While often times, people prefer to travel and explore new destinations in groups, (because it may seem like the safest choice, perhaps even more fun-filled) we are, as of more recently, seeing adventure seekers break off from the norm by taking what some would deem a “bold step” – going at it solo. Why would anyone prefer to travel all alone devoid of any company? might there be any comfort in doing so?
I would like to think that there are people out there who solely enjoy the experience of discovering and exploring new places by their lonesome. It might be a slight concern for some that there is “no safety in numbers per se” when you plunge yourself deep into solo travel but the benefits far out way the concerns.
Read for yourself…
- You Are Your Own Master
Yes, you can be your own master when you are alone. You are not answerable to anyone if you stay awake till late or wake up late. You are not forced to go to places that you do not wish to visit or do things for someone’s happiness. You can do something only that pleases you. You get a lot of ‘me’ time. This is really important. If you visit with kids, you need to plan according to them which can take a lot of your time.
- Boosts Confidence
Doing things that you have never done without anybody’s help will surely boost your confidence. Solo travelers have to book tickets and hotel rooms all by themselves. They have to find about other facilities and inquire about everything from others on their own. This helps them improve their communication and hence their confidence.
- Easy to Plan
When travelling in a group every member’s opinion and likes and dislikes have to be taken into account. Someone has to forgo something for the sake of others. This compromise may rob the fun of the outing. But when it comes to solo travel, planning revolves around you. So, you can decide where you wish to go, when and how. The enjoyment factor will increase manifold.
- Make New Friends with Ease
Traveling alone does not mean that you do not speak to someone. Yes, you can add new people to your friends’ list along the way when you share your thoughts and experiences and other things with them. This increases the friendship. This is solely your choice. In a group, it may not be so. You may have to give up a lot.
- Get A Lot of Experience
Going about alone in a strange land amidst strange people may not be easy. You may have to learn a new language to mingle with the people. You may have to learn to eat and live like the local people. This will teach you a lot in life. These experiences will help you to grow and mature and help in nurturing your relationships.
- Make Your Own Itinerary
A group decides to do things with a majority vote. A single voice crashes down. You have to go to a museum or a national park even if you wished to go to the beach instead. The whole trip you just went by someone’s wishes. Your wishes were curbed and that diminished your fun quotient. A solo traveler has freedom to go as per his or her wish.
- Know Yourself Better
It is really important to know your potential and also your weaknesses. Only when you are on your own you can know about this. You are free to do what you wish. There is no pressure and reduced stress. Your performance increases and so does your efficiency. You will be surprised about yourself learning that you can accomplish a task which you dread doing.
- Financial Management
You can learn to value many things when you are all on your own. A person who is a spendthrift and does not care about money may learn to value it especially in a new land when there is no one to help when you are short of money. This will teach you to manage your finances better. You will also learn not to spend it on unnecessary items.
- Better Observer
You can learn to observe things better when you are alone. You need to be alert and manage everything on your own. You become responsible and also learn to take care of yourself which you may have not done all your life as someone took this responsibility. Increasing your observing skills will make you a better person.
- More Satisfied
For many people gratification does not come easily. When travelling alone almost all wishes get fulfilled and a sense of satisfaction creeps in. This feeling of gratification helps a person to grow up and makes him or her calm from inside. You tend to understand others easily and can build relationships easily.
If you are yet to attempt solo travel, try it once and learn more about yourself.
Author Bio:
Know about Rohit Agarwal’s take on travel on the blog Trans India Travels.
Zuru Kenya 