Three years ago, just before the pandemic hit, I embarked on my first solo trip to London. Little did I know that this trip would be the beginning of a journey that would take me across Europe and North Africa. Each trip turned out to be more amazing than the last, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience solo travel in all its glory.
Initially, I started traveling solo out of necessity, as none of my friends were willing to travel with me. However, I soon realized that solo travel was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life so far. Today, even though I have found incredible people to travel with, I still make sure to carve out time to take a trip or two by myself. I believe it is crucial for me to explore the world, meet new people, and discover all that the earth has to offer.
Traveling alone has not only changed my life but has also changed me as a person. Being on my own and wandering has shaped my personality, and for that, I am truly grateful. I now enjoy being by myself and relish my own company. I vividly remember the time I swam in a lake in Switzerland and felt a sense of thrill and happiness like never before. Solo traveling has taught me things that I never learned in school, such as how to fend for myself, use my voice to ask for what I want, be smart and conscious, stay safe, find solutions, make new friends, and create lifelong memories. Most importantly, I have learned who I am and who I want to be.
I would like to share with you the things that solo travel has taught me, in the hope that it will inspire you to embark on your first solo trip.
1. Finding yourself
The first thing you need to understand is that traveling solo does not mean that you are lonely. Contrary to popular belief, being on your own in a foreign country can be an empowering experience. In a world where we are constantly surrounded by news, updates, and noise, taking the time to truly be alone can be a powerful moment of simplicity and purity. It is an important life skill to learn how to be alone and figure out what you like when no one else is making the decisions for you. You learn to become the master of your life (a little bit cheesy but the truth).
2. Happiness in the simplest form
Admiring the beauty in life’s simple and modest pleasures has been my greatest revelation since embarking on my backpacking journey. I have come to the realization that true happiness is not reliant on material possessions or luxuries. Rather, it is found in the smallest of things – a simple backpack and a handful of clothes can create the most treasured of memories. This newfound appreciation has gifted me with gratitude, contentment, and a deeper appreciation for the purity of life, unencumbered by artificial excess.
3. Learning to thrive independently
I have lost count of how often I have shared my plans to travel solo, only to be met with the question “Isn’t it unsafe for a girl?” Sadly, there are many who believe that as a female, one should not venture out into the world alone due to potential dangers. However, if we limit ourselves to the opinions of others, we will never reach our full potential. Do not allow fear or naysayers to impede your path. While there are hazards lurking in every corner, there are also countless kind-hearted individuals to be found.
4. A profound source of empowerment
As you embark on extended periods of solo travel, a remarkable realization dawns upon you – you begin to uncover the depths of your personality and understand the true essence of who you are. Whether wandering through a bustling metropolis or traversing an isolated landscape, the experience of alone instills a deep sense of personal agency and control. Through this journey of self-discovery, solo travel imbues you with a powerful form of empowerment that bolsters your confidence and allows you to make choices that serve your best interests assertively.
5. Being more responsible
Being more responsible is a valuable lesson that can be learned through solo travel. It has been my experience that when I venture out on my own, I am compelled to make conscientious choices, such as traveling on a budget and avoiding costly dining options, luxurious lodgings, or extravagant activities. These choices not only allow me to stretch my finances further but also enable me to develop a heightened sense of accountability and resourcefulness.
6. Flexibility
It is a vital attribute that can be honed through solo travel. It is not uncommon for travel plans to veer off-course unexpectedly, and when traversing alone, the onus of adapting to these unanticipated changes falls solely on oneself. My personal journey has taught me to cultivate an adaptable and flexible outlook, to embrace the unpredictable and navigate the ebbs and flows of life with ease. Solo travel has allowed me to surrender to the flow of the universe, find beauty in the unexpected, and make the most of every moment.
7. Cultivating an open-mind
One of the most enriching aspects of solo travel is the autonomy to curate a personalized itinerary and explore activities that pique your interest. This freedom has taught me to approach new experiences with an open mind and a willingness to embrace the unknown. I have relished the opportunity to try culinary delicacies I never imagined I’d enjoy, unearth hidden gems of destinations I never knew existed, and engage with individuals whose perspectives have expanded my own. Solo travel has been a catalyst for broadening my horizons and cultivating a spirit of adventure.
In summary, solo travel has served as a remarkable mentor, imparting valuable lessons of self-reliance, adaptability, a thirst for new experiences, self-sufficiency, and a deeper appreciation for home. I wholeheartedly advocate for solo travel to anyone seeking to broaden their horizons and discover the boundless marvels that the world has to offer. The freedom to chart your own path, and the capacity to discover yourself along the way is a gift that solo travel bestows upon those daring enough to take the plunge.
