Marjorie's first big trip was to Italy with twenty-seven women she had never met. Here is what she learned about safety, photographs, and the kind of afternoon on your own that you would not trade for anything.
My first big trip was with people I did not know. I went to Italy with a group of twenty-seven other ladies. We rode Vespas all around town, took buggies down to the local market, wore red outfits to record a synchronised dance video, and went out to the clubs. That trip changed my life, and those ladies became lifelong friends I still talk to today.
You're only scared of what you think is going to happen. When you are in control, there's nothing to be afraid of.
You're only scared of what you think is going to happen. When you are in control, there's nothing to be afraid of.
Load up your currency app and your language app, bring your phone adapter, and remember that you are never truly alone, because you always have your faith.
How I stay safe on my own
I focus on public safety and I make myself known as soon as I arrive at the hotel. I go up and talk to the security officers, the front desk agents, the concierges, and the busboys outside. I will even ask the front desk lady for coffee shop directions twice, just so she remembers my face. When staff and security know who you are, you have a solid safety connection if anything goes wrong.
The hardest part nobody warns you about
Getting good pictures. Everyone can tell when you are taking a selfie, and it is hard to get nice photos sitting down by yourself. The best way to fix that is by booking group tours. People on tours are always happy to swap photo duties and take pictures of you while you take pictures of them.
An afternoon I would not trade
Last year when I went to Portugal, I got in early, went downstairs, and had a delicious burger and fries while chatting with the hotel bartender. Then I walked across the street to a park surrounded by local shops and store displays. Getting to stroll around, take pictures of the buggy rides, and shop by myself made for an absolutely wonderful afternoon.
How you meet people
Book group tours and bring good energy. You can also just sit at hotel bars and have open-minded conversations with the bartenders. When I went to Switzerland, I was sitting at the bar when a group came up to pay their bill. We struck up a conversation, ended up chatting for two hours, and hung out for drinks later. They became good friends I still check in on today.
If you think you are not the type
I ask her why she thinks that, and what is holding her back. My mother always told me to keep your hands free — do not carry a bunch of heavy bags, so you always keep a hand free to protect yourself. You can travel alone. You are never truly by yourself.
Before my first solo trip I was a little anxious and stuck to a strict routine. Afterwards I got it down pat, and realised I can build lifelong friendships wherever I go. I do not look at it as being solo. I just realise I am taking an adventure by myself.
If I could give one piece of advice
- Do not tell everybody that you are travelling solo.
- Do not stay at those ten-dollar jungle spots far out on the beaten path. Stay within forty-five minutes to an hour of the airport, where the action and the people are.
- Make yourself known to the hotel's public safety team.
- If you want to explore somewhere further out, spend the money on a private driver.
Written by Marjorie Bolden
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