Like so many others in their twenties, when I first traveled solo it was about timing. My timing and that of my friends. When I was ready to go, they weren’t. So I went alone.
Solo travel isn't as easy as some make it sound. I’ve been sick with no one to care for me, I’ve lost all my documents, I've been scammed – I’ve been lost myself. Yet still, I’m inspired to travel alone.
Pretty crazy huh?
On the flip side I’ve met the most wonderful characters, I’ve been adopted by really kind people, I’ve discovered talents and abilities I didn’t know I had, and I’ve explored where I wouldn’t have.
I can understand why some people don’t get the appeal of solo travel. If I hadn’t fallen into my first solo trip, I probably wouldn’t either. So please, allow me to explain what inspires me and others to go it alone.
Here are my top 12 reasons to travel solo.
1. Discover Yourself
Solo travel is an opportunity to discover yourself as you discover the world, without the expectations of family and friends who define you on a daily basis, and without responsibility for children or partners.
2. Independence
There is no need to compromise. As a solo traveler, you can do what you want, when you want, and you’re not dragged to places that don’t interest you.
3. Get to Know the Locals
Because you’re not talking with a travel companion, you are more likely to talk with locals, and they are more likely to talk with you.
4. Curiosity Gets You Further
Going solo raises curiosity, respect, concern, interest, from locals and other travellers. People go out of their way to enhance your experience as a solo traveller.
5. More "Me" Time
You have time for reading, painting, thinking.
6. You Will Learn More
Solo travel stretches you. You develop new skills and often learn more because it’s all up to you to navigate culture and logistics.
7. You Are Capable
You learn that you are a very capable person. So do others... including parents.
8. Confidence in Yourself
You gain new self-confidence.
9. Engage with the Destination
You engage more with your destination. A solo trip is more about the culture, history, landscape…than your companion
10. Nobody Else's Opinions Matter
You can consider your life, career, relationships... without the weight of someone else’s opinions.
11. Demonstrate Vitality
You demonstrate vitality; it’s difficult to see a solo traveller, an adventurer, as old.
12. Challenge Yourself
You can inject a bit of challenge into your life which might otherwise be on autopilot.
You may have noticed that none of the reasons above have to do with being single. Solo travel is about much more than that. For this reason, people become hooked on solo travel and, whether partnered or not, it becomes a requirement to keep balance in life.
Solo travel feeds your sense of adventure and need for personal time. Give it a try.
About the Author
Janice Waugh publishes Solo Traveler, the blog for those who travel alone. The blog offers solo travel stories, tips, safety advice and destination ideas as well as a couple of free ebooks including Glad You’re Not Here: a solo traveler’s manifesto.
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5 Comments
I've been traveling solo since my late teens and now am 60. Believe me it's the only way to go! Once in awhile I go with a group as "single supplement" but find that not one tenth as fun as going alone and experiencing the natives, going your own route. I'd love to write a blog on my experiences as a single, 60 year old solo traveler to encourage others. Maybe World Nomads should look at that and I'd love to write it. Leaving for Belfast early January to see my ancestry castle which is under development. Can't wait! Kathleen Caulfield
I took my first solo trip as a senior the year after my husband died. You are dead on with your comments. It was probably the best thing I could have done to move on with life!
I started travelling solo after doing two trips with a Univercity group as part of our Education Degree.
I was so frustrated with what others thought was fun and an adventure so I launched out on my own. It was a great decision. My first trip included Paris, Holland, UK, Etc
I have been to Eygpt, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Falkland Islands and Antarctica plus did both Islands of NewZealand and many of the Islands in the Pacific.
I turned 80 a couple of weeks ago and am still hoping to fit in a couple more trips.
So give it a go if you have never tried it and if you love people, other cultures and exploring new environments I will guarantee that you will love it too
absolutely, we agree on all points. We love number 10. Nobody else's opinions matter. the best part is that you plan yourself and you can change the plan to your liking.solo travel is something everybody has to experience at least once in his/her life. It challenging, but has so many benefits.
We would suggest Ireland's capital Dublin as a solo destination.Why?In 2016 Dublin was voted the 3rd mots friendly city in the world.People in the bars,pubs or on the streets will always give you directions, help you with any question you have and give you advises and tips.You always feel like nowhere else. Dublin has so many things to do.The best part is that its not a big city and its extremely easy to get around.And it’s not too small, and there is always something on.There are so many free things to do in Dublin, so you can have fun without even touching your purse.
https://www.mrdublinguide.ie/things-to-do/22-free-things-to-do-in-dublin/
https://www.mrdublinguide.ie/things-to-do
If you're coming to Dublin, remember, its a city of craic (fun). So have fun and enjoy every minute of it!
Nepal this October will be my first solo trip and reading this and your comments, I am super stoked! Thanks for your adventurous spirits!