Hello all, I wonder if you may be able to help me.

I’m 23, from the North East of England and I have a problem. I booked a round the world ticket a few weeks ago with 2 of my friends. Due to fly out of Heathrow on the 15th May, we were to take in New York, Canada, West Coast USA, Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, NZ, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong. I’m sure you could imagine how excited we were, given that two of us had done no independent travelling and the other only had limited experience.

For reasons unknown, one guy pulled out and cancelled his ticket, leaving only two of us. Yesterday I found out that the other guy was in hospital and may have a medical condition that could stop him from going. Obviously, this leaves me.

The question I’m now trying to answer is “Should I go it alone?”

I guess this question seems quite straightforward to most of you experienced travellers, but as I have no experience the prospect of heading off on my own is extremely daunting. I would say that I’m not particularly confident, and that I’m afraid that my nerves will overcome my curiosity and lead me to spend most of my time sitting in hostels or Internet cafés, trying to fool myself that I’m having a good time.

Many people say that travelling is easy, and that you meet lots of people, but just how easy is it? I’m particularly concerned about South America alone, mostly because of the language barrier. And in general, how long do you spend travelling with people you meet on the road?

I’m sorry for rambling here. I’d very much appreciate some comments and thoughts on this subject, anything that will help me make up my mind.

Thank you.

Stephen

the language barrier in SA can be a problem. im just getting to grips with it after seven months here and i go home in the next week.
the first trip i went on my own to india was very difficult. my second time in india was easier and this trip to south america has been a ball. i to used to be nervous, not very outgoing, and this can make it difficult but had i not gone on that first trip i would still be nervously waiting around in england waiting for something to happen. it was the best decision i ever made. i cant describe the terror of landing at mumbai and trying to figure out what the **** i was doing there.
what do you do in england? why did you decide to go on a massive expedition? what you are proposing is huge.
if you go, and i hope you do, dont beat yourself up if you do spend time not doing much or talking with freinds on the internet. the fact is if you do that trip and are doing stuff everyday you will be dead by the time you get back.
when you are in Latin America stop somewhere for a month too take spanish lessons. i should have done this but didnt. not only could it help with communication but there will be other people , with like minds.
i spend time travelling with ohters when i want to travel with others. if i dont want to i dont. it is that easy. there is almost always someone out there going the same way. it is a small world as the cliche goes.
finally be aware that most of us on the road are good honest people, but there are always some wankers out there. dont hook up with people just because theyre there. use your judgement, if you dont like them go your own way. good luck. you will never regret going

I think you shouldn't worry about it too much. It's just an extended holiday with the chance to do see and meet people that you would never manage to do on a package deal.
Don't panic when you arrive it takes everyone at least a week to settle into the flow of life in the county and to meet people.
Just stick with it and you'll have a great time.
I'll be in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia in June/July if this co-incides with you let me know.

I've just read your story and am really curious to know whether or not you went alone? I hope you did.

Please let me know!

xxx