Why Everyone Should Travel Solo At Least Once

Travelling solo will illuminate your view on life. I must admit I never had the opportunity to first backpack till I was 24 and that was with a mate that I met while I was volunteering in Zambia. Backpacking with a friend helped to get the foundations set up as I met quite a few solo travellers along the way, fast forward 2 years later I travelled solo for a few weeks to Brazil and I picked up a few “so-called things” along the way, this post is dedicated to those current and future solo travellers looking for a kickstart or just a bit of a heads-up.

Teaches you independence

Cornwall, 2020

At times I used to rely on others or seek approval for a decision. There was a time where I would refer to myself as the “Yes Man”, to which I mean I wouldn’t say no to the activity that my travelling companion(s) would want to do, even if I didn’t want to do them.

Travelling Solo enables you to be more independent, teaches you to be happy in your own company and helps you realise that only you can make that decision whether it’s the next place to visit or the restaurant to eat your food.

Teaches you problem-solving

Bangkok, 2017

Whether it’s a skill you have or a skill you never thought you had, travelling solo will push you to bring out a problem solver within you. You’ll step up as an individual and learn to tackle the issue without depending on anyone around you; not only this, but you’ll be more creative, whether it’s picking up words in a different language to get you to your next destination or buying food at the local supermarket.

Having complete financial control

The way you spend your money is on you and only you. Travelling solo gives you’re the freedom to spend your money on what you want, so if you wish to splash out on a fancy hotel or do a scuba diving course, that will be totally up to you. I recommend using a digital challenger bank such as a Monzo or Revolt. It helps to better manage your money with benefits such as passing Mastercard’s exchange rate directly to you and not charging you to pay with your card when abroad.

Bring out the confidence within you

Scuba Diving, Greece, 2020

Travelling Solo itself can be questioned by some as it is often seen as a brave endeavour. When I travelled solo the first time, I must have asked myself countless times prior to flying, why am I doing this? Would I meet anyone? Would I enjoy the time being alone? Is this really the best time to go?

Whether we like it or not, it can be lonely and discomforting knowing that we don’t have anyone for support. You will never be entirely prepared for what’s going to happen. Still, you can prep yourself for what to expect. Do your research on the destination, where to stay, activities you want to do, research the culture, pick up some words from the countries language and the dietary requirements. Getting yourself out of a jam in a tense situation will provide you with a new sense of confidence to carry with you on future trips.

Improve your mental health

I’m such a firm believer in mental health that I’ll be doing a post in future dedicated to this alone, and I’ll come back to this section to provide the link. Scientific research has proven that exploring a new destination can do wonders for your health and wellbeing.

Travelling itself is a good stress-buster as it’s good to get out of your day to day life and leave the struggles behind you, even if for a short period of time. But, more importantly, travelling solo can help you reinvent yourself, learn to eventually reduce technology use, explore a new culture, try new food, or even do a new activity. For example, I found out that even though I’m terrible at surfing, I’ve enjoyed the waves, and it keeps me focused on literally getting up on my feet and moving forward!

Explore the inner you

I don’t mean anything cheesy when I say this, but I mean that as a solo traveller, you can learn and discover more about yourself within a short period abroad than you have working on a desk for the past months. When you take the first steps to venture alone to somewhere outside your time zone, you’ll eventually learn how to spend your time better, what you care about and possibly pick up new skills.

A journey starts with many adventures. I’ve learned to be more open-minded and learn new skills. Travelling with friends and family brings you comfort, great laughs, and memories to share, but travelling solo will better yourself no matter how cheesy it sounds.

Go with the flow

Keep it chilled or fast-moving, go with the flow or plan things by the hour; it’s all up to you. Your schedule is yours to decide. Life becomes predictable and repetitive when you’re working till late, working out in the evening or having to spend time with ones you care about, learn to change and find what works for you gradually.

Travelling solo, you’ll have time to grab that double chocolate fudged ice cream, sleep till late, read another chapter in your book or even spend a few more minutes in the restaurant after consuming that curry you thought was a good idea to get extra spicy. Going with the flow might not be easy when you’re living for the weekend, but it sure can when travelling independently.

Be bitten by the travel bug

Being bitten by the bug is to develop a passionate interest in a specified activity, as defined by Google itself! In simple terms, travelling is an addiction. The first step is always the hardest, but once you start walking, you’ll soon be flying (approximately 38,000 feet from the ground, but who’s counting). Travelling is a never-ending experience and a special kind of enjoyment like no other.

Finishing words

Travelling Solo is easier said than done. My first solo trip was because a friend dropped out last minute, and another wanted to reschedule the date for the 3^rd time. We all know it’s easier to travel with friends and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, the world is too big, and life is too short to keep rescheduling and depend on people to travel with. Time is of the essence, so let’s make it count.