The 5 Life Changing Benefits of Traveling Alone!

Traveling alone is a life-changing step towards achieving inner confidence and strength. Once I started traveling, my world began to open up, and what I wanted for myself began to change rapidly. With each trip I took, I learned something new, and my life goals adjusted. I want to share my story and talk about the 5 benefits of traveling alone.

I didn’t know it at the time, but by solo traveling, I was starting to create a new life for myself. At first, I only traveled alone because I had no other option. It was either travel alone or not go at all. I chose to go! And, in the beginning, I hated it!

After my second trip traveling solo, I started to love it. It was then that I realized the many perks of solo travel. It will still be several years before the transformation of who I am started to become obvious.

First Impressions Solo Traveling

At the very start, the idea of solo travel was not very inviting. Doubts and questions were spinning in my head over and over again. At times I felt anxious about using a selfie stick, a table for one, and what others will think of me (this is important to mention, as it is a top concern – how do others see me). So you might wonder why anyone would want to have a vacation alone.

My deepest motivation for creating this website is to help and motivate women to try solo travel. Don’t make the same mistake I did and wait until you turn 30.

All my adult life, I waited for a special occasion or a person so I could go on my dream vacation in Rome. When I made up my mind, a sudden spur of pride and relief flooded me. I will go on this Rome trip alone!

But, I will be 100% honest – fear set in pretty quickly when I realized I didn’t have any experience as a solo traveler. Back in 2010, it wasn’t easy to find many websites with tips, advice, or support. Hence, why I have created this post.

Fighting Off Opinions of Doubt

Before I start listing all the benefits of why you should book a solo trip, be aware that not everyone will be supportive.

I was a little surprised when I would tell people I was thinking of going on a trip alone, and their first reaction was a bit negative. You may find that friends or family will discourage your brave and courageous solo journey.

Defending myself against the “won’t you be so lonely” and “oh, I could never do that, it’s too scary” made me second guess myself at first. Safety is the number one concern, of course, and if you research your destination, it will be fine. Often I would travel to cities that had a better safety rating than the town in which I lived. But sadly, people may still try and discourage you, so be prepared.

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5 Benefits of Traveling Alone

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Though I only list five, there are endless reasons why traveling alone can enrich your life. Choosing yourself at this moment doesn’t mean you are choosing a life alone forever. It is a courageous action to say to yourself and the world that you are putting yourself first!

I think, as women, we often grow up learning to put others before ourselves. We compromise away our desires to be accommodating, agreeable, and selfless.

How dare she just go out and do what best suits her needs?! Can you feel me? Does this not sound familiar?

#1. No Compromising

Have you traveled with your best friend or partner? Have you ever felt like you needed to always be up for what the other wanted to do?

You wouldn’t like to be a travel downer and be labeled “hard to travel with.” So you go along with their plan and end up compromising the whole trip.

When you travel alone, you are the master of the day, the sole decision-maker. Any feelings of guilt for wanting to stay in and order room service can be left at the airport at the departure gate.

For me, this is my favorite part of traveling alone and one of the 5 benefits of traveling alone.

#2. Meeting New People

Generally, I am not an overly social person who likes to be a part of a noisy, large group of friends. I have my own pace when starting a conversation. Coming from such a background, I hardly ever thought I would make any friends while traveling. “Will I feel lonely when solo traveling?” has often cropped up in my mind. Surprisingly, this was not the case.

When you travel with friends, you are less likely to speak to other people. I find that if I’m on a bike tour or enjoying a cocktail at a bar, I end up making a new friend. It’s going to be more likely in the group settings, on a walking tour, you will be most social. Once there is a break, someone will usually start a conversation.

Throughout my adventures, I have built several engaging and enriching connections. Such experiences always make the journey more memorable.

#3. Inner Growth and Reflection

Traveling alone is a courageous act, and everyone you meet during your travels will validate that. It’s a fun fact that women travel solo more than men.

About 85% of solo travelers are female, which leaves a tiny portion of 15% for male solo travelers.  I was surprised by this statistic. I assumed men would be the ones to travel alone in larger numbers than women.

When you are on your own, especially in a foreign land, the time to think is endless. Being abroad immersed in another culture gives you the time to reflect on your own life and path. I learned to embrace my journey and stop comparing myself to others around me.

I can attribute personal growth to traveling alone, as I have come to realize it is the best mental therapy (also free!). This is a significant benefit of traveling alone.

#4. Confidence Builder

Not only will you be admired by your friends for doing it alone, but your self-confidence will also grow by miles. The do-it-yourself skills strengthen, and your ability to explore a foreign country will do wonders for your self-esteem.

This can take time, and you may have moments of frustration while traveling. Maybe you take the train in the wrong direction or get off at the wrong stop. Don’t forget such situations may occur even in your own country when you are tired or pay less attention.

Throughout your travels, you will handle various challenges like language barriers, talking to strangers, and asking for directions. Overcoming such inconvenience will result in a sense of inner pride and increased self-worth.

Most people don’t leave within 25 miles of their hometown, and that’s a fact. You left the country alone. Bravo!! Just by leaving your country, you are already a winner and don’t underestimate your achievement.

#5. Increase Your Awareness

Feeling grateful is a part of working on yourself. When introduced to a new culture, your knowledge will expand, and you will likely start questioning your problems, decisions, or complaints. Traveling is one of the best teachers that is an awake type of meditation.

We often don’t realize the luxurious lifestyle we have until found abroad and getting exposed to lives outside of our setting. This isn’t the case for every place you will visit, but in general, traveling can humble you in your situation.

Benefits of Traveling Alone Summary

If you’ve read all the way through, the 5 benefits of traveling alone and are wanting more. Check out the most commonly asked questions about traveling alone, click here

If you still aren’t feeling ready to travel alone, I understand. I will leave you with 40 of the best travel solo quotes!

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