I also wonder as a lone girl surf traveler, if the lone guy traveler gets as many awkward questions. I doubt it. I am often asked about my relationship status, why I’m alone, and if I get scared traveling so far by myself? Over the years I have let my mood and the situation dictate my response. I recognize that for some people seeing me surf and traveling alone makes them uncomfortable. They need to assign me a label to understand it. On a trip to a surf camp in Samoa, my boyfriend at the time ended up meeting me partially through the trip. His arrival gave me immediate social acceptance.
As with any solo trip, you will you get lonely and bored, no matter if you are guy or girl. If you are staying somewhere off the beaten path, there may not be a lot of modern comforts of home to entertain you. It’s a no-brainer to bring books, cards, a sketchpad, but I also tend to bring nail polish. This is not just because I like pretty toes, which I do. Nail polish is light and easy to pack. Also, if you are in a far-flung area where substantive towns are at best, few and far between, I have won the favor of many a local girl by gifting these bottles of polish. Pretty can be international.
So many great experiences have happened during my solo wanderings. While the sun was going down in Mozambique and the only other surfer in the water, a local guy, asked if I wanted to grab drinks and we found ourselves wandering back through the dark local market to what can best be described as a drink shack. I ended up throwing back beers and having a great time with a slew of strangers. I also island hopped in Fiji and found waves I didn’t even know existed. I imagine this was facilitated because I was alone and little, so an easy extra to squeeze on the boat. Would I have had these experiences if I were traveling with another or a group? Maybe, but it’s doubtful that these opportunities would have happened without local insight or the ability to up and go with out checking with someone else.
When I think of solo trips and trips with friends many different things come to mind. There’s nothing like having a shared experience with a friend, whether the situation is good or bad. It’s a bonding experience that is unique. The experiences I have while traveling alone are more the type that help me grow as a person, be it because they are challenging or I am led in a direction other than I would normally take. I am sure this would resonate with anyone; this makes me hope to see a few solo girl travelers on my next trip. I’m thinking Senegal, hope to see you there.
