From an early age, we're taught that the buddy system is an essential part of going anywhere. Sticking with a buddy ensures you get to your destination safely and have at least one other person with you in case something goes awry. My problem, was wanting to travel somewhere that no one else I knew wanted to go, so I chose to fly solo.
I decided to go with a study abroad travel tour, so I wouldn't be completely stranded. I didn't know German all too well, but I knew how to read a map and how to keep my belongings safe, and at the end of the day, that's really all I needed.
I enjoyed my time traveling immensely, and I'll sum it up by telling you the perks I've found of traveling alone.
Be responsible: Traveling alone has definitely been an exercise in responsibility for me. I traveled with some girls who were staying at the same hostel as me, and they taught me what not to do as a solo traveler.
We went out exploring after our already-paid for activities, and I seemed to be the only one who knew how to get back to the hostel without the use of Google maps. They also did not keep track of their passports or room keys, and, as a result, relied on me to let them back into the room.
As a solo traveler, I was constantly aware of where my passport, phone, and room key were. I knew I had to be accountable for myself, so I was always prepared in any situation. I was proud of myself for planning ahead, and as a result, I did not have the same snafus that the group I was with had.
Embrace your freedom: When you travel alone, you call the shots. You don't have to wait for anyone to leave the bathroom or go anywhere you don't want to, and you can spend all the time you want at places you want to go. I had a blast going to the Munich Olympic Stadium by myself and taking a rooftop tour. Because I had flexibility in traveling alone, I got to go to Haufsbrahaus on a whim on my way to the airport. I think the best memories are from spontaneous events, so traveling alone gave me many opportunities for that.
Meeting new people: When I said I was traveling alone, I think my friends pictured me on some “Into the Wild” excursion into Germany. That wasn't necessarily the case; I met tons of new people. Not having the facade of a group to blend into makes it easier to meet people. It's less intimidating for a person to communicate with an individual than it is a tight knit group. You tend to keep an open mind when going solo. If I was with other people, I wouldn't have sat with two tour guides and met a couple traveling from America at a restaurant. We swapped stories and contact info and it made for a really fun evening.
Do your research: Look up where you're staying and a few must-see sites and how to get there. Jot them down in a small notebook or on your phone for easy access. Look up how late trains run so you don't end up stranded or paying taxi drivers the equivalent of your college tuition.
Keep an open mind: Don't worry if something goes wrong. Roll with the delayed trains and mishaps. You're stronger than you think and are capable of handling most situations that come your way.
Be safe: Keep your valuables with you and know where they are at all times. Always keep a few spare bills somewhere other than your wallet for emergency money. Don't walk alone at night if the area makes you feel uneasy. You're smart enough to know the difference between leaving your comfort zone and jeopardizing your well-being. If it means not going out at night or having one less drink at the bar to make sure you come home safely, then do it. Be responsible for yourself and don't stand for anything less. Enjoy yourself: Go smell the roses. Tiptoe through the tulips. Take that selfie with the funny statue or that cheesy tourist picture! You're traveling to broaden your horizons, so go out and enjoy those new horizons.
I hope my experience and tips inspire future study abroad students at Elon to live their dreams and travel wherever they want to go.