Solo travel is booming now and more and more people decide to go on a trip on their own. For others, solo travel is connected with uncertainty or fear that something bad might happen. Fear of being alone in a foreign country out of their comfort zone. Fear of encountering problems in such an unknown and uncertain situation.

London, UK: My first solo-trip at the age of 18. I shared a small apartment with 7 Indians for 2 months. This was a cultural clash which challenged me in several ways. In the aftermath, this experience has helped me to grow and to adapt to different situations.

Stepping out of our comfort zone is essential to realise what we’re actually capable of. It helps to see how far we can go and what we can achieve. In the following, I will share my personal most important aspects of solo travel.

1. You can do what you want without considering anyone else

This sounds slightly selfish but it’s true. If you’ve ever traveled in a group you might have experienced that everyone wanted to do different activities. In the end you compromised and not everyone was 100% happy. As much as I like traveling with a group of friends, sometimes those issues can become annoying.

When you travel alone you don’t need to consider anyone’s wishes. You can just do what you want, when you want it. You’re hungry? Eat. You want to visit this museum? Visit it. As easy as that. I love being on my own and deciding what I want to do and when I want to do it without having to wait for anyone.

2. You’re not alone

Solo travel is about the freedom of being able to choose when you want to be alone and when you want to socialise. One of the best aspects of solo travel is meeting people. In hostels and doing Couchsurfing I’ve met the most interesting individuals. I believe that we can learn something from every person we meet. Especially travellers often have enriching and interesting stories to share. It can be extremely exciting to meet people from all over the world and to get an insight into their lives.

Further reading: Why Couchsurfing is so much more than just free accommodation

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: Met those lovely girls on my solo-trip to Bolivia

3. You learn to handle everything on your own

You will encounter one or the other obstacle during your journey and that’s normal. Your problem solving skills will improve and you’ll learn to handle things on your own. An issue that seems big in the beginning is something you’ll laugh about later. You’ll get used to the fact that not everything has to be 100% perfect. With that realisation you learn to accept imperfect situations and notice the positive aspects about them. Once you realise that you’re fine on your own it makes you lose fear of everything else. Plus, isn’t it empowering to know that you’re completely independent and you don’t need anyone else?

In addition, you learn to apply those problem-solving skills to your daily life which makes you more adaptable to different situations.

Morocco: I got robbed, had food poisoning and I was on my own – thanks to my mindset and attitude I still focused on the positive aspects of the trip

4. In case something bad happens, there will always be people to help you

Many people think too much about all the risks and dangers which eventually keeps them from going for something. You travel on your own but in case you need help there will always be people to help you. I’ve met the kindest people when I needed help. In every part of the world you encounter so many helpful people who make you gain faith and trust in humanity. This in turn contributes to a positive attitude towards life.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: Due to their schedule, none of my friends could join this trip. If I hadn’t traveled there on my own, I would have missed out on this incredible experience.

I’m not saying that solo travel is better than traveling with someone else. But a solo trip is a challenge which can push you to your limits. By knowing your limits and sometimes exceeding them you grow as a person.

Even though most of the time I’d choose traveling with a friend over traveling alone, a little solo-trip once in a while is a great experience. It supports your personal development and helps you to expand your mind.

Have you ever done a solo trip? What is your attitude towards solo travel?

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