Last Updated on February 24, 2023
Solo traveling or traveling alone can be challenging, especially if you haven’t done it before. You don’t really know what to expect and your friends and family are so worried about you, that you might get worried too. However, in my experience, it’s the best thing ever and I recommend to do it at least once in a lifetime.
Little reminder
At first a little reminder, that you shouldn’t underrate solo traveling. It is a challenge for yourself and not easy all the time. You have to make your own decisions without asking for advice or a second opinion. You are the only person, that is responsible for yourself, so you really have to think about what you should do and shouldn’t, because there is nobody, that will help you out or protects you. You will be in situations, you’ve never been in before and you have to handle them on your own.
Feeling free and independent
I don’t want to scare you, I just want to be honest. When you pay attention to all that, solo traveling is an amazing experience and brings so much personal growth with it.
Making your own decisions is also a really great thing. Nobody can tell you what to do and you can just do whatever you want. You can focus on yourself, because you’re your own boss. This really gives you a feeling of freedom. Nobody can restrict you and you don’t have to stick to anything. There is no plan you can’t change.
If you don’t want to go to a specific place anymore, then just don’t. If you really like a place and want to stay longer, then just do. Nobody is holding you back.
I made so many spontaneous decisions and those turned out to be the best experiences ever.
Solo traveling, but not alone
Another great thing is, that you get to know so many people if you want. Of course you can stick around without talking to anyone and doing trips alone, but let’s be honest, nobody really wants to be alone all the time.When you stay in hostels and especially dormatories with at least 4 other people in it, you will get to know somebody.
It’s so easy to get into a conversation, because if you don’t find a topic, you can always talk about your travels. And you can meet people everywhere. In your room, the common area of a hostel, a restaurant, a bus or a daytrip. At first I was a bit scared that I won’t meet anyone, but it is really easy.
Due to solo traveling and wanting to meet people, you’re more open to talk to people and people are also more likely to start talking to you. Of course you can also meet people, when you’re traveling as a couple or friends, but in my experience you don’t really have the “need” to talk to other people, because you already have company.
And don’t worry, even if you’re shy, you’ll learn to start talking to people and there are always nice people that want to get to know you.
I met so many incredible people and all that due to solo traveling. Sometimes I got along so well with them, that we started traveling together for a bit.
Being proud of yourself
After traveling for a while, you start getting to know yourself more and more, what you want and what not and that is just amazing. You’ve also been through so much and can be proud of yourself, because you handled everything on your own.
Sharing your experience
Whereas some people are fine with experiencing all those great moment on their own, others might have the need to share it with somebody. When you’re traveling with a friend, then of course he’s always there and after coming back home, you can still share those memories together and talk about it. By solo traveling, you don’t really have that.
Of course, you have those people, who you share those moments with, but those are only specific moments and not the whole journey. So if you are a person that feels like sharing their experiences, get you a friend from home and tell them your stories right from the beginning.
Tell them about your day, what you’ve seen and who you’ve met. Make sure you’ll also be interested in their life’s at home, even though it’s not as exciting as yours. When you come back, your friend knows everything you’ve been through and you can talk with him about everything and he’ll know what you’re talking about, even though he wasn’t with you.
I totally agree with your thoughts thanks for sharing!