Solo Travelling

I've always been the type of person who distances themselves when times get hard.  This self-chosen solitude eventually fixes the rut that I'm in and opens up so much opportunity.  My latest rut just happened to bring me to Oregon and Washington state for a week of solo travelling.

Natural Grasses along the Pacific coastline in Tillamook Bay, Oregon. June 25, 2016. 

I decided on a whim that a week of lone travelling before heading off to college would benefit me in ways that I couldn't explain to others.  While planning for this trip, I often had to explain in great detail to others that I WAS in fact travelling completely solo for a week in two foreign states.  The look of amazement and bewilderment on others' faces was funny the first few times, but quickly became disheartening.  As a very intelligent and independent 18 year old, I thought justifying my solo expedition was superfluous; however, I soon realized the extent of skepticism from others.  I often thought to myself, "Why do I have to justify my life choices to others?" and, "Why is it looked down upon to see a young, female adult travelling alone?"  I battled sexism and numerous stereotypes while preparing for, and even travelling on my trip.  My parents supported me 100% from the very beginning, but I can't say the same about my extended family, co-workers, or even friends. 

While on my trip, I met some very inspiring people that I won't soon forget.  They were unbiased, upfront, independent, and all women.  Maybe we connected with each other because of our gender or maybe it was our similar personalities.  Whatever the case, we understood each other and looked out for one another.  Let me explain....

On the 2nd day of my trip, I met up with a tour company to visit Mt. Hood and the numerous waterfalls surrounding the area.  Right off the bat, I noticed a 20 year old and a 40 year old at the first stop with me - both were women.  Both women were travelling solo, wore small backpacks like myself, and were dressed in modest clothing.  They were having fun, blending into the background, and we were all instantly drawn to each other.   We began talking to each other and travelled in a group at most of our stops.  We would set off with each other, often break apart briefly to do our own thing, then reconnect again.  We were independent in our own ways, but also semi-reliant on each other.  The 20 year old had backpacked on her own for a month in Europe and the 40 year old was stepping out of her comfort zone and taking a solo vacation.  After our 8 hour day together, we parted ways and will likely never see each other again. 

A similar occurrence happened while I was staying in a hostel in Bingen, Washington.  I stepped onto my (literal) train platform in Bingen (see below) and immediately wondered what I had gotten myself into.

Amtrak station platform in Bingen, Washington. 
June 24, 2016. 

I was surrounded by mountains and a river, and the only way to get back to Oregon was to cross a motorist-only bridge 2 miles down the road.  I crossed the only main road in town and found the hostel that would be accommodating me for the next 2 nights.  It was an old, converted school house and exactly what I was looking for.  I was able to explore this small town in great depth and meet another amazing woman.  My roommate for the next few nights was a 50 year old heritage interpretor for a small riverboat company along the Columbia River.  She had lived in California, Oregon, Scotland, and Hawaii - just to name a few.  We had long talks at a coffee shop down the road where she not only spoke to me as an equal, but we also shared some wonderful life stories.  I learned alot from her over a short period of two days and I wish I would've had the rest of the week to learn more about her.  This woman made my stay in Bingen feel like home because of how accommodating and caring she was.  On my last day there, I walked down to the train platform bright and early in the morning after grabbing a coffee from the same coffee shop a day prior.  As I was waiting for my train, I saw Sarah* running down the hill towards the train station.  She was running down to say her goodbyes and see me off onto my next adventure.  We hugged, parted ways, and will likely never see each other again, but Sarah* made a lasting impression on me that won't fade any time soon.

Throughout both of my stories I've shared, it seems that the women bonded simply because we were all in the same boat -  solo travellers.  Even if I hadn't met people like them, I'm sure my travel experience would still have a lasting effect on me.  I was able to clear my mind, experience new cultures by myself, and prepare myself for college.  After coming back, my head is more clear and I'm more focused on what I want in life.  I was also able to cross two items off my bucket list: Trying sushi (and liking it) and kayaking. 

If travelling solo still isn't for you, that's ok.  The experience and journey isn't for everyone, but I highly recommend trying it for yourself.  You never know who or what you may stumble into;  It could have an amazing effect on your life.