Solo Travel: Moving Beyond Wanderlust

I am a big fan of solo travel, so I debated whether or not I should post this article. Ultimately, I decided that even though most people gravitate toward the wanderlust side of life, it is equally important to explore travel difficulties.

Why try solo travel?

I have always been a little bit of a loner, and I suppose that I have never understood that part of myself. Then again, that’s not important. I just mean that I am comfortable on my own.

On the flip side of lonely man’s blissful island is the shit hitting the fan. All of a sudden, you realize how much you want people near you that understand your quirks. This surprised me. And, unlike all the beautiful photos of people frolicking around on their ‘my vacation is cooler than yours on Instagram’ (and, yes, I indulge in that activity as much as anyone), this post is not about discovering the beauty of humanity while taking selfies in a foreign land. Nope, this is about the struggles. So far, this trip has had as many highs as it has lows – I guess it’s part of first-time solo travel mistakes. 

On a train to Prague

At the moment, I am currently on a train to Prague from Vienna. Sounds pretty glamorous, right? Try it in the winter before the Christmas markets get going. Translation, the weather is windy and miserable. And, it gets dark early, like 4.30 pm. Not the best.

I have had crazy high moments, visiting the Hapsburg castles, and being the only person in the Imperial Royal Carriage Museum. That was amazing. Having the ability to linger in the Museum Quartier for as long as I wanted without having to worry if anyone was getting bored made me so happy. Sleeping in or getting up at 6 am and answering only to myself has been freeing. But, as the intense cold sets in, it feels lonely. Maybe I am learning things about myself, but I’m not sure that’s the appropriate phrasing.

The ups & downs of solo travel

Staying at swanky hotels as well as sketchy Air BNBs that didn’t look sketchy online has been in a word, interesting.

If you’re planning your own solo trip, it’s essential that you book your accommodation ahead of traveling. There are tons of different options, as you’ll see from Travel Resorts of America reviews. You don’t have to stay at hotels or Air BNB’s if you want to save a bit of money.

But, there has been more frustration than I anticipated. It is especially annoying, because I planned this trip down to the last detail, but you can not plan for everything. Like everyone on the planet, my entire life and ability to communicate with the outside world is on my phone. And, where is my phone? I was pick-pocketed at the Vienna train station.

The sad Chiclet

I took public transportation to the HBF (I was all proud of myself) from my last Air BNB. This was one of the more questionable apartments which only had one pillow that looked more like a sad Chiclet plopped in the middle of a shoddy piece of foam. Regrettable accommodations aside, finding the correct train was no small accomplishment, because it’s confusing AF here.

Pick pocketed abroad

Now, I’m on board, and my phone is not. The WiFi doesn’t work on my computer, so I can’t let my next host know what’s going on. I don’t know the exact address, and I can’t call an Uber without my phone. I tried texting from my computer, but the messages keep bouncing back to me. All the while, I am freaking out that I am unable to take pictures for this travel blog that I have been dreaming of writing properly for years. This is not the adventure that I signed up for….

At the moment, all I want is to fly home, but maybe that’s the point. Is this what getting out of your comfort zone really feels like? A bit confused, oddly scared, and alone? When you don’t speak the language, it’s tough.

Travel Solo: communication envy

Is all of this really about not having a phone? Losing communication digs into a weird place in your soul.

And, watching the locals sitting in front of me use their computers is beyond frustrating.

It’s all a little sideways, for now

Normally, I welcome the opportunity to experience new cultures, new foods while dining solo, and appreciate the nuances. However, when things go sideways, the longing for familiarity- even a kind smile sets in hard.

This is a much tougher trip than I thought. And, it gets dark early here. No wonder all the other travel bloggers are posting selfies in bikinis in Bali. Then again, I’ve always preferred being a contrarian…

Watching literally every person on this train use their cell phone reminds me that I can’t fix the situation now. I’m on a train to Prague, and not speaking the language is a major impediment. I am a stranger here, so this is on me.

Embracing my circumstances

And, this four plus hour train ride with literally nothing to do only highlights my sadness, my aloneness. I would give about anything for my phone, but I can’t have it. I’m not sure this is growth, but this is one of the realities of solo travel. But, this is not permanent, and I will figure things out. I always do.