Solo travelling can be incredibly liberating and enjoyable. I’ve had a really lovely time in Prague and it’s been hugely needed to get away for a bit. But I’m 30 now and I find it difficult to make friends, especially in a foreign place! I’m not a party goer and I can’t strike a friendship by sharing ciggies in the smoking pit. That just ain’t me.
I’m sure many are aware of why I’m in Prague on my own. The old “it’s not you, it’s me” situation, and a bailing at such a late stage I couldn’t cancel the trip without losing the money, nor could I change the name on the ticket – let alone find a friend to join me.
But it is what it is and I have to respect that. I have next to no hard feelings. 30 years of life have proven to me that life isn’t easy, and my own experiences have helped me to accept that more easily.
So I’ve had a lot of time with myself, who is my most reliable and trustworthy travel companion. But that non-stop me-time has resulted in some lengthy introspection, and sparked questions in my mind…
It keeps happening so can it be a coincidence? Is my wish to work through problems outdated? Who am I? Why am I how I am? Where am I going with my life? What do I really want?
And probably one of the toughest questions you can ask yourself, cos you know you may not like the answer…
Is it actually me?
These past few months I have been thinking pretty negatively about myself. I have felt irrelevant, unappreciated, unattractive, unwanted, and that mostly comes from my own head and paranoia. That definitely is me. Maybe I am all those things? Maybe not. But I doubt I’m alone in experiencing these thoughts…
I think in years gone by in past experiences like this, I was in a much darker place, mentally. But I suppose age and experience can strengthen your mind to it. So, a plus! Now I just try to see the lessons learned rather than the time wasted. And who knows what the future holds?
When it all happened 15 hours before the flight, I was dead set in my mind that I was gonna come to Prague anyway. And although I may have looked at early flights home when I arrived, I’m glad I stayed. Would you rather be alone with your thoughts in your bedroom, or roam amongst medieval buildings and see beautiful scenery?
Seeing new things and experiencing new cultures can be a tonic for the mind and help you reset. Adding those positive experiences to your memory bank can help heal, or at least paper over the cracks in your head for the time being. I like to remind myself that when I’m on my deathbed and my life flashes before my eyes, I’ll see the Thai beaches, the Manhattan skyline at sunset, an empty Prague Old Town Square in the morning…
Only you get to see your memories when you die, so make sure your playlist is packed with good ones.
I’ve always believed that true love is having the greatest of days, the most amazing of experiences, seeing unforgettable things, and wishing more than anything that they could see it too. But, when that’s unfeasible it’s healthy to see yourself as your one true love. Cos you are never gonna leave you. You can’t give up on yourself. You are with you til the end.
I’d like to reiterate that if you are gonna go solo travelling, then check yourself into a hostel rather than a hotel. It’s so much easier to meet new people and share stories.
I don’t believe in fate, but last week my absolutely beautiful friend Andy showed me the film Sing Street and it was brilliant and heartwarming. I’ve been listening to the soundtrack on my lonely wanders around Prague, and it has really helped put a spring in my step. Let’s end on my favourite lyrics from my favourite song…
This is your life, you can go anywhere. You gotta grab the wheel and own it, and drive it like you stole it.
#VidOnTour 