It’s always exciting to take a road trip with good friends or family, but have you ever considered taking a trip on your own? Whether you’re driving to a new city or flying solo for work, a trip alone can be quite exhilarating. Here are 6 Benefits to Traveling Solo:
1. Your Trip Will Be Easier – By definition, the lack of frequent bathroom stops or miscellaneous distractions will make your trip much simpler than group travel. You will have more room in your luggage or rental car for things you care about most. Plus, you won’t have to share your bathroom if you plan to stay at a hotel and you will save on the cost of double occupancy.
2. You Will Learn About Your Self – Solo travel allows you to explore yourself. When you’re left in peace and quiet to confront your own ideas, insecurities and dilemmas, you have no choice but to face your challenges. Traveling alone will allow time for self-exploration and reflection, opportunities you may not have when traveling with others.
3. You Can Stick to Your Own Schedule – When traveling in a group, your schedule revolves around other people. You have to balance the wishes, taste buds and desires of other people on every decision made. Conversely, a solo trip allows you the opportunity to adhere to your own schedule. You will be the sole decision maker as to when and where you would like to eat, sleep and visit.
4. You Will Meet New People –Reflecting on my own solo travel experiences, it’s clear to see why I met the most people when I didn’t have my existing friends to keep me busy. Every restaurant, storefront or bar you visit will present an opportunity to make small talk. With an open mind, you might just end up making a new friend!
5. You Will Save Money – This is particularly true if you are used to booking trips for an entire family. When traveling solo, you won’t have extra plane tickets to purchase or extra luggage to worry about, nor will you have to think about feeding your whole family three times a day on the road. Instead, you can spend your money the way you want to spend it or you can choose to save it for your next trip.
6. You Can Conquer Your Fears – Solidarity can be scary. Humans are naturally social creatures, so it might be uncomfortable to think about taking a trip alone. However, one of the greatest feelings of accomplishment comes when we conquer our fears. John A. Shedd once said, “A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” Happy Travels!
Have you taken a solo trip recently? We want to hear about your experience! Share your photos with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
