Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Chat Forum > The HUBB PUB
The HUBB PUB Chat forum - no useful content required!

BUT the basic rules of polite and civil conduct which everyone agreed to when signing up for the HUBB, will still apply, though moderation will be a LITTLE looser than elsewhere on the HUBB.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Jan 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 134
Travelling solo - do they know something I don't?

Hello peeps!

In April I'm heading off round Europe on my TA. On my own. Now, to me, this doesn't seem to be too big a deal - I'm only going as far east as Ukraine, bit of a bimble round the Balkans, back in time for the HUMM. Everyone I tell this to thinks it's a great idea, until I mention I'm going on my own, at which point they look a little bit scared.

Last night I met a cop who is biking round the world for 6 months with a couple of mates to raise money for charity. HE said he wouldn't like to do my trip on his own, seemed to think I was quite hardcore. Later conversations with someone else he was discussing close protection work in the Balkans and talking about going to visit a relative who's going to be head of security at Basra airport!

So now i'm wondering if there's some huge troll lurking under every bridge that eats solo travellers (when it can't get billy goats), that everyone else knows about and I don't.

Is travelling alone really unusual enough to provoke that much surprise and awe? I can see why you would and why you wouldn't, but I wouldn't have thought the decision to travel alone would be seen as such a big deal, just another personal choice.

Laura
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Jan 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 619
Solo

Balkans solo. You'll have a great time. No question. Linzi.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Jan 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Germany
Posts: 241
Hey Laura,

you'll probably be about as much on your own as you choose.

My guess is that people are particularly awed by solo travellers because they are scared to be on their own. In fact, local people take special care of solo travellers.

Have fun.

Lars
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Jan 2009
MikeS's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
Having done both, there are considerable differences between riding solo and with someone else. There are obviously some advantages of having someone else around say when you break down or are going out to eat (this didn't bother me at all in Asia but strangely I felt more self conscious in Europe) etc but you are much more free on your own, no one rushes you but you can ride at whatever speeds you like, stop when you like etc.

From my own experience, you won't have trouble meeting people (and you'll probably meet more on your own than traveling with others) however the main difference would likely be the pestering from the local guys- but if you can handle that, you can handle anything I'd say!
__________________
Mike


www.singapore-scotland.blogspot.com
www.argentina-alaska.blogspot.com
My little Vid: India/Pakistan

BMW R1150GS
Suzuki DR650 SE: Ride it like ya stole it. Oh, somebody just did...
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Friends and relatives always have a "safe" horizon. Five hundred years ago they'd have told you not to go into Lancashire alone, a hundred years back it'd be France, now they can imagine themselves travelling to Majorca or Florida and not much further. Being alone rather than with a plane load of your mates seems to make it worse to them. The Lancastians and French stopped eating travellers a few thousand years back as did the rest of the world, it just took a while for the word to get to some people.

Your Police contact has the opposite problem. When two coppers get together they talk about murders and rapes not how many tickets they dished out for cycling on the pavement. People listening to the conversation could assume the whole place was full of dangerous criminals.

The Balkans is Europe. Lots of very nice friendly people who mostly obey the laws, pay their taxes and do what they can for a bit of fun. Take the sort of security precautions you would in the UK, use your common sense and you'll be fine.

Like Mike S says, this is southern Europe, so expect a little a more latin spirit from the blokes who fancy you.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 236
yeah i get this all the time from family and friends; im off to see the stones/off round scotland/off round vietnam/off out for a few drinks.....'what, on your own???"

I would hate it if i was dependent on people for happiness. if you start off on your own then surely anything else is a plus in life.

I think its more of a social thing then safety.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Jan 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 89
Hi Laura

I would reiterate all of the above comments, especially 'Lars'. I would never travel any other way, but solo. In my opinion it is the best way. I recall my first trip overland to India thirteen years ago. According to others, I was going to get kidnapped in Kurdistan and if I survived that, I would most probably get lynched in Iran, neither happened, bar from making loads of new friends. Its amazing how fellow overlanders attract each other, whether you meet someone at a border crossing or you meet someone at a camp site. The beauti of travelling solo is that you can choose whether to spend a few days/weeks travelling with someone else or not. In addition, should you get lost you only have yourself to blame, and if you do not have to considor anyone else when it comes to routes, sightseeing etc.

As for solo riding being hard core, that is nonsense (depending on the trip of course) its no more hard core than if you were travelling with someone else.
I'm sure you don't feel it necessary to pair up everytime you go some where in the UK, why should travelling through Europe be any different.

You go ahead and travel alone, you won't regret it.

Good luck

Mike
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Jan 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 89
Quote:
Originally Posted by baluchiman View Post
Hi Laura

I would reiterate all of the above comments, especially 'Lars'. I would never travel any other way, but solo. In my opinion it is the best way. I recall my first trip overland to India thirteen years ago. According to others, I was going to get kidnapped in Kurdistan and if I survived that, I would most probably get lynched in Iran, neither happened, bar from making loads of new friends. Its amazing how fellow overlanders attract each other, whether you meet someone at a border crossing or you meet someone at a camp site. The beauti of travelling solo is that you can choose whether to spend a few days/weeks travelling with someone else or not. In addition, should you get lost you only have yourself to blame, and if you do not have to considor anyone else when it comes to routes, sightseeing etc.

As for solo riding being hard core, that is nonsense (depending on the trip of course) its no more hard core than if you were travelling with someone else.
I'm sure you don't feel it necessary to pair up everytime you go some where in the UK, why should travelling through Europe be any different.

You go ahead and travel alone, you won't regret it.

Good luck

Mike
beauty - you illiterate cr£tin
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Jan 2009
Billy Bunter's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London, England
Posts: 183
People do have a funny attitude to solo travelers... thats friends, family and locals you meet on the way. A couple of years ago i spent eighteen months doing London to Sydney on my own and loved it and am currently traveling in Africa solo. You aways meet people on the way, locals, back packers and other bike travelers, also, friends sometimes fly out when you are in a 'nice' place too.

However, there will also be times when you are a little bit lonely, or stuck in a situation where you think another person would be of benefit, but on balance, i prefer solo and when i do hook with others on the road after a while i want to go back to solo, to make my own decisions etc etc

I also think you speak to locals more on your own as they are more likely to approach a lone traveler than two travelers talking away to each other to the exclusion of the people around them, and i like to chat to locals when i can more than anyone else.

The funny thing is, like mentioned earlier in this thread, in Europe I never feel comfortable dining alone, but in eastern europe, asia or africa no problem whats so ever, probably because people are more likely to chat to you there.

Anyway, Its a real horses for courses situation, but i am i believe a solo pony!
__________________
Will

Some day so soon....
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 16 Jan 2009
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Stay out of bars when alone.
Best!
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Last edited by mollydog; 24 Mar 2009 at 19:45.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 183
Hello,
I can't contribute much that has not been said here already, but actually I'll be doing pretty much the same thing.

Starting from Romania I'll be going to Ukraine, catch the ferry to Istanbul, ride through Bulgaria, do a quick loop in Albania, have a look into Europe's youngest Nation (Kosovo) and then finally hit the Adria and head north, where home is. Most of it alone

So obviously my Advice is don't worry to much. Like somebody stated here earlier people have a horizon and whatever goes beyond that appears dangerous and irresponsible to them.
__________________
Projekt Balkan
www.buebo.de - Der tägliche Wahnsinn
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 17 Jan 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Almeria, Andalucia
Posts: 185
Ach, I love this site sometimes. How brilliant to see so many positive responses in such a short space of time.

Lots of sensible advice, too, including the most sensible advice of all... "go ahead and do it."

--Mike
__________________
www.BesideTheSeaside.eu
---I'm back. Now what?---
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 17 Jan 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 49
one ? two ? whats the difference.

If you are going to get kidnapped, (which is highly unlikely in Europe e.g. the Balkan) they can as well kidnap you and your mate. (two persons make about the same impression on a guy with an automatic weapon as one person does.) Actually, if I think a bit longer about it, two persons equals more ransom money, so better travel alone

(/me went solo from switzerland to india. never felt threatend anywhere on my trip)
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 17 Jan 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
Josie Dew has a good book about her travels in Europe and elsewhere solo by bicycle. I think it´s Wind in My Wheels or something. It´s got an account of when something went badly wrong, and her reflections after the event happened. She sums up the risks very well.

If I ever get home I can lend you the book, but you can probably get it in a library or shop.


cheers,
Doug
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 17 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sunderland, UK
Posts: 280
You're more likely to get into problems in big tourist resorts, i.e. Malia, Magaluf, etc. Been there, done that. The only time I've had a problem when travelling with the bike was getting into a fight with a Romanian smackhead in Amsterdam. I believe there's one HUBB user got mugged in Monza. Again, a town with a big tourist draw. I've found that the less tourist focused a place is, the more welcoming the locals are of solo travellers. That to me is a big pull to travel before these places get more commercialised. Prague is usually cited as a prime example.

The first tour I did alone was Italy by car. I was supposed to be going with my then girlfriend but thats another story in itself. My parents were less than happy when I told them I was going anyway. Why they thought I'd be safer with her is anyone's guess.

They had just got used to idea until one year, I told them I was taking the bike and that the Nurburgring was on the itinerary and they hit the roof. They just accept it now.

If they think you're hardcore, let them think it. Makes what you're doing that bit more special.

BTW, the last trip I did with the bike was just for a week with a mate to see the Moto GP in Holland. You have no idea how much he did my head by the end of Day 1. It was also down to him that I had the previously mentioned scrap in Amsterdam on the return journey. Unless someone is as well prepared as you and has the same attitude, they're more trouble than they're worth! Solution: travel alone, stay out of the tourist towns.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Going Solo to Colombia, Nov. '08!!! Acropolis South America 3 23 Aug 2008 05:31
Solo to the Circle nugentch North America 7 2 Jul 2008 02:52
Riding Solo... Redboots West and South Asia 0 24 Nov 2006 18:45
Radio 4: travelling solo in the sahara RichLees North Africa 1 7 May 2006 20:44
Travelling solo - how do you not get bored? G_S Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 22 28 Jan 2004 03:54

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:09.