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The first big trip
I was 21, fresh out of a destructive relationship and going to school full-time when fate stepped in. I was one of those people who told everyone that I loved travel, but until that point, I'd only really gone away with my parents and of those trips had only left North America once. It wasn't my fault -- all my friends were either not into travel or too into their boyfriends to make it priority. And I didn't want to go alone. I don't know what made me stop to read the generic poster on the wall that snowy day when I was embedded in
What followed was a month of wicked fun that was mostly memorable, except when too many shots of ouzo blurred the lines of recognition. Our group was made up of 26 twenty-somethings and two surfer-dude guides who were rarely guiding except when it came time to catch the ferry. We had a wicked time together -- full of drinking and dancing and endless side-splitting laughter -- and though I keep in touch with few of my travel mates, our time together won't soon be forgotten.
My point is this: For me, this trip was the perfect foray into the world of solo travelling. I gained confidence, and I gained a love of travelling, all without having to worry about eating alone or being chained to people's expectations of me at home. You see, travelling with a group of strangers is ideal -- you're independent, but still not entirely on your own. I learned a lot about travelling in those four weeks, and I learned a lot about myself. I learned that when necessary, I can navigate the curvy streets of a foreign land and make the bus on time. I learned that I can get along with anyone. I learned that I can budget. I learned to break out of my comfort zone, and I learned how rewarding that can be. In short? I realized that I am a traveller, not just one of those people who claims to be one.
Thanks, Greece.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Daryl Dec 6th 2007 10:36AM
I'm a young traveller, just 25, and my trips have all been solo. My friends were either still in school or unable to take the time off. I was nervous the first time, but joining with a tour (in my case Contiki) helped me meet new friends and like-minded travellers all around my age. I keep in touch with many of them and even crafted trips to their home countries just to visit them. Now, I can't imagine travelling any other way.