5 Reasons to Travel Alone
Travelling alone is now much less likely to be labelled scary or dangerous, and most people are now embracing solo travel. Travellers enjoy the freedom and independence involved in going solo on their journey of self discovery, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of embarking on an adventure all alone with an open mind.
Want to explore Europe by train, or New Zealand by campervan? Do you want to volunteer in Asia or take a work on the ski slopes in Canada? The best thing about travelling alone is that you can go anywhere on the globe without taking into account anyone else’s interests or budget. It is an indulgent time where you don’t have to think about anyone but yourself and your wanderlust. Here are just 5 reasons why travelling alone is just as fun (if not more fun) than travelling as a couple or a group.
1. It’s rewarding
Nothing beats the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment when you face challenges head on in another country all alone, and overcome your fears and insecurities. Planning a long trip, getting through the obstacles and making it home safe all alone is massively rewarding. You will find your inner strength as you get lost in unknown places, re-arrange missed flights and work out road signs in another language.
2. You’re more open to meeting new people
When you’re travelling alone, you’re much more approachable and open to meeting new people and having shared experiences than you would be if you were part of a couple or a group of backpackers. What’s more, other people are drawn to solo travellers so there is very little chance of feeling lonely when you’re travelling alone. You are likely to meet lots of friends, who may also be solo travellers, and maybe even meet a romantic acquaintance or the love of your life on the road.
3. The overwhelming sense of freedom
If you really want to feel free and liberated there is no better way than taking a gap year or a sabbatical alone. You get to make every single decision along the way; you can choose whether to take advice from locals and other travellers and choose whether to stick to your planned route or be spontaneous and change direction. You have the independence to do whatever you want, when you want, without being judged by anyone.
4. You’re more likely to have authentic experiences
Lone travellers are much more likely to interact with the locals, and as a result can have much more authentic experiences in a foreign country. Whether you meet them in a restaurant or bar or just on the beach, most locals want to look after foreign tourists and will point them to the best places. You may even get invited into a local’s home for dinner! Remember to always be on your guard about these initiations, but more often than not people are just being friendly. Click here for more travel advice.
5. It will change the way you look and yourself and the world
Travelling alone means you will have so many experiences with ‘me, myself and I’ and you can choose which tales to tell and which to keep a secret. Spending so much time alone with your thoughts is a beneficial process, and you can take this time out to nurture yourself. You will often be out of your comfort zone and feel far from the safety of home, which is a great way to test yourself. You will be challenged many times on the road, and be positively surprised with your response and coping mechanism. Whilst immersing yourself in the delights of the world around you and truly appreciating our planet, you will begin to recreate yourself and feel empowered by the independent, intelligent person you really are.
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