It can be daunting to head into the world with only your suitcase or backpack for company. But that’s one more reason to do it in the first place! Not only does solo travel present a unique challenge, but it can also be life-changing. Liberation and empowerment are just two things you’ll take into your life after a solo trip.
Need more convincing? Here are just a few things you can look forward to whilst venturing alone on the journey of a lifetime.
Enjoy the absolute freedom
Forget trying to reach a compromise with other people in your group and say hello to doing exactly what you want. If you feel like going on a solo walking holiday, do it. If you’re feeling like lazing on the beach with a book, do it. And if you find that you’ve fallen head-over-heels for a place (or even a person) along the way, nothing is stopping you from staying as long as you want. You can always find affordable nearby hotels that offer extended stay and soak in nice vibes for as long as you want.
By experiencing this kind of freedom, you will start to understand yourself better, get to know what you enjoy most, and spend some quality time with the most important person in your life: you!
Make loads of new friends
You know it yourself; a single person is much more approachable than a group or a couple. You could be that person. You’ll find that strangers and fellow travellers are more inclined to talk to you out of the blue. Plus, a solo traveller is always intriguing; everyone will want to know your story.
What’s more, you’ll be more open to new people too. When travelling with your partner or friends, you feel obliged to spend all your time with them. By travelling solo, you can reap the rewards of spending time with people from all walks of life.
Gain confidence
Solo travel will throw up a lot of situations that you will have to deal with on your own. These could include the most mundane things like missing the bus to your next destination or working out where to get some internet.
These situations force you to engage your resourcefulness and imagination. As a result, you will become more confident in your decisions and feel more secure on your own two feet.
Experience things to the full
Without someone else’s constant company, you’ll be more aware of your surroundings and soak in every passing detail. Suddenly, long-distance train journeys take on a new significance that goes beyond the regular commute, landscapes hold a special beauty and cultural quirks don’t escape your notice.
Solo travel forces you to live in the moment, so enjoy it whilst you can and reap the endless rewards of discovering the world on your terms.