First Memories of Solo Travel

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First Memories of Solo Travel

I still vividly remember my very first solo trip. It was in 2001 when I was just 19 years old, and my mom waved goodbye as I boarded the Eurostar to Paris. Packed in my backpack was a hefty Lonely Planet guidebook, weighing about a kilogram, yet it was my most treasured possession at the time. Back then, there were no smartphones or internet to rely on, so that book was my lifeline for every adventure.

Before setting off, I meticulously flipped through its pages, searching for accommodations and marking the first hostel I planned to stay at. Without any reservations (and making international calls was quite pricey), I simply set out to find a place with available beds. Looking back now, I realize how both risky and thrilling that approach was—sometimes I would wander through unfamiliar places for hours just to find a place to rest my head.

Exploring the City on Foot

Every day, I would grab a paper map from the reception and embark on foot to explore every corner of Paris. I roamed the streets for nearly a week until I felt I had truly acquainted myself with the city. Some areas I traversed weren’t the safest, like the Pigalle red-light district or the alleys around Gare du Nord. It was a slow and sometimes uncomfortable experience, but it gave me ample time to think, observe, and uncover interesting things that no one had suggested to me.

In an age where electric bikes and ride-hailing apps abound, it’s easy to forget the intimacy and closeness that come with exploring a city step by step, free from the constraints of Google Maps or rigid directions.

Seeking Connection

However, not every moment was rosy. At 19, I often felt lonely while traveling solo. Evenings spent trying to connect with others in restaurants or bars felt too pricey for my budget. Instead, I opted for museums, seeking solace while gazing at Picasso’s masterpieces or a Flemish still life by Peter Claesz as treasured gifts to myself.

These days, museums still serve as safe havens for solo travelers, but finding time-filling activities has become much easier. There are countless affordable tours, free walking excursions, and social platforms to connect with other travel enthusiasts. Back then, I had to muster the courage to strike up conversations with strangers; now, numerous apps and initiatives facilitate those connections.

The Realities of Solo Travel in the Analog Era

Without a support network, solo traveling back then truly demanded resilience and problem-solving skills. I remember one time when I lost money, and my parents had to wire funds through Western Union since there was no online banking. The fees were steep, and I had to trek to a branch in Barcelona to collect the cash.

During my stay in Tokyo in 2004, many ATMs didn’t operate on weekends, so if you didn’t withdraw cash on Friday, you could be stuck. You had to be wise and think ahead, which is a stark contrast to today, where accessing finances is quick, borderless, and almost without barriers.

Unexpected Opportunities

On that journey, I often kept cash and traveler's checks in a money belt under my t-shirt. Although bank cards existed, cash was still the primary means of payment. I literally slept with that belt every night, fearing theft.

Despite the real obstacles, joyful surprises also emerged. I always cherished those spontaneous moments that brought unexpected delights, like discovering hot falafel on the streets of Amsterdam or meeting a Canadian hockey player on the train to Milan while missing home.

Solo Travel in the Future

Looking back, I feel proud of the 19-year-old I once was. Those foundational experiences helped me become a professional travel journalist and the founder of Globetrender, a trend forecasting agency and online magazine about the future of travel. So, what will the next 25 years hold?

I predict that solo travel will become more purposeful, focusing on learning and personal growth rather than just an escape. Trips may be slower and longer, replacing the old habit of hopping from one place to another.

Technological Transformation and Human Needs

In the next 25 years, artificial intelligence will completely transform how we travel—from biometric passports to AI concierges crafting highly personalized itineraries, satellite networks like Starlink promising to connect land, sea, and sky, and service robots managing logistics at hotels and airports. While technology may assist us, our basic human needs will never change: we will still seek shelter, food, and human connection, whether through brief encounters or deeper interactions along our journeys.

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