Solo travelling: Reasons why it is worth it

Many people cannot not even fathom the idea of taking a trip to some far away (or nearby) destination. The thought of solo travelling is just too terrifying for some.

As nice as it is to have company while exploring the world or even just a small corner of one’s own country for that matter, you can do it alone – and even stand to grow from the experience.

It can be incredibly liberating and a great opportunity to work on yourself as a person while taking a trip on your own.

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TOP REASONS FOR TAKING A SOLO TRIP

Travelling solo stands to make you a better person. Here are some reasons why you should do it.

1. LEARNING ABOUT YOURSELF

One of the most useful and important ways to becoming a better person is by getting to know yourself more.

When you’re in a foreign country on your own, you have only yourself to rely on.  You will be made to deal with challenges alone, which helps you to find your strengths.

Your perceptions are challenged by the situations you will encounter on your travels, and you’ll be forced to rethink your mindset and attitude.

2. BOOSTING YOUR CONFIDENCE

As you face obstacles when you are tired, hungry, jetlagged, or unsure of your surroundings you will have to solve problems and find solutions on your own.

Having to do these things alone will bring you out of your comfort zone. As a result,  you will increase your confidence and inner resolve.

3. MEETING PEOPLE

When traveling solo, you are more likely to find yourself wanting to speak to new people than if you are with a group of friends or family.

When you get to know different people, you realize that despite our different appearances or lifestyles, we are pretty much all the same. You may become a more tolerant and respectful individual, and you will learn to lose unconscious biases.

4. LEARNING TO TRUST YOUR OWN INSTINCT 

You will encounter situations that force you to trust your intuition. As you begin to rely on yourself more, you’ll become a stronger  person.

Situations like navigating unsafe areas, being harassed by tour guides and unscrupulous vendors or entering dodgy hotels and bars will force you to make quick judgments and to develop a sense of trust in yourself.

5. BECOMING MORE INDEPENDENT

While relying on yourself, when traveling solo, you will become more independent. You will learn to get to grips with being in your own company and getting on with things on your own.

Eating meals alone or having a coffee-for-one at a pavement café offers time to reflect. You might also learn to enjoy people-watching and being in your own mindspace.

6. IMPROVED MONEY MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Since you are in charge of things on the trip, you will have to prioritize your finances. You be forced to budget and to ensure that your money will not run out.

It is important to set a limit and stick to that. Only break your limit if there’s an emergency or in an unplanned situation.

7. IMPROVED COMMUNICATION SKILLS 

You may encounter people from different cultures and who speak different languages on your trip. Traveling alone can help with personal development because you will be made to improve your communication skills.

You will have to figure out how to understand others and how to make them understand you. You might have to get by with non-verbal cues if you go to a country that doesn’t speak your language.

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You are likely to encounter the good, the bad, and the ugly as you explore the world on your own. Chances are, the experience will be humbling and that you will grow in tolerance, kindness and compassion.

According to Hackspirit, you also stand to develop an understanding of the world and an appreciation for the place you call home. So take the plunge and go for your solo travelling dream.

This article was originally published by Lorne Philpot.