Pack your bags and let’s go! Usually that is something you will say to a traveling companion, whether it is your spouse or just a close friend. Or possibly you will travel in a group, or as part of an organized tour. Based on your travel itinerary and your destination, you may just have the time of your life! Even so, there is something to be said for traveling solo.
Solo travel is not for everyone! There are some single travellers who cut their journeys short, or who become very homesick. Some solo travellers can’t handle the logistics of traveling by themselves. And some just get very homesick.
Let’s assume you know what’s ahead of you and you’re ready to take off on the adventure of a lifetime. You’ve planned the trip, taking into account your budget. When you’re traveling on your own, you don’t have to stay in the most luxurious accommodations. Budget hostels and Airbnb will do just fine if you aren’t starting out rich and haven’t just won a jackpot playing the US Mega Millions lottery. As a single traveller, your journey will be easier to plan as you control the itinerary.
There are many additional advantages in traveling solo. In many ways, you’ll find this sort of travel a learning process. More than anything else, you will learn about yourself. You will learn about your capabilities and also improve your skills. You will become a better planner and a problem-solver. Or, if you so choose, you will learn to go with the flow. You will certainly learn when to trust your gut.
When you set forth on a solo journey you’ll be leaving your comfort zone. You will quickly learn how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. You will embrace meeting new people; taste new food, and, learn about new cultures and religions. You will experience things you’ve never imagined in the past.
When you’re on your own, you will be able to travel at your own pace. You can get up when you want, see what you want to see. Eat when you’re ready to eat and sleep late if that’s what you prefer. It’s also OK to do nothing at all. Or alternatively, to everything you want to do, and to see every destination on your personal bucket list. Don’t let others hold you back from making your travel dreams come true. In short, you are completely free.
Meeting people along the way may be the most enjoyable part of your journey. They’ll be from unfamiliar places and may even speak unfamiliar languages. Traveling alone will jumpstart your social skills. You will sleep in the close quarters of hostels, meet others at meal times. In many cases, you’ll make new lifelong friends. You’ll also meet the natives everywhere you go. You’ll probably find them very open to talking to single travellers.
When you travel alone and meet other solo travellers, you’ll quickly come to the realization that you are never truly along. There is always someone with whom you can share your journey, if you want.
Have a safe journey!
Thanks for sharing this Abbi. Back packing alone is an experience of a life time – you learn a lot about yourself.
Margaret Sellars recently posted…7 Of The Best Accessible Airlines for Disabled Passengers & Wheelchair Users
A good vision, now really felt like traveling alone, just to have that freedom you mentioned.
Lufthansa pic catch my attention, It reminds me of the tragedy.
Anyway, i love your post!! it is really fantastic!
Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed reading.
I did travel alone to Sydney and learned alot of myself. Of course, I made mistakes, got lost, don’t know which bus to take…etc. but I know all these comes with the experience of travelling.
I also wrote an article about traveller bloggers in wheelchair in how they conquer accessibility to discover the world and what themselves are capable of.
Erica Lindeman recently posted…Top Wheelchair Travel Bloggers
Getting lost is th best part of travelling sometimes. You can discover new and amazing things!
Safe travels Erica! 🙂