By Alexa Bandura
Have you ever wanted to travel by yourself? Are you someone who does it often? Is it your dream, or do you feel like you could never?
Let me tell you a little about my experience, who I think solo traveling is for, and what I would recommend to make it a safe, enjoyable, and memorable trip.
So far, I have been to Barcelona and Paris alone, and I’ve also had the opportunity to travel all around the world with my family. However, for me, solo traveling is not only about being completely alone somewhere far away. It can also mean flying alone or traveling longer distances on your own. I would also say that I consider my study abroad experience, coming all the way from the middle of Europe, a form of solo travel in its own way.
Are we ever really alone when we travel? In most cases, we end up meeting people along the way. Conversations just happen. At the airport, with a driver, with someone next to you on the metro, or even just standing in line. These small interactions become part of the trip.
I think traveling becomes much more enjoyable when kind gestures and words are shared along the way. Helping someone who seems lost, exchanging a smile, or having a short conversation can completely change the feeling of your day.
At the same time, it is very important not to ignore your instincts. If something feels off, don’t go closer to that person or place. Trust yourself. Stay alert and aware, especially as a young woman. You can be open and kind, but you also have to stay sharp; that’s why, usually when I am walking, I do not look super approachable (fast walk, confident face, not necessarily always super friendly until someone would actually need my help), and it is necessary.
I will tell you about my trip to Barcelona, what I learned from it, and what I would recommend. Keep in mind this is from a solo budget traveler perspective, not expensive tourism.
So, Barcelona.
I had wanted to visit that city for so long. It was just one of those places I truly wanted to see. Also, I speak the language, which helps a lot. Knowing the language of the country makes everything easier, especially if not everyone speaks English. At the same time, I don’t think language is everything. Some people are very good at communicating without it, through body language, facial expressions, and eye contact.
When it comes to budget, you have to decide on your objectives when you travel. What matters most to you? Is it food, culture, history, architecture, nature, museums, or shopping?
For me personally, food is not my main priority, mainly because eating in restaurants can get expensive very quickly. Also, many international foods can be found or even recreated at home. Of course, there are local dishes that are impossible to replicate, so I still try to experience at least one or two more special meals, but I don’t base my whole trip around it.
What I do prioritize more is art. Anything related to art, museums, exhibitions, artist streets, and small creative shops. I also love buying local clothes or small objects as souvenirs. I adore the idea of having things from everywhere I’ve been. I honestly prefer buying things during travel instead of shopping at home, because they feel more unique. I like having original pieces and things that stand out.
And as an artist myself, I get so inspired by this.
Barcelona felt like another world. Seeing Gaudí’s art and imagination everywhere was just incredible. It felt like imagining the ocean on dry land and then actually seeing the buildings, streets, and even bricks on the road out of that idea. I remember just thinking, “How is this even possible?”
I was mesmerized by the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, Park Güell, and the Moco Museum. I even went to the Bubble Museum, which was fun. Palau de la Música was also beautiful. I did some shopping at Desigual because they had more colorful and original pieces than what I usually see in my country. I found this amazing candle shop, Cereria Subirà.
Palau de la Música
A small chaotic moment also happened. I arrived early in the morning at Park Güell, showed my ticket, and they told me it was not valid there. I was shocked, as you can imagine. It turned out I had bought a ticket for Palau Güell instead. I didn’t even realize there was a difference when I booked it, so at that moment, I was just a few seconds of “what am I going to do now?”
I had to be spontaneous. I quickly bought a ticket for the park if I was already there, went in, and spent some of the most incredible hours there. It was so beautiful that I completely forgot about the time while I was also drawing down what I was seeing.
The next day, I went to Palau Güell, explained what happened, and asked if I could still use my ticket. Because it was January and not crowded, they were kind enough to let me in, and what an amazing surprise, the palace was flabbergasting. That’s why we also have to allow life to bring us where it wants us to be.
This is also why I would recommend not traveling during peak tourist seasons if you want to see a lot. Yes, it might be colder, windy, or even rainy, and you might not go to the beach, but in exchange, you get no lines, no crowds, and a much more peaceful experience.
Before going out each day, I made sure to have a general idea of where I was going and how close places were to each other. I also checked transportation and what kind of tickets to buy beforehand, because tourist tickets are often more expensive than what locals use, especially for students.
At the same time, I always left space for spontaneity. I found amazing places, galleries, and shops I would have never planned. You should also let go of the idea that you will do everything. Time feels different when you travel, especially when you follow your intuition. Sometimes reality is different from what you see online. Places can be closed or not what you expected.
When it comes to safety, especially if you want to go out at night, I would not recommend going alone to places you have never been before. What I would recommend is going with groups or meeting other travelers. Being in a group, even with people you have just met, is safer than being completely alone. Also, always choose places where there are people around.
If you drink, drink only to the level where you feel fully in control. If something happens, you need to be able to react and leave.
Yes, I am saying this from a young woman’s perspective. It is just a reality that you have to be more aware. If you feel uncomfortable in any situation, leave confidently. Try not to draw unnecessary attention; just remove yourself calmly.
Be careful with your food and drinks. If there is even a small chance that something was added to what is in front of you or if something feels wrong, do not risk it. Just get a new one. It is absolutely not worth it to get drugged or sick.
About your phone, bags, and bank cards, I recommend using a strap for your phone and a bag that cannot be easily opened or cut. Even smaller bags can be opened quickly if you are distracted. Sometimes I even use a very simple backpack and avoid wearing expensive jewelry, just to not stand out. I also keep my wallet secured inside my bag.
I am saying this because I have seen things happen in front of me or to people I know, and you also hear the stories.
When walking in less crowded areas, I try to stay aware of my surroundings and think about possible ways to leave if needed. Even walking close to a group can sometimes make you look less alone.
Confidence matters. If you look lost, people notice it.
At the same time, don’t close yourself off. Being kind, asking questions, talking to people, or helping others if you can, can lead to nice and unexpected connections. You just ought to keep a balance between being open and being aware, and always make sure you can leave a situation if you need to.
So yes, solo traveling is not just about the places you visit, but about how you experience them. It teaches you independence, confidence, and how to trust yourself in completely new situations while exploring facets of the world as well as yourself that you would not have otherwise.
Safe travels, guys, and do not let fear keep you away from places that could change your life for the best! Prepare and be aware so that you can let go, have fun, and follow the flow when you are already there!
Photos by Alexa Bandura
