The thought of traveling alone can be scary, but once you get past your fears, it's actually incredibly fun, freeing, and life-changing. The most valuable lesson solo travel has to teach you is just how capable you are all by yourself. Learning to depend on yourself to solve problems as well as how to keep yourself entertained without the aid of anyone else will change the way you see the world.
The first time I traveled alone, I was terrified. I felt uncomfortable sitting alone at restaurants and was too nervous to make friends in my hostel. But by the end of my trip, I had settled into the new challenge and was thriving. Suddenly, I was holding the keys to the world and I no longer needed anyone else in order to experience all that was out there. The flame of new passions had been lit within me, and I couldn't get enough.
While traveling alone isn't for everyone, if you're thinking about taking the plunge, know that it's a journey well worthwhile. And this is usually how that first trip goes.
Booking your flight was nerve-racking, but now the day is actually here! You can't turn back now.
You triple-check your boarding passes and hotel information because you're convinced you forgot something. But you can do this! A life-changing adventure lies ahead.
You made it through airport lines and the flight all on your own and have touched down in the place you picked. It's officially go time! Let the fun begin.
Maybe you're in a hostel or you've sprung for a hotel. Either way, you can finally settle in and prepare for the days ahead.
You have nobody to challenge your itinerary or suggest an activity that you don't want to do. It's all up to you! Shopping? Museums? Hiking? Beach? Sitting on a bench all day and people-watching? The world is your oyster.
After a few nervous side glances at another traveler in the lobby of your hotel or while seated near each other at breakfast, you cautiously approach them and end up totally hitting it off! You may even decide to spend the rest of the day or week together. Before you leave, you exchange social media profiles and promises to meet again soon. New travel friends are the best.
Eating alone can be intimidating, but there's nothing like a nice glass of wine, a good book, and delicious food to make you realize what you've been missing all these years. The best mealtime company is yourself!
There's no pressure to keep up conversation with anyone else around you. It's just you and the experiences you're having with no interruptions. It's bliss.
What's a vacation without a little shopping? A memento (or a dozen) to remember this special trip is a must, and there's nobody to make you feel guilty about spending a little money on yourself. Enjoy taking your sweet time browsing wherever you may be and indulging in some retail therapy.
Time and time again during the course of the trip, you end up surprising yourself. Who is this person, and why are they so cool, independent, and smart? Turns out they were in there all along, just waiting to come out.
What once seemed like a scary challenge has turned out to be your new favorite thing. The doubts you had seem silly now that you've had such a good time. There was nothing to be afraid of after all.
You've had more fun than you ever thought you would. This trip has changed how you see yourself and what you're capable of. Do you have to go home?!
Now that you're home, you regale all your friends and family with tales of your adventures, maybe even inspiring them to book a solo trip. Now it's time to start thinking about the next place you'll conquer . . .