5 Reasons to Travel Solo at Least Once
Even if you don’t want to.
The leap
“I think I want to go on a solo trip, man. I don’t have an exam or paper due for the next 8 days,” I said, conferring with my German exchange friend Marius.
“Bro, then you have no reason not to; what’s stopping you?” He replies, reassuring me as doubt started to burst at the seams of our conversation.
To him, this was a no-brainer. He was an experienced traveler in every sense of the word and lived in a small town in Germany. It’s common knowledge the hostel scene is booming in Europe, and it makes for a great travel hub as the flights are dirt cheap through various airlines (Spirit, Skyscanner) once you’re actually there.
As a small-town Canadian guy, this was a new and exciting discovery living in Jonkoping, Sweden. The whole purpose of venturing on a university exchange was to leave my comfort zone; Eclipse the wonderful world of backpacking, and grow comfortable with the uncomfortable.
I wasn’t used to doing anything by myself back home — My stable life lacked the independence my psyche subconsciously desired. My father did my taxes, updated my license plate stickers, arranged doctor’s appointments for me, and more directly applicable — booked flights for me when we went on vacation.
It’s about a wonder I even wiped my own ass. Seriously.
With that being said, it was my personal mission to embark on a solo journey around Europe — and Marius was the perfect individual to push me off the edge to prevent me from turning back.
I was on a student budget, so I decided on Prague, Slovakia, and Thessaloniki, Greece.
I was satisfied with the two, but I vaguely remember Marius bug-eyed, looking at the computer screen with a smile on his face and then staring at me. Curious now, I said, “Okay, man, spit it out.”
He said “If you don’t go here … I will fucking punch you in the face bro.” He turns the computer around and there I decided on the last piece of the puzzle; Larnaca, Cyprus.
Of course, I wanted to turn back and delete all of the tabs I had open, but I submitted my credit card information and didn’t look back, “fuck it, here goes nothing,” I muttered to myself.
Equipped with nothing but a 40 oz. travel backpack, my passport, clothes, and a dream, it was time to open the door to the beginning of my solo travel brigade.
I can honestly say that this experience changed my life and how I now view travel.
I’m hoping after you read the lessons I learned, it urges you to book that bus to a town with a beautiful beach you’ve always dreamed of, or a flight to Hawaii to hike the Stairway to Heaven.
Read carefully, as it may give you the push you need to take the ultimate leap of faith.
1. You will be more likely to expand your social circle with other travelers
I’ve seen it several times, even within my own friend groups. Even at hostels where you go to meet others. I find since you already have a group of people you know it will be less likely you will meet others because it’s outside of your bubble.
If you travel alone, you will be more likely to mingle with other like-minded and potentially incredibly interesting individuals.
2. You learn to navigate new cities/places
First, I booked the flights. Then, I booked the buses. After, I navigated my own way to the hostel. Last but not least, I found landmarks and attractions around various cities.
One thing leads to another. It’s extremely easy to let someone else coordinate a trip and follow along. It’s another to take extreme ownership. You learn the ropes of what it takes to form the blueprint of your own travel and in turn, don’t need anyone to draw it out for you.
3. You will appreciate your surroundings and discover more
When you spend time alone in a city, you tend to become more intimate with it. There are these hidden gems that you seem to stumble upon while naturally exploring the area. Whether it be hole-in-the-wall bars, a nude beach, or historic ruins, you will see more.
Why? The natural explorer in you will be more curious — In turn, treading further and further into unknown territory.
4. It will give you the ability to travel on your own terms
Picture this scenario — you find an amazing deal for a Greek cruise to Crete, Athens, and Mykonos. You extend the offer to your closest friends and they are overwhelmed with the idea of going on vacation. Two weeks later the price hikes significantly, and your friends still haven’t booked.
Well, if you’ve traveled alone before, then it will be that much easier to say fuck it and book anyway. That way there’s zero animosity toward your friends and they have the option to join you if they so, please.
5. You will learn to act despite fear
The all-consuming anxiety that riddles a solo traveler can be brutal. From personal experience, I’ve become a little more desensitized to it, but it’s always there. I just don’t let it win.
As an individual there are many situations you will be faced with where you have to learn to act despite feeling the discomfort. It’s so rewarding to branch out, talk with other travelers, eat alone at popular restaurants, and assimilate into the local culture.
The other side of fear is all of these great things.
Take that leap of faith.
To this day, I still consider this my favorite trip ever. And it has spurred me on to follow the same formula for Miami, Oahu, New Orleans, and a lot more to come.
If you’re reading this and I just hyped you up to book your first solo backpacking trip, fantastic.
If you’re reading this and you’re still not interested in traveling solo.
Do it. If it isn’t for the travel aspect, it can be great for personal growth.
Just do it.
Thank you for reading.
