There’s something about being alone that makes us uncomfortable. It is odd, offbeat and scary. Just the thought of getting on the plane alone, while silently hoping that our neighbor won’t be clumsy or rude, is enough to turn some people away from solo travel. The thought of getting off the plane in a new environment, without any familiar faces to look into, is what makes traveling solo such an impossible feat for some people.
But there is beauty in it too.If you listen to travel blogger Jaimee Ratliff, solo travel is something that you should do at least once in your life. Leaving your comfort zone, embracing different cultures, getting lost and never going home the way you left, are just some of the things that put off some people – but for others, these are the very things that make them book that flight, step onto that plane and dive into the uncertain. People like me, Travelettes. You see, it is just a matter of insight and perspective.
Traveling on your own has some serious benefits, as well as setbacks if you aren’t so prepared for it. It’s more than just buying a ticket and booking a hotel; it is about really getting out there – curious, open-minded, and hopeful.
If you are thinking of taking the leap and becoming a solo traveler, here are the thrills and frills of traveling alone, including the challenges, the adventure and the lessons.
It’s not easy, but not as scary either
Not so long ago, I read a survey from MMGY that 37% of millennials intend to take a leisure trip on their own in the next six months – see we’re not alone in our dreams!
The idea of traveling on your own obviously wakes up the adventurous and daring person in you. But remember that it’s not as simple as going online, choosing a travel date and booking an accommodation. Your research has to be extensive, including laws and peculiarities of the culture in the place you intend to visit. Safety is another big concern – you want to prepare your emergency numbers, an emergency plan, and even a first-aid kit. Intimidating, right?
Believe me when I say that it is not as scary as it first seems. You will get lost and maybe you will get scared for a while, but get a hold of yourself, because everything will be alright and with the right preparation you have a safety net right below you.
Leaving your comfort zone for a whole new world
Routine is easy and comforting. But it gets boring. No one grows in a routine. Among the benefits of traveling solo is that it’s giving you the much-needed push to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. It gives you space to grow and be better.
Seeing places for the first time, experiencing different ways of life, and meeting new people will make you realize that there’s so much to learn about the world. The way you look at things will change. Be ready to take it all in.
Look around, you’re not really alone
If you have a rule against talking to strangers, you have to relax that rule a bit. Solo travel is never really spent alone. You will talk with locals and share the road with fellow travelers.
If you are traveling to famous destinations such as my travel experience in Boracay Island, chances are you’ll never really feel alone. Solo travel in Boracay means spending your nights in fun-filled spots, relaxing on the shore with other travelers, and sharing a water activity with other groups. In fact, traveling alone means spending most of your time with other people, unlike traveling as a couple or as a group, wherein you are most likely to do things almost exclusively with each other or within the group.
Photo courtesy of mcu1st0 via Pixabay
Emergencies, logistics, and responsibility
What if you are suddenly short on budget? What if you feel sick and feel like throwing up all the street food you ate? What if you fall victim to a scam? What if you get lost? What if, what if, what if. You’ll never run out of what-ifs. If you can’t take care of yourself, then pause, re-assess your sense of responsibility, and prepare. Some need more “preparation” than others and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Among the practical solo traveling tips that I can share with those afraid of what-if’s, is to prepare carefully. Call your banks and ask them of services they have abroad, tell your relatives about the trip, drop by tourists centers in the country you are visiting and ask for emergency numbers, know where your embassy is, research admission fees and food rates ahead of time, pack medicines, and stay cool.
You will get to know yourself better
There are those who are afraid of contemplating their lives. They are scared to reach deep inside the depths of who they are. Traveling solo will help you become more comfortable with yourself, and whether you are aware of it or not, no one goes to another part of the world and then come back the same person.
One of the most important tips I can give when traveling alone is giving yourself a chance to slow down and reflect. You don’t have to keep up with a group; you can tour the city at your own pace. You will discover just how strong you are as you go day to day at a different place with different expectations.
A solo trip can be as powerful and introspective as you want it to be. For those of you who are afraid and uncomfortable just having to eat dinner by yourself at a restaurant, traveling solo can be daunting. But know that it is every bit empowering. At the end of the trip, you will realize that you’re great company, and that’s all you ever need to know.
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This is a guest post by Emily Harper.
Emily is a busy housewife who finds the time to blog. She loves to travel, explore new places and experience new cultures.
"At the end of the trip, you will realize that you’re great company, and that’s all you ever need to know." PREACH!!
www.studentsntravelers.blogspot.com
I've always toyed with the idea of going off and seeing the world solo, I think Eat, Pray, Love had something to do with it all! But the idea also frightens the life out of me, but I love the idea of meeting so many new people on the way as I enjoy talking and getting to know people so much it's a favourite thing to do of mine and considering I want to see so much of the world it just seems like something I should definitely do at one stage, especially if I want to ticket of that travel list! thank you for the post there are some lovely tips here!
www.elzbthchlmrspps.blogspot.co.uk
What a great way to look at travelling solo! My husband's work schedule is so strict and I am always wanting to travel but felt like going on my own would be impossible for someone like me - an introvert. But after reading this, I am definitely going to re-think things and start planning a mini-"me" trip!
Thanks for sharing!
Take care,
C | http://atlantic-c.blogspot.ca/
It could be fun, but not travelling alone even bigger one!
I am thankful that I came across this post. Sometimes we get so comfortable going out in groups that we forget the thrill of being someplace new and get involved in looking after the comforts and safety of our partners on trips. When I am out on a trip with my wife, the things on my mind are about comfort of my wife. Though legitimate but after reading this post I feel a lone trip once a while can do wonders to your own self.
Thank you once again for reminding me the beauty of being a lonely traveler.
I travel alone more often than I travel with someone, and I love the freedom of it and the selfishness of doing whatever I want rather than compromising. However, sometimes I feel like I miss out on the nightlife of a destination. I'm fine dining out alone, but I still feel a bit weird going to a bar alone. Emily, do you try and see the nightlife of a destination when you travel alone?
I love traveling alone! I love that I can do whatever I want when I want. The downside is when something funny happens or you're making new memories, and no one is there to share it with. Definitely pros and cons to both. Usually I try to spit my time between taking trips with others and taking trips by myself. :)
All so true! Travelling solo is having the chance to be comfortable with yourself, because you are your own bestfriend.
Thank you for this perspective. Although I've traveled many places I've yet to take a trip alone. I'm at that place where Ireland is calling and there's no one who can go. I'm about to be 43 but I figure better late than never right? Thanks for the inspiration!
100% agree. It is not easy to leave your comfort zone for the first time and travel somewhere unknown alone. Although, I went to study in Australia for a semester abroad alone, I never felt alone as I got to meet so many great people. Due to this, I would consider my 2-week travel trip to Japan as my first 'real' solo experience. For sure, I was a bit nervous about travelling the whole country by myself, but I helped myself by planning everything before the trip, including booking accommodation, train tickets, airport shuttles etc. And before my departure I wasn't afraid at all. I went to a country without expecting anything and it turned out to be such a great experience to see a country by myself in the pace I wanted to see it. And I got to meet nice people along the way. If you have done it once, you feel like you can go everywhere.
www.worldwanderer.de