Solo travel represents something special. Freedom, adventure, independence—it is a wonderfully thrilling experience that everyone should try at least once in their lives. Hitting the road on your own and exploring the world without waiting for anyone else to join you is a great way to see destinations you might never otherwise see, and results in unique and unforgettable memories.
Travelling alone is something which can genuinely change the way you view the world. If you’ve never had the chance to explore new places all by yourself before, here are 5 reasons why you should give it a try.
Get out of your comfort zone
Travelling alone removes many of the safety nets we usually have when on vacation. Being alone in a foreign country can be scary…but the only way to get over our fears is to face them head on! Whether it is arriving in Iceland without speaking a word of Icelandic, or jumping out of a plane somewhere in Australia with just a flimsy parachute, trying new things on your own builds confidence, and is the best way to expand your comfort zone. Plus, there are a few easy things you can do to stay safe while travelling solo.
Freedom
Travelling with friends is great, but in a group you are always going to be beholden to the needs and desires of others. Travelling with friends is, usually, a series of compromises to ensure that everyone is happy. When travelling solo, however, the only person you have to satisfy is yourself! You can go wherever you like, whenever you like, and change plans at a moment’s notice, without anyone batting an eyelid.
Make new friends
Travelling alone doesn’t mean that you have to be lonely! This is a huge misconception about solo travel, but in fact one of the best things about travelling solo is the chance to meet new, like-minded people, and share experiences with them. When travelling alone, you rarely have to try hard to make friends, as you’ll quickly meet other solo travellers or locals looking for the same things you are!
Save money
When travelling alone, it is far easier to stick to your budget. In a group, not everyone is working on the same budget, and not everyone will have the same ideas about what constitutes ‘affordable’. When you are in a new place by yourself, you can decide to walk everywhere, just eat from street food stalls, or stay in a budget hostel, if you are trying to look after your wallet. Of course, it also means that if you do want to splurge, you can, guilt-free!
Peace, calm and tranquillity
Finally, travelling solo can give you a real sense of peace, calm and tranquillity. Without distractions, you can reflect on your experiences and really take in the world around you. Or you can just dive into relaxation, pamper yourself, lie back on a Caribbean beach, or depart on a cruise from Fort Lauderdale, and let the cares of the world wash away. However you choose to enjoy yourself, solo travel gives you a unique opportunity to make your vacation all about you!
Featured image: Michał Parzuchowski/Unsplash
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