Solo Traveler Experience
(Vyšehrad 2018)
Hey Bobcats, my name is Brijeanae Foster and I'll be sharing a bit about my solo traveling experience!
Traveling both domestically and internationally can be very exciting, but who would we be kidding if we said it didn't make us a bit nervous. Going abroad broadened my horizons when it came to traveling. Seeing as though I had not yet been out of the U.S. there was a lot for me to think about leading up to the time I departed. For first-generation college students like myself, traveling and being abroad can be very shocking, surpassing the fact that studying abroad itself is an eye-opening experience.
(Prague 2019)
I spent an academic year abroad in Prague, CZ, and it was something I am continuously processing up until this very day because I had so many great experiences while I was gone. I spent most of my time alone that included a few mini trips to other countries throughout Europe. For most of us, our first time traveling abroad is often the first experience ever being alone. Now adding packing and prepping every moment up until to leave to that mix can be very daunting. To make things lighter on the heart, here are a couple of tips when it comes to your solo traveler experience!
Transportation and Nerves
(Náměstí Míru Metro Station Prague 2019)
Now we know the nerves settle in sometimes way before we are even boarding the plane or while let's be honest, while we're packing. Solo traveling alone can be intimidating at times because we have to solely depend on ourselves to get from point A to point B. Friends and other travelers I know suggest that looking up in country Apps that are good for that country's most convenient transportation methods! It makes getting around much easier and is a wonderful way to immerse yourself into the daily life of a local. I also suggest making Google Maps your best friend as I did at times. You can download local maps and use them while you are offline and make your way around!
While in Prague, I was always on the go alone throughout the beautiful city, which meant I was always on the metro, trams, and buses. My program provided a universal transportation pass, but every program is different and you may have to incorporate transportation into your budget! Depending on where I was going the metro was more convenient and much faster than the trams since the trams had to follow traffic/street lights. I recommend doing a bit of research on transportation in every country and city you intend to visit.
Language and Asking for Helppp!
(Madrid Spring 2019)
Czech was most definitely a challenging language to pick up, but I was able to make it by for my year in Prague. I found myself at times struggling with basic Czech phrases while out and about. I would be very hesitant to ask for help because I didn't want to use English or feel as if I was bothering anyone. While at the grocery store or the gym, I would use the Czech I picked up, but at times it just wasn't enough. Getting over that feeling wasn't the easiest thing to do, but I had to especially when visiting other countries. For example, while in Madrid, Berlin, and Budapest, I had to get over being hesitant and just ask for help when I needed to. Every destination is different, and this is something I learned while being abroad. We don't have to struggle when there are nice individuals nearby willing to help us out! Asking for help is always the way to go, no matter how simple or complex you may think your request may be.
(Budapest, Hungary Fall 2019)
These were only a couple of examples of my solo traveling experience, but there are endless examples out there! The benefits of solo traveling and allowing ourselves the opportunity to experience them is life-changing. Prague opened up several doors for me that I continue to pull from today. Awesome adventures and lifelong memories await you, so start planning now!
-Bri
