A Solo Traveller's Story

From a childhood spent exploring the UK countryside to a global odyssey, Wandering Lewis’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of solo travel. A love for adventure, sparked by childhood camping trips, blossomed into a passion for foreign lands. A snowboarding trip to Bulgaria ignited a desire for more, and a heartbreak led to a spontaneous Interrail adventure, marking the beginning of a solo travel journey.

Can you tell us a little about your upbringing?

I was born and raised in the UK and spent much of my childhood going on camping or caravan holidays. Whether I was splashing around in a river, ‘gillying’ for crabs at the harbour, or bug hunting in a forest, I was always outside. Foreign travel didn’t enter my life until my 20’s so I’m making up for it now. You can still find me bug hunting or snorkelling, I never did grow up.

Had you always been interested in travelling?

I’ve always been interested in exploring – camping as a child allowed me to indulge my imagination in the forests, find intriguing creatures under logs and wade through rivers with fish swimming around my feet. Though I never realized it then, I always wanted to travel further and see all the new places, so I guess it really has been a lifelong want.

Tales of trolls under bridges and witches with black cats in cottages meant I was always looking out for strange things in the distance and running over to check them out as soon as I could.

Can you share with us what first prompted you to begin travelling, especially as a solo traveller.

I first decided to make an effort to travel when friends mentioned snowboarding. They sold it as such an exciting adventure I just couldn’t bear to miss out. I worked hard, saved up, and finally made a group trip to Bansko, Bulgaria, which sparked a whole new direction in fitness for me too. This trip encouraged me to rethink how I lived and what I wanted from life – foreign travel was offering much more exciting opportunities than camping in England and was no longer out of reach.

The solo side came after a breakup that hit me hard. Heartbroken, I felt I had nothing left to lose, booked an extended Interrail train ticket, and a one-way flight to Romania. I’d never been abroad alone before this and went with the first cheap flight I found. I’d only booked my first night of accommodation; I was winging this trip with an ‘IDGAF’ attitude. (can I say that?!) I ended up spending a month in Romania before heading to another 5 other countries, each with its own riveting shenanigans but they’re stories for another time...

Can you tell us about the first time you embarked on a solo travel; where did you go? and were you nervous about travelling alone?

At 3am, my friend dropped me off at London Luton airport and I felt slightly apprehensive because I’d heard so many horror stories from friends and family about solo travellers running into trouble. After chatting with a random Lithuanian man, and a Polish woman (connecting over the lone charging point), my fears dissolved, and I began to relish the chance this adventure was going to offer. We shared a drink and many laughs before all departing in different directions as our flights were called. By the time I’d boarded my flight to Sibiu, I’d made another 3 friends at the bar and 2 more in the boarding queue. Why was I worried?! A lady on the row behind me heard me speak a little Romanian and got chatting to me when we landed. Upon hearing it was my first time in Romania, she insisted I took the taxi with her, and proceeded to go through the best spots in town and local attractions. I’ve decided I’m always in the right place at the right time.

How many places have you visited so far, which was your favourite and why?

14 - Greece, Spain, Hungary, Slovenia, Latvia, Germany, Romania, Italy, Croatia, Netherlands, Wales, Germany, Bulgaria and Albania. I’d say it’s a close call between Romania and Italy as they both have incredible food, wonderful people and a diverse landscape. Whether it’s mountains, lakes, or city breaks, I have multiple towns and cities I’d recommend in both countries. My heart is torn between the two but papanași may sway me to choose Romania…

Can you describe your typical travel planning process? How do you decide where to go and what to do when traveling solo?

I make a lot of spur of the moment decisions. I flew to Albania purely because I saw a cheap flight advertised on Ryanair that coincided with my weekend off. If I’ve heard a place mentioned, I usually give booking.com a quick look and check out accommodation prices before deciding if it’s worth booking the flights. I’m not a fan of all-inclusive as I end up wanting to explore other towns wherever I go so booking it all myself gives me a little more freedom to roam.

I often discover intriguing places on Instagram which has resulted in many screenshots being saved… working in transport, I now know many people from all over the world and they always recommend incredible places, so I also have lots of scrap pieces of paper with destinations written on them for future reference.

What have you enjoyed most about the solo travelling? What are some of the personal benefits you've gained from traveling independently?

I’ve found you get a more authentic experience, especially in small towns. You are judged at face value, no one cares what car you drive or where you work. If you are polite and friendly, it is often reciprocated. I’ve met some beautiful souls that have opened their homes to me and treated me like family. Travelling allows me to be my true self and not worry about other people’s opinions – something I wasted too many years worrying about when younger.

I’ve found that my self-confidence has grown, I’ve proven to myself that I am capable of managing challenging situations and also that I can navigate so many different social settings with ease. This sense of self-confidence has come home with me and made me better in the workplace, too.

Had you ever felt lonely or apprehensive while traveling alone?

I’ve had some situations where I’ve felt unsafe – one particular time in Italy, I rounded a corner straight into the path of some intimidating men who looked me up and down in an unnerving manner. I turned on the spot and went back the way I’d come, heading for a shopping mall where I didn’t feel so vulnerable. Again, I’ve learned to trust my gut instinct so much more.

There are occasions where I’ve felt lonely (and still do) but I use this time to practice my language skills and converse with the local bar staff or waiters. This has often led to making friends with other patrons as they overhear my attempts and become intrigued. When in Cluj-Napoca, a man spoke to me at the entrance of a museum, we realized we were both there alone, and agreed to walk round together before parting ways at the exit.

How do you cope with those feelings and maintain a positive mindset on your own?

Most of the time I shrug it off and focus on the beautiful sights or history around me. If I’m struggling to pick myself up, I go for a swim in the sea if I can or I take myself out for a delicious meal and call up a friend or family member. Video calls can be a great way of staving off loneliness.

Solo travel will make you deal with the parts of yourself you distract yourself from at home. I’m still learning who I am and what I want from life but being single and solo has made me appreciate so much more. Having a notebook has been useful for writing down things that come to mind.

It’s cliché, but always look for the silver linings. I can remember feeling disheartened on the way to Bran Castle as there was torrential rain. I arrived to no queue, castle to myself, and as the thunder rumbled, I walked up the hill to see the mist rising from behind the castle like something out of a movie. It was spectacular! If I’d sulked and stayed in bed because of the weather, I would’ve missed it. The following day when it was sunny, I heard the queue was 2 hours long – I guess it really did work out in my favour.

How do you typically meet people and make connections when you're travelling solo, especially in new places?

I speak to everyone – say hello to the receptionist, say hello to the newbie in the hostel dorm, ask the waiter if they recommend any local spots. I guarantee you, you‘ll find someone happy to share their time and recommendations with you.

In your experience, what are some of the pros and cons of solo travel?

Pros – you don’t have to argue about what time to get up or go to bed! I love the freedom of being able to say, you know what, I’m going to jump on a train and see somewhere totally different today. Might not even come back! I’ve done this before; had an apartment for a few days but ended up booking a hostel for a night after a random trip out to a small town.

Cons – accommodation often isn’t any cheaper, it can actually be more expensive. It’s difficult to book excursions as most require a minimum of 2 people. Some people do try to take advantage of you; trust your gut instinct.

What are some of your favourite ways to interact with locals or other travellers?

My favourite thing is to learn some basics (at least hello, goodbye, please and thank you). Locals often love it and I’ve had many a conversation off the back of an attempted pronunciation. Somehow, other travellers seem to gravitate toward me. Having a drink in a local bar or buying lunch in a cosy restaurant always encourages conversation in my experience, too.

Can you share a memorable experience or story from one of your solo trips that stands out as particularly meaningful or impactful for you?

Oh where to start… one that will forever stick with me was when a Romanian couple overheard me booking a table for me and a new-found German friend in Baile Herculane.

DIRECT EXCERPT FROM WEBSITE; “I have long since forgotten the restaurant we stumbled upon, but I cannot forget to mention a beautiful pair we met that evening. They offered us a seat at their table while they finished their beers in the busy restaurant, but we ended up spending the entire night with them. Mixing Romanian, German, and English, we had non-stop conversations about life and the universe, languages and nuances, never ceasing to enjoy the moment.

Several hours, plates, and beers later, by the guidance of their dog, they took us to the river. Down a steep hillside, across a rickety old rope bridge, with no lighting. We stopped where the natural thermals come up through the riverbed, there was a cluster of boulders underwater arranged in a circle to regulate the water within. Ingenious engineering that meant we could obtain the perfect temperature to bathe in. Under the light of the stars and the fireflies, I counted my blessings. Money can’t buy that kind of experience!”

How has solo travel influenced your personal growth, worldview, or sense of independence over time?

Solo travel has opened my eyes in all areas of my life. I feel I am more understanding in many situations and try to see the bigger picture. I’ve become calmer and less fearful after proving time and again that things do work out, things will be okay, and most people are good at heart. Giving people the benefit of the doubt whilst learning to trust your gut comes with time but it’s opened up so many doors for me. I’ve grown from a scared child into a confident woman with the attitude of ‘what I don’t know, I can learn’.

What advice would you give to someone who is nervous or unsure about trying solo travel for the first time?

Start small – take yourself out alone in your hometown for a meal. Then take a different mode of transport to your norm, out of town, spend one night away in a cheap room. You don’t have to book a flight to make your first solo trip but once you start seeing how competent you are, you start feeling excited about the prospects of discovering the rest of the world!

Do you have any solo travel hacks, tips, or must-have items that you rely on to make your trips as smooth and enjoyable as possible?

My must is a charge bank. Trial it at home/work to get an understanding of how long it takes to charge your phone and recharge itself. Secondly, a backpack small enough for hand luggage. Thirdly, a bar of soap; forget liquids, a bar of soap can get you out of a pinch for body, clothes, and stuck locks/zippers!

Where is the next destination on your solo travel bucket list? What is it about that place that excites you and makes you want to explore it on your own?

My next solo trip is Turkey. I want to experience the visual delights of its stunning architecture and indulge my senses with the food. My Turkish friends have already shown me their hospitality at work in England, so I am excited to immerse myself in their culture.

Words of Wisdom

Wear the correct shoes. I walk barefoot as much as possible but, having done this since a child, my feet are used to it. If I’m hiking, I have solid boots on that also support my ankles. Last time I bought a pair, I must’ve tried on 20 different styles. Footwear can make or break a holiday though; even a city break can result in over 20,000 steps per day so make sure your feet are comfortable. Also, consider layers – even just a pac-a-mac can save the day.