Everyday Narcissism: Traveling Solo

I just got back from a vacation to Northern Ireland. I went alone, which surprised many people. I never really thought traveling alone was all that remarkable, but I seem to be in the minority in that view. I didn't do it out of some desire to find myself or prove to the world that I could do it - I did it because I wanted to go somewhere and I didn't have anyone to go with.

When people found out I was going by myself, I got one of two responses:

1. Surprise
This usually came from men. Some were concerned for my safety, but many were just surprised at the notion of trekking halfway across the world by myself for no reason other than wanting to see the world. Oddly enough, I have some male friends who travel alone who acted surprised that I would do it, too. (There are legitimately countries I would like to see that I won't go to alone, but anywhere in western Europe strikes me as just as safe as the US, and I live alone, so I'm well equipped to safely and enjoyably handle the solo life.)

I got extra scrutiny at passport control because of my solo status - the immigration agent in London, while unfailingly polite, was quite skeptical that I was traveling alone and had a few extra questions for me. I think the only reason he let me in is because I'm a lawyer, so he could be assured that I have a good job waiting for me back home and was in no danger of overstaying my welcome. (I got extra scrutiny coming back to the US as well, from a very not-so-polite immigration agent, but it's not like I can be prohibited from entering the US. He was a jerk, and I suspect if I weren't a citizen, I would still be sitting in limbo at the Oakland airport.)

2. Envy
This usually came from women. It manifested in two forms. The first was "Oh! How cool! I wish I could do that!" The second was "You're really brave to be doing that; I would be so scared!"

I suspect some of the surprise or declaration of bravery probably stems from my chosen destination. Northern Ireland suffers from a marketing problem. So many people I talked to before I left still had the view that it was a dangerous place full of people blowing each other up all the time. Sure, 20 years ago it was, but it's not like that anymore. I walked around Belfast by myself at all hours of the day and felt completely safe. I only found myself in the wrong neighborhood once, and I very quickly found my way right back out before anything happened - but that's something that's happened to me right here in Phoenix, too.

There are pros and cons to traveling alone.

Pro:

I can go anywhere I want without having to compromise with anyone else.
It's easier to meet locals while not distracted by a traveling companion.

Con:

There's nobody to share the experience with. I posted pictures and my friends commented on them, but it's not the same as having someone right there.
It's a little more expensive because there's nobody to split costs with.
There are some parts of the world where it's safer to go with someone.

Traveling is kind of like life, though. Sure, I would like to have someone to share the experience with, but in the mean time, I'm not going to let my lack of a partner stop me from enjoying myself. A traveling companion is not a prerequisite for having a great vacation or a great life.

And just because, here are some pictures of my trip: