Hi Everyone!!
So, something that shocked me the first time I ever went travelling, was the amount of people I met who were travelling alone! I never knew so many people actually go and travel the whole world alone!!
When we visited the Philippines we met a huge group people in a hostel, at first we thought they had all been friends for years but after getting to know them, they only knew each other a couple of days and each and everyone of them had left their home to go travel alone!!
So many people email me daily asking me what my thoughts are on travelling alone or emigrating alone, so I decided to put together a FAQ and have my two good friends “Lucy” and “Sam” answer them for you guys!!!
I have linked their instagram accounts for you guys to have a look at their amazing travel photos and maybe even shoot them a message if you have any further questions for them :).
Enjoy!
Lucy.
Instagram: @lucy__elliot
https://www.instagram.com/lucy__elliott/?hl=en
What made you leave?
“I had worked in the same place for over 4 years and everyday was the same! Every weekend I would go out to the same bar, with the same people…I needed a change! My everyday routine had got pretty damn boring! After a bad day at work I came home and spontaniously booked a flight to Singapore and Australia..and that was it no going back!”
How much money would you recommend saving?
“It really depends if you intend on traverling straight away. I saved about 9 thousand pounds because I wanted to travel alot first before working. But alot of my friends saved around 2-3 thousand pounds and they worked in Oz before their travels.”
Did you plan everything before?
“I literally just booked a flight to Singapore and booked a random hostel (tip-always check hostel ratings before booking) then I just figured out what to do when I arrived. You always meet people who will give you great advise, if you plan too much you may miss out! I took each day as it came.”
Were you nervous?
“Of course I was, I mean I’d never travelled alone before so it was a big deal! I remember saying goodbye to my family at the airport..that was the worst! But once you have landed safely and started to explore you realise it is all worth while, afterall laying on the beach sipping cocktails isn’t so bad.”
What did your family think?
“They were nervous for me but once I had facetimed them to tell them I’d made a friend they were releaved! They missed me alot but they are very proud that I did it!”
Do you regret it?
“100% NOT.. it is the best thing I have ever done!!”
How did you make so many friends?
“I was so worried I would make no friends, but I promise you It is so easy because everyone is in the same boat! You walk into a hostel and 99% of the time someone will say ‘Hey what’s your name, where are you from?’ And if you find yourself at a hostel where noone is friendly then keep smiling and move on to the next! I met Terrie & David because my barbie car broke down in Magnetic Island, it was so funny Terrie and David pulled up next to our car and told me and my friend to get in..we’ve been friends ever since!”
Did you ever get home sick?
“I’d be lying if I told you everday was perfect. Yes, some days I felt homsick but after a phone call home it was all ok. After returning home you realise nothing has changed so make the most of your year away! If you feel homesick at first it’s natural but try and keep yourself busy..go out and do something fun with your new friends!”
How has it made you more independant?
“I was living at home with my parents before going away so it made me have to do alot of things by myself. You are in the big, wild world on your own. It has made me a better person and I am so thankful for that! Also I have learnt how to cook – about time!! “
What you do it again?
“I would do it again tomorrow If I could. I’m already saving for my next adventure! Once you get the travel bug you can’t get rid of it! When I look at the awful weather outside I always look at my travel photo’s to remind me of the amazing year I have had!”
Sam:
Instagram:@sam_allen92
https://www.instagram.com/sam_allen92/?hl=en
What made you leave?
I’d never really thought about going travelling before, then out of the blue two of my friends said they were going and were hassling me to join them. I had a good job and I didn’t want to waste it away so I said to them that when they went to let me know how it was, if they liked it and got on alright then I’d join them (my worry was I would go out there, it wouldn’t be for me and I had quit my job for nothing). They call me after a week saying they had scuba dived at the Great Barrier Reef, been jet skiing, met loads of people and it was amazing. An hour later I had booked my flight.
How much money would you recommend saving?
It really depends on how long you’re going for and to where, I spent £5500 in 3 months in Australia, I did everything I wanted and didn’t go without. One of my best friends sisters went to Thailand, spent £6000 in 9 months and lived a relatively chilled life.
Were you nervous?
The only time I got nervous was when my friends left Aus after being with them for 3 months. It was the first time I was properly alone, looking back though, it was silly. I can understand why I did, but there was really no need for it, back in London everyone is so focused on themselves and doing their own thing. You can go anywhere else in the world, especially while travelling and it is so easy to meet people, you’re never alone and don’t ever need to worry!
Did you plan everything before?
David and Terrie planned and gave me advice on most things 😂 Terrie booked all of my flights and they both said great places to go and things to do which I’m really greatful for, especially as it was only a month I had in Asia. If you’re going for longer I don’t think that you need to do much planning though, I’d say have a rough idea of places you want to go and see, get your first flight booked and look up a good hostel to stay for a couple nights and the rest will work itself, you don’t want to meet people who you think you could be good friends with, just to have to say bye in a couple of days because of plans. You meet people, change plans and travel with them! It’s much better to be flexible!
What did your family think?
My family all really got on board and said I’d have an amazing time, my mum was sad to see me go but happy because she knew I was on an adventure of a lifetime.
Do you regret it?
Not one bit.
How did you make so many friends?
Just be youself, get stuck in with games and chatting to people, you’re all in the same boat, have fun!
Have you got tips on how to make friends?
Say yes to everyone, go out, do things you never thought you would and embrace the chaos. It’s impossible not to make life long friends.
Did you ever get home sick?
Never, it’s so easy to whatsapp and facetime you don’t get a chance to. Plus you’re so caught up in what you’re doing I never really had any down time.
Has it made you more independent?
Without a shadow of a doubt, I could easily live by myself now where as before I would have been pretty useless. I even know how to use a dishwasher, something Terrie still has no clue how to do!
Would you do it again?
Well, I’m leaving in 4 months to go to travel America, so that one pretty much answers itself!
