What’s so great about traveling Solo, won’t you get lonely, who will take your photos isn’t that for wierdos? .. All are questions people ask when the topic of solo vacations are discussed. People fear what they don’t know or haven’t experienced. However; do it once and you may add solo vacations to your routine of “Baecations”, Family Trips and “Homie-Moons”. My first trip solo was to Cartagena Colombia and was one of the most memorable trips I have had thus far in my life. Here are three discoveries on traveling solo that I have found and why I think it is a must do!
Discover Newfound Confidence
Loving life is easy when you are abroad. Where no one knows you and you hold your life in your hands all alone, you are more master of yourself than at any other time.” — Hannah ArendtGStatue of Pedro Romero , a hero of the independence movement for the people of Getsemani and neighborhood in Cartagena, Colombia
Each time you are abroad you are forced to adapt to new language barriers, surroundings, circumstances, and cultures which forces you get out of your comfort zone. Yes! this happens when traveling with others however; you have the strength of a companion to piggyback on and you and your travel companions tend to stick to each other in a tight little safe network. Solo travel forces you outside of that safety and to utilize the entire skillset that you have obtained thus far in life to navigate throughout the day. There is no greater pride to have than being able to say that you did XYZ in blah, blah, blah by yourself when retelling an story once you arrive back home.
Discover new People
“I meet people and they become chapters in my stories.”
― Avijeet Das
Part of my story of Cartagena, huge language barrier but memories for life.
While sitting at a coffee shop, or restaurant you will be surprised how many people ask to join you and strike up a conversation maybe out of pity or curiosity but who cares. The whole idea of traveling is to meet people and indulge in a new culture which you will be less apt to do when in the company of friends and family.
You don’t have to compromise or wait for others
“The man who goes alone can start today, but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.” — Henry David Thoreau
When you travel solo you have the luxury to tailor your day and vacation to your whims. Whether you decide to have a cultural, relaxing or adventure vacay the decision is yours and you don’t have to take your companions desires into consideration. This is ideal after you have forked over a huge lump sum of money on your dream vacation who wants to split up their time being dragged to museums or a random tour if that is not your cup of tea.
So I encourage you all to add solo trips to the lists of trips you take on regular basis you will thank your stars you did. Even if you can’t go to a far off destination take a day hike or road trip to a nearby city in your own company, you will meet new people, gain confidence and be able to do just you!
Feel free to share your thoughts on traveling solo in the comments section.