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-   -   Travelling solo - do they know something I don't? (https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/the-hubb-pub/travelling-solo-do-they-know-40167)

Laura Bennitt 16 Jan 2009 12:21

Travelling solo - do they know something I don't?
 
Hello peeps!

In April I'm heading off round Europe on my TA. On my own. Now, to me, this doesn't seem to be too big a deal - I'm only going as far east as Ukraine, bit of a bimble round the Balkans, back in time for the HUMM. Everyone I tell this to thinks it's a great idea, until I mention I'm going on my own, at which point they look a little bit scared.

Last night I met a cop who is biking round the world for 6 months with a couple of mates to raise money for charity. HE said he wouldn't like to do my trip on his own, seemed to think I was quite hardcore. Later conversations with someone else he was discussing close protection work in the Balkans and talking about going to visit a relative who's going to be head of security at Basra airport!

So now i'm wondering if there's some huge troll lurking under every bridge that eats solo travellers (when it can't get billy goats), that everyone else knows about and I don't.

Is travelling alone really unusual enough to provoke that much surprise and awe? I can see why you would and why you wouldn't, but I wouldn't have thought the decision to travel alone would be seen as such a big deal, just another personal choice.

Laura

Linzi 16 Jan 2009 13:39

Solo
 
Balkans solo. You'll have a great time. No question. Linzi.

Lars 16 Jan 2009 13:48

Hey Laura,

you'll probably be about as much on your own as you choose.

My guess is that people are particularly awed by solo travellers because they are scared to be on their own. In fact, local people take special care of solo travellers.

Have fun.

Lars

MikeS 16 Jan 2009 13:59

Having done both, there are considerable differences between riding solo and with someone else. There are obviously some advantages of having someone else around say when you break down or are going out to eat (this didn't bother me at all in Asia but strangely I felt more self conscious in Europe) etc but you are much more free on your own, no one rushes you but you can ride at whatever speeds you like, stop when you like etc.

From my own experience, you won't have trouble meeting people (and you'll probably meet more on your own than traveling with others) however the main difference would likely be the pestering from the local guys- but if you can handle that, you can handle anything I'd say!

Threewheelbonnie 16 Jan 2009 14:39

Friends and relatives always have a "safe" horizon. Five hundred years ago they'd have told you not to go into Lancashire alone, a hundred years back it'd be France, now they can imagine themselves travelling to Majorca or Florida and not much further. Being alone rather than with a plane load of your mates seems to make it worse to them. The Lancastians and French stopped eating travellers a few thousand years back as did the rest of the world, it just took a while for the word to get to some people.

Your Police contact has the opposite problem. When two coppers get together they talk about murders and rapes not how many tickets they dished out for cycling on the pavement. People listening to the conversation could assume the whole place was full of dangerous criminals.

The Balkans is Europe. Lots of very nice friendly people who mostly obey the laws, pay their taxes and do what they can for a bit of fun. Take the sort of security precautions you would in the UK, use your common sense and you'll be fine.

Like Mike S says, this is southern Europe, so expect a little a more latin spirit from the blokes who fancy you.

Andy

tommysmithfromleeds 16 Jan 2009 16:43

yeah i get this all the time from family and friends; im off to see the stones/off round scotland/off round vietnam/off out for a few drinks.....'what, on your own???"

I would hate it if i was dependent on people for happiness. if you start off on your own then surely anything else is a plus in life.

I think its more of a social thing then safety.

baluchiman 16 Jan 2009 17:11

Hi Laura

I would reiterate all of the above comments, especially 'Lars'. I would never travel any other way, but solo. In my opinion it is the best way. I recall my first trip overland to India thirteen years ago. According to others, I was going to get kidnapped in Kurdistan and if I survived that, I would most probably get lynched in Iran, neither happened, bar from making loads of new friends. Its amazing how fellow overlanders attract each other, whether you meet someone at a border crossing or you meet someone at a camp site. The beauti of travelling solo is that you can choose whether to spend a few days/weeks travelling with someone else or not. In addition, should you get lost you only have yourself to blame, and if you do not have to considor anyone else when it comes to routes, sightseeing etc.

As for solo riding being hard core, that is nonsense (depending on the trip of course) its no more hard core than if you were travelling with someone else.
I'm sure you don't feel it necessary to pair up everytime you go some where in the UK, why should travelling through Europe be any different.

You go ahead and travel alone, you won't regret it.

Good luck

Mike

baluchiman 16 Jan 2009 17:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by baluchiman (Post 223720)
Hi Laura

I would reiterate all of the above comments, especially 'Lars'. I would never travel any other way, but solo. In my opinion it is the best way. I recall my first trip overland to India thirteen years ago. According to others, I was going to get kidnapped in Kurdistan and if I survived that, I would most probably get lynched in Iran, neither happened, bar from making loads of new friends. Its amazing how fellow overlanders attract each other, whether you meet someone at a border crossing or you meet someone at a camp site. The beauti of travelling solo is that you can choose whether to spend a few days/weeks travelling with someone else or not. In addition, should you get lost you only have yourself to blame, and if you do not have to considor anyone else when it comes to routes, sightseeing etc.

As for solo riding being hard core, that is nonsense (depending on the trip of course) its no more hard core than if you were travelling with someone else.
I'm sure you don't feel it necessary to pair up everytime you go some where in the UK, why should travelling through Europe be any different.

You go ahead and travel alone, you won't regret it.

Good luck

Mike

beauty - you illiterate cr£tin

Billy Bunter 16 Jan 2009 17:49

People do have a funny attitude to solo travelers... thats friends, family and locals you meet on the way. A couple of years ago i spent eighteen months doing London to Sydney on my own and loved it and am currently traveling in Africa solo. You aways meet people on the way, locals, back packers and other bike travelers, also, friends sometimes fly out when you are in a 'nice' place too.

However, there will also be times when you are a little bit lonely, or stuck in a situation where you think another person would be of benefit, but on balance, i prefer solo and when i do hook with others on the road after a while i want to go back to solo, to make my own decisions etc etc

I also think you speak to locals more on your own as they are more likely to approach a lone traveler than two travelers talking away to each other to the exclusion of the people around them, and i like to chat to locals when i can more than anyone else.

The funny thing is, like mentioned earlier in this thread, in Europe I never feel comfortable dining alone, but in eastern europe, asia or africa no problem whats so ever, probably because people are more likely to chat to you there.

Anyway, Its a real horses for courses situation, but i am i believe a solo pony!

mollydog 16 Jan 2009 18:14

Stay out of bars when alone.
Best!

buebo 16 Jan 2009 20:32

Hello,
I can't contribute much that has not been said here already, but actually I'll be doing pretty much the same thing.

Starting from Romania I'll be going to Ukraine, catch the ferry to Istanbul, ride through Bulgaria, do a quick loop in Albania, have a look into Europe's youngest Nation (Kosovo) and then finally hit the Adria and head north, where home is. Most of it alone

So obviously my Advice is don't worry to much. Like somebody stated here earlier people have a horizon and whatever goes beyond that appears dangerous and irresponsible to them.

Mike 17 Jan 2009 00:01

Ach, I love this site sometimes. How brilliant to see so many positive responses in such a short space of time.

Lots of sensible advice, too, including the most sensible advice of all... "go ahead and do it."

--Mike

DukeXTZ 17 Jan 2009 05:01

one ? two ? whats the difference.
 
If you are going to get kidnapped, (which is highly unlikely in Europe e.g. the Balkan) they can as well kidnap you and your mate. (two persons make about the same impression on a guy with an automatic weapon as one person does.) Actually, if I think a bit longer about it, two persons equals more ransom money, so better travel alone :clap:

(/me went solo from switzerland to india. never felt threatend anywhere on my trip)

DougieB 17 Jan 2009 10:56

Josie Dew has a good book about her travels in Europe and elsewhere solo by bicycle. I think it´s Wind in My Wheels or something. It´s got an account of when something went badly wrong, and her reflections after the event happened. She sums up the risks very well.

If I ever get home I can lend you the book, but you can probably get it in a library or shop.


cheers,
Doug

craig76 17 Jan 2009 12:28

You're more likely to get into problems in big tourist resorts, i.e. Malia, Magaluf, etc. Been there, done that. The only time I've had a problem when travelling with the bike was getting into a fight with a Romanian smackhead in Amsterdam. I believe there's one HUBB user got mugged in Monza. Again, a town with a big tourist draw. I've found that the less tourist focused a place is, the more welcoming the locals are of solo travellers. That to me is a big pull to travel before these places get more commercialised. Prague is usually cited as a prime example.

The first tour I did alone was Italy by car. I was supposed to be going with my then girlfriend but thats another story in itself. My parents were less than happy when I told them I was going anyway. Why they thought I'd be safer with her is anyone's guess.

They had just got used to idea until one year, I told them I was taking the bike and that the Nurburgring was on the itinerary and they hit the roof. They just accept it now.

If they think you're hardcore, let them think it. Makes what you're doing that bit more special.

BTW, the last trip I did with the bike was just for a week with a mate to see the Moto GP in Holland. You have no idea how much he did my head by the end of Day 1. It was also down to him that I had the previously mentioned scrap in Amsterdam on the return journey. Unless someone is as well prepared as you and has the same attitude, they're more trouble than they're worth! Solution: travel alone, stay out of the tourist towns.

baluchiman 17 Jan 2009 14:14

I find your derogatory use of the word 'smackhead' offensive,. I think you mean drug dependant.

geordie_e 17 Jan 2009 17:39

laura.
I did a 2 week trip to Finland on my own. My missus thought I was nuts and had lost the plot !
She went thru all the what if's ? and I replied with everything was covered :mchappy:
I went to Finland on my own via Sweden, however I had heard things about Estonia for my return journey. So I teamed up with another couple (who I know very well from my bike club), even though I enjoyed their company I couldnt wait to get back to being on my own :thumbup1: to be able to make my own decisions about eating, camping, route and stopping for ciggy breaks.

My next trip will be solo, I just find it so more relaxing and enjoyable. You will always find someone to chat to. Just be aware of your surroundings and try and find your sixth sense.

Cheers
Geordie

Threewheelbonnie 18 Jan 2009 08:59

I'll second most of what Craig76 says. Give me a solo trip over any group bigger than three anytime. I did a Morocco trip in a group of 13 and it was ****. Riding as a pair can have real advantages but you really do need to be sure you'll get on with your mate. Last trip I did with a mate was with a guy I've known for twenty five years, that worked. I've done day trips and known the other riders would be riding their own trip even if we set off at the same time and went to te same places.

I think the smackhead comment was fair given that said drug dependent person assaulted someone.

Andy

Hooli 18 Jan 2009 16:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by baluchiman (Post 223823)
I find your derogatory use of the word 'smackhead' offensive,. I think you mean drug dependant.

smackhead sounds right to me. its there choice to get ****ed up in that way so why should we show them anymore respect than they show themselves?
ridicule & so forth is the best way society has of showing something they are wrong.

Linzi 18 Jan 2009 17:20

I agree-sympathy where it's due but adult means responsible for your own actions. There are no human rights. Life's tough. If you can't take the heat find a high bridge and jump. Linzi. Anyway, I thought smackhead meant someone who punched you ie a thug.

craig76 18 Jan 2009 18:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by baluchiman (Post 223823)
I find your derogatory use of the word 'smackhead' offensive,. I think you mean drug dependant.

OTT political correctness isn't one of my strong points so smackhead is appropriate as far as I'm concerned. Minimising what they are by labelling them as "victims of society" or whatever the "PC buzzword" is this week, just makes it more socially acceptable which I find worrying.

The guy (and his hangers on) tried to rob us because my mate had victim written all over him after sampling the many delights of Amsterdam and probably had his drink spiked too. I on the other hand, stayed relatively sober and made it quite clear that we weren't about to hand over any cash or passports. If I hadn't been aware of the situation unfolding, I would have probably been chewing on the glass he shoved in my face.

Although now off-topic, the point I was trying to illustrate was if you present yourself as a potential victim which my mate did, you will find someone who will prey on you.

Walkabout 18 Jan 2009 18:39

Funny old thing, but CP teams, ex-police ("evening all") etc etc have one thing in common: they need to stay in a job, so they have to follow the line that only they can sort out the problems.

Anyway, smackhead works for me: seen them, lived with them, put up with them and I would very much like to bury one or two of them.

Rgds,

Walkabout 18 Jan 2009 18:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by baluchiman (Post 223823)
I find your derogatory use of the word 'smackhead' offensive,. I think you mean drug dependant.

No, actually he means "smackhead", as in S M A C K H E A D: Simple really, nothing to do with the PC word which is really offensive to the general population who manage to get by in life without resorting to drugs.

Linzi 18 Jan 2009 18:52

More Tolerance
 
Actually I should be more tolerant maybe. I'm drug dependant--adrenaliine and dopamine. Without them I'm very lethargic and bored. Linzi.

Walkabout 18 Jan 2009 19:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linzi (Post 224000)
Actually I should be more tolerant maybe. I'm drug dependant--adrenaliine and dopamine. Without them I'm very lethargic and bored. Linzi.

i manage on an espresso in mid-morning and 6-8 pints of Guinness most nights. Then I get up and do it all over again: drug dependent or just a smackhead? Tonight I rely on red wine, but it is a special occasion that equates to 8 pints.

Walkabout 18 Jan 2009 19:12

Smackheads
 
Incidentally, if you think that "smackheading" is a great idea, try deep-sea diving while a "smackhead" is looking after your diving gear at the surface: talk about "your life in their hands": get out of here!

That's why British Rail is never, ever going to employ smackheads as train drivers.

ian booth 18 Jan 2009 20:35

On my way north, from the south of france last year. I lost track of time and before long found myself on dark roads with no camp sites around. Three times I passed an area what I thought was dodgy to lay up for the night.
It got to about 2300hr and I could not find a camp site. In the end I went back to this dodgy area, parked the bike next to an RV, and got my head down.The next morning an old lady owner of a small camping van, who looked to be travelling on her own, brought me the sweetest tasting coffee, and a big smile.This is one of the fondest memories of my trip.
Dont forget that when your feeling low for whatever reason. A small act of kindness at the start of a day by a total stranger will pull you through and inspire you to carry on.

Good luck

TB

craig76 18 Jan 2009 21:54

Back on topic, that's one of the best things about travelling alone.

In Italy, I reached Bassano del Grappa at the end of a long day and asked for directions to the youth hostel, in a bar attached to a petrol station. The lad behind the counter spoke no English and I spoke very little Italian so he went to get the girl who ran the place. She spoke good English, asked if I wanted food and invited me to the barbecue that she was having with her mates round the back of this petrol station! I spent a very pleasant evening drinking grappa spritzers and watching some very drunk attempts at karaoke on petrol station forecourt. If anyone knows what is in those spritzers (other than grappa of course), please let me know.

In Germany, an elderly couple from Dusseldorf invited me to have breakfast with them. I think they felt sorry for me in my tiny tent and obviously roughing it. It was actually a good learning experience as they spoke no English and I found my German is actually a lot better than I thought it was. There was a bit of friendly banter regarding accents between this couple and the campsite owner and the joke seemed to be along the lines of, "English? I thought he was from Dusseldorf". The very kind lady also made a packed lunch up for me to take on that day's ride.

I was also invited for a beer and food by an English couple travelling by motorhome while I was in Berchtesgaden. They actually live about 10 miles away from me but I probably wouldn't have spoken to them if I'd been in a group.

I also got talking to a elderly German man on a Yamaha FJR while at the docks at Ijmuiden. I was heading home and he was on his way for a tour of Scotland. He's been a marshall at the IOM and before he retired, he was a crytographer (code breaker) working in West Berlin before the wall came down. Very clever man and fascinating to talk to. We got talking about the Jimmie Guthrie museum in Hawick and also the Nurburgring and he started telling me about about the training days he did there on his Suzuki TL1000S. Very matter of fact about getting his time down to under 10 minutes, not being too hard but getting it down under 9 mins took him a whole year (he was in his 80's!!!). We also got talking to 2 couples from the Shetlands who I believe use HU also.

Sorry for the ramble but I think solo travelling is definitely the way to go. Even if cost wasn't an issue, I would never consider booking a trip with one of the tour companies, purely for this reason.

Frank Warner 18 Jan 2009 22:48

Go.
 
Some jorno here wants to ban the Dakar race - too dangerous....

Different people have different limits ... go on your trip and enjoy it. You decide if something feels doggy ... just use your senses and you will be no more at risk than you are at home.

As for that jorno ... I'm surprised that the article appeared .. after all it is a risky thing to get out of bed.

Laura Bennitt 18 Jan 2009 23:11

There we go, I knew I wasn't the only one! Thanks for the replies and stories!

I think I first decided travelling with someone for the sake of it wasn't worth it when i hitched to Morocco for charity a few years ago. It's a big fairly organised thing at a lot of UK universities, and the organisers won't let you hitch on your own. If you don't have someone to go with their pair you up, and there has to be at least one guy in every group.

I had nothing in common with the guy I was paired with (none of my friends thought hitching to Morocco was a good way to spend a holiday!!!!!) But I speak French and Spanish, so managed great conversations with everyone who picked us up (including a trucker's hooker heading home after work one morning, a breadknife-wielding mad Dane, and a Belgian-Moroccan guy who didn't want us to leave his broken down truck to walk a few streets away to a hotel because I reminded him of his daughter!!). One driver offered us some unknown greenish powder to snort on, which I refused but the guy took - great points for the stereotyped assumption that he'd keep a clear head in order to come to the rescue of a girl he'd never met before and had nothing to say to!!!!

I've travelled mostly solo ever since, and it's good to know that isn't such an unusual thing, the spirit of independence is alive and well!!!

And re safety, I have possibly one of the best options for a non-restrictive safety mechanism in that my dad works for a newsagency with offices and agents all over the world, so anywhere I go I have a well-informed emergency contact on the end of a phone. Reassures my mother anyway!!

Laura

Laura Bennitt 18 Jan 2009 23:20

Oh and i have a wedding ring too. Somewhere. Technically still have a husband too, though I doubt he'd be much use as a deterrant!

albert crutcher 19 Jan 2009 00:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laura Bennitt (Post 224050)
Oh and i have a wedding ring too. Somewhere. Technically still have a husband too, though I doubt he'd be much use as a deterrant!

Ouch!!!
Al theturtleshead


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