“What, you are travelling completely on your own? Isn’t that a bit boring and lonely?”, “Wow, that is so brave, I could never do this.” – These are just a few examples of what people had told me before I started my first solo trip. Yes, it can be scary, and it wasn’t always perfect, but in the end, it was one of the most amazing and unforgettable times of my life. So here are 10 reasons why solo travel is good for you and why you should do it at least once in your life:
1. Have the freedom to do whatever you want
When you’re travelling alone you can plan your own perfect trip. Go wherever you want to and stay there as long as you want to. If you want to get up early to watch the sunrise, you can just do it. You can decide if you want to go on a hike or chill at the beach, if you want to party or go to bed early and if you want to eat out or cook for yourself to save some money. It’s all your own choice without any compromises, because you don’t need to listen to anyone else’s needs and wishes.
2. You don’t have to wait for anyone else
Did you ever want to do something, but in the end, you didn’t do it, because no one wanted to go or do it with you? Time is limited, people are busy, and your friends don’t always have the time to travel with you, when you are free to do it. Or maybe, they are not up to that low budget backpacking trip and want shorter, more luxurious holidays instead. If you want to do the trip, then do the trip. Yes, travelling with friends is amazing too, but don’t waste an opportunity to travel just because you are on your own.
3. Become more independent and confident
Since you are planning your trip, booking transport, accommodation and activities completely by yourself, you’ll automatically become more independent after some time. Getting around on your own also means talking to a lot of strangers and asking for help if you need it, probably even in another language. But all that will boost your confidence and will get easier the more you do it.
4. Get out of your comfort zone
In life, you always need to get out of your comfort zone to grow. And what’s a better way to do it than travelling to a foreign country completely on your own? Even though it can be scary at first, in the end all those struggles won’t matter anymore, because you managed to get through them, learned from your mistakes and made so many great experiences along the way. And believe me, these beautiful memories of your trip will last forever.
5. Self-Discovery and Personal Growth
Travelling alone gives you the time and space to learn more about yourself, your preferences and your desires. You can explore new interests and try out new things without outside influences, because no one out there knows you. Solo travel challenges you to step outside your comfort zone, leading to personal development and new perspectives.
6. See that you are capable
So many people have told me how brave I am to go out there completely on my own and that they could never travel alone. And yes, all solo travellers can be proud of themselves. You successfully planned and managed a whole trip to a foreign country on your own. Even though not everything goes smoothly all the time, you still did it all by yourself. All that is so empowering and proves that you are capable of more than you could think of before.
7. Get to know new people easier
To travel solo doesn’t mean to be alone all the time. In fact, it is so much easier to meet new people when travelling solo. When you’re travelling with someone else, you tend to not try to meet other people as much as when you’re on your own, because you already have someone by your side to talk to, at least it’s like that for me. And don’t worry, there are so many solo travellers out there who want to meet new people. You are all in the same boat, so don’t be shy to just talk to other travellers in your hostel, at the beach, in the bus or even to locals you meet. I even talk to random people at the bus stop when I’m travelling, something I wouldn’t really think of doing at home.
8. Cultural Immersion
Solo travellers often find it easier to blend in and immerse themselves in the local culture. Being on your own leads to a better awareness of your surroundings and less distractions while exploring a new country and culture. As already mentioned, it’s also easier to get to know local people, so you’re more likely to engage with local customs and traditions.
9. Learning or improving another language
Travelling solo helps to learn or improve another language much easier. When you’re travelling with someone that speaks your native language, you’ll tend to talk in your own language most of the time. Of course, you can meet people from your own country when travelling alone as well, but you’ll also meet travellers from other countries or locals. Especially when you’re not an English native speaker it’s super easy to improve your English, because most travellers are mainly communicating in English. But you can also learn other languages better, depending on the countries you visit and the people you meet.
10. Creativity and Inspiration
Solo travel in a new environment provides so many new sights, sounds and experiences. This change of scenery can break routine thinking patterns, can give inspiration and new ideas, providing a fresh perspective that fuels creativity.
Solo travel kind of changed my life for the better and I would never give away this freedom that it’s giving me. That doesn’t mean that I only travel on my own, I still love to have a travel buddy by my side. But take up the courage and try at at least once in your life. It will be worth it, trust me!
And if you want more travel tips and inspiration, go check out my other blogposts.