Finding Inspiration in Traveling Alone

I waited for my flight at the coffee shop. I am travelling alone. I still have 30 minutes before boarding time, so I decided to taste the brew of the day, hazelnut gourmet coffee at JD Coffeeshop.

The airport’s pre-departure area was already full of passengers. A voice rang out now and then through the public speakers announcing updates on incoming and outgoing flights. The wide-screen TV sets in the waiting area kept the people entertained as they waited for their boarding time.

Laughter and excitement were so clear on those who were travelling in groups. It seemed that they never ran out of stories and laughter.

I just contented myself finding the “coziest” nook at the coffee shop and observing the people around. I thought of finding an acquaintance as I scanned my periphery but then deep inside, I felt relieved to be alone, at least for the time being and in the next one hour of my trip.

As I sat alone drinking coffee, I felt that the isolation gave me a feeling of peace. I felt detached from my work, and I felt so relaxed. While I can’t help thinking of my family, that I am on a trip and everyone knows where I am going, I realized that I am not obligated to contact anybody within the hours of my travelling time. Definitely, I am alone with my time.

The advantage of being solo is you can decide where to go, anytime, and you do not look over your shoulder to check whether you left somebody or a backpack or luggage because you are only looking out for yourself.

Perhaps the most unforgettable moment in travelling alone is getting lost. Maybe, this is the main reason most wanted to travel with a companion or a group.

You could also recall that when you got lost, you learned a lot and developed confidence. If you got lost on your way, don’t be a loser by sulking and feeling desperate. Try to find your way by asking for directions from the locals or the people you meet.

You could learn the best lessons in humility (or self-humiliation) in travelling alone. In this microchip and digital age, common public devices such as faucets, dispensers, doors, and switches could become a technological mystery to a neophyte traveller. What could be funny is when someone pretends to know because they feel embarrassed to ask questions.

Before making a mess out of your ignorance and end up humiliating yourself, better be humble enough to accept your inadequacy and ask help from staff who for sure knows how to use the gadget.

Now is your chance to make new friends. Always remember that even if you are on a trip alone, you are still a social being. When you are touring with your group or family, you are limited to interacting within your circle of friends or family.

Be amiable and have that happy disposition by wearing a smile and, most of all, be polite to everyone.

Finally, the call to board came, and as I lined up the passenger tube to enter the plane, I wondered who my seatmates would be.

Well, it was just a matter of bowing my head slightly, saying a greeting and giving my friendliest smile before I got to know and learn that my seatmates were heading to a summer getaway. I shared that I’m a blogger and I’m into online writing.

They are escaping the sweltering summer heat, so they are going to spend a week in a mountain resort with fully furnished cottages, a swimming pool, and a golf course. To get there, they plan to have a long drive up north on a rented Dodge truck.

After an hour’s flight, we reached Manila. As I left the plane, I wished my seatmates the best of times.

I got their email addresses. I told them that I would be inviting them to follow my blog to share some inspirational posts while they enjoy their holiday.