Lettie Goes Travelling

That’s quite a bold statement to make.

Let’s be honest — so far my holidays and trips have been fairly mainstream. I haven’t been backpacking across the Alps or the Himalayas with nothing more than a tent and a billy can.

I’m generally visiting well-known destinations in countries that aren’t appearing on the gov.uk “do not travel” list.

So my starting point is already fairly safe.

But that doesn’t take away from any travel anxieties you might have. Anxieties, by their very nature, don’t have to be rational.

I remember flying from Manston to Manchester a number of years ago. It was a small twin-prop aircraft and it was a beautifully clear day.

As we soared over the green fields of England I suddenly had the thought:

“Oh my goodness… there are literally only a couple of sheets of metal between me and the ground thousands of feet below.”

So what did I do?

I gently and calmly lifted my feet off the floor.

Then I laughed at myself and generally felt much better.

The reality is that when you travel — especially alone — you are constantly carrying out tiny risk assessments.

Nothing dramatic. Just small decisions.

Do I want to wander out for dinner after dark, or would I rather eat in the hotel tonight?

Should I jump into a taxi from the street, or ask reception to book one for me?

This restaurant is empty… should I eat here, or find somewhere busier?

Am I comfortable leaving my things on the beach while I grab a drink — or would the nice couple nearby mind keeping an eye on them?

You’re not spending your holiday filling out a risk log — heaven forbid.

But just like anything else in life, the more you do something, the easier it becomes. You become better at spotting potential problems, and more confident in your own decision-making.

And that confidence grows over time.

But — in true Lettie style — I do have to add a caveat.

Don’t become over-confident.

I discovered that lesson in Rome.

I’d had a lovely day exploring the city and a great meal that evening. I decided I would wander up to the top of one of Rome’s many hills to watch the sunset over the city.

Brilliant idea.

And it was — the view was stunning.

We stood there as a loose group of strangers, all watching this incredible natural moment unfold over such an historic city. There were a few appreciative “oohs” and “aahs” as the colours in the sky shifted and deepened.

Then, as sunsets do, it ended… and people gradually drifted away to continue their evenings.

I started heading back to my hotel.

And that’s when my phone died.

Suddenly I had no real idea where I was in relation to the hotel, and it was getting darker by the minute.

I set off in what I thought was the right direction — but I am exactly the kind of person who follows Google Maps for fifteen steps before realising I’ve started walking the wrong way.

Before long I found myself in a rather quiet part of town… and starting to feel a little anxious.

That’s when the Carabinieri found me.

I was definitely on the wrong side of the tracks and, to them — and probably everyone else — I clearly looked like a slightly lost tourist.

They were absolutely lovely.

Before I knew it, I was being whisked back to my hotel in the back of their vehicle.

I did buy them coffee on the way, as a thank you for their trouble.

So yes, it was a slightly dramatic evening.

But the positive side is that I now get to say I once spent an evening in Rome being escorted around by two very charming Italian gentlemen who looked after me with perfect decorum.

And perhaps that’s the real lesson.

Confidence when travelling alone is a wonderful thing.

Just make sure it’s accompanied by a little common sense… and preferably a fully charged phone.