Six Things Solo Travelling Has Taught Me
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Solo travelling is a practical solution, when you lack travel companions – but it can also be a life-changing experience. In my humble opinion, I think everyone should try solo travelling for a longer period of time at least once. In the hopes of inspiring you to take the leap yourself, here are six major life lessons I learned from solo travelling:
You CAN actually do it on your own – and enjoy it!
As obvious as this lesson may seem, it has been one of the most life-changing for me. My solo travel journey started when I was in a period of my life, where I was worried I could not make my dreams happen, because I didn’t have anyone to share them with. This is the number one thing you learn when solo travelling:
You do not need others to fulfill your biggest dreams
Throughout your life, you will find yourself in situations, where you feel stuck. Your friends might be too busy to travel with you. You might want to go to destinations, that are completely different from most people’s bucketlists. Or you might have a dream of travelling in a specific way, that the people around you do not share.
If you let this stop you, you will never experience the things you dream about.
One of the biggest worries I had, was that I would look back on my life and regret not doing what my heart was telling me to. Solo travelling is my way to take control of my life. If it makes your soul happy, make it happen!
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
Neale Donald Walsch
Even though you consider yourself an introvert, you are capable of making friends with strangers
This is a lesson that has completely changed the way I see myself. I consider myself a big introvert – I get overwhelmed and quiet in bigger crowds, and I need time for myself to recharge my social batteries. Growing up, I was often described as a shy girl.
Solo travelling completely changed the way I view myself.
I learned that I could 100% rock up to a group of strangers, take initiative and become friends with them for the duration of my stay – and some times longer! Yes, it did take a lot of courage to start out with. If you could have seen me in hostel dorms trying to hype myself up before entering the common areas, you would probably laugh. But I did it! And now, I know without a doubt that I could do it again, in every given setting, at any given time.
What you enjoy doing with others can be different From what you enjoy When Solo Travelling – and that is okay!
When I first started planning my solo travels, I tried to imagine myself doing the things I would normally do on a group holiday, only being completely on my own. The images didn’t quite add up. Me, dancing on my own at a busy night club … no. Me spending hours at cafés, but now having no one to chat to … no. Me, going out to nice restaurants once the sun has set for drinks and a fancy dinner … For some people – sure! But personally, I don’t enjoy it when I travel on my own.
The reality is, you shouldn’t try to force yourself into the same travel patterns
It is completely okay if your days solo travelling looks different from your days travelling with friends. Personally, I love getting up early to explore when I am solo travelling. I will often spend my entire day out, before heading home before sunset. I don’t spend as many nights out, as I do when I’m travelling in a group. And the activities I choose to do can be quite different.
Once you get to know this part of yourself, you will be able to plan your travels specifically for travelling on your own. It will make your time much more enjoyable once you realize, that you do not have to force yourself into anything!
You will naturally attract likeminded people Whilst Solo Travelling
If you want to meet new people whilst solo travelling, you might be worried that you won’t find anyone who “matches” your personality. I have some great news for you: If solo travelling (and exploring new places) is one of your biggest passions, you will meet likeminded people like never before.
On my first solo trip, it blew my mind how instantly connected I felt to many other solo travellers. Sharing a deep passion for the same thing is an instant bonding opportunity – and you will have tons of things to talk about! Past travels, current plans, bucketlist ideas – with a common beating heart for travelling, you will have the best chats.
Sure, there will still be solo travellers who are completely different from you. In the end, it all comes down to being in the setting that you are most comfortable in and like the most.
If you open yourself up to your surroundings, you will experience cultures in a way you never have before
When you are travelling in a larger group, you will often unconsciously be less open to your surroundings. You might catch a quick chat with some locals, but turn back to your friends, when your food arrive. If someone suggests to help or guide you on excursions, you are less likely to follow along, as you already feel comfortable in the group.
Solo travelling can give your another perspective
Travelling on my own made me join family dinners at my homestay, which made for some of the most memorable experiences. Family dinners would often turn into long, chatty evenings. And long evenings would turn into a family member being my local guide the next day. If you are open to the company of locals, your trip will turn out completely different.
Solo travelling gives you confidence – you wont have it to begin with
This lesson is key. If you are waiting for the right amount of confidence to travel on your own, you might never make it. Just as with any other out-of-your-comfort-zone-situation, it WILL feel uncomfortable to begin with. You will worry. You will doubt yourself. This is completely normal – and is really just a step in the direction towards developing.
Jump in the deep end and trust the proces!
The worst (or best) part of it all is that the cycle will likely repeat itself several times throughout your life. Even though I travelled on my own for 5 months during my gap year, it took my a lot of courage to do it again a few years later. This is why it is vital to know, that you WILL find the confidence, once you are out there. And it will feel absolutely amazing.
I hope that these 6 life-lessons from solo travelling has inspired you to embark on your own solo adventures. I promise it will be worth the initial fear and worry.
