I will not lie; going on holiday Travel Alone petrified me.
Images of me lost in a city alone or, even worse, getting kidnapped or robbed by the crazy natives. I also often thought of being Billy no mates by the pool with no one to talk to.
Last year after purchasing my flat (the most stressful thing I have ever done) and getting over a Lupus flair, I was sitting in my office stressed and tired and suddenly decided …..” I’m going on holiday!
I didn’t want to wait for friends to agree to go and then back out or quibble about dates and locations; I just wanted to go. By 5.30 pm that day, I had booked my flight, accommodation and airport transfers, which was one of the best things I have ever done. I planned to have a break to rest, but I had no idea that this single, spontaneous action would have a therapeutic effect on my health and mental well-being. That old saying is true. Travel is good for your soul and is something that really allows you to grow on the inside out, But why go it alone? Here are a few reasons:
1. You can go at your own pace for Travel Alone
Imagine how freeing it would be to go at your pace. Eat when you want to, sleep when you want to, go down to the pool when you want to, and if you feel like it, stay in bed all day, eat room service, go site seeing or sit in the hotel lobby. You can do it if you want to without convenience anyone, having to ask permission or compromise with anyone.
Travelling alone affords you to freedom to be random, go out on adventures or go nowhere turn at without having to worry about anyone else. Take all the time in the world to immerse yourself in the country you have chosen to visit or soak up the rays by the pool (Or even get wasted at the bar). Guess what? It’s totally up to you.
2. It Builds confidence
Travelling solo catapults you out of your comfort zone, making you uncomfortable and essentially building your confidence levels. Take full advantage of the opportunity to build on communication skills and widen your social by approaching and connecting with people you don’t know. I promise it to get easier with time. Just keep telling yourself if you make a fool out of yourself, you will never see them again.
3. You become more decisive
It’s your time to be a shot caller because everything is up to you; you’re forced to make quick decisions when you’re alone because there’s no one else to bounce ideas off of. Places you go out to eat, take a cab, ride the metro, or walk. It’s all on you. Decision-making and having faith in your choices is a crucial skill you establish whenever solo and also something you can take back to your everyday life.
4. It clears your mind
Being away from everyday life temporarily frees you mentally from those bills, work and family obligations and allows you to explore your thoughts.
Reflect on your routines, your goals, and habits.
What can you do differently, and how can you improve your quality of life?
Travelling alone definitely isn’t for everyone, but I have come up with five reasons why everyone should travel to a foreign destination at least once.
5. You become truly independent
It’s scary, but simultaneously, it is a valuable opportunity to be empowered. We are all born dependent, and that comfort can come from many different people or things, usually someone or something else you allow yourself to become dependent on. Your boyfriend, your best friend or even that unique chair that makes you feel safe. Away from that thing and people, you can explore your true independence.
6. Meet new people.
Honestly, you’re not going to speak to a random person by the pool when you are sitting with your bestie or your boyfriend, talking about what is probably going on at home or where you should go for dinner. I met so many wonderful people on my holiday, a few of which I am still in contact with. When I would go to the dinner hall, random people noticed I was by myself and would invite me to sit with them, and I always had dinner plans for the evening with someone I met by the pool.
7. Do what you want on your own time
Spend the morning sitting with your feet in the pool, reading a book, or checking Instagram because you find it relaxing. Or check out the local markets and shopping areas. Travelling solo means you’re free to do whatever you want. Create an itinerary that suits you. Travelling with others can be highly stressful because everyone has different expectations of what they want from the holiday. What if your friend wants to party every night, but you have already decided that you are done clubbing? When you travel alone, the only person’s good time that you are responsible for is your own. You’re allowed to be selfish and don’t have to apologize to anyone for it. 8. Find yourself. Find your centre and take the time to discover what it is that truly makes you happy. Soul search ad honestly ask yourself, “Ami, happy where I am and where do I want to go?” you will be surprised by what you learn about yourself.
Would you ever travel alone?
Please comment below.
