How to conquer solo travel
Traveling is one of the most rewarding things about life—we see amazing places, we stretch and grow, we discover new things, and we meet new people. But often, people forget that they don’t have to wait for a group of friends or a significant other to plan a trip to a place they’ve always wanted to see. For some, the idea of solo travel is thrilling, and for others, it might be intimidating. But taking a trip on your own can open the world up to you in new ways. It’s a chance to find out who you are and what you can do—since you’re not only getting extra quality time with yourself but also developing ninja problem-solving skills. It combines the excitement of travel with the freedom to venture out wherever in the world you please, without anyone else’s input. And once you’ve done it, it can be super addictive. Here’s why.
1. It’s true freedom
Probably the most enticing element of solo travel is the fact that you can do whatever you want, literally whenever you want. Traveling with other people means LOTS of compromises— what you’ll see, where you’ll eat, where you’ll stay. When you hit the road on your own, you get to call all the shots. If you want to spend all day at museums, or all day in a hammock, the world is your oyster. If you want to go back to the same charming cafe three days in a row, no one will stop you. It’s a chance to find out what you want out of the big wide world when it’s at your feet.
2. It makes you brave
It’s a chance to summon your courage in new ways. When you conquer train timetables in foreign languages, when you hop from city to city successfully, when you find that hole-in-the-wall restaurant or special little off-the-beaten-path shop—the feeling of accomplishment you get is incredible. You might even wonder to yourself, “What ELSE am I capable of?” It’s a powerful thing that shows you what you’re really made of.
3. It’s highly rewarding
Solo travel is a way to open doors in your mind that usually stay shut. It’s a chance to see beautiful parts of the world and keep those staggering views all to yourself— you can commune one-to-one with the world and learn life lessons as you go.
Pick a spot on the map you’ve always wanted to go to— a coastal town, artistic enclave, or foodie scene. Next, you can venture to European capitals where people likely speak English. The more comfortable you get, the further you can go and the more world you can explore. A good rule of thumb is starting small and sticking to domestic destinations.
Give it a try
If you’ve ever heard that travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer, believe it. But sadly, too many people are waiting around and hoping someone will want to see the world with them. So go strike out on your own. See someplace amazing and keep it all for yourself. It’s an investment in your personal sense of adventure, and it takes self-care and self-love to a whole new level.
