Would it be weird to go travelling on your own at 21 years old? Need some advice?

go. what's the problem?

I traveled through Europe when I was 21 (I'm American), and went all by myself. I can honestly say I'm GLAD I didn't go with my friends! I stayed in youth hostels in every country, and everywhere I went, I made new friends and was never alone. I made friends with the other travelers in my hostel and at various sightseeing places, and even met someone who I ended up traveling with for 2 months! Trust me, you would have a better time by yourself... you can do whatever you want, whenever you want! You really can't make plans when traveling, as obstacles will arise and better ideas will pop up all the time, and traveling alone will allow you to be flexible enough to accommodate these changes. As long as you are friendly, outgoing, and open minded, you will never be lonely and will always have friends. Most hostels arrange fun activities for their guests, most of whom travel alone. I went on a few pub crawls, a few community dinners, some walking tours, and met friends wherever I went. Don't spend your whole day at the hostel, but definitely spend an hour or two in the evening in the communal kitchen or lounge, and that's where you will meet like-minded travelers. I hope you have a blast! I wish I could go again!!! Edit: I forgot to mention the amazing experience of pure independence you will have! You will emerge from your trip more outgoing, more confident, and more aware of yourself as a person. My trip literally changed me into a new, better person. When they say kids go to Europe or India or wherever to "find themselves", it may be cliche, but it's true!

There are certain companies that do travelling for groups of people so that people who are travelling alone can all group together. That way you'll be able to make friends with other people who are going alone, try looking on the web for such groups or go to the travel agents and ask them if they know of any schemes. Don't give up though just because your friends don't want to go. My friend is going away for a week by herself and if she can do it you can!!

We are similar in our minds As soon as I finished University I went on a travel and ended up living in Germany for a couple of years. I have been to many countries,learnt a few languages and experienced many cultures since that time. I even found my wife in Java. All I would say is take the usual precautions,let somebody know where you are and have fun.

I travel alone, but I got experience in places before I did that. It's really common sense in a way. There are so many things to learn and discover when traveling... and just because you know one culture/country doesn't mean you'd be safe in another. I've been traveling for the last 10 years... sort of non-stop... thought I'd NEVER go anywhere... But I know so many stories now about real people and real happenings. So, until you know a place fairly well or know who you can hire as a guide, my advice is to search out like minded people, not necessarily a tour, and then make plans to go with one or more other people. I think that there are blogs and email groups... you may do some searches or go to Lonely Planet or Rough Guide travel websites or travel books. It's always good to get a good book about the place you want to travel in too. Sometimes you can come to a place and go to an area where other foreign people are traveling from and find folks you get on with... but then there is a risk in this because there are lots and lots of other people with other agendas who also go to these places and look for young and inexperienced people to talk into going with them, etc. Part of having a good travel experience is being wise and educated. There is adventure enough without making yourself unnecessarily vulnerable. And, I'm sorry, but in many cultures just by the fact that you are young and a woman can make you a target. So, be creative and check around. There are groups that go for photography, art, science and other reasons... I know one friend that has an annual group going to Tibet. But you have to find like-minded people that you have a common interest and bond with. Have fun... hope this helps. Don't be discouraged... but be informed and wise.

Go on your own girl!!!!!! Although... it would be much safer to go with someone else, i think 21 is a fine age to go traveling solo, if you're game. Alternately take me, i've always wanted to go to Machu Picchu and all that bu i have the same problem with my friends. :P hahaha

I first went travelling on my own when i was 18, then again when i was 19 then again when i was 21.....do it. Most travellers do go alone, you'll meet tons of people and make friends so easily> Everybody is in the same boat. Do it!!

I wud probably take 1 friend cuz im not the kind of person who goes alone to a country...its pretty scary if it was the first time =]

I have travelled extensively by myself and have met many many people from all around the world doing the same. It's actually quite liberating to march to the beat of your own drum. I wouldn't compromise and miss out on the things you want to see and do in life for the lack of someone to accompany you. Remember you have just one go at this life. My circumstances meant I got to my mid thirties before I grabbed the bull by the horns and went for it. As much as I would have liked to share the experiences with someone the opportunity hadn't arisen and I felt I'd put things on hold for too long waiting for that person to come along. Just go for it. You'll have far fewer (if any) regrets having travelled by yourself than not at all.