I have traveled both locally, domestically, and internationally and each has taught me something different. I grew up poor and introverted. Until my second year of graduate school, I had been to 7 of the 50 United States. I had never crossed the Mississippi River and lived on the East Coast. I had done nothing. However, I changed all of that in 2015. Here are all the things that I learned as a Black woman traveling alone.
Traveling Solo Builds Confidence
If nothing else, being by yourself is a great way to learn who you are. Learning who you are is a great way to build confidence. Building confidence is a great first step in living a more fulfilling and authentic life.
I realize that such a sentiment is quite dramatic but I have found it to be true. If nothing else, it builds confidence in the smaller things. I used to walk with my head down and burrow into myself. I am now more confident in my abilities and more willing to put myself out in the world. Travel is a big part of this.
I have already proven to myself that I can take care of myself. Why wouldn’t book bigger and better trip? I have already shown myself that I can be detail oriented and carry out a project. Why not step up at work and take on more responsibility. I have already shown myself that I can think on my feet and push boundaries. Why not take more chances and face my fears.
You can find my post about ways to avoid feeling lonely while traveling alone right here and another post about safety tips right here.
You Can Be Alone and Not Lonely
When I tell people that I am traveling alone, their first questions are always about safety. The first excuse they give regarding why they can’t travel alone is because they will get lonely. First of all, being alone doesn’t have to be a lonely experience. Second, why is being lonely a bad thing?
I often think that people are consumed with this need to be constantly stimulated. I am here to tell you that the phones, tablets, and constant social interaction is not always the best thing for your mental health. There are going to be times where quiet and solitude are needed. Not for forever, but as a moment to readjust. Also, traveling solo does not mean that you can’t meet new people.
I have stumbled upon quite a few people while on my travels. I have been apple picking and wine tasting with complete strangers. Also, I have struck up conversations with strangers. There are people who have never met me, who have given me directions and travel tips. Complete strangers are the primary viewers of my blog. Meeting and engaging with strangers will not be the end of the world. Similar to how traveling alone is not an end to the world.
I’ve Received More Racism in the US than Abroad
More than anything, racism (at least the kind that is face to face) isn’t something that a traveler can ever really be prepared for. If face, racism is one of the last things that I think about. In almost 5 years, I have only had an issue 3 times. Once when I was in Montana, once in Oklahoma City, and another time when I was in Naples.
Even in those times, the racism was minor. When I talk to other travelers, especially Black women, we all mostly agree that racism is more in your face in America. In almost all cases I have met nothing but respectful people who are willing to help. I sometimes get stared at thought. In most cases, it’s because Black people are not a common occurrence in the area.
If safety is one of your concern, you can find my guide regarding safety right here.
Traveling Alone is Not a Punishment
I happen to be a Black woman traveling alone. Regardless of color, sexual orientation, or background, all women should know that traveling alone is not a punishment. Seriously, don’t feel bad for yourself because you are going on vacation alone.
Sometimes it just isn’t your season. If you spend your whole life feeling like crap because someone has a date, travel companion, better job, nicer house, better car, ect,… You will be asking to live a life of disappointment. There is no reason to feel bad because you have a trip to paradise or are eating french pastries while your friends are chained to a desk.
If you don’t have a man or woman or non gender conforming boo thang, go on a trip anyway. If your friends can’t or won’t go on a trip with you, leave their asses behind. What happens if you have someone back out of a trip? Readjust your budget and leave their asses behind. You can’t put your whole life on hold because other people are broke or they outright suck.
Travel Doesn’t Always Have to Be Big
Have you tried at all to travel around your own town or city? If you don’t have much at home, is there a day trip that you can take? Have you found a cheap flight ticket for a weekend or 3 day get away?
People often think that for travel to count it needs to be some 10 day trip to an island resort. If you can’t afford big trips then you can start small. Anything that is getting you out of your comfort zone or exploring new territory can be a part of your travel journey.
I’m in the process of being a hometown tourist in Houston. I try new restaurants and see museums. I make the effort to better know my city until my next big trip comes about.
One of the things that I have learned as a Black woman traveling alone is to make my own rules regarding my travel. It has taught me what I enjoy and better informs my travel going forward. Don’t let people diminish your travel because it doesn’t fit their definition of a trip.
