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Often solo travel is perceived in a negative way; it is considered something you do when you are left with no choice. It is hard for people, especially in India, to understand how someone can consciously choose to travel alone.
As those who who have read me previously already know, I LOVE SOLO TRAVEL. So, here I am sharing 7 reasons why you should travel solo.
The man who goes alone can start today, but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.” – Henry David Thoreau
The biggest perk of traveling alone is that you can do whatever you want, whenever you want, and howsoever you want. This is the most practical reason why you should travel solo.
When you travel alone, you don’t have to convince anyone about anything. You can make your plan, and you can change it anytime as per your own convenience and wish, without having to justify such change. You can go anywhere, stop many times, and stay anywhere you like. The extent of freedom you experience during solo travel is unparalleled. If you want to try solo travel, but unsure of where to start, do check out how to prepare yourself for solo travel.
“It is in all of us to defy expectations, to go into the world and to be brave, and to want, to need, to hunger for adventures. To embrace the chance and risk so that we may breathe and know what it is to be free.” – Mae Chevrette
It is important to be independent, not just financially, but also emotionally. So, one of the main reasons why you should travel solo is to truly become an independent person; to become a stronger version of yourself.
When you travel alone, you are in charge of everything. You learn to manage your food, stay, finances, logistics, safety, etc. As you deal with the world on your own, you become street smart. You gain immense confidence.
You also learn to take care of yourself. You become fully responsible for your life. You don’t become dependent on anyone else for anything.
“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher
For someone who is always surrounded by friends, it is rather difficult to even think about solo travel. But that’s the beauty of solo travel; although you travel alone, you get enough opportunity to meet new people and make friends.
If you think that solo travel means feeling lonely, then check out my blog post Why I don’t feel lonely while traveling alone: 7 ways of how not to feel lonely during solo travel.
So, another reason why you should travel solo is to meet new people. When you travel alone, you meet people from different walks of life and cultures; and when you meet such people, you learn from them. Your own horizon increases and you get different perspectives and point of views.
“Pack your bags and move cities and countries. Nothing will enrich you than travel does.” – Nikita Dudani
Do you remember, as kids, we always loved practical sessions more than academic or classroom sessions? Travel is the best teacher and the entire world is your classroom if you have an open mind and heart, and the best way to learn from that teacher is by traveling alone.
Although solo travel is challenging, it is equally fun and adventurous. It gives life lessons based on real-life examples; ones you can never forget.
When you travel alone, you observe more as your focus shifts to people around you. You learn more about people, places, culture, and food. You don’t have to worry about any other person. You learn from your personal experiences while having fun!
“To travel is to take a journey into yourself.” – Danny Kaye
This may sound cliché, but it is true (although not true for each and every person, as it depends on many factors). When you travel alone and far, you move beyond the known and venture into the unknown; and when you move beyond the shackles of the daily grind and embrace the unknown, you start understanding yourself better; in the process, you find yourself!
So, one of the main reasons why you should travel solo is to know your ability and your limitations.
When you travel solo, you get to know your own limitations and how you react in different situations. When you travel alone, especially for a longer duration, there comes a moment when you take a pause from the outer world, and look within; and when you look within, you get clarity about your own life, desires, goals, plans, and about the people around you.
“Adventure should be part of everyone’s life. It is the whole difference between being fully alive and just existing.” – Holly Morris
No matter how old you are, your parents always stay protective towards you; they always try to provide you with all comforts in life. The flip side of that comfortable lifestyle is that you become ill-equipped to face the real world and its challenges.
So, when you travel alone, you throw yourself out in open. Traveling, be it solo or with a group, is not always rosy; it is filled with uncertainties. When you travel solo, no one else, but you alone face those uncertainties.
So, another reason why you should travel solo is to face the ups and downs of travel. As you face those ups and downs, you gradually learn how to deal with them.
If you are worried about your safety during solo travel, then do check out my three-part blog post on 25 safety tips for solo travelers.
“As you move outside of your comfort zone, what was once the unknown and frightening becomes your new normal.” – Robin S. Sharma
Solo travel transforms you in more ways than you can think of. When you travel solo, you challenge yourself and face your fears; and it is only when you go out of your comfort zone, that you grow. So, another reason why you should travel solo is to get out of your comfort zone.
When you travel alone, you learn about the places, people and, most importantly, about yourself. You learn to deal with situations which are out of your control. You become more patient. You start trusting people. Your faith in humanity grows. You get connected to nature.
Overall, you grow as a person!
“Never did the world make a queen of a girl who hides in houses and dreams without traveling.” – Roman Payne
Solo travel is more like wine; you probably might not like it when you taste it for the first time; but with time, you develop a strong taste for it.
So, my request is that you don’t reject solo travel based on your perceptions, without giving it a fair chance. Try it. The freedom it gives you is highly addictive. Once you start enjoying solo travel, you will never be the same person again!
As they say, traveling alone will be the scariest, most liberating, life-changing experience of your life. Try it at least once!
First published at author’s blog.
Image via Unsplash
Hi there, I am a married solo female traveler from India. After spending eight years as a legal advisor in electricity sector, I bid adieu to my full-time corporate career and happily embraced the read more...
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