The Pros and Cons of Solo Travel
Thinking of venturing out on your own and seeing what it’s like to just have you to consider? Or are you finally saying “f-it” after numerous girls trips turn to no trip following colorful excuses and friends backing out one by one?
Take it from me, traveling independently is wonderful and I believe you should do it at least once in your life. However, just like anything else, there exists the other side as it, too, has its challenges.
Pros:
Freedom to do what you want. When you travel alone, you only have you to consider. Meaning, you’re on no one else’s time and schedule but your own. You can head out as early or late as you’d like, or lay low and relax, if you prefer. You can eat where you desire without worrying about what your companion is in the mood for. And you can finally do that adrenaline boosting adventure that you’ve always wanted to do, that no one else wants to join in on, because they think you’re nuts.
Spend your money, your way. Your chedda’ is your own and you spend it how you see fit. You don’t need to ask anyone for permission, wait for someone else’s contribution, or feel bad when you purchase something that someone else cannot afford. “I see it, I want it” -Beyonce reference, why not?
Get to know yourself more intimately. You have the time to look inward and the space to sit with yourself. You can ponder on what makes you, you. Why do you think the way that you do or believe what you believe? Is this really you? Do you have trauma to heal? Unlearning to do? This time also provides the peace to mull over any big decisions you must make. Solo travel provides the opportunity to dig deep.
Sharpen your problem solving skills. When you only have you to depend on, it builds character. Having to face challenges alone gives you the room to become stronger, smarter, and sharper. In the end, you’ve grown and know that you stand firm on your own two feet.
Meet new people. When you travel with folks, you tend to stick with your tribe. Traveling alone creates opportunities for you to spark conversations with others, enjoy excursions with like-minded travelers, or spend time with the local people.
“Traveling alone will be the scariest, most liberating, life changing experience of your life. Try it at least once.”
Cons:
No companion. There will be times when you feel the absence of a travel companion. You don’t have anyone to eat beside, talk to, share anecdotes with, or someone readily available to take your photos. There isn’t a loved one near you to share those memories with.
All expenses are yours. Traveling alone can become expensive. You must take into account when traveling solo that accommodations, flights, food, transportation, excursions, and incidentals are your own. You cover all costs, so budget accordingly.
Negativity from others. You will encounter folks that won’t understand solo travel and project their fears onto you. These people are usually family and friends that will highlight the worse of what they’ve read, heard, or have experienced. Trust yourself, do your own research, and don’t allow anyone to talk you out of your dreams.
Standing alone. When (not if) you face challenges on the road, you go through them alone. Whether they are delays, detours, cancellations, or having to speak or stand up for yourself, you face them with little to no help from anyone else. How you respond to these situations will either make matters worse or better and will most definitely show you what you’re made of.
Short-lived relationships. You know the saying, “People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.” -Brian A. Chalker.
Traveling alone frees you up to meet new people, however, many of those relationships will not last past your time in the destination. Just like anything worth having, it takes nurturing.
Now that you have the pros and cons of solo travel, you can weigh your options. Most importantly, you will have valuable information to take with you on your journey.
Have you traveled alone? If so, what has it taught you? If not, what’s stopping you?
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-Natali-
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