To solo or not to solo

[caiti85]

In a year I plan to travel to the UK to do a backpack, train adventure around England, Scotland, and Wales. I have been trying to convince my friends to go with me for security but everyone is saying that they'd rather save their money for warm locations or some other crap excuse.
My question is this...

Is it okay to travel around the UK alone?

I've heard the horror stories of young women (I'll be 21 then) solo travelers and am not sure on what to do. Should I kick my friends' booties and make one of them come or will it be all good?

HELP!

[TheWills]

Going alone shouldent be a problem, there arnt really that many security issues too worry about, If your in hostels then you should be quite safe there as there are so many other people around, the only thing I could think of is avoid hitchiking by yourself. It would be nice to have frieds along to share the experience however I guarentee if you are even a little outgoing then you dont have to worry about meeting friends your gonna get to know a ton of people anyways.

[kingcrazylegs]

I think its just a matter of what you feel comfortable with. I enjoy traveling on my own, but also know its nice to have someone with me if that person is fun and such.

[TheJake]

alone is my fav. you meet tons of cool people along the way too and if you travel like me without an itenerary then you can tag along with the coolest ones and ditch em whenever you want.

its a good life!

[caiti85]

Thanks for that jake. I know I'll be ditching people left and right trying to get my somewhat of a schedule done.

Another q- Iwanted to go up to the Highlands and hike around a bit. I mean you kind of have to see something so beautiful! What do you think about that solo adventure?

[TheJake]

I'm all for solo hikes man. especially beautiful vistas.

there have been alot of summits that I had wished I had done alone. Stupid people talking during beautiful moments. :greenguy:


have fun with it and take lots of pics for us!

[TheJake]

furthermore I take it from your name that you were born in 85? so you still have a year or so eh?

do some solo hiking around where you live. take the car and go to the local state park for a day or two. If you can handle that and keep a positive attitude then you can do anything!

[U2fan]

Definitely go alone. I am a female and have had no problems. The trips I have done alone have been the most rewarding things I have done in life.

[bellelass]

I'm living and have been travelling all over the UK all by myself and really I feel safer here than in my hometown. Ditto what Jake said, so true. Get yourself a Young Persons Railcard, don't spend too much time in London, get up to Edinburgh as quickly as possible (budget backpackers is awesome and cheap!), check out the Cotswolds and Bath too. Heh. and on and on I go. If you want any practical advice, just ask. But for the safety, just dont be stupid and you're fine. I dont go out alone at night, I keep my eye on my bags. Once someone tried to snatch it in the Underground but they failed. :greenguy:

[finkle55]

I believe that backpacking alone is the only way to go. Imagine traveling with someone. You really want to X with only one day left in that city, and your friend wants to Y. You decide to do Y and later you regret not doing X. You might not ever have to opportunity to visit that place again, and subconciously resent that person, or yourself, for not doing X.

By going alone you can avoid that situation and many other's.

I am not a woman, but I have met many ladies that were travelling by themselves and seem to be quite ok.

[tecia]

go alone it is the best!!
You meet tons of people and you can leave them any time you want. I went alone for about two months all ove Europe and didn't have a hard time. I would go solo again in a secound!