I saw a movie sometime ago where all the scenes were done on the road, the lead character travelling solo as she went on sightseeing, picnics and exploring places she's never been to before. Even down to car breaking down, meeting weird guys on the way and being in bad places, the movie showed most of the scary challenges.
Still, I remember more about the nice places she visited, the kind people she encountered and most importantly how happy and free she felt and acted. She had a family, she had friends but she chose that weekend to treat herself to enjoying something different and maybe better. It did turn out great for her at last, she felt happier.
Even before that movie, I've always loved the idea of traveling solo but I think my brain reminds me too fast of the dangers in it than the fun in it. Especially in Nigeria, travelling solo feels more like a risky move than an adventure and it has made a lot of people here in my country even forget there's a thing called solo travelling for fun.
So I'm not going to say I don't like the idea of Solo travelling but actually doing it, I have to think it over countless times to make such a move. Solo traveling means having a car of my own and using it on the road myself to destinations I'm not certain of. The first challenge I'm considering is travelling our Nigerian roads of endless checks.
I remember the last travel experience and the number of check ups the vehicle had to stop for police to take something for their work, it felt so tiring. Maybe they won't disturb the solo cars much but it's definitely a concern if I choose to go on a solo trip. I'll also have to worry about the bothersome criminal acts happening around.
Another serious challenge I may have to encounter on a solo trip is, my car breaking down on one of the many bush paths. I remember a friend talking about how Nigeria has too many bushy areas in some states than some where she had been. I also can not forget the experience I had one day waiting at a bushy area for a car fix.
But will I still take a solo trip if I am allowed to, especially money wise? It's a big yes because even though they are challenges, they can be avoided or reduced to minimal by good preparations and taking precautions for safety. I love travelling a lot but I've not really thought about solo trips but it's something I'd love to try.
Regardless of the challenges I'll have to face, if I'll experience my first solo trip here in Nigeria, I'd be glad to. But it would be a lot more fun and memorable if it's outside my country. In any case, I believe I'll have a lot of fun and feel the exciting freedom wherever I go on a solo trip so long I try to minimize the challenges and simply have fun.
Images used are AI generated.
