And, as with everything in life, many people had their different opinions about my plans. A lot of my friends and some of my family were super supportive in this. But some were not totally on board with it. My parents, for example, were quite against me traveling the world on my own when I first told them. It took a lot of convincing, and basically telling them that there was no way that I was not doing this, before they finally realized that this was going to happen. After that, I told them the logistics of my plan, why I wanted to go, and showed them the community of people who travel solo. And soon, they were just as excited for my trip as I was. Now my parents are fully supporting me and really encouraging me to follow my travel dreams.
Unfortunately though, there are still some family and friends who have told me that I ought to re-think my world travel dream. So how does one deal with that and try to show them why this is so important to you?
Well, I'm currently trying to figure that out. I think I am going to try my best to open up their eyes; show them that, while this world does have a lot of hate and violence in it, it also still has a lot of love. That's one of the things that I want to show people. Yes, there are bad people in the world which we live, but not every soul is bad. I'm going to try to get my point across to all of the naysayers and make sure they know that I believe in myself and my journey. I understand that not everyone will get it, but I do want my family to believe in me and the path that I have chosen.
I guess I just don't understand why they think this won't be my best choice. I am choosing to do something that is not considered "normal" for a 20 year old girl, but that does not mean that it is the wrong path in life. Those who have had a negative opinion about my travels have even tried to tell me that I am just running away from life, or that I'm "lost". But the truth is that I'm running towards life and creating my own reality. Instead of living in the norm, I will be out exploring the world and taking in different cultures, experiences, and life lessons. What path could be better than that?
I'm going to gather up articles and blog posts from other solo female travelers and travel bloggers in general, and make a list for all of my non-believers to read (if they want to). And if they still think that all of this is not a reasonable thing after reading about other's journeys, hearing my reasons for following my heart, and realizing the world is not as terrible as they think, then I've done all that I can.
While I would love to have all of the support in the world, I went into this knowing that was not going to be the case. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and that is perfectly fine.
In the end, this is my journey. I have done extensive research (for over a year now!) on travel and solo female travel, and all of the countries in which I'm planning to visit. I know what I am capable of. I have a good head on my shoulders. I have confidence in myself AND I DON'T REALLY CARE IF NOBODY ELSE BELIEVES. I know I can do this and my heart if fully in it. That's all that truly matters.
Has anyone else ever dealt with this? If so, how did you handle it?! Please let me know!
xx
THE LIST!!
Not all those who wander are lost - World of Wanderlust
The Solo Woman Traveler Manifesto - World of Wanderlust
Everything you need to know about solo travel - World of Wanderlust
Don't be afraid to walk alone - Lauren Marinigh
Why all women should travel solo - The Blonde Abroad
How to make friends while traveling solo - Adventurous Kate
Top 10 travel safety tips for women - Adventurous Kate
7 common travel myths that are wrong - Nomadic Matt
Women shouldn't be afraid to travel alone - A Wandering Sole (via Nomadic Matt)
Why I became a solo female traveler - Be My Travel Muse (via Nomadic Matt)
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