Going to a city or a country you’ve never been to can be quite intimidating, especially if you are unaccompanied. Out of fear, most people won’t travel alone – either because they are worried that they might not know where to go or what to do; no one likes to feel lonely or out of place. After all, the majority of memories are made when people are in the company of those closest to them.
But honestly speaking, there isn’t anything as beautiful, relaxing and mind-relieving as being alone. From personal experience, I can say that traveling solo is one of the best things someone can do. Here are some reasons why:
1. There is no dependency on others as to where will you stay and/or at what time will you wake up (no sharing bathrooms, either).
2. You have the ability to visit places that may not be so touristy, and you can cater to your own interests for the trip.
3. It gives you the capacity to manage how much time you’d like to spend at each place, creating a flexibility in your schedule and therefore making you comfortable.
4. I have traveled completely on my own only twice before. Both trips weren’t too far nor long, but I had time to enjoy museums (places that people I tend to travel with do not appreciate) and restaurants I knew I never would have entered otherwise. I was able to submerge into my reading and surprised myself with the different things that gave me pleasure. I wasn’t rushing anywhere and gave myself the opportunity to enjoy parks and long walks.
5. You can free your own mind. You have the possibility to get to know yourself better and also to get to know what is better for you.
Do not get me wrong. I love traveling with my relatives and my closest friends. But I cannot deny the fact that there were certain things I loved to do because I could to them by myself. Also, anonymity gives you a chance to stay true to who you are; there is no one around to tell you what you should and shouldn’t do. Kissing a stranger in front of the Eiffel Tower or staying the entire day beneath a tree, watching the leaves shiver with the wind: that’s on you. The decisions are absolutely yours and no one can take that freedom from you.
