extremely vulnerable* to a "grab, twist, pull and hold" counterattack, and you should keep squeezing and pulling them as hard as you can (you can even use both hands, and it's still just as effective even if you only manage to get hold of one testicle) until he passes out in under 8 seconds. When a man has his testicles forcefully squeezed it causes him to curl over and quickly lose all of his strength and collapse no matter how big and strong he is - great for us women to know about. This technique has actually saved many women throughout the world. We can all stay safe if we know how and where to strike on an attackers body.
After not flying for 18yrs ive decided to fly again and all the way to Costa Rica for 18 days!!! I'm flying out early Xmas morning,, yay!!! Packin light with a carry on, found a low airfare flight with a less than 2hr lay over. I'm so excited and also nervous. Going to check off about 7 things on my Bucket List at the end and beginning of the New Year! GREAT ADVICE, TY!
I've travelled alone on a few occasions and it was a great experience, you are never really alone, it gives you excuses to talk to people. it can be awkward dining alone but for the rest it's not so bad...
I travel alone all the time. Why? So I can do what I want when I want. But I find travelling alone pushes me to meet and talk to people. I remember sitting in a cafe in Helsinki going over my map of what I would do with myself for 3 days and a young lady asked if I needed help finding something. That initial question became the start of a life long friendship going on 8 years now. Thanks for the great tips Sonia!
Just found your channel. I love it. The part I love about traveling alone is, I like to feel like travel is an adventure. Even inconveniences CAN BE part of the adventure. I like to be upbeat and positive. I hate someone else HAVING to be the killjoy. (yes traffic is bad. yehss check in is long. yehhsss security sucks-deal with it) Get to the airport, check in, go through security, get a coffee and roll and ENJOY. Watch people, browse, read, EXPLORE. The FOCUS is about enjoying not fretting.
I just got back from VidCon and it was a journey I took by myself. I went to the convention how I wanted and when I wanted and when I went to Disneyland, I ate, watched, and rode what I wanted and it was fantastic!!!
I just came back from a 7 day trip alone! My first trip travelling alone. I just returned today. Logged onto RU-vid and this was the first video I watched! :D
You have no idea how much this has helped!Not just this video but all of them.I am going to London and Italy on my own and I was nervous about it but your videos have helped a lot! Thank you so much
I absolutely agree! I traveled alone last year to Korea (after being denied a Schengen visa) and it was life-changing. I felt like I can do anything after coming back to my country. :)
I LOVE traveling alone! I went to DC by myself and did all the monuments & museums I could handle. I have done other small things and now I'm planning a trip to Paris for my 50th birthday by myself. I can't wait. : )
I love travelling by myself. You do what the heck you want, go where the heck you want, and plus it forces you to meet other people on your travels as well. Travelling with others is good for the company but can be far too compromising and you can end up cooped up in the convenience of your group rather than being more adventurous and outgoing. Anyone who is contemplating travelling solo - just take the plunge and go for it, you will thank yourself for doing it.
I was travelling alone last May for a business trip to Chicago and fun trips to NYC, Philadelphia and DC. Before going I watched all your videos. It helped!! I'm back in one piece. Thank you, Sonia... :)
This is absolutely true. I was kind of scared about going to Mexico alone but it was great. The next trip I did solo I did 13 countries in Africa in two weeks. An amazing experience. I'm now on my theirs with seven countries in three weeks in Asia.
thanks to your video, i had the most amazing time last summer (their winter;) ) I travelled from Amsterdam all the way to Buenos Aires, Argentina! I must say i stayed there at a friend's house, so I was not completely alone. But It felt so amazing when I found my way to a place so far all by myself, as a 17 year old :D I wanted to visit my friends in buenos aires, but also learn spanish! So i went to school there. The first day of school I walked around BA searching for my school, with a city map in my hands, asking people where I had to go. And when I finally found the school (40 minutes too late though, oops) I was soo happy! Thanks sonia, and I will defenitely travel much more! i love ittt (and I made some travel videos when I was in buenos aires, they're on my channel )
I travelled alone for 18 months in the Indian sub continent, south east Asia, New Zealand, Australia, USA. I returned with stories, adventures and most importantly with new found friendships. Travelling alone is the best!
I have!! Went in a specialty cruise and had to fly to Miami. I found my hotel taking the bus, went to the beach, shopped and awesome food. On the cruise I met many people!!!
I'm a 29 year old male and have thought about traveling alone. Can't always get time off at the same time with friends so why should I stay at home when I have two weeks off. I want to see New York. Might just book it.
I’m going thru the same thing friends can be iffy at Times I’m doing my research to plan a 5 day trip to Jamaica alone I’m super juiced for my bday in april 2018
Your video brought to mind memorable moments traveling alone and with others. Both have pluses and minuses. I couldn't decide which moment were best. The main thing is to TRAVEL and be open to whatever possibilities present themselves.
I haven't traveled alone. My first big trip was to Thailand with a few friends but after that trip I would totally have the confidence to travel alone! Follow Sonia's tips here they are great. You will always meet other travelers who will help you out, maybe even join you for a few days. It's an amazing opportunity to see the world!
I moved from Germany to the UK all by myself straight out of high school and am now travelling for the first time alone to Paris and I'm soooo excited! Moving was cool but already so permanent and I was already fluid in English - French, not so much! :D so this is going to be so much fun! Also glad I found your channel, you already helped me pack ;)
I just travelled to London and Paris on my own for 3 weeks and it was aaaaawwwesome!!! I got up really early, made coffee and wrote postcards, then went out for breakfast and planned my day, and went and did it! And in the middle of my plans, taking a side trip because I stumbled upon Parc Monçeau or Ironmonger lane? Yes! Seriously, just buy the plane ticket. Do it. And if you're inclined, learn a language too! BTW, I sent old-fashioned snail mail postcards in this digital age, and everybody loved them!
Hi Sonia! I love your videos! I'm from Argentina and I love traveling. In my last trip i went alone and u r right it was incredible I did every tour I want and I loved it. One of my stories is that I've rented a car and I got lost... even with a GPS. And the feeling of finding what you are looking for is just awesome. Making things by yourself, getting lost, meeting new ppl and try everything u want is priceless! I just want to ask u. What do u take into account when looking for accommodation?
My first trip abroad was alone, and to New York... I have so many great memories about that... I do felt like a superstar!! hahahaha The best memory was when I went to Boston, to watch a concert, and I was so looking forward to get an autograph from the singer that I almost lost the bus back to NYC... When I ran into the bus station, the bus' engines were already on, and it was leaving... o.o Super fun!
I will try to travel alone this september, u give me the courage to do it more than ever.... and the lonely part, yeah its bound to happen, thx for saying it bluntly
thank you thank you thank you! I have been planning of travelling alone and I admit, I have been little nervous. This made me feel so much more confident!
I traveled alone a few weeks ago, it was scary, I mean, I'm 15... I was really worried about everything, BUT I met AWESOME friends that I really miss now. It was a cool experience I will never forget. :D
