Solo Travel for the Soul…5 Reasons You Should Try Traveling Alone!

I understand your concerns…Traveling alone did not sound appealing to me in the least. Using a selfie stick, table for 1, and no one to split the costs with… Why would anyone want to go alone?!

After turning 30, and waiting all my adult life to go to Rome, I found myself just saying, screw it! I will go alone. It was the first solo trip I took, and at the beginning, I didn’t like it. I wasn’t that experienced of a traveler and made many rookie travel mistakes that I will break down for you here. For now, let’s focus on WHY you should travel alone.

#1. No Compromising

Have you traveled with your best friend or partner and ever felt like you need always be up for what the other wanted to do? You don’t want to be a travel downer, and be labeled hard to travel with. When you travel alone, you are the master of the day, the sole decision maker. Any feelings of guilt wanting to stay in and order room service can be left at the airport at departure. For me, this is my favorite part of traveling alone.

#2. Meeting New People

I am not an overly social person, and am not going to be that outgoing person that comes up to your group and strikes a conversation. It takes me a little bit to warm up and feel comfortable joining the conversation. For this, I thought I would never make any friends while traveling, and feared I would be very lonely. This is almost never the case. When you travel with people you are less likely to actually speak to other people. I find that depending on the situation I am in, whether its a bike tour around town, or enjoying a cocktail at a bar, I end up making a friend. It’s going to be more likely in the group settings where you are going from place to place with a guide. Once there is a break, someone will usually start a conversation with me. I have made the most interesting connections with random people who always end up making the day more memorable.

#3. Inner Growth and Reflection

Traveling alone is a very brave act, and everyone you meet along your travels will validate that. It’s a fun fact that women travel solo more than men. Of solo travelers, 85% are female and 15% of male. This fact surprised me, I assumed men would be the one to go it alone in larger numbers than women. When you are on your own, especially in a foreign land, the time to think is endless. Being abroad immersed in another culture gives you the time to really reflect on your own life and path. I learned to embrace my path and stop comparing myself to others around me. I can attribute the solo travel to my personal growth as I believe it’s been the best mental therapy.

#4. Confidence Builder

Not only will you be admired by your friends for going it alone, your inner confidence will grow by miles. The do it yourself skills strengthen, and your ability to conquer the land you visited will do wonders for your confidence. This can take time, and you may have moments of frustration while traveling. Maybe you take the train in the wrong direction, or get off at the wrong stop. This can happen in your own country when moving somewhere new. Any challenges you face and overcome will result in some strong inner pride. Most people don’t leave within 25 miles of their home town, and that’s a fact…. you left the country, alone…. Bravo!! Just by leaving your country you are already a winner, and don’t forget that.

#5. Increase Your Awareness

Being in another country and exposed to other cultures can really bring your awareness front and center. We often don’t realize the luxury lifestyle we have until abroad and in the reality of those around us. This isn’t the case for every place you will visit, but in general traveling can humble you in your own situation.