Funny Things That Happen When You Travel Alone
13 Awkward and Amazing Stages of Traveling Alone For the First Time
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.
1 The Day of Your Trip Has Finally Arrived, and You're Nervous, Scared, and Excited All at Once
2 But What If Everything Goes Wrong?
3 You Arrive at Your Destination and Hop Off the Plane Feeling Like a Boss
4 You Check In at Your Accommodations and Are Ready to Sprawl Out
5 You Pick Your First Activities and Feel Awesome and in Control
6 You Work Up the Confidence to Talk to Fellow Travelers and End Up Bonding
7 You Eat Alone For the First Time . . . and End Up Loving It
8 You Quickly Realize That Sightseeing Alone Is the Best Because You're Not Obligated to Talk to Anyone
9 You Buy Yourself a Little Present Because You're Now a Globe-Trotting Queen and You Deserve It
10 You Get More Comfortable and Start to Learn So Much About Yourself
11 You've Conquered Your Fears, Made New Memories, and Had the Best Time Ever