It was just recently that I am asked one-on-one, "Bakit mag-isa kang bumibiyahe?", meaning, why do you travel alone?
Here is my not so lengthy answer. ;-)
It is just so recent that I travel alone. It is recent as 2012 on a domestic adventure. I never felt alone then since everyone becomes my company during any travel adventure. I am also asked if I am an introvert... Well, being introvert is innate, it is just a matter of how we act on it. I also believe that an extroverted person is a master of being introvert. I mean, it doesn't mean you are not in a group - you don't know how to mingle with people or even face a crowd. A time of being introvert is a time on focusing things in life. A time of being extrovert is a time of sharing a moment of life.
Does it still sound so vague? Okay, let's make it more specific with examples. LOL
For me, traveling is getting to know one's self better. A time when one can find solitude not really soul searching or being nomad. A time when one becomes mature enough to be decisive and have a direction. A time also to develop a skill and character: navigational, communication, calmness, patience, understanding, appreciation, gratitude, discipline, respect, courtesy and other life virtues. In simple terms, you act like a local even you cannot speak their dialect or language. :-p
Another thing, smile whenever you interact. Do not make such a gesture so expensive; give it away freely. In Psychology, there is always a response to a stimulus. In Physics, there is reaction to an exerted force. (I hope I got it right. lol) These are all true unless you are with a bunch of bitter people so numb to interact with the environment. :-p
I usually stay at hostels whenever doing a solo trip on a mixed room or men and women can be in one room with 4 to 8 occupants. It is where I usually meet different types and mixes of people. A simple 'hi' or 'hello' can spark a lengthy conversation talking of the place where you are from. Isn't that exciting? If you are in a foreign land with another foreign individual, you are both foreigners. Well, one of the vignettes of life is 'do not talk to strangers'. However, on a solo travel, conversation and trust are the keys to make new friends. I mean, it should be a mutual thing to be kind and respectful to each other; trust is built not within a minute or two but a good, kind and respectful conversation will build a trustworthy travel relationship. Trust that will say, you will not harm each other. Yet, of course, do not be opportunistic; just have a friendly atmosphere.
By the way, I also have traveled with a group; toured a family outside the country and a friend or friends visiting my hometown. Before a group travel, I see to it that everyone is briefed accordingly. In that way, I can instill a mindset and behaviour to expect outside the country. Well, not only during an international trip, even in a domestic travel. I have also traveled with a group of friends when I am not the planner. It is way more relaxed and just pay for contributions. With a group of people who I know on a travel, I will have less interaction with other people. But when I become separated with the group, one can find me talking with a stranger. LOL
Here's a tip, do not always talk to strangers. You still have to be vigilant of who you talk to. I may have sited an example of trust to strangers but it really comes with a skill to scan a person's personality during a conversation. First and foremost, whenever traveling solo or even a group, talk to people with authority. It may be best to talk to locals directly but a local with authority such as tourist police or somewhat similar like a hostel or hotel receptionist is the bestest. (I can't believe I used the word. LOL) You may be amused to talk with another stranger on travel but still you have to verify information you receive from articles online or through a local with authority.
Traveling alone made me gain a number of friends across nations and regions. It is hard at first but when you get used to it, things will become dumb so simple. You can even save a huge chunk of your budget. :-p
So, back to the question, I hope I answered it. But to answer it with a single statement,
Here is my not so lengthy answer. ;-)
It is just so recent that I travel alone. It is recent as 2012 on a domestic adventure. I never felt alone then since everyone becomes my company during any travel adventure. I am also asked if I am an introvert... Well, being introvert is innate, it is just a matter of how we act on it. I also believe that an extroverted person is a master of being introvert. I mean, it doesn't mean you are not in a group - you don't know how to mingle with people or even face a crowd. A time of being introvert is a time on focusing things in life. A time of being extrovert is a time of sharing a moment of life.
Does it still sound so vague? Okay, let's make it more specific with examples. LOL
For me, traveling is getting to know one's self better. A time when one can find solitude not really soul searching or being nomad. A time when one becomes mature enough to be decisive and have a direction. A time also to develop a skill and character: navigational, communication, calmness, patience, understanding, appreciation, gratitude, discipline, respect, courtesy and other life virtues. In simple terms, you act like a local even you cannot speak their dialect or language. :-p
Another thing, smile whenever you interact. Do not make such a gesture so expensive; give it away freely. In Psychology, there is always a response to a stimulus. In Physics, there is reaction to an exerted force. (I hope I got it right. lol) These are all true unless you are with a bunch of bitter people so numb to interact with the environment. :-p
I usually stay at hostels whenever doing a solo trip on a mixed room or men and women can be in one room with 4 to 8 occupants. It is where I usually meet different types and mixes of people. A simple 'hi' or 'hello' can spark a lengthy conversation talking of the place where you are from. Isn't that exciting? If you are in a foreign land with another foreign individual, you are both foreigners. Well, one of the vignettes of life is 'do not talk to strangers'. However, on a solo travel, conversation and trust are the keys to make new friends. I mean, it should be a mutual thing to be kind and respectful to each other; trust is built not within a minute or two but a good, kind and respectful conversation will build a trustworthy travel relationship. Trust that will say, you will not harm each other. Yet, of course, do not be opportunistic; just have a friendly atmosphere.
By the way, I also have traveled with a group; toured a family outside the country and a friend or friends visiting my hometown. Before a group travel, I see to it that everyone is briefed accordingly. In that way, I can instill a mindset and behaviour to expect outside the country. Well, not only during an international trip, even in a domestic travel. I have also traveled with a group of friends when I am not the planner. It is way more relaxed and just pay for contributions. With a group of people who I know on a travel, I will have less interaction with other people. But when I become separated with the group, one can find me talking with a stranger. LOL
Here's a tip, do not always talk to strangers. You still have to be vigilant of who you talk to. I may have sited an example of trust to strangers but it really comes with a skill to scan a person's personality during a conversation. First and foremost, whenever traveling solo or even a group, talk to people with authority. It may be best to talk to locals directly but a local with authority such as tourist police or somewhat similar like a hostel or hotel receptionist is the bestest. (I can't believe I used the word. LOL) You may be amused to talk with another stranger on travel but still you have to verify information you receive from articles online or through a local with authority.
Traveling alone made me gain a number of friends across nations and regions. It is hard at first but when you get used to it, things will become dumb so simple. You can even save a huge chunk of your budget. :-p
So, back to the question, I hope I answered it. But to answer it with a single statement,
I travel often alone to meet myself, the place and everyone.
Here are some of my travel photos, who says I am alone? Lol
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| Ilocandia Tour |
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| Day Hike at Mt. Ulap |
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| Seoul Tour with my Korean Family |
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| New buddies in Seoul |
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| From Incheon to Manila with the Sweet Couple |
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| Lucban, Quezon Tour |
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| New Friends during Pahiyas |
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| Bond in Camiguin |
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| Family in Singapore |
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| OFW in Singapore |
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| Hostel Buddy in Legazpi |
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| Prepping for Day Hike Lake Holon |
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| Kidstagram! :-p |
I hope you enjoyed this article. Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.
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