I think that traveling solo is something that everyone should do at least once in their life. Im not gonna be one of those people that say it’s going to help you ‘find yourself,’ because thats not the reasoning. Traveling by yourself makes you take a giant step out of your comfort zone and helps you discover what you’re truly capable of. It has been one of the scariest things I’ve ever done, but its also been one of the best things I’ve ever done.
When your travel with people, there are obviously perks. You always have company, always have someone to make memories with. You can split the costs of everything, and you have someone else to take pictures for you. But did you know there are various perks and advantages of traveling solo as well?
Easier to make friends
Just because I usually travel solo, doesn’t mean that Im always alone. I have met so many great people on the road and I have friends from all over the world. Sometimes this can be a challenge, depending on how much of an introverted person you are, but it’s not as hard as it sounds. Being by myself a lot has forced me to meet people and put myself out there. Talk to people in your hostel, talk to the locals, 9 times out of 10 it will blossom into a great friendship, even if for only just a couple days.
Make your own schedule
I’m to the point now that I don’t always have a plan or a schedule or know where I’m going or what I’m doing. If I’m not tied to a job abroad, then the possibilities are endless. Even on my first trip, my route changed various times. If I would have stuck to my original plan, I would have missed out on some of the best experiences. Being alone, and meeting new people, gave me more opportunities to change my plans and maybe travel with people, or stay in a city a few days longer than planned. Maybe you arrived to a new country and you hate it, if no one is with you, then no problem, book a ticket out the next day. Traveling solo gives you the chance to go at your own pace, be comfortable and travel the way that you want to.
Gain confidence
One of the biggest confidence boosters of your life is being forced to do things outside of your comfort zone, and actually succeeding. Traveling solo enables you to gain skills that you never thought you would have even needed. It challenges your limits and teaches you how to cope with obstacles. Before I started traveling, I never would have dreamt I would be capable of some of the things I am now. If you don’t have confidence now, pretend! Pretend you know exactly what your’e doing, and the real thing will come. Until then, be an inspiration to someone else, boost their confidence and see how it makes you feel.
More apt to be helped on the road
One of the main things that I always get asked and something people always worry about it is, what happens when you’re alone abroad and need help? Now, I’m sure this isn’t true for everyone, but in my case, once people find out I’m alone, they are actually MORE apt to help me out. I think in a lot of cases, when people see a female that is traveling alone, there are some protective instincts that kick in. It’s a lot more dangerous for a woman to do what I do, and people realize that. I’m not saying this is true 100% of the time. Trust me, being alone has gotten me into a lot of bad and scary situations abroad. However, there are genuine people all over the world, that want to help.
“To travel is to discover than everyone is wrong about other countries.” -Aldous Huxley
Saving on finances
Yes, you read that right. In my case, I actually SAVE money most of the time when I travel alone. I’ve mentioned before in other posts that traveling with a group of friends is a way to save money, and it is, for some people. I am not one of those people. When I travel with someone else, I feel obligated to do things that they want to do, things I have no desire to see at all, even if those things cost money and it makes my travel buddy happy. I’ll go out a lot more at night as well when I’m with people. Its a lot more fun, and safe, to spend all night at a bar when you’re with a group of friends.
For me, It’s easier to save money because Im also willing to do a lot of things while traveling, that a lot of people wouldn’t feel comfortable doing. I’ll book a plane ticket with a 15 hour layover if that means i’ll save some money. I’ll also sleep in airport, train station, or street, for a couple of nights if that means keeping my bank account the same for a few more days.
Traveling solo has lead me to some of the best times of my life. There are things that I have gotten do to that I know for a fact I wouldn’t have experienced if I was doing this with someone else. I’ve been forced to make friends and forced to talk to locals. I’ve been forced to take risks and forced to asked questions. I’ve also been forced to use a selfie stick, tripod, or asking a stranger to help me take pictures. Taking a solo trip is something I would encourage everyone to do at some point in their life. Sure, traveling with someone is easier, safer, and more realistic, but doing it alone will change your life, I promise.