A solo traveler, armed with doubts and a backpack, standing at the crossroads of adventure and anxiety. That was me, contemplating solo travel and the intimidating idea of navigating a foreign land alone. But something inside of me told me to take the plunge! I had been watching ( stalking aha ) all the Instagram videos of a vibrant community of travellers through Awake Tours but still thought it couldn't be me. One day I just thought f*it what have I got to lose... and oh my I am so glad that I did! Fast forward 3 tours & I am so glad I took the initial plunge which ultimately transformed my travel life from solo and alone into a long run of memories which I'll have for a lifetime.
The Initial Hesitations & Facing the Solo Travel Fear:
Let's rewind to the beginning, where the prospect of solo travel seemed as daunting as deciphering an ancient map without Google. The fear of the unknown, the anxiety of being a lone wanderer, and the nagging question – "What if I end up feeling like an outsider?" These were the hesitations that kept me from taking the plunge into the solo travel realm. However none of my friends at home were ready to travel, some said they were - but never committed & I just wanted to go! Doing anything alone can be daunting but everything in my life that has scared me has ultimately turned out to be the best thing for me after the fact. One day I just got sick of being so scared & thought of the alternative which was: Never going & never doing it. Well, that was enough to scare the s**t out of me, I was not going to die with this regret. So I called my own bullshi* and was on my way to get that passport photo & a suitcase big enough to pack up my life for 6 months & hit the road.
As a solo traveler, the list of fears seemed never-ending – from the awkward loneliness at dinner tables to the fear of getting lost in translation, the uncertainty of forming connections, the fear of missing out on shared experiences and the lingering worry of safety were all formidable barriers to overcome. Solo travel, it appeared, was a daunting mountain to climb.
Enter Awake Tours – The Game Changer:
Enter Awake Tours, the dynamic protagonist of my solo travel adventure. What initially drew me to this vibrant tour company wasn't just the promise of exciting events, music festivals, and parties – it was the reassurance that I wouldn't be going at this adventure alone, the price was very reasonable & everyone seemed super welcoming & cool from the videos I had seen! Awake Tours became more than just a tour company; it became the bridge between my hesitant self and the exhilarating world of solo travel & ultimately what led me to my new self!
The moment I stepped into the world of Awake Tours it felt like I had been welcomed into an old family of people I knew. When I arrived I received a great big hug from the tour guide & everyone around me instantly started asking where I was from, my travel plans etc. Our tour guide gave a speech which basically summed up all the reasons why we should be mates with one another & how they only accept full inclusion & that it was their goal to make sure everybody got along! Our tour guide told us to drop our egos at the door, don’t make it like high school & have a good time with our new crew!
Discovering the Beauty of Solo Travel:
As the days unfolded, I discovered the profound beauty of solo travel within the safety net of Awake Tours. The freedom to explore at my own pace, the joy of forming spontaneous connections with fellow travelers, and the liberation of discovering new places without the fear of solitude became the highlights of my journey. Navigating the unfamiliar became a fun game rather than a fearful challenge.
The beauty of Awake Tours lies not only in the events and parties but also in the shared experiences. Every sunset beach party, every event, every cool new daily activity, and every spontaneous adventure made me feel so grateful that I took the plunge! The fear of missing out? It became the thrill of being part of something bigger than myself.
Being solo forced me to make friends, everybody around me was in the same position and ultimately we were all there for a good time, so why not just spark up a conversation – I really had nothing to lose. On top of this Awake made it very easy to do so & accepted nothing less than a solid crew who were all on a mission to have the best week ever!
Our tour guides weren't just leaders; they were mates on this journey. The fellow tour attendees weren't just strangers; they were friends who I got to share all the madness of our week away with.
Awake Tours: My New Lifestyle:
From a hesitant solo traveler to a fearless explorer, from a lone wanderer to a cherished member of a global community. To anyone scared about solo travel, I say this: Dive in, let the fears fade. It's not just about the places you visit; it's about the person you become along the way – a person liberated, connected, and forever part of the Awake Tours family. Cheers to conquering fears, embracing adventures, and discovering the unknown & living life to the fullest. Until the next one!
