The thought of travelling alone, especially internationally, is enough to scare many of us. Who will help you make those tough decisions like where to go, where to stay, what to eat, and more importantly, who will take those photos of you in front of that famous monument? But don’t worry, once you begin your travels alone, you’ll find that everything gets easier, and you’ll enjoy the freedom. Below are a few reasons we think are important to travel alone at least once.
Why should I travel alone: You’ll learn how to fend for yourself
This all begins with booking that first flight and accommodation. Only you can decide when you’re going, where you’re going, how long you’ll stay, and anything else that might come up along the way. Making decisions can be difficult, especially when those decisions affect other people.
You’ll get out of your comfort zone
Getting out of your comfort zone can be healthy from time to time, and what better way to do this than to go wandering through a foreign city by yourself. You’ll be able to try things you never thought you would, whether it’s a certain activity or even a food. There’s also a sense of accomplishment and empowerment when you decide to do things for yourself that previously made you feel uncomfortable.
You can travel at your own pace
Do you like to sleep in, take the scenic route, or use up every hour of the day crossing off a ‘must-see’ item in whatever city you’re in? We all have a preference, some that can even change day to day, so it’s nearly impossible to find someone who is happy to follow your plans. When travelling alone, that’s no longer a problem. You can decide what you see or do, and what pace you go at.
You’ll meet new people you will like and dislike
We all love those friends we meet on holidays, even if we don’t stay in contact much. But when you’re traveling alone, those friends can become even more valuable. Whether you meet them on the plane or they’re a local, these new and exciting people are sure to give you some handy tips or suggestions on things to do. Unlike people you travel with however, you don’t have to work around their schedule or needs, but they can be great to have a drink with every now and then.
You can work on your bucket list
Have you ever wanted to do something fun and adventurous that was a little off the trail, but nobody wanted to join you? Traveling solo is the perfect time to do just that. You don’t have to worry about not following your set plans for the day, because if you want to do something, you’re not disappointing anyone else by doing it. So try and knock off some of those bucket list activities while nobody is around to hold you back.
You can work with your budget
While traveling alone means no split bills and sometimes discounts, you’ll inevitably spend money on things you don’t even want. Maybe your friend really wants to go to that museum, while you’re content to lie on a beach somewhere. But you can’t disappoint your friend, even though you don’t feel like a museum ticket is the best use of your funds. You might want to stay at a hostel, while your group prefers an expensive hotel. So ditch the extra people and decide for yourself what you can afford and what is worth your money.
You can immerse yourself in the culture
By traveling with a group, you would certainly spend your time talking to them instead of the locals. What better way to fully immerse yourself in the culture than by being forced to verbally communicate with people you didn’t travel with. You might even be inspired to learn a new language.
