Solo travel can be a liberation from the usual baggage that comes with travelling as a couple or in a group – demands and constant compromise. It enables you to dictate the pace of your own journey and to stray from the well-trodden path. However, travelling alone can be daunting. You might feel more vulnerable when you’re on your own, and the logistical challenges can also seem more intimidating. And even before you leave you might be thinking about the language barriers you will face when you get there, which can be off-putting. Nevertheless, tackling these obstacles can also bring its own rewards and this article discusses strategies for overcoming language barriers. Travel provides a valuable chance to escape the routine of everyday life, experience new cultures and meet new people. So, when you travel alone, the experience can be even more rewarding. When you are by yourself, you can connect more with the local culture, make new friends and develop your own independence. Even a holiday of just a few days in a different country can provide a break from the norm and ‘reset’ our lives so that we return to work rested and reinvigorated. This is also an opportunity to dust off any old language skills – and maybe pick up some new ones! Learning and using a new language stimulates the brain, making problem solving and other cognitive tasks easier. Whether it’s ordering a coffee or asking for directions, successfully communicating in a remote country can be extremely satisfying. Cultivating curiosity in other cultures and a willingness to engage will help you master another language. Finally, when abroad, it’s sometimes nice to take a step back and observe the world around you. Not being able to communicate fully and articulate your thoughts can actually encourage a deeper understanding of a situation and facilitate reflection.
Benefits of Solo Travel
One of the main benefits of traveling solo is the freedom to go where you want, when you want. Without having to worry about the opinions and interests of a companion, a solo traveler is able to design their itinerary entirely according to their preferences. This may be particularly beneficial for more adventurous and open-minded individuals with a habit of making friends easily. Traveling alone is likely to increase levels of confidence. As one no longer has the privilege of relying on others for companionship and conversation, it becomes necessary to address others on a regular basis. This may mean seeking help with directions, getting to know other travelers at hostels or simply making polite conversation with locals over a meal out. Such interactions will not only serve to improve language abilities but also working in a foreign country. As the number of lone parents and single person households grows, it is becoming increasingly difficult for families to spend uninterrupted time together, or for busy friends to coordinate trips away. Traveling alone is an opportunity to give total focus to personal enrichment and allows for a rewarding sense of self-indulgence. Whether it is relaxing in a hot sandy location, or immersing within the hustle and bustle of a cosmopolitan city, solo travel provides an opportunity for self-reflection, growth and creativity. The experience gained over the course of a solo trip may give rise to treasured memories, metaphors and anecdotes that will be shared in time to come and perhaps even be featured within a personal portfolio. It is certainly true that whilst on a solo adventure the traveler will encounter many new people and situations, learn to adapt to alternative environments and ultimately discover something previously unknown. The challenge, reward and enjoyment of a solo trip is the best investment one can make. Every journey; every experience is a cherished opportunity to indulge, another chance to transform and an adventure waiting to happen.
Challenges of Solo Travel
All in all, the experience of solo travel can be an extremely rewarding one that allows opportunities for personal growth and development.
Furthermore, solo travel will enable you to step out of your comfort zone, confront your fears and test your decisiveness. As the old saying goes, “life begins at the end of your comfort zone”. When you are in a new, alien environment and every decision is down to you, you will learn to face your fear of the unknown and make choices independently. This in turn will help you to become a more decisive person and grow in confidence.
Secondly, solo travel can also be more expensive compared to group travel. For instance, when you are on your own, you will have to shoulder the sole cost of renting a double or twin room, whereas if you were with someone else, you can split the cost, making it significantly cheaper per person. However, there are also several advantages to solo travel. For example, you get to be completely selfish in choosing your itinerary and can plan your time according to your own preferences, rather than having to consider the needs and wants of others who you are travelling with. This therefore gives you a greater sense of purpose and autonomy during your travels, allowing you to develop your character and discover more about yourself. This is also the same for making decisions, such as where to eat, where to go and what to see- you will be able to enjoy full liberty and complete freedom of choice.
First and foremost, solo travel can be extremely lonely. As human beings, we are naturally inclined to seek companionships and create connections with others. However, the issue of loneliness is only a problem for those who struggle to enjoy their own company. If you believe that you can feel comfortable in your own skin and that you are capable of enjoying your own company, then the problem of loneliness should not affect you.
2. Language Barriers and Communication Tips
During the initial days of your abroad trip, it is likely that you will have to rely on non-verbal methods of communication and universal signs to get by. However, it is important that you make an effort to learn basic phrases in the local language of the country you are visiting. Knowing and understanding commonly used words is essential in getting around and feeling more confident as you navigate through a foreign environment. Furthermore, most locals would appreciate foreigners who make an effort to speak their language. By showing that you are trying, they are more likely to reciprocate and help you out. Pay particular attention to phrases that allow you to ask for directions and help, as well as those that help you start a simple conversation, such as greetings. You should also be aware of and look out for casual language workshops for tourists, which are commonly available in most cities. These workshops are often conducted by local university students or community volunteers and are usually low-cost or sometimes even free. They provide a great way for you to spend a couple of hours in a productive manner while picking up some commonly used words or phrases in the local language. New technology now provides many fantastic ways to bridge the gap between modern languages. It is possible to download language apps that act as both phrasebooks and pronunciation guides. These are particularly useful for learning specific or more complex phrases, or for checking the pronunciation of certain words. Apart from language apps, you can also consider downloading apps that are able to translate languages in real-time using your smartphone camera. Such apps are capable of instantly translating anything that the camera picks up, such as road signs and menus, from the foreign language into your mother tongue. More importantly, some apps even work offline, so you do not have to worry about finding a reliable Wi-Fi connection. To maximize your travel experience in another country, it is suggested that you avoid having a parochial attitude whereby you expect the local people to be familiar with your customs and traditions. It is important to understand that you are the foreigner and that you should make an effort to familiarize yourself with the local customs and traditions. Cultivating the value of open-mindedness when you are subjected to a totally new environment allows you to better understand what you will experience and also learn from it. By showing respect for the foreign culture and taking the time to adapt to the lifestyle of the local community, the immersion tends to be more profound and the travel experience becomes more invaluable. Engaging in meaningful discussions and exchanging cultural practices with locals and other travelers not only promotes respect and an understanding of different cultural practices, but also helps to strengthen intercultural relations and fosters mutual respect for the diversity that exists in this world.
Learning Basic Phrases
As a solo traveler, you will benefit significantly from knowing basic travel phrases in the local language. Not everyone you encounter will speak your language, so communicating in theirs is key. Basic phrases can help you get necessary directions, order food, and make a new friend. Write down key words or phrases that are important for you to know and research how to say them phonetically. Also, take them with you wherever you go; keep a small dictionary or phrasebook when you go out for the day. This will help you if you have no Wi-Fi when you are out and about or if you have to ask a stranger for help. And don’t rely on technology too much! Your phone might break, get lost, or the app may crash and you are stuck, not knowing how to say ‘allergic reaction’ in Spanish! On a similar note, it is now easier than ever to learn a language as there are so many accessible resources. Regularly listening to language podcasts or music when you’re walking somewhere or taking the bus can really help phrases stick in your head. Also, actively learning key words and phrases through apps, textbooks, or courses (Duolingo, Memrise, Babbel, etc.) will make a huge difference. Try and set aside at least 10 minutes a day to go through some phrases and their pronunciation as doing a little and often is an effective way of learning. Personally, I found that using these methods I was able to start learning Russian, and it made my trip to Moscow and St Petersburg even better as I could understand and communicate effectively with locals. If you have more time and are not planning your trip in the near future, it may be best to attend a class or a course. Learning a language in a class provides a more structured learning environment and immediate support. You will be able to benefit from asking your teacher questions and speaking with your classmates. Genuinely, as a person who has studied Spanish before, I think that learning a language is much easier when you continue to immerse yourself in it. Watching a film with the original audio and subtitles in your native language is a great way to engage with a language! Immerse yourself in it, and it will become second nature. Try reading one page of a book every day or watching a TV channel when you are next on your coffee break. Even changing the language on your phone can provide some exposure to the language! It is essential that you make the most of the time you spend in a country to really develop your language skills. If you are staying in one place for a length of time, consider investing your time in lessons at a local language school. Also, try and seek employment or volunteering in a community where you can communicate with native speakers. Being in a country in which your chosen language is spoken provides a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills through everyday interactions and experiences.
Utilizing Translation Apps
Using new technologies, such as translation apps, is an excellent way for solo travelers to improve their navigation of language barriers. These apps allow users to both directly translate new words and phrases and to practice pronunciation. Moreover, many translation app developers have built in useful features for keen travelers such as offline translation. This could mean that a traveler may not need to pay for an overseas data plan if they have suitable translation apps installed on their mobile device. Importantly, users should ensure that the translation app they choose offers the language support they need for their travel itinerary. Some apps may require a subscription to use all the features, so the solo traveler will need to decide whether the full subscription is worthwhile for their trip. Furthermore, it is advised that users regularly update their app and any downloaded language packs before they travel. Finally, translation apps frequently process personal, sensitive data. Being attentive to the app permissions, settings, and privacy policy is an important approach to safeguarding personal data whilst abroad. With technology ever advancing and the growing reliance on translation apps to break down the barriers of global communication, it is important to bear in mind the benefits of human interaction and the value of wholehearted effort.
2.3 Non-Verbal Communication
Success with non-verbal communication requires being able to understand the different signs and signals that people give and observing them in context. By being aware of our body language and what our body is saying, communication can be vastly improved. For example, a person might say that they are not angry at all, but frown and fold their arms when asked if anything is wrong. This mismatch between what is being said and the non-verbal message being conveyed is often referred to as incongruence. It is thought that a person is more likely to believe the non-verbal message than the verbal message, as it is harder to fake or control the non-verbal signs and signals that we give out. This is an important point when considering the successful use of non-verbal communication. In situations where there is a conflict between the verbal and non-verbal message – as in the example of a lie or deceit – the non-verbal message is far more likely to be genuine, and therefore a better indication of a person’s true feelings or emotions.
Another key aspect of non-verbal communication is maintaining an awareness of body language. An open posture, where the arms are by the side and the body is facing the person who is speaking, is a good way to demonstrate interest and engagement in a conversation. On the other hand, a closed posture, where the body might be hunched or the arms folded, can indicate disinterest or hostility. Maintaining good eye contact is another important component of non-verbal communication. In many Western cultures, frequent and sustained eye contact is a positive way to show engagement and involvement in a conversation. However, in other cultures, such as Japanese or South Korean, avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect and a demonstration that a person is listening carefully.
While verbal communication involves language and speech, non-verbal communication involves body language, gestures, and facial expressions. This is particularly useful when trying to communicate with someone who speaks a different language. For example, hand gestures can be a great way to communicate a message across different languages. Pointing, nodding, and using hand signals to show the size or shape of an object are all examples of how hand gestures can be successfully used in communication. However, it is important to remember that different hand gestures have different meanings in different countries and cultures, so what might be an innocent hand gesture in one country could be highly offensive in another. This highlights the importance of understanding cultural differences when using non-verbal communication.
Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptation
This isn’t to say that you should entirely suppress your own culture or beliefs. Understanding and appreciating cultural differences is a two-way street, and it’s important to find a balance between respecting local customs and staying true to your own identity. My work in volunteer tourism provides an excellent example of the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptation. I once joined a volunteer program in a rural village in Cambodia, where I spent four weeks teaching English at a local school. The program also involved living with a host family, and it was certainly a culture shock at first. For example, people in Cambodia greet each other by pressing their palms together in front of the chest and bowing slightly, known as the ‘sampeah’ gesture. I learned that an important part of teaching and living in a new culture is to be adaptable and open to the community. For example, I quickly realized that my host family followed a weekly tradition of not using electronics on Sundays. As someone who heavily relies on technology and social media in my day-to-day life back home, this was initially challenging. However, I chose to respect and abide by this family tradition, and I felt that it really helped me to form strong relationships with the hosts. The children also managed to remember a number of basic phrases related to days of the week in English by repeatedly using them during Sundays, which I think demonstrates the mutual benefit of cultural exchange. Through my experiences of solo travel as well as in the context of organized volunteer work, I’ve come to understand that cultural sensitivity isn’t simply about being polite or minding your manners. It’s about being curious and respectful and taking the time to seek out and recognize the underlying values and practices that shape a given culture. Far from being a chore or an obstacle to overcome, learning about and embracing local customs provides an opportunity for personal growth and reflection. Cultivating cultural sensitivity can also help us to form genuine connections across cultural and linguistic divides, and it is essential in helping to break down social and cultural barriers in our increasingly globalized world.
Understanding Local Customs
Local customs are the unique everyday practices of a given culture. For example, in Thailand, people remove their shoes before entering someone’s home. In Korea, silence in public transportation is highly valued. In Switzerland, however, it is unacceptable to arrive late to a social gathering. Different cultures have different customs, and the local customs of a given society reflect the values, beliefs, and priorities of that community. Because local customs are so intimately connected to a community’s culture, they can often be difficult for outsiders to fully understand and appreciate. The key to understanding and adapting to local customs lies in recognizing that every culture has its own logic and its own reasons for why a certain custom exists. It also requires accepting that just because a custom may be different from what a person is used to, that does not mean it is inferior in any way. In fact, immersing oneself in a new culture often provides the opportunity to learn about different customs around the world and to develop a more global perspective. Raising one’s awareness of local customs can also be a great learning experience. Many local customs have rich histories and deep meanings, and it can be fascinating to learn more about why a specific custom is practiced. Some local customs even provide a direct look into the past. For example, many traditional festivals in different cultures have been celebrated for hundreds or even thousands of years and often incorporate customs and rituals that date back to ancient times. By learning about local customs, it is often possible to gain insight into the much older traditions that have helped shape the modern features of a culture.
Respecting Cultural Differences
In some cases, local customs may seem strange or even offensive to the uninformed visitor. One well-known example is the tradition of tipping in the United States. While in many parts of the world, tipping is reserved only for exceptional service, in the United States it is an integral part of many workers’ incomes. But visitors to the US, especially from countries where tipping is not a common practice, often find this tradition hard to understand and even disruptive. In the same way, the first response of many travelers to customs that strike them as odd or even wrong is avoidance or even ridicule. This is understandable, but it is important to recognize that most such customs have a long history and are made meaningful to the local people by the very fact that they share them. Professional interculturalists often note that customs connect people to each other and to the past in a way that is pleasing. By engaging in a local custom (where appropriate and non-exploitative), a person allows a brief, but symbolically important, entry into the life of the other. This sort of cultural charity is generally greatly appreciated and can vastly improve the traveler’s experience. Some concise, but illuminating, reading on foreign customs prior to a trip can help to stimulate interest and allay anxiety about the strange and unknown. Often customs are associated with a particular event, such as a national or religious holiday. Gaining some knowledge of the meaning and history of such festivals can often lead to a deeper understanding of a culture. It is important to bear in mind that cultural sensitivity is not about memorizing a list of ‘do’s and ‘don’ts. Local peoples are generally very forgiving of accidental breaches of etiquette and will often help the well-meaning tourist along. Cultural sensitivity is about being open. It’s about recognizing that people from different cultures have different ways of doing things. And it’s about learning to listen to and appreciate other people’s views and feelings.
Adapting to New Environments
In addition to gaining confidence in solo travel, you will also develop important skills that will serve you well in the future, like the ability to adapt to new and unfamiliar environments. Adapting to new environments is a valuable skill that will serve you well in an increasingly global and fast-changing world, and solo travel can provide a crash course in learning how to do so. When we talk about adapting to new environments, we mean the ability to find your feet in places and situations that you are not accustomed to. This process of adaptation can involve making physical adjustments, like getting used to extreme weather or a busy, noisy city, as well as more fundamental, emotional adjustments, like overcoming culture shock or homesickness. Learning how to adapt to new environments is important for several reasons, not least because it encourages resilience in the face of new challenges. It is all about developing a positive, proactive attitude that will enable you to effectively cope with new experiences and pressures. One of the most common ways to adapt to a new environment is to study the behavior of others and try to imitate it, particularly if those being observed are managing to navigate the environment successfully. This might involve anything from the way people greet one another, to the way that queues or crowds are managed, to the accepted distance that you should maintain between yourself and a stranger. By watching and learning from the people around you – and seeking their guidance if appropriate – you will find that adapting to new places and customs will become a far more straightforward process. Familiarity can be a great comfort when you’re in a new and unfamiliar environment, so one of the best ways to let the process of adaptation is to get out and explore your new surroundings. Try to balance the excitement of what’s new with the comfort of what’s familiar by seeking out and immersing yourself in local customs and observations. If you’re feeling lonely or uncomfortable in your new environment, finding a sense of routine can alleviate the feelings of anxiety and stress that can come with adaptation. Routines allow us to exert some measure of control over our environment and can help to reduce the uncertainty and stress that comes with adapting to new places. This is particularly relevant when changes to the environment are beyond your control; sticking to a familiar routine can provide a great source of comfort and stability. With growing globalization, having the skills needed to adapt to constantly shifting physical, cultural and social environments is a huge asset when it comes to employment. By being able to demonstrate adaptability and resilience, you’re showing potential employers that you have the capability to embrace new situations and to view challenges with an optimistic and flexible outlook.