SO Bummed!... - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

Realmofo · 03-17-2005, 07:54 AM

Im so bummed out, my friend that was supposed to be taking the trip with me in June just canceled because of work, his job is making him do an overseas project during that time period, so I have to do something in June. I highly doubt ill find someone else as everyone I know is broke and still in school. I dont think id enjoy a solo trip either, im a very social person and would need someone from back home to share the experiences with.

Maybe later on I can go solo, but as of now....I AM going solo.

Its been almost 4 years since ive taken a real vacation, and Europe sounds like the place to go. I dont think ill be backpacking though if im going solo, just luggage and hotel stays...which is a bummer. I might as well just head to Spain, visit family, then head to Ibiza for a week or so and relax...

Id be too afraid to travel solo as a foreigner...by myself, with lots of cash on me, and a big backpack full of clothes and other items, any asswipe group of people can jump out or something and attempt to kick my ass or something with his buddies, if I had someone else with me im sure it would help....

Anyways thats my rant...I dont know what to do...

**TheJake** · 03-17-2005, 08:10 AM

dude solo travel is sooo not like that.

Wake up and smell the java. Look around on the boards a bit more mofo, you'll find that everyone on here who has said what you're saying we verbally abused until they went solo and stayed in hostels. Don't support the man. Give your money to backpacker places!

Seriously the first hostel you goto, if it is a good tpunk recommended one you will meet a crapload of people. then you can tag along with them if you want to travel with peeps. seriously don't be a pu ssy.

**voyd** · 03-17-2005, 08:14 AM

Werd, there's a lot of testimonials here on all the benefits of going solo.

Your story is typical - it's very hard to find friends whose schedules will mesh with yours - and also aren't broke. Most will eventually flake out of any trip plans. But, if you let that stop you too - then you will never get going anywhere! Fact. Which is why so many packers end up going solo - and once you do, you may very well find that you prefer it!

Realmofo · 03-17-2005, 08:23 AM

Allright thanks for the replies guys, its just my "first time" traveling solo out of the US (except my country), I dont have a problem with it at all, but you know sometimes you need a second opinion. Im thinking of jumping into the solo traveling section of this site which I havent already because it did not interest me. Its just weird thats all, I dont trust ANYONE, and like I mentioned I have no idea what to expect. Especially with my bags, with the people that I chill with...etc.

I am definitely looking into staying in hostels now, im not expecting to chill at hotels at all, but one or two nights I am to just relax in my own bed and chill out. My boss is scottish and he told me he would travel around every year for a full month when he was my age, and solo is all good. He always met somebody and went traveling with them (mostly women of course) but those arent my intentions just yet.

I guess im just confused thats all... thanks for the pep talk!

**Sijuki** · 03-17-2005, 09:30 AM

Give Solo travel a chance man... it's a great way to travel and meet new friends. You just pay attention to what is going on around you and keep your important documents secure... you are good to go. Seriously who wants to steal your boxers?

Just keep cash secure in a money belt or hidden on yourself.. Just keep like $100 in one pocket that you will be using for the day or whatever you may need. So at worst the average theif or pick pocket won't get but one day of your spending cash.

**omisan** · 03-17-2005, 10:17 AM

Solo is the way to fly...

You wind up meeting way more people, are free to do pretty much whatever you want, and dammit, you see your friends the 300 days of the year you're NOT traveling!

I *love* having my friends around, too, but never for the whole duration of the trip. Usually I like to get somewhere first have my friends arrive a while later, and maybe leave before me - it gives me a break in the middle of the trip where I can have the "comforts of home" for a bit, and then get right back to the random adventures. And if they don't come at all? Oh well! They can sit there and get jealous when they see all the pictures and hear the nutty stories. And then if you do this enough, they'll be begging to come with you next time!

Realmofo · 03-17-2005, 10:35 AM

I appreciate the input! Im thinking now of getting my backpack, and signing up for a tour (4 days max). Then wherever the tour ends I have a whole week and a couple of days to do whatever I want. I personally hate tours, but like I mentioned its my first time, and id rather let the culture clash sink in a bit and actually do something on my own (instead of hanging at the local pub) or just partying at night.

Im all over the place right now, I think im going to go ahead and sit down this weekend and really think about what I want to do. Tours are ghey as hell, my parents and sisters went on a month tour last year and came back EXHAUSTED. They saw a lot, but you are always on the up and go which sucks. So im debating a couple of days in a tour and then head off into the unknown, or go chill in Ibiza for the rest of the time. I notice when im away it feels LOOOONG (Cancun week felt like a month). This is definitely going to be a yearly thing from now on, im hooked on the hype of traveling. Ive been to Europe before guys (half spaniard) for the people that dont remember, but never alone...

**TimmyJames1976** · 03-17-2005, 10:46 AM

yeah man, i am going solo by choice. i don't want to have to argue w/friends on where to go, what to do, blah blah blah.

dimples · 03-17-2005, 01:20 PM

Hey if it makes you feel any better...Brit and I are going to be in Europe in June, the whole month actually, so if you wanna meet up somewhere.. i'm sure we'd be more than happy to do that!! That way you don't have to be solo the whole time...it could be fun!!

No but really...go solo it's a good way to get to see what you want and do what you want with out the hassle of arguing with someone about where to go. I got lucky and have a friend who is willing to compromise like me, YAY!! Go solo and have a blast!!!! Ok, i'm done ranting now...

**ChasinJason1313** · 03-18-2005, 02:34 AM

I had an interesting experience this past summer. I backpacked Europe for three months. The first month was with "essentially" a girlfriend and we stayed in hotels and met no one. The second month was with my female cousin, we stayed in hostels and met a good amount of people. the third month I was by myself, stayed in hostels, and met a TON of people.

There are definitely nice things about travelling w/' people from back home. Like when you want to tell one of those, "you had to be there" stories and you have someone else who gets it too. But I have to admit, I had a great time by myself. I also met soooo many more people while by myself. You can't help but meet people. And, the good thing is that when you meet someone in a hostel, you already have something in common to talk about. Striking up conversation is easy. "Where are you from?"

I say go it alone man. Tho I have to admit, if yer really worried about it, a short short(3 or 4 day) tour might be in order. I'll bet you 10 bucks that after the 2nd day you'll be begging to be out of it.

Either way, have a blast, not many people get to do what you're doing

**beergal** · 03-18-2005, 07:58 AM

Quote:

then head to Ibiza for a week or so and relax...

your not doing ibiza properly if your going there to relax ha ha take it from me hun!

fuck em all thats what i say get your arse into gear and go on your own..my mum thinks im crazy for going to russia on my own but i cant wait plus i know she would rather have me in russia for a few weeks than spending another 4 months on the white isle living the crazee life

Elixir · 03-18-2005, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by voyd@Mar 17 2005, 09:13 AM
Werd, there's a lot of testimonials here on all the benefits of going solo.

Your story is typical - it's very hard to find friends whose schedules will mesh with yours - and also aren't broke.* Most will eventually flake out of any trip plans.* But, if you let that stop you too - then you will never get going anywhere!* Fact.* Which is why so many packers end up going solo - and once you do, you may very well find that you prefer it!

your signature pisses me off

Realmofo · 03-18-2005, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by beergal1@Mar 18 2005, 07:57 AM

Quote:

then head to Ibiza for a week or so and relax...

your not doing ibiza properly if your going there to relax ha ha take it from me hun!

fuck em all thats what i say get your arse into gear and go on your own..my mum thinks im crazy for going to russia on my own but i cant wait plus i know she would rather have me in russia for a few weeks than spending another 4 months on the white isle living the crazee life

I know, relax means something different to me!

Tancred · 03-18-2005, 11:30 AM

Alone....its simply safer and better, you pick where you go, you do things your way, and my god if something does go wrong you handle it for you, I hate the idea of babysitting, too many times you will run across a travel buddy who is in the down and out and is tripping head over heels to be your new best friend because they are poor, stranded and blew their last 100 bucks at the bar and a ladyboy......do it alone, its more of an experience.....and take pictures and brag later.........