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

 

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.