ON THE ROAD: PROFILES
Dominique and Martine
Madrid, Spain
Dom and Martine are solo travelers I met in Madrid.
Dom is a backpacker from Australia and Martine studies medicine in Germany.
Dominique Cooper
“About 6 months ago, I decided to stop just talking about travel and actually do it. I jumped in. I sold all my stuff – and I do mean everything, except my books, a box of special things, and my car – and I bought a backpack that I started carrying around the world. I started in Asia – Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, China, Japan – and then came over to Europe, where I’ve been to Copenhagen, Scotland, Britain and now Spain. Next, I’m probably going to Portugal and then Ireland. I think winter has been too long, so I want to find ways to stay close to the sun.”
“My favorite thing about travelling alone is the range of opportunities you get access to that you wouldn’t if you had company. I was pleasantly surprised to find that people look out for you when you’re a solo traveler. You got offers on places to stay and you go out with people I may never have gone out with if you weren’t alone. And, the worst part about traveling alone? Packing your bag all the time! Also, the moments where you feel vulnerable because you don’t have anyone familiar around. But people do normally help you, they’re just not people you know.”
“In the next few years… I just see myself being happy. Being satisfied in myself and knowing who I am. I want to be in love with life and the world. I want to keep doing what sets my heart on fire. Traveling alone is terrifying, but it’s also the best thing I’ve ever done, because it’s really bringing me closer to myself.”
Martine Stoltz
“I study medicine in Fryberg and had a small break coming up that I wanted to use to take a short trip somewhere in Europe. So, I went online and booked the cheapest flight I could find. This is the first time I’ve travelled alone! I asked my friends if they wanted to come along but nobody had the time, so I thought, never mind, I’m just going to go by myself. And it’s been so great so far that I’m a little afraid I might actually prefer traveling alone rather than travelling with people.”
“My favorite thing about traveling alone is that you’re more open in the way you approach things. You talk to people because you have to talk to people and often end up having really nice conversations. What I don’t like is that you have to go to restaurants alone, and I find that to be quite difficult sometimes.”
“Madrid is a full city, and I want my next trip to be in a big city as well. I’ll see where the cheapest flight takes me. I did really like New York City when I visited. I was fascinated by the its density and I loved how different the people were. If I can, I definitely want to go back there soon.”