Traveling Solo

For the most part I travel solo all around the world, visiting places that intrigue me or to go visit friends. It can be lonely traveling all alone and sometimes it would be nice to have someone to share my experiences with. But traveling alone has its benefits.

Making new friends

Making new friends on the road is a lot easier than what you think. Think about it, there are thousands of travelers just like you on their own adventures right now. When traveling with others it’s easier to settle in with your own group, but when your traveling solo you must rely on yourself and others, this is when you get to know new people. Don't be afraid to ask others about their adventure, that's what we all want to hear about. Talk about where you have been, where you're going, where you're from and how long you are in the city you're visiting to get the conversation started.

Go where YOU want, when YOU want

My favorite thing to do in cities is to walk the streets and get “lost”. Now, with GPS you're never lost. I walk around the city to see what the locals see, stopping in at interesting bars, shops and grocery stores. You get to decide where YOU want to go and make your own timeline and don't have to worry about when someone else is hungry, thirsty, late, if they walk too fast, or too slow. While walking the streets I love visiting grocery stores to see what the locals eat and how it compares to what is at my local grocery store. I never know what ill find to eat, and its cheaper than going to a restaurant.

Discovering YOU!

Getting to know yourself is a wonderful and empowering byproduct of traveling solo. Like writing in a journal, this is a great stress reliever and a way to remember what you did day to day to tell all of your friends back home. Traveling by yourself allows you to witness how you react to different situations and can gain a deeper understanding of who you are and what actually matters to you. The beauty of traveling alone is to self reflect and have time to yourself and learn to be lonely. Learn to overcome the uncomfortable situations will make you stronger. “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.”

Challenge yourself

Whats great about traveling alone is that no one knows you! Use this to your benefit because you can make a fool of yourself and you will never have to see these people again. Not good at chatting up that cute guy/girl? Well, first of all if you're rejected, that's their problem they don't want to be with you and second of all you will never have to see this person again, thirdly when you do make that positive connection you may have met your new best friend or husband/wife! Are you a picky eater? Use this time to expand your horizons and taste what the locals love to eat. You never know what you’ll love, I mean that foie gras wont eat itself!

Gain Confidence

The first solo trip I took was a little nerve-wracking. I was in a new city, with people I didn't know and I didn't speak the language. With each trip you take, the more confident you will get with using public transportation, talking to people, reading maps, trying new food and meeting new people. The more you travel the more you know. 

So, book that trip you always wanted to take! Make new friends and discover a new culture and surroundings. Challenge yourself by trying new food and open yourself to meeting new people. Enjoy your time to yourself!!

Check out my friends article on Why Traveling Solo Can Be Good For You. I was interviewed by Maria Walley for the piece. Thank you so much for the opportunity!