Travelling in itself is an activity that helps you grow as a person, not just because it takes you to a place that is different from what you see every day, but also because you encounter different kinds of people from various walks of life, among other things.
Things get even better when you travel alone. Apart from the benefits that come with any kind of travel, solo trips come with certain unique advantages. Exploring an unknown country or culture on your own takes a fair bit of courage and motivation, but it will also add a lot of value to your life.
There are several things to consider when travelling solo. This includes simple tasks like proper money management and itinerary planning, to steps that would ensure your safety and security. But how does all this make you a better person? Read on to find out:
1. You Become More Confident
When you travel with a tour group, friends, or family, you can be sure that there are people who will be ready to help you if there is a need. Solo travellers do not have this luxury. Whether it is a simple task of talking to a cashier who does not speak your language or defending yourself in a dangerous situation, you have no one but yourself to rely on.
While this could sound scary to some, the upside is that it acts a solid confidence booster. Doesn’t it feel good to know that you can survive in places that are outside your comfort zone, all by yourself?
2. Solo Trips are Eye-Openers
When you don’t have anyone travelling with you, there is more chance of you talking to strangers and making new friends. This will inevitably expose you to people and experiences that you would never have encountered or even imagined before.
In other words, this will help you broaden your horizons, change your world-views and make you more open-minded about life and this world altogether. New experiences often make people humble and better understand the value of what you have.
Another advantage of travelling alone is that it gives you space and time to immerse yourself in the local culture and life of the place you are in. You wouldn’t have to worry about talking to anyone if you don’t want to but can always observe and learn at your own pace.
3. Helps You De-stress and Relax
Modern life is stressful for many people. Pressure from professional and personal commitments often leave them exhausted and longing for a break. A short or long trip alone is a great solution to this. Travelling alone gives you an opportunity to relax on your own.
On a related note, solo trips are also a great way to heal yourself if you have just had a stressful or traumatic experience. Unfortunately, life is not fair and we encounter situations that leave us torn and distressed. Solo trips give you the much-needed personal space in times like this.
4. You Become Better at Money Management
Assuming you are not going on a trip sponsored by someone else, you will have to have a good grip on your finances to make sure you have a pleasant trip. This begins with making a plan before the trip and ensuring you stick to it as much as possible during your journey.
You will also become adept at using comparison websites to check offers on things like flight tickets, insurance policies, and travel cards during this process. Naturally, when making such purchases the goal is to strike the right balance between cost and quality. When you are forced to do this on your own, your knowledge of the nuances of money management will improve.
5. You Become More Independent
Some people find it difficult to live and work independently just because they are not used to it. They look for the support of friends and family in whatever they do. While this in itself is not a bad thing, a certain degree of independence is often required to make sure your talents and skills are put to maximum use.
When you travel alone, you are forced to make decisions, face difficulties and tough situations, all on your own. This would help you build up the habit of being more independent, which could, in turn, help your personal and professional life.
6. You Learn to Trust People More
Let’s face it, in today’s world, trusting strangers is not considered a wise idea. Security is a primary concern for everyone, especially while travelling and, because of this, while travelling as a group, you may refrain from seeking the help from strangers at your destination or on the way.
When you are alone, you have no choice but to ask for help from strangers when needed. This will help you in several ways. Most importantly, it will make you a better judge of character and give you the courage to trust people you don’t know.
In short, solo trips provide you one of the best opportunities to improve yourself. Right from the stage when you are planning your trip to the moment you get back, you are going through several lessons that would have lasting impacts on your life.