Benefits and tips for taking the first step into solo travel to explore the nature
- Alexander Kwapis
- Sep 28, 2024
- 4 min read
It's only you, your thoughts and the nature.
Enjoying being with yourself is sometimes the best possible plan. But it can seem hopeless when you have no choice and find yourself in the mountains somewhere in the backcountry. Alexander Kwapis, founder of the platform you're reading about (Wild Dirt), started traveling alone around the age of ten and has been doing it several times a year ever since.
As an Eagle Scout and vigil member of the Order of the Arrow who takes every opportunity to get to know himself better, he brings the best tips for taking the first step (or going further) into solo travel.
Tips for taking the first step into solo travel
Question: What inspired you to go on solo trips?
Answer: Either there were trips I wanted to go on and no one to go with, or I was traveling because of work, so I tagged a solo trip onto a work trip or vice-versa. I’ve also traveled for work solo and started my outdoor adventures around the same time as my solo work spans.
Q: Where have you been on your solo trips?
A: I’ve been to Spain, England, Italy, China, S. Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mexico, and other cities with work. I’ve been to many states, National Parks and forests; and trails and non-governmental wilderness areas on solo outdoor trips.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience of one of your early solo adventures?
A: They are all memorable in their own way. I once went to Yosemite with no reservations in spring after a work event in L.A. I rented a car, drove to the nearest REI and bought bear spray, canister fuel, and some dehydrated meals. I had already packed an XL North Face Basecamp Duffle with all my outdoor gear and clothing, so I drove to Yosemite and stayed at a nearby hotel with a vacancy. Besides planning the equipment, this was my only plan (this was an experiment, as I am prone to over-planning). The following day, I woke up and ate my oatmeal and coffee breakfast out of the back of my rental car in the parking lot, driving into Yosemite before the even opened. But, as it’s essential to support our National Parks, I always buy an annual pass so I don’t feel bad arriving before the gates open or after they close. Continuing, I drove in and went to the housekeeping area. Luckily, there was availability.
While housekeeping is the most inexpensive lodging option after camping, it is also barely a step up from camping. It’s a great experience, and I was VERY excited to snag a spot. With my sleeping situation all set up, I hiked around the valley. Later, I visited Yosemite Falls and explored pathways and trails around the valley floor.
The next day, I got up early and hiked up elevation and through snow on the Four Mile Trail to Glacier Point. At the top, I relaxed, enjoyed the sunny spring midday sun, and ate lunch. Then, I continued my trek on the Panorama Trail until it T'ed at the John Muir Trail. I made a right and eventually crossed the Nevada Falls bridge with the raging Nevada Falls furiously flowing downriver. I enjoyed some great views of Half Dome before turning around and taking the John Muir Trail all the way down to the Happy Isles Loop with some other hikers. We talked and walked and enjoyed the hike. I explored more around Yosemite Valley that weekend and then got up early on a Monday morning and cruised out of the woods and back to L.A., where I caught my flight back to Dallas, Texas. It was my first time in Yosemite, and I had a wonderful time on my solo journey.
Q: Solo travel is a fantastic opportunity when speaking about self-discovery. How has it helped you learn more about yourself?
A: It is! I keep thinking over patterns. Meditate almost with me. You must enjoy (or learn to do it) being with yourself. And you have to be confident in your skills and realistic in those you don’t have. Safety is essential while on a solo trip.
Q: It can also be quite daunting sometimes. What advice would you give to someone planning their first solo trip? How should they overcome their initial fears?
A:
Go to someplace you are already familiar with.
Plan but be open to change.
Make friends and family aware of where you are. Even check in with them. Just for safety.
Trust yourself.
Q: Safety is usually a worry for people. Could you give them some safety tips and precautions?
A:
Research how safe an area is.
Understand the weather and other factors that can make the trip difficult.
Be prepared. Feel free to ask for help.
For your first couple of trips, stay in the front country instead of going alone in the backcountry.
Be smart. Travel with a safety device, such as a personal safety sound alarm or bear spray, if the area allows it.
Q: How do you plan your solo trips? How do you choose your solo travel destinations?
A: Now that I have been doing it for a long time, I choose a place I want to explore and plan the trip. Front country camping in National Parks is a good start for beginners.
Q: What are some valuable life skills or lessons that solo travel has taught you that are transferable to other aspects of life?
A: Plan, but be open to change! Trust yourself. Trust your senses. Listen to yourself. Embrace change as it arises.
Encourage and inspire people contemplating embarking on their first solo journey.
