How I Learned To Embrace Solo Adventures While Island Hopping In Croatia

Around six years ago, I headed on my first and only (to date anyway) solo backpacking adventure. Although much time has passed since my trip to Croatia, I still look back on it often as it was such an achievement and the experience taught me very valuable life lessons. I backpacked from the south of Croatia up to the north in the space of two weeks. Two weeks might sound like quite a short time but when I was there, it felt like a lifetime.

I never intended to do this trip alone. Originally a friend was going to come with me. Due to unforeseen circumstances, they had to drop out and with the short notice, I couldn’t find anyone to join me. I’d already spent a lot of money booking flights, hotels, and hostels and a lot of the bookings were none refundable. Traveling to Croatia had been on my bucket list for quite some time, especially island hopping, and so I decided to pluck up the courage and continue my plans as a female solo traveller.

Croatia

Once I’d packed my backpack, my boyfriend took me to the airport (my partner and I are still together now but at that point, our relationship was still fairly new). Once we’d said our goodbyes, I totally panicked and broke down. I realized how alone I felt and longed for him to join me. Due to us working at the same company, my partner couldn’t take time off work to backpack alongside me, and I had to face the fact I was to go on this trip alone.

I think I cried the whole time I was in the airport and on the flight. I had never done anything like this before and I was terrified to spend two weeks alone in a foreign country. I feared something bad would happen to me or that I’d be really lonely and not enjoy the trip at all. Once the flight landed, I had to wipe away my tears and figure out how to get from the airport to my first booked accommodation in Dubrovnik. I soon realized the place I had booked was actually quite tricky to get to from the airport by public transport. On day 1, this meant breaking my budget to get a coach followed by a taxi.

Once I arrived at my lodging, I had the chance to sit down in my own space that wasn’t in a crowded airport or on a cramped flight. I was able to sit on the bed, open the window to the stunning view and take a moment to appreciate what I had achieved so far. I began to feel proud of myself. I could have so easily let fear and anxiety take over me and cancel the whole trip. Instead, I’d made it here, and I was sitting staring at my bucket list, right in front of me waiting to be ticked. It was from that point on I started to gain confidence and determination.

Backpacking in Croatia

After a freshen-up and unpack, I headed into Dubrovnik and started to enjoy the sights there was to see. I even plucked up the courage to head to a fancy restaurant and ask for a table for one. I read my book in front of the marina and soaked in the scenery. I started to catch a glimpse of how spending time with myself could actually be quite a nice experience.

Eating at the Marina

The following couple of days, I spent some more time exploring Dubrovnik. I got a map, planned my days and headed out on my adventure. Within these two days in the city, I really pushed myself out of my comfort zone and ended up cliff jumping with a group of people I’d bumped into as I was sunbathing on a rock face that was apparently perfect for that activity. Although I was feeling more comfortable in my surroundings, I don’t think the fear or anxiety ever truly went away until I got back home.

After leaving Dubrovnik, I had eleven days left of exploring to do. This consisted of quite a bit of travel, island hopping, and heading toward the north. Within these ten or so days, I achieved and learned so much. I let loose, booked many activities and tours, met some amazing people I still chat with today and learned to enjoy spending time in my own company. Below I have listed some tips for other female travelers who may be heading out on their first solo adventure, I think these learnings really helped me make that two weeks special, safe and enjoyable.

Booking things in advance takes a lot of stress away and also gives you the motivation to get out of bed and get where you need to be.
There’s no shame in asking for a table for 1!
Pack some books or other entertainment. Time can move slowly when you’re own so it’s nice to have something to do.
There are so many other solo travelers out there who are also looking to chat, make friends or travel some of your journey with you.
Call home often to let your loved ones know you’re safe but don’t become overly reliant on connecting with them. Try to make connections with the people around you.
If you ever feel uncomfortable in a situation, be sure to trust your gut and leave the scene. I sometimes felt that the hostels I’d booked didn’t go with my vibe so I asked for a single room or booked another place.
Believe in yourself and do what you want to do. Enjoy the fact you’re not with a friend or family member negotiating over plans you don’t want to do.
Although you may have a tight budget, try to be free and adventurous with your plans. I went river rafting for the first time, kayaking, on a waterfall tour and more! This trip is now one of my favorites ever.
If you feel overwhelmed and can’t keep up with your own schedule, take some time out. It’s important to go at your own pace.
Don’t be embarrassed to take loads of selfies or ask others to take photos of you. I took a billion and I LOVE looking back at these memories!
Make people watching a new hobby. It is important to be aware of your surroundings but it’s also great for spotting other solo travelers or friendship groups that look really welcoming.