Want to travel but afraid of going alone? Don’t be! NONI GOVE explains how she made the leap to see the world on her own.

My first big travel adventure was backpacking in Scandinavia, Europe and the UK. I was 51 at the time and I had decided to go alone, but a friend said she wanted to come too. We sat down and mapped out where we wanted to go and where to stay – it was all very exciting.

We hired a car for six weeks and drove from Lands End in the south of England to John O'Grouts in the north of Scotland. I then met up with a different friend and travelled to Ireland, Scandinavia and Europe for a further two months. She left from Rome to go back to Australia and I decided to stay on my own in Greece and then travel to Thailand.

It was quite daunting saying goodbye to my friend, but I was more excited about the prospect than nervous. I decided it would be a challenge and I would give it my best shot. I also felt I was a little more streetwise and savvy than four months before. I now look back and see what a green horn I was.

So I took the train to Brindisi and then an overnight ferry to Greece. I found I fitted in well with the younger backpackers, even though I was twice their age in most cases. I teamed up with a bunch of them and we shared a room on a Greek island for a few days. I chatted to many people on the ferries and learned about the island of Koh Samet in Thailand from an American couple who had been there. I am now like part of the family on this island.

I also went alone to Bali two months after the Sari Club and Paddy’s were bombed in 2002. I wanted to help the Balinese people whose lives and livelihood had been totally destroyed. The Australian Government was advising people not to go there, and the airfares were double the normal price, but I was determined to go anyway. Some people thought I was crazy, others said ‘good on you’. The experience was so enriching despite all the obstacles I had to overcome.

Taking the challenge
Getting out of your comfort zone is a challenge for sure, but once you have taken those first steps, you are empowered to do more. I try to think positively and not let fear get in the way. It is best not to look back, or start doubting yourself. Go with your 'gut feeling' or intuition.

I trust people and mostly have not been disappointed. I have always been one to grasp opportunities and run with them. Also I like my own space and being on my own gave me the freedom to change my mind. Do nothing or do something outrageous. Six weeks ago I hitchhiked in Hawaii, no problem.

There will be people who tell you the worst scenarios of disaster that can and will take place. While it is meant well and can be helpful, it is best to put that negative energy into positive thoughts for a positive outcome.

I find the more willing you are to take small steps into the unknown, the more everything will fall into place. Talk to encouraging, supportive, enthusiastic friends about your travel plans. You will soon find out who the 'doubters' are.

Write a list of all the places you want to visit and why. Which one or two stand out the most? Focus on them, and get your passport in order if you intend to go overseas. Practise talking to strangers. Challenge yourself in small ways. Becoming more flexible helps when things don't go as planned. Be kind to yourself and trust your judgement.

Remember, at some point you have to lose sight of the shore before you discover new oceans.

* Noni Gove is the winner of the 2005 Get Up & Go Award for Australia’s most adventurous senior, as announced in our last issue.