Benefits of solo travel

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This post was submitted by a guest blogger who will be discussing some of the little-known benefits of travelling solo. Solo travel is becoming more and more popular as more people push themselves outside of their comfort zones and set out to explore the world on their own. Below, our guest blogger John shares with us 10 reasons why solo travel is great!

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Perks of travelling solo

We’ve all had that one memorable road trip with friends from school or some exclusive vacation with the family. Travelling with your loved ones is awesome, but travelling solo is a whole new experience. Do you ever feel like you don’t know who you are or what you’re doing? Too many of our day-to-day decisions are influenced by the people around us. We just go with the flow, do what we’re told, or live to please others. This situation is most relatable to young women who continuously juggle work, familial responsibilities, a social life, an intimate relationship, and sometimes more. 

Many of us do not remember what solitude and quiet feel like, and maybe the thought of having that frightens some of us. Solo travel is a means to discover oneself and forget everything else for a while. You can call it a challenge or an independent retreat, but this is definitely something you need to try at least once in a lifetime. If you’re still not convinced, below are ten perks of travelling solo to change your mind:

10 little-known perks of travelling solo

1.  No Pressure, No Expectations

One of the biggest perks of travelling solo is that when you travel on your own, you don’t need to worry about the opinions and concerns of anyone else. You can choose the destination of your choice, plan an itinerary at your convenience, as well as do things your own way and at your own pace. You won’t have to wait on anyone or settle on a compromise. When you travel with a friend or partner, you’re inevitably dragged into plans that are not your cup of tea. You sometimes have to give up personal covets to accommodate a companion, which is frustrating on so many levels.

2.    You can be spontaneous and flexible

It doesn’t matter if you’re a morning person or a night owl when you’re going solo. You can make or change plans at the last minute because nobody else is counting on you. If you forget about something or run late, you’re not really disappointing anyone. If you had an agenda for the day, but you don’t feel like following up on it, no problem! You have the opportunity to live in the moment and give in to your impulses for a change, which is exhilarating and liberating. You may add and subtract things on your to-do list on the go because sticking to a schedule can be stifling or boring.

3.    An opportunity to prioritize ‘you’

When was the lifetime you did something exclusively for yourself? Many women neglect their needs and desires when they’re stuck in a hectic routine that leaves them no time to tend to their own wellbeing. We hardly notice the sharp decline in our mental and physical health over the years because we were too busy looking after others.

When you’re travelling solo, you’re the only one that matters. You get to put yourself first, which is the best feeling in the world. It feels nice to be selfish on occasion and pamper yourself unconditionally, and if you didn’t already know – you deserve it! Caring for your mind and body is the first step toward developing self-love and self-respect.

4.    You’re the Boss

If I didn’t make it clear already, you’re in charge when you embark on a solo journey. You make the rules, you draw the lines, and you can modify them on a whim. There’s no one to question your intentions, object to your game plan, or override you with their own schema. You can dress up the way you want, have dessert for breakfast, and indulge in an impromptu shopping spree. Nobody will tell you that your outfit isn’t age-appropriate, eating that will make you fat, or you’re doing it wrong. I don’t know about you, but I’m sick of the ‘constructive’ criticism I put up with every day.

5.    Easier on the pocket

Another of the great perks of travelling solo is if you prefer to go cheap and rough it up a bit, there’s no one judging or stopping you on a solo trip! You could backpack all across Europe, take up day jobs on the way, and keep spending to the minimum. At the end of the day, you’re only paying for yourself, which is quite the relief on its own. You may live in a hostel instead of a luxury hotel, survive on street food, and save money for more important things.

6.    A lesson in self-sufficiency

Solo travel may sound daunting if you don’t know how to depend on yourself alone. The idea of straying off to foreign land far away from your loved ones might not sound like the best plan. However, if you are a sane and sensible adult, it is time you face your fears. Learn to rely on yourself because sooner or later you will run into situations where others won’t be able to solve your problems. Travelling solo will help you transform into a more responsible and resourceful person. When you get through this in one piece, you’ll feel invincible.

7.    You can be anyone you want

Sometimes we yearn to get a break from the version of ourselves we adorn every day. We tend to suppress several aspects of our personality or constantly strive to be the person that fits in. If you wish to unleash your untamed or crazier side, a solo vacation is an ideal time and place for it. If you are an artist at heart, you may want to indulge in some role-playing to expand your creativity.

When you’re travelling solo on unchartered lands, you get to define your identity. You can pretend to be a filmmaker looking for their next muse, an FBI agent in disguise, a princess on the run, or a black widow looking for a new husband. However, try not to get too carried away while playing out a character; keep it fun and light.

8.    Guilt-free Fun

Solo travel can be your Vegas, i.e. whatever you do on this trip can be a secret you take to your grave. If you possess an eccentric bucket list, make sure to accomplish most of the stuff on there. Allow yourself to do the things you always wanted to, but couldn’t under usual circumstances. Take risks and be a little irrational for the sake of your happiness. You don’t have to tell anybody if you think they’ll get mad or judge you harshly for it. Travelling solo is your chance to live a little with no strings attached.

9.    A boost in Confidence

If you keep doubting yourself or suffer from low self-esteem, solo travel is the push you need to overcome your insecurities and break barriers. When you’re in a place where nobody knows you, it’s less stressful to come out of your comfort zone and approach people. You will need to talk to strangers when you’re travelling alone, and that will make you realize that it isn’t as hard as you expected. You might even enjoy socializing and getting to know new people. It’s easier to say your mind when you know that the people you confide in are unlikely to cross your path again. The interaction will prep you for more trying conversations in the future. Your communication skills will improve drastically and your confidence will attract success.

10.  No limits to the adventure

Solo travellers have unlimited room for adventure, which is not a privilege you can enjoy while travelling with company. You can inspire people with what you have to offer, and also acquire inspiration from the many interesting individuals you come across.

Even though you are travelling solo you don’t have to be alone if you don’t want to, you can make new friends whilst travelling! For example, by joining a small group tour.

And if you start to get homesick it is easier than ever to keep in touch with family and friends back home. You can use online video chat services such as zoom to keep in touch, or you can go the traditional route and send a postcard from anywhere in the world!

Travelling solo encourages soul-searching, so it might help unravel your true calling and prove to be life-changing in the best way possible. You could even find your soul mate while you’re at it or meet someone who brings out the best in you. Once you experience the wonderful perks of solo travel, you won’t be able to resist the urge to do it again.

Perks of travelling solo

I hope by now I have convinced you of the many fantastic perks of travelling solo! Why not get out there and give solo travel a try?