Traveling alone is a journey of self-discovery, of exploration and freedom. But the story of a girl traveling solo is always met with raised eyebrows and concerned questions from well-meaning friends and family.
No doubt, traveling has its fair share of dangers and risks. But somehow, the dangers of travel are heightened if you’re traveling alone, and even more so if you’re female. Despite so, I decided to take the plunge this summer, and chose the beautiful landscape of the Isle of Skye as the perfect backdrop for my first ever solo journey. This is a place that I have heard so much about and have longed to go. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed. The island is simply enchanting.
I drove up through the highlands from Edinburgh, before crossing the Skye Bridge into the Isle of Skye. The best thing about being alone was that I wasn’t burdened by the expectations and compromises that come with a travel partner. I could stop whenever I wanted to take a few quick snaps of the amazing scenery, pull over whenever I felt like it for a quick pit stop, and eat whatever and whenever I wanted to. The hours on the road flew by quickly, and with such beauty all around me, I didn’t need any company except for the occasional sheep.
The Scottish weather has never been know to be anything but grey and gloomy, but being a hike enthusiast, I wasn’t going to let a bit of rain stop me; I decided to attempt a 6 hour hike in the slight drizzle on the Quiraing! This is a large, landslide complex on the Trotternish Range located around the centre of the Island, formed by clashing glaciers several hundred years ago. I admit, a few hours into the climb I wasn’t so sure of my crazy decision to hike in the rain anymore, but the decision was mine to make and I didn’t have to worry about anybody’s wellbeing except my own. I never had to feel guilty of any bad calls that I made, and whatever I did, I only owe it to myself.
When I reached the peak, I felt like I was on the top of world, looking down across the highlands. The only downside of being alone was that I have no skill in taking a decent selfie and there wasn’t anyone near by that could help me take a picture of myself with the amazing view.
Traveling alone forces you out of your comfort zone. It really pushes your physical and mental limits by forcing you to adapt to unfamiliar situations. You have to talk, eat and spend time with strangers turned potential friends, people whom you may never have talked to if you were otherwise traveling with a partner. It can be extremely rewarding as long as you go with an open mind and heart!
This trip was a confidence booster for me, and traveling has never felt so liberating.
This trip was a confidence booster for me, and traveling has never felt so liberating.
Till next time!
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