I figured I'd start this week off with something that's very close to my heart. Back in 2012, I was just an anxious-but-excited 17-year-old senior in high school, about to set foot on an airplane by myself for the very first time. I had been planning for months and dreaming about how everything was going to happen, carefully considering exactly what I wanted and how I wanted it to be. Most people don't decide to venture a third of the way across the globe for their very first solo trip, but that was exactly my plan when I boarded my flight to Ireland.

For me, a trip to Ireland was inevitable - what with my competitive Irish dancing background and all - but, looking back now, it wasn't just my strong ties to the culture that made the trip so memorable. In so many ways, Ireland really is the perfect destination for someone young, inexperienced and looking to get that first solo trip under their belt.

I could rattle off all the basics and talk about how Ireland has a rich culture and history, beautiful ancient architecture and absolutely stunning scenery. I vividly remember sitting on a near-empty bus from Dublin to Belfast and being absolutely amazed at the rolling green hills that looked like they'd been taken right out of a postcard. What's more incredible was that I'd barely gone 10 minutes outside the city.

And while that's all well and good, the same sort of thing can be said about many destinations and many countries the world over. No, we're here to talk about why Ireland, specifically, is a paradise for the solo traveler.

1. No Language Barrier

This is something high on my list any time I'm thinking of visiting a new country. As someone who gets extremely nervous at the thought of having to converse in a language that I don't entirely understand (even French, which I studied for 6+ years, still gets my stomach in a twist), I can promise English speakers will have no trouble, here. It’s often overlooked, but simple fact that English is the primary spoken language in Ireland can be enough to set the most nervous travelers at ease. And while Ireland does in fact have their own beautiful and ancient language, you won't have to worry about running into someone who doesn't also speak yours.

2. Ireland Is Safe

According to the 2020 Global Peace Index, Ireland was ranked 12th of 163 countries, outshining such popular destinations as France, Spain and Italy - ranked 66th, 38th and 31st, respectively. From a personal standpoint, I can confidently say that I have ventured all across the country of Ireland as a young, solo woman, and not once have I felt unsafe.

Of course, no matter where you are or how comfortable you may be with your surroundings, it's always advised that you practice some level of caution and awareness, but that's something that stands regardless of where you're traveling.

3. Public Transport is Easy

As a girl from Texas, where you'd better be driving if you want to get anywhere, the public transportation system in Ireland sort of blew my mind on that first visit. Whether you need to get from one big city to another or venture all the way out to the tiniest, most remote town you can find on a map, chances are there's a bus in Ireland that can take you there. In my 15+ trips to the country, I've never felt the need to spend money renting a car because I've been able to get everywhere I needed by bus or train.

4. Destinations Are Walkable

And once you reach your destination via bus, train or any combination of the two, you'll find that walking is one of the best ways to explore your surroundings. Cities like Dublin and Belfast are incredibly walker-friendly, and there's always plenty to see along the way! Ireland also has an excellent system of trails and hiking routes that are so rewarding to explore!

5. The People

I’ve saved my best point for last. If I had a quarter for every time an Irish person went out of their way to be kind or helpful to me, well . . . I'd be able to buy a plane ticket back there right now. The Irish are by far some of the nicest people I've ever met on my travels. I can recount story after story, like when a train station employee ran out of the building and down the street to make sure I had the right ticket, or when a bus driver noticed me holding a camera and offered to take a short detour and stop to let me get a good photo of the sunrise. The list goes on, but the people of Ireland have proven time and time again how incredibly hospitable and generous they can be toward foreigners.

Referenced:

http://visionofhumanity.org/indexes/global-peace-index/