Six Reasons You Should Solo Travel

There is a reason why people love solo travel so much. Actually, there are six of them. I don’t think I really understood or knew about them all until I became a solo traveller. So just in case you are on the fence about solo travel, I thought I would let you in on the secrets.

1. Be Independent and Confident

If you want to be a stronger, more confident and more independent person then there really is no better way than to travel solo. When you solo travel, you are your own boss. You make all of the important decisions, negotiate all of the dilemmas and are the only person responsible for the outcome of each day of your adventures. The difficult situations help you build character and be more confident. The extraordinary situations allow you to feel like a more accomplished and independent person. It is almost like a drug, and is honestly so addictive. Knowing that at the end of the day you were the one who made it all happen is a truly incredible feeling.

2. Enjoy Your Own Company

In this day and age of social media and instant online connectivity it is easy to forget how to enjoy your own company. Experiencing something with someone else has it’s own amazing benefits and charm. But taking in your surroundings and enjoying an epic solo adventure or even just an afternoon on your own really can be magical in it’s own right. When you finally take the time to enjoy your own company you might find you process your experiences more and take it all in on a much deeper level than you would if you were constantly travelling with someone else.

3. Make New Friends 

There is no greater barrier to making new friends than to already be travelling with some. When you are travelling on your own however, you are all of a sudden very approachable. Travelling solo lets you meet, interact with and then travel with so many new and amazing people. You can travel with other solo travellers, couples or even groups of people.

When you solo travel you immediately become open to the idea of making new friends. You are constantly on the look out for someone who might be fun to share an experience with or someone who already has an amazing adventure on their horizon that you can jump on board with. If you are worried about being alone, don’t. You will finish your travels with more friends than you could ever have thought possible. With the added bonus that they are also from all over the world.

4. Be Responsible for Your Own Happiness

No one else is going to make or break your happiness when you travelling solo. It is you and you alone that is responsible for your happiness when you solo travel. If you are travelling with someone and their route, attitude or passions don’t align with yours then you can set off into the sunset to forge your own path.

If you are really loving the time you are spending with a new made friend or a newly discovered destination, then you guessed it – you can keep it going for as long as it makes you happy. When you solo travel, you are in control of your life and choices. It is up to you and you alone whether you live the life and travel adventure you want.

5. You Don’t Have to Wait for Anyone

Have you been planning that insanely epic adventure that traverses several countries, for several months, with a huge variety of activities and adventures? But you can’t find someone else who has the same dream as you, can afford the time off or wants to make it a priority enough to save for it? Well look no further than to tackle that dream trip on your own.

If you decide to solo travel then you don’t have to wait for anyone else or answer to any excuses. You can just decide that it is important enough to you to make it your main priority and then make it happen. When you solo travel, it is only you that you have to wait for.

6. Be Courageous and Adventurous

For anyone who suffers from any sort of social anxiety or struggles to introduce themselves to new people, or for someone who struggles to try a new hobby or tackle that scary new adventure, then solo travel is definitely for you.

The first couple of times you turn up to a hostel as a solo traveller you might feel terrified and alone. Within moments you will realise how easy it is to strike up a conversation with fellow travellers. You will quickly become skilled at meeting new people, starting conversations with completely random but interesting people, and signing up for the most outlandish activities you can think of. Solo travel gives you the courage to be the best version of yourself and experience all that life has to offer without limitations.

Solo Travel

If the idea of solo travel terrifies you, then check out Be My Travel Muses’ post on Nomadic Matt’s blog about overcoming your fear of solo travel. I contributed my thoughts on the matter, along with several other fearless solo travellers. After reading this post and that post you will be struggling to say no.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and solo travel, explore the world and get to know yourself and your true abilities. Experience life and live it now, because tomorrow belongs to no one.

--Girl Seeking Purpose