And yet many veteran travellers have an incredible memory, eyes opening solo trips, of glorious days when they set out alone and found and noticed things they might never have done otherwise.
Here are the 5 reasons why you should travel alone at least once in your life. Keep in mind that they are just five examples. You will be learning more than that while travelling solo.
#1. Independence & Empowerment.
Travelling with someone, whether with family & relatives or friends, one of the most challenging parts is making an important decision, including finding a perfect place for everyone to stay, what, where, when to eat, and where you all are going to shop, and more. It is quite possible that at some point, you may not like the decisions they made for you or vice versa.
Solo travel gives freedom, independence, and of course wanderlust. It will also let you create your own schedule of everything you want to do on those trips, including when and how you want to do it. Many solo travellers often talk about how empowered they feel after returning from a trip. They usually come back as a new person with a fresh perspective of life.
#2. Build Confidence.
Solo travelling is considered to be a brave endeavour. But I don’t think of going solo as brave. If you have proper research about your destination, you will be ready to handle anything that comes on your way. As you travel solo, being fully responsible for yourself, you will inevitably find just how capable you are. As you step out of your comfort zone, whether it’s by going to a restaurant alone or travelling solo to an unknown place, a place you are unfamiliar with culture and language, you will gain confidence. As you make every decision about trips, including meals, accommodation, and more, your confidence in your ability to make a decision will also enhance. Solo travel will give you opportunities to learn how to encounter various types of scenarios, which you are probably unfamiliar with now.
#3. Self-growth.
Our brain’s autopilot is switched off when we confront new situations and environments. The world comes into sharper focus where we have to pay attention. On a solo trip, you will handle different kinds of situations day to day, it allows you to be more present at the moment.
It allows you to listen to your guts and control your emotions as well. Solo travelling frees you to reflect on your decisions and find more about yourself
#4. Connections & New Friendships.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that solo travel means loneliness. Although, everyone needs a bit of alone time, and some prefer alone. You can also make a friend on your journey from the first day. Travel can lead to exciting adventures and meaningful experiences with strangers that have a long-lasting impact. There are hundreds of apps available on the internet, allowing us to make connections with like-minded adventurers. Beyond apps, there are several solo travellers who you can meet at your destinations. They will automatically throw you into a social setting and opportunities to get to know other cultures
#5. Freedom.
I know many people who are not interested in solo travelling because they would rather travel with someone they know. I can’t say it is wrong with preferring group travel. However, trips with friends or family have a fallback as well. I hear that some cancel a trip because a friend or relative backed out at the last minute. It isn’t possible for someone to go with you every time you make a plan for adventure. Solo travel is very ultimate freedom as you can make a trip when you want, where you want within your budget. While you are travelling, you need to know what you are getting yourself into. On your solo trip, only one person you can rely on is you, which sometimes seems scary, but it’s also invigorating. So, the next time you get inspired to go on a trip and can’t find a friend to go with – I would recommend you, book your flight by yourself.
