Travelling solo is one of my absolute favourite things to do, but it can seem daunting to take the first step if you’ve never really done it before. Travelling solo isn’t just about going on holiday by yourself; at best, it can be a great opportunity to learn things about yourself you may otherwise not have discovered. Travelling solo also doesn’t have to be lonely; I’ve met some of the most amazing people while travelling by myself. Here are my five reasons why I think everyone should try solo travel:
1. Listen to Yourself
When was the last time you really stopped and listened to your own thoughts? We often get busy and bogged down in our regular lives, so taking time off alone is a great opportunity to really listen to yourself. When you’re travelling solo, you have all the time in the world to discover how you really feel; what it is that you really want from life; and what are the steps to take you there.
Take a journal with you to write down your realisations, or jot them down on your phone. It’s a great habit to continue journalling even between trips, to document how your reflections have helped you in your everyday life.
2. Learn More About Yourself
When you travel solo, you are usually the only one to solve any problems that may arise. Whether it’s surviving getting lost in a new place, or dealing with something more serious like getting mugged, travelling solo will no doubt put you in challenging positions. But it is surviving those situations and coping when things get rough, when you realise your internal strength. It’s amazing how resilient and resourceful you can find yourself to be when really put to the test.
Travelling solo is also a great opportunity to try new things, even if it means facing your fears. When I went canyoning in Costa Rica, I remember standing on top of the highest waterfall, shaking and in tears, thinking there is no way I’ll be able to rappell down. But I did it anyway, and within a few seconds my fear dissipated and I was having the most amazing time whizzing down. That feeling was so worth being scared at first.
Learning that you can cope with whatever life throws your way, or overcoming your fears, is very empowering. Travelling solo is in my opinion the best way to really discover everything you’re capable of.
3. Make New Friends
Travelling solo does not mean always being alone. Quite the contrary, actually! When you travel solo, and particularly in places with other solo travellers, it is so easy to meet people. I would say I’m usually a bit reserved and don’t find it the easiest to make new friends, but have made so many amazing friends while travelling. There is something about travelling solo that can help you come out of your shell, even if you’re normally not the most social person around.
Finding people that you just instantly click with is one of my top reasons to travel solo, and making friends from around the world is a great way to learn about new cultures. Going along on adventures with new friends will also likely take you to places you might not have gone otherwise. While getting some alone time is definitely one of the plus sides of solo travel, nothing beats making new friends for life.
4. Stop Waiting Around
Do you often plan trips with your friends, only to see the plans fall through due to timeline clashes? Do you want to explore a specific destination none of your friends are interested in? If you really want to travel, there is no better time than the present. If you’re finding it tricky to get someone to travel with you, take the plunge and go by yourself! There are countless of amazing places to visit in the world, so stop waiting around for others to go see it all. You’re all the company you need.
5. Do What You Want, When You Want
One of the reasons to travel solo is that you get to do exactly what you want to do, when you want to do it. There’s no stress about sticking to someone else’s timeline, or having to do things you’re just not up for. It’s an absolute luxury just to do as you please, day in day out. Want to stay in bed all day and get room service? Go for it! Change your mind about where you want to eat at the last minute? No problem! For once, the choice is yours and only yours.
So, get out there and take the plunge, see the world solo!
Get inspired and read my about my experience travelling solo in Central America
