I wasn’t always comfortable traveling alone or being by myself. For years I had been wanting to travel abroad and I created a bucket list that seemed infinite of cities I wanted to visit or sights I wanted to see. Each year was passing by faster than the previous and nothing was ever crossed off.
It wasn’t until a few years ago I received the best advice someone has ever told me. It was so obvious and it changed everything for me.
“Stop waiting for people to do the things you want to do.”
I listened to what my friend had to say and I remember just sitting there coming up with a million reasons why I had not traveled more. In reality, there was no real reason. I was fortunate enough to have the financial means and time to do so. The reality was, I was scared.
I was presented with an opportunity to travel to Europe alone for three weeks through my work. Without hesitation I accepted it. To summarize my experience I listed out 8 reasons why you should travel alone once.
The 8 things I learned and why you should travel alone at least once.
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable
Not only will you survive after your first solo trip, you’ll thrive. Being forced outside of your comfort zone is what allows us to grow as individuals and try new things. You’ll push yourself to try new things and meet new people.
2. Meeting new people
When you’re in a group traveling there’s no motivation to meet new people. Traveling is an incredible opportunity to meet the locals or other travelers. You’ll have the opportunity to exchange tips or tricks. You’ll learn about the best bars and restaurants. They’ll give you tips on fun activities you didn’t even think of or better yet show you around!
In Milan, when I was flying my drone I was approached by a local asking all about the mechanics of the drone. Due to this interaction we ended up eating lunch at one of his favorite spots and it was delicious! He left me with a ton of tips as I toured around Milan.
3. Doing what you want and when you want
There’s nothing more frustrating than traveling with a large group where everyone has a different agenda. No one can agree on the restaurant to eat at or the show to go see. Others yawn while touring the museums, because they weren’t interested in this in the first place. If suggested that you want to go sightseeing being with a group it could give you the feeling of pressure to hurry up.
Traveling alone gives you the opportunity to stay out or sleep in as late as you want! Want to hike that mountain? Get climbing! Want to tour the museum twice because you’re so fascinated with the art work? Go for it! Want to stop at every gelato cart? Indulge! Every day is yours for the taking and there’s no compromising here.
4. Discover new things about yourself
Taking the opportunity to travel alone allows you to discover interests in passions you may have never known. When you’re alone there’s no obligation to impress anyone. You may find yourself partaking in a local workshop learning how to make coffee or taking the opportunity to learn the history of the Roman Colosseum. You’ll learn to prioritize what’s important to you and finally stop being so indecisive.
5. Cross off that bucket list
I started off this post how I kept seeing my bucket list grow but never crossing off any items. Traveling alone is the perfect way to start checking off those items! Maybe you’ve dreamed about sky diving or visiting the Eiffel Tower and now here’s your chance. Book that trip and let’s get to it.
6. Improve your confidence
You’ll realize how much you can push yourself after traveling alone. You’ll have this sense of achievement and recognize you didn’t need that safety net after all. You’ll feel as if you can take on the world.
7. Getting lost isn’t so bad
The best plan sometimes is no plan. Wander through the streets with no agenda and you’ll be amazed what you may come across. Go down that rabbit hole because there may be something incredible at the other end.
8. The world isn’t as scary as you think
One of the biggest reasons why I avoided traveling alone was simply because I was scared. I believed it wasn’t safe. You’ll quickly realize how genuine and nice people are to travelers. Locals multiple times have gone above and beyond for me. They were always willing to help with directions or even letting me tag along with them if they were headed the same way. Helping me read the signs when on trains or communicating with other locals when I didn’t speak the language. I’ve been invited for meals and activities by complete strangers.
Take into account these 8 reasons and decide for yourself!
Check out my Instagram for some inspiration on where to travel to solo! (@nickfjord)