There is a wonderful feeling of freedom that comes when traveling alone. You are not tied down to any itinerary except what interests you and the only limits placed upon you depend on your own expectations. The only person you are responsible for is you. While traveling solo gives you that independence and time for yourself it is simultaneously an experience that opens you up to many new and different people.

There are many times while I have been traveling that I’ve been really alone. I don’t have anyone with me; I’m not meeting up with anyone; I’m camping or staying somewhere private where I’m unlikely to meet people; and yet those trips are still filled with encounters. I’ve found that when you are alone you are much more approachable. It ranges from people who are curious and interested in what you are doing by yourself(especially as a woman) to the people that are also alone and welcome some company. I meet locals much more often when I am by myself. My first night camping there was one other Thai person camping and we struck up a friendship. National Park Rangers consistently chat with me, asking me as many questions as their grasp of English will allow. On one instance, as I was driving through a small town, I got stopped by a police officer at a check point and I assumed it was because he was checking if I had an international drivers license as a foreigner. It turned out that they were pulling over people who were not wearing helmets(I, of course, had mine on) and he just wanted to ask me what the fine for not wearing a helmet would be in the USA and chat for a bit! When I stop for food alone the vendors will start up a conversation with me, practicing their English and testing out my Thai. The woman sitting across the aisle from me on my 15 hour bus ride home started up a lively conversation and generously shared her various snacks and even gave me a whole bag of dried banana chips! The kindness that I am shown by the local people here in Thailand is something I cherish. It is a beautiful reminder that even when you are by yourself you are never truly alone in this world. 

Locals are not the only people I have the chance to meet and get to know when I am by myself. Often it’s fellow travelers who end up being fantastic companions. Most people I’ve met at hostels are quite keen to begin chatting, exchanging travel tips, and sharing experiences. Sometimes that’s as far as it goes and after a drink and some good conversation we will go our separate ways, but occasionally they have accompanied me while exploring. The hostel I stayed at in Chiang Mai for six nights offered a home cooked meal for dinner every night and that environment fostered a family atmosphere and I spent a lot of time with the people I met there. My friend, Tyvonna, and I went up to Doi Suthep one day. I had the pleasure of having her on the back of my motorbike for her first motorbike ride in Thailand. People came and went and we would hang out and explore together or do some exploring independently. I really enjoy meeting people from all over the world with different levels of traveling experience, but always a friendly and compassionate attitude.

As I travel on my own and decide on the places I want to see and stay, it is inevitable and exciting when my travels line up with my friends! They may not be someone I’ve just met but meeting up with them is just as much a part of traveling alone as meeting someone new. Seeing my friends even opens me up to new people and connections that they have made. One woman I met, who taught with my friend, as it turned out, had family in Needham who were the close friends of the family I nannied for! I’ve made so many new friends who are friends of friends and end up being great travel buddies. Having a ‘partner in crime’ can enhance an adventure in so many ways. I do love exploring on my own and knowing that I can be independent and happy by myself, but sometimes you find people that love doing that just as much and together you push each other to find and see places you wouldn’t have been exposed to alone.

I have met so many people in the eight months I have been in Thailand, some for fleeting moments and some that have become lasting friendships. Those interactions to me are just as important and inspirational as the places I’ve been and beautiful things I’ve seen. Every time I meet someone new I think of this notebook that was given to me just before I left by a one-of-a-kind friend. Inside was written, “Some ships are made of wood, some ships are made of steel, some ships sail the seas but the best ships are friendships that will always be!,” and it was meant to be a guestbook for my travels. I have actively kept a log of all my encounters and I know it will be one of my most treasured relics from this adventure.

Tired faces at 6am

Adventure crew

I made some friends on the road and we explored the cave together

My friends Martin and Nick went to the hot springs with me on my way out of Pai to go camping.

Turns out her family is best friends with the family I nannied for and I drove her cousin to dance every week. What a small world!!!

Reunion dinner after getting caught in the rain!