BY JULIA G. KO
Freedom. Curiosity. Learning. Embarking on a new adventure by yourself empowers you to step out of your comfort zone and into worlds of possibilities. With preparation and an open mind, amazing experiences await. Furthermore, you will see the world from different vantage points which enable you question what you think you know and enrich your mind.
Let's look at few things that keep people from traveling solo:
- Safety concerns
- Loneliness
- Boredom
- Fear
- Gender inequalities
- Health issues
- Cultural differences
- Language barriers
All of these concerns are valid, but it doesn’t need to stop you from potentially some of the best experiences of your life. I’d like to share my personal knowledge of what I’ve learned from the occasional solo trip and hope to show the advantages far outweigh the fears and sporadic problem you will encounter. I want to help spread the inspiration anyone can try it, with just a few examples of the impact solo travel can have on an individual.
ADVANTAGES OF SOLO TRAVEL SELF-DISCOVERYTraveling solo gives yourself an opportunity to reflect and discover. Does it feel risky? Sure, but it has the potential to make you feel more alive, more authentic. Intuitive people live more in the present than others, which means you are in-tune with the environment. Give yourself the time and space to discover your inmost feelings and beliefs. Solitary travel can be a journey across the world and an inward journey toward self-knowledge.
BUILD CONFIDENCESome people think I'm brave for traveling solo. I consider myself well-prepared. When you plan properly, you can be ready for the pitfalls that surely await you. Before you trek deep into the forests of Guatemala, research the language, accommodations, cultural expectations, transportation options or lack thereof and scenic destinations. Will you be hitting all the main tourist stops, or do you prefer to enter into the culture a little more, visiting less commercialized locales?
After my first exchange to a foreign country, san local language skills, my confidence grew. Although it was definitely challenging and at times very lonely, you gain confidence by facing various scenarios and successfully completing it.
MAKE NEW CONNECTIONSIn my experience, it’s easy to meet new people from around the world, make new friends and form friendships that last beyond your journey. I’ve made friends at the gym in Guatemala, hiking in Costa Rica and on exchange in Finland. Later, I later spent a summer with an overseas friend while she worked on her PhD in London. There are opportunities to interact with people, especially in Latin and South America, South Asia and Western Europe where the atmosphere is social.
If you don’t want to leave it up to chance, then download the plethora of apps to connect with others. Adventure Catcher lists 9 great apps that help you travel alone. Rest assured, you will automatically be thrown into social settings and opportunities to get to know others and their cultures along the way.
EMPOWER YOURSELFDo you normally travel with someone you know? I have traveled with family and friends,in groups, and for business. Out of these trips, traveling by myself has offered the most diverse experiences. I'm not trying to discourage you from traveling with others; I'm encouraging you to feel the freedom to go alone. You don't have to wait for the perfect opportunity that will fit your schedule and your friend's schedule. The next time you feel the inspiration to take a trip to Switzerland, Mexico, China, or NYC, do yourself a favor and book a flight. Being independent gives you a sense of freedom which helps you become more reliant on yourself. You grow in your sense of being and empowerment which solidifies a sense of security many women can give themselves.
GIVE YOURSELF A RESETWe all need to intermittently reset our lives, and put us back onto a positive track. Solo travel does that. It allows you to see the world without caring for the needs of anyone else and benefit from setting your own itinerary. After the reset, your new self- confidence will help you navigate life’s usual stressors.
If you need some inspiration, consider these solo-friendly locations compiled by U.S. News. Explore the Rocky Mountains, scuba dive off the Cayman Islands, navigate through pedestrian-friendly Paris, see why Iceland is dubbed the Land of Fire and Ice, or visit an 11th-century castle in Slovenia. Whether you go near or far, you can create meaningful adventures and friendships along the way. It’s helpful to bring a camera and a journal as you'll want to remember the confidence you felt as you traveled beyond your comfort zone and broaden your world perspectives.