Scuba diving Greece

Author: Jessie Weber | Major: International Business | Semester: Fall 2022

I am officially ⅔ of the way done with my study abroad experience and I am feeling so many emotions. On one hand, I am sad that the program is starting to come to an end, but on the other hand, I am excited to see my friends and family again. I have already accomplished so much in the past 2 months and I still have a few more weeks left to make more memories.

These last few weeks I have really gotten comfortable with solo travel. It can be hard to coordinate and plan with multiple people, especially with everyone wanting to see and do different things, so sometimes it is easiest to just go solo. One of the most gratifying experiences I have had so far was spending our entire 9 day break traveling to 4 different countries with just me, myself, and I.

Although saying I was alone would not be completely true. I met some amazing people on my journeys, through hostels, tour groups, and other unexpected situations, that I really connected with. Sometimes we would spend the day together, exploring our new environment, or just grabbing a meal together. Either way, these people were unexpected delights that made spending 9 days without any familiar human contact so much easier.

I have learned so much about myself, traveling, and problem solving and I have a few tips for anyone who is wanting to solo travel:

1. Plan, plan, plan. Planning most of the details of your next trip before you go will help you not to be as stressed once you do go. Having your tickets, accommodations, and at least some activities set up before you go will allow you to relax. Even if you are a very “go with the flow” person, you might find more satisfaction in at least having some sort of plan before you go and having the flexibility to change it later if you decide to.
2. Ask strangers to take your photo. Since your friends are not there to help you document your memories, it is up to you to do it all. Some of my favorite trips do not have me in any of the pictures. Asking a stranger to take your photo will give you more personal photos to look back on and show your friends and family.
3. Be careful and stay aware. Since your friends are not there to watch your back, you have to watch your own. Try and pack light and do not bring anything you would be devastated to lose. I’m sure we have all heard the horror stories of people we know who have gotten pickpocketed while traveling. Keeping any valuables in the front pocket of your pacts versus the back pockets or avoiding putting items in the other side pockets of your bag and help prevent this. Lastly, make sure you share your itinerary and where you are staying with someone before you go and let them know if you make any changes.