Why you must travel solo at least once! - Rejuvenate and Unplug

“Don’t be scared to walk alone. Don’t be scared to like it.” John Mayer

There are moments in your life when certain experiences reveal something about you, someone else and the world. Most of these experiences come from travel escapades. It’s beyond belief how these experiences can change your perspective towards life and things you never saw yourself doing suddenly become your reality.

Travelling alone is exciting, nerve-wracking, and surprisingly rewarding all at the same time. Whether you’re travelling to an international tropical paradise or a local urban haven, you won’t regret travelling alone. If you’ve ever had a thought running through your mind about venturing off alone but are still indecisive or nervous, here are a few reasons why you should travel solo at least once:

1.    You never return the way you left

Travelling alone renews your spirit in the most positive way. It revamps your energy, your perspective of the world, the way you view others and the way you view yourself. You become even more fearless and more confident in your abilities to figure things out on your own.

    2.  Step out of your comfort zone

Travelling solo gives you the kind of healthy push you need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. You learn to embrace being around unfamiliar places, people and all of the challenges that will present itself on the road. 

3. There’s still so much to learn about the world.

Seeing and exploring some of the most beautiful places will leave you speechless. When you, on your own, experience different cultures and ways of life that make each place so special is a unique experience within itself. 

4. “ME” Time

Spending time alone helps you get to know yourself better. The way you look at things will change. Travelling solo gives you the time you need in order to slow down, reflect and spend that quality time with yourself that you may often miss when you’re caught up in the day-to-day life back home and during work. 

5. You will discover just how strong you are.

In my personal experience, scuba diving for the very first time helped me cope with my fear. Not everyday looks and feels the same when you travel solo. This experience brings out the inner strength in you and helps you conquer your fears. Other days you may just want to take it easy alone while going at your own pace. You’ll realise that while you enjoy being around others, you become mentally stronger and more capable to wing it by yourself. 

6. Brings you closer to nature

You find yourself amid nature and this is the best you can do for yourself. There’s a spectacular world out there comprising of landscapes that you are yet to witness. Your perspective on certain parts of the world or customs and beliefs will be completely different when you experience it on your your own and you’ll find that that all of the photos and articles you read just don’t do them justice.

Travel The World, Say Yes To The World, New Lufthansa Campaign, Photo by Slava Bowman on Unsplash

   7. Meeting new people is enriching

A solo trip is never really spent completely in solitude because you will meet other travellers just like yourself. Everyone has a story to tell and you’ll realise how much you all have in common and that you are never really alone ever.

   8. It’s not as scary as you think!

All of the worries and misgivings you initially had when you set foot on the plane will disappear the moment you reach your destination. While it’s true you should practice a certain level of caution no matter where you are in the world, you’ll discover that a lot of the ridiculous things you’ve seen in movies aren’t real.

  9. You will more than likely want to travel solo again.

Travelling is an addiction in and of itself. But the freedom you get when you travel solo is just different. From going at your own pace and not feeling guilty about it, to the strength and confidence you discover within yourself. It’s a peaceful and calming experience you’ll likely to want to experience over and over again.

10. Getting lost is blissful

There’s just something about being in an unfamiliar place and finding amazing things while trying to get to a particular destination. The journey itself offers you multiple ways to unplug. Also, sometimes, it’s okay to take a wrong turn to discover something you weren’t expecting. Those are the experiences you remember for life.

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in this world.” –  Gustave Flaubert

Also: Why do you travel? The journey around the world and inside of you

Bhawana Bisht is an intern with SheThePeople.Tv!