Solo travel as a means of self cultivation

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Hello all,

I would like to share a part of my own experience and produce some meaningful discussion around the topic of travel. Specifically, traveling by yourself. Now, I have always been of the wanderlust/explorer mindset, so it may just be my natural state, but it is my belief that my various adventures out into the countryside have given me a much greater sense of self security, control, and "just not giving a ****" than I would have otherwise had staying at home.

I have seen and done some incredible things while out on the road. Things that cost me next to nothing, but will forever be engrained in my memory as challenging, exhausting, sometimes sketchy, but always wholly fulfilling. During these various trips I answer to no-one, pick my own destinations, and plot my own course....subject only to the rules of speed limits and "don't feed the bears" signs. The time between destinations allows for much reflection, whether on life itself or the things one did at a previous place. You begin to appreciate simple things you may not have noticed before - a comfortable night where you don't have to sleep in your car, a starlit sky, the uniqueness of each sunset, and (for me) - my dry sense of humor.

When I began discovering these things, the multitude of societal pressures and anxieties didn't necessarily change...before it was like running through a fog, searching for something and not being able to find it. Now, while the fog is still there, it's like a peaceful walk filled with mystery - an object of curiosity, and certainly nothing to be afraid of. I don't "fit in" any better than I used to, probably even a bit less, but I've found a happiness that's unlike any other I'd previously experienced. A sort of contentment and security that no job, girlfriend, or other major life circumstance can take away from me.

I can't help but wonder if any other members of the autistic community here have taken on the pseudo-vagabond lifestyle for a period of time, and what your experiences were. What were your motivations, discoveries, triumphs, and failures?

I agree with you although my habits are rather different... on my free time my escapes vary quite a lot, and despite how nuts I am about it, my car is a bit less central. I've lived in the same college town for a decade and half, so in addition to meeting many interesting people I've learned thousands of miles of mountain roads, in addition to mountain biking and alpine skiing. Having fun getting places is a theme with me, I drive the same way I ski: fast as F$%!... I also bike quite a lot and join giant party rides weekly every summer. Despite our differences, I've only ever owned hatchbacks so I too have taken some very unique trips. As a result I'm actually quite the driver. Hopefully soon I can finally afford a 6spd stick!

_________________
"Standing on a well-chilled cinder, we see the fading of the suns, and try to recall the vanished brilliance of the origin of the worlds."
-Georges Lemaitre
"I fly through hyperspace, in my green computer interface"
-Gem Tos

My solo travel habits are quite NT-ish: solo cruising. It's basically going on Carnival cruises in the Caribbean, by myself, or "solo", and it's known in the cruise community. It's a lot like road tripping solo, but without a care in the world, except getting to the ship and back. The ship and its crew provides everything for you: transportation, food, alcohol, entertainment, and people to hang out with. I end up making friends very quickly, and even have little trouble getting women to like me. The best part is a strict routine: everything is scheduled by the hour, and I always know what's going to happen where. For instance, I know for certain that at 2:00, I'll be eating my first meal on the ship; at 4:30, I'll be watching the ship pull out of port; at 7:00, hit a bar for a cocktail; at 8:00, dinner; at 10:00, theater show; and at 11:30, start my night of partying. Port schedules are strictly outlined too, down to the exact minute. Best part? I didn't have to compromise with anyone or give up a single thing I wanted to do. Typically, my NT friends, being more socially dominant than me, end up overruling most of my wishes.

Solo cruising truly one of most aspie-friendly ways to vacation, as long as you have good tolerance, or even enjoyment, of noise and crowds.

I like to travel to amusement parks (especially water parks.) during off season times to avoid the crowds. Being solo is the best time because you can enjoy the attractions more and the singles line is much much quicker to get through and less crowded.

WEll I find travelling a beautiful experience, even if I never went solo which I presume gives a huge freedom I would like to sometime soon.
I like what you wrote Loudzoo and I believe that traveling can reconnect us with ourselves
I cannot share any experience of pseudo-vagabond lifestyle but I hope you'll find someone who can.

I would like though to share my thoughts from the travels I took outside my country which brightened me up and showed me that societies are very different . The most enchanting impression I was left with though was to have a map in my pocket and be in a completely unknown city and country with people speaking a foreign language....it's then when I see how many options I have , so many possibilities

I do love countryside and I spend most of my childhood there, Indeed life is different there , it's like the body lives 100% and everything is more peaceful and fuller with energy. But also things are simple, so simple that it can hurt my mind.

As for Aspie1.
It's nice that you cope with the strict schedule. Even if you know everything in advance it's hard for me to think that everything is planned by someone else and I cannot make any changes

Totally agree. I did a lot of solo traveling when I was in college, and have done a lot more in the last decade or so. The best times I had traveling, however, were with my late fiance, who was very much like you describe yourself, loudzoo. I am hoping I can find another "kindred spirit" with whom to resume my travels once I retire in a few years. Otherwise, I'll go back to doing it alone. I'm already making plans as to how I can make that happen.

I have enjoyed travelling with my wife.

Alone, I am overwhelmed by anxiety and the whole thing becomes an ordeal.