Manuel, 19 years old, shared his experience, thoughts and tips as a first-time solo traveller. Read on to find out what he had to say about his experience in Amsterdam.
What made you decide to travel on your own? What were your inspirations for solo travelling?
Manuel: First I wanted to spend my birthday doing something different and I said why not go to Amsterdam? And that`s what I did!
What were your feelings before you went? Any excitements, butterflies or scared?
Manuel: I was very excited that I was going to travel to a place where I knew no one, but it did not stop me as its nothing to be afraid of.
What about meeting new people?
Manuel: People in Amsterdam are very friendly so I did not have any problems getting along.
Most people don’t travel alone because they fear to be lonely. How did you deal with loneliness?
Manuel: I preferred it to be honest.
Why did you choose Amsterdam for your first solo trip overseas?
Manuel: I chose Amsterdam because I have never been there before and all of my friends recommended it.
How did the city you visited impressed you?
Manuel: Amsterdam impressed me in many ways especially by how friendly the people are, the beautiful buildings & roads and nature. I have to mention of course that most of all you can go to a coffeeshop buy a hot drink and smoke some of the finest and legal weed you can find!
Did you feel unsafe? Can you tell us an unsafe situation you have experienced?
Manuel: My hotel was in the Redlight District so as you can imagine in the night there was a lot of nightlife going on, but still I have not experienced one unsafe situation.
Do you consider that this trip as solo changed or will change your future life?
Manuel: Yes, it did because if you can fly to a country where you don`t know anyone then you can do anything you set your mind to.
What is the biggest thing you have learned about yourself while travelling solo?
Manuel: I have to relate this question with the previous one, if you can fly to a country where you don’t know anyone by yourself then you can pretty much do anything you set your mind to.
For those planning or considering their very first trip alone, what advice do you have for them? And where do you recommend them to go to Amsterdam?
Manuel: Just book those tickets and go don`t think it twice it will be an experience that you will never forget.
For anyone visiting Amsterdam I recommend you to visit The Red Light District, Vondelpark, Dam square as you can do a lot of shopping there, Amstel brewery tour, Melkweg bar, Original Dampkring Coffee shop, the Jolly Joker and of course the Bulldog street!
