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Ordinary Traveler / Blog / Solo Travel / Traveling Solo: 7 Important Things I’ve Learned

Traveling Solo: 7 Important Things I’ve Learned

By Christy Woodrow, Last Modified: November 19, 2019

Traveling Solo: 7 Important Things I've Learned

Traveling with a partner or friends can be tons of fun, but there’s something very special about traveling solo. With more time for introspection, you might be surprised about what you learn. Here are seven things I’ve learned from traveling alone.

Traveling Solo: 7 Important Things I've Learned

 

Traveling Solo: 7 Important Things I’ve Learned

 

1. You can meet locals on a personal level.

When you’re traveling with others, you’re focused on spending time with them — not meeting new people. You may not think about chatting with the friendly locals beyond basic service, or they may not engage you if they see you’re busy with your companions.

When you’re by yourself, your mind is free to take an interest in the people around you, and they’re more likely to feel comfortable approaching you if it doesn’t seem like they’re intruding.

 

2. It’s easy to make friends along the way.

It’s easier to make friends when you’re traveling solo, too. You won’t be working around anyone else’s schedule, so you’re free to grab lunch or drinks with anyone you meet, whenever it suits your fancy and for however long you’d like. As a bonus, both you and your potential new friends might be less self-conscious with a solo audience rather than a group.

 

3. Alone time is healthy.

Another thing I’ve learned from traveling alone is that it’s healthy to be by yourself. You can relax when you’re away from other people’s needs and expectations. You learn to love your own company. When you’re able to enjoy spending time with yourself, you get a boost in self-esteem, too, which decreases stress and increases happiness in the long run!

Traveling Solo: 7 Important Things I've Learned

 

4. You can be whoever you want!

Speaking of no expectations, when you’re traveling solo, you’re free to be whoever you want. You don’t have to invent a whole new persona, but you’re free to get wild, eat with your hands, and have adventures if you want to — or to just sit on the beach and read a book rather than trudging to keep up with more active companions.

 

5. It’s empowering.

When you travel alone, you can’t rely on someone else to read the map or pick up essential items for you. You’ve got to do it all. But, I guarantee you will find out quickly that you can rise to the occasion. By making your own plans and caring for yourself, you’ll find you come away stronger, more confident, and assured you can be self-sufficient.

Traveling Solo: 7 Important Things I've Learned

 

6. Facing your fears is not as scary as it seems.

Of course, when you’ve got to figure everything out yourself, you may feel anxious. Maybe you’re nervous about talking to strangers; maybe you’ll feel awkward by yourself in a restaurant or museum. From little fears to big ones, once you decide to face them, you’ll find out you’re more capable than you thought! Things quickly become less frightening once you step up to face them.

Traveling Solo: 7 Important Things I've Learned

 

7. You learn your likes and dislikes.

Traveling solo gives you the freedom to experiment and find out what you like and don’t like. Without worrying about offending anyone or saving yourself embarrassment, you can try anything and form your own honest opinion, rather than being influenced by someone else.

Traveling alone can seem scary, but there’s so much to gain from spending time with yourself. If you’re considering a solo trip, read this list of 10 safe destinations for solo travelers!

Traveling Solo: 7 Important Things I've Learned

 

More Posts About Solo Travel:

10 European Cities For Solo Female Travelers

How to Take Great Photos as a Solo Traveler

Travel Tips for the Solo Female Adventurer

My 25 Best Travel Tips

The Ultimate Carry-On Packing List

How to Stay Stylish While Traveling

Why Wales is a Perfect Destination for Solo Travelers

 

About Christy Woodrow

Christy Woodrow is a travel photographer and professional blogger based in San Diego. She has been traveling around the world with her partner, Scott, since 2006. Join them in their quest to find off-the-beaten-path destinations by signing up for weekly emails. You can read more about her on our about page.

Filed Under: Solo Travel

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Eric L. Bolden says

    I can relate to this article. I feel like traveling alone allows you to be whoever you want without the confinements of everyone’s perception of you back home.

    Reply
  2. Natsucha Lerdwattananon says

    Yesssss, I experienced a lot when I first traveled solo. It was the best pill to heal and empower myself and I still want it more when I get the chances!

    Reply
    • Ordinary Traveler says

      That’s awesome, Natsucha! Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  3. Makayla Reyes says

    Amazing post! Had a great fun reading your blog. Thank so much.

    Reply
  4. Austin Dixon says

    Great post and love your perspective on things. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  5. Tyrean Martinson says

    Great encouragement to travel solo!

    Reply
  6. Leigh says

    This is a great article. I travel solo a lot!

    Reply
  7. the-worldwide says

    Great findings.

    Reply

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