Alright, so this is a topic I have been thinking about for a while now. I am constantly bombarded with questions and comments from people because I am doing so much travelling alone. So, I'm going to share my thoughts on the matter! Fasten your seatbelts people, because it's about to get real.
Travelling alone is not that big of a deal. I know that probably sounds crazy, but it's true. I have found that when I travel someplace new I normally spend the first day wandering. In fact, I generally get lost. ON PURPOSE. When I told my Becoming a Scholar students about this at Bluffton, they all were shocked and had pretty similar questions: "Aren't you afraid?" "What if you are abducted?" These questions are still following me to Hungary. My students always seem genuinely sad for me when they realize I am travelling alone. I am frequently asked if anyone will be with me, and when I reply that I'll be alone, they generally say, "Oh, that's too bad." Other students have mentioned that they are afraid to fly to a different country alone. I'm always asked whether or not being alone in a big city frightens me.
The answer isn't terribly complicated. I love to travel. I love meeting new people, seeing new places, experiencing a new culture, and if I am alone while doing these things, it isn't the end of the world. Travelling alone has its perks. When travelling alone, you can take your time when observing new places and you can absorb more about a culture or place. You can make your own decisions about where to go, what to see, whether or not something is worth the entrance fee, and no one will be hurt or angry. If I want to sleep in until noon, that's my decision. If I want to wake up at 7:30am, I can do that without making anyone else grumpy. My choices are my own, and it is a liberating feeling.
As to being afraid, for the most part I feel very comfortable. The great thing about big cities is that there are so many people that no one really cares what you are doing. However, I would be a liar if I said I am never afraid or uncomfortable. There were times in Vienna when it was getting late and I did not feel safe walking alone. Simple answer? Don't go walking around alone late at night. There are other precautions that I take as well. I always inform my family of my plans, and usually tell people here in Hungary as well. I pay attention to my intuition, and if I feel uncomfortable I get out of the situation. I've also found that acting confident not only helps me feel confident, but also gives of the impression that I know what I'm doing. In Vienna I had multiple people asking me for directions to various landmarks, so either I look approachable or knowledgeable (or both). And, best of all, I have never been in a situation so far that I felt in danger.
The fact that travelling alone is such a big deal for women is a sad commentary on society. I realize there are aspects of travelling alone that make it frightening for both genders (not knowing the language, possibilities of getting lost, etc.), but that it is considered even more dangerous for women is depressing and a clear sign that something needs to change. I know I'm not the first person to express these thoughts and ideas-- there are entire blogs dedicated to female solo travel-- but how many times will I have to fend off questions like the ones mentioned above? Why must women be pressured to stay in one place out of fear?
In conclusion, I would also like to mention that I think it is important for people to step outside of their comfort zone. When I push myself beyond what I thought I could do, I learn more about myself and grow as a person. Travel is a fantastic opportunity to grow, to learn about other people, and to open your eyes to what the world is like from a different perspective. It's a way to gain confidence, to learn how to budget time and money, and to make new friends. I would say it is completely worth it. So, although I may viewed as unusual and foolhardy, I refuse to let fear (my own or anyone else's) hold me back.
