MELANIE BRACEWELL
I've done a lot of travelling by myself and the main thing I learned was that I would have died or got lost if I had to do it before modern technology.
I am hopeless at navigating or eating anywhere without googling, "Is this place yum?" I've learned that's a pretty dangerous place to be, especially if you have to do without it.
I spent three weeks in Los Angeles last year and literally, the moment I walked into LAX airport, my entire bank's computer systems shut down. Classic. Of course, because I'm a modern woman, I didn't carry cash, Uber was a no-go because it was linked to my card, so I just walked around aimlessly texting Mum "HELP" at 10-minute intervals until she finally replied and gave me her credit card details. Sorted! I still use it for expensive purchases now and hope she doesn't notice - perfect outcome.
It was a pretty awesome trip and, while travelling by yourself can be isolating at times, you can still do all the fun stuff. I went to Disneyland by myself for three days and still really enjoyed it. I could do all the rides I wanted to do without consulting another person. The only lowlight was that a lady screamed at me for taking her spot in front of the fireworks. She said very loudly, "There's a reason I have a family and you're by yourself." Truly the happiest place on Earth.
