The thought of travelling alone [1] can be scary, but once you get past your fears, it's actually incredibly fun, freeing, and life-changing. The most valuable lesson solo travel [2] has to teach you is just how capable you are all by yourself. Learning to depend on yourself to solve problems as well as how to keep yourself entertained without the aid of anyone else will change the way you see the world.
The first time I travelled alone, I was terrified. I felt uncomfortable sitting alone at restaurants and was too nervous to make friends in my hostel. But by the end of my trip, I had settled into the new challenge and was thriving. Suddenly, I was holding the keys to the world and I no longer needed anyone else in order to experience all that was out there. The flame of new passions had been lit within me and I couldn't get enough.
While travelling alone isn't for everyone [3], if you're thinking about taking the plunge, know that it's a journey well worth while. And this is usually how that first trip goes.
The Day of Your Tip Has Finally Arrived and Your Nervous, Scared, and Excited All at Once
Booking your flight was nerve-wracking, but now the day is actually here! You can't turn back now.
But What If Everything Goes Wrong?
You triple check your boarding passes and hotel information because you're convinced you forgot something. But you can do this! A life changing adventure lies ahead.
You Arrive at Your Destination and Hop Off the Plane Feeling Like a Boss
You made it through airport lines and the flight all on your own and have touched down in the place you picked. Its officially go time! Let the fun begin.
You Pick Your First Activities and Feel Awesome and in Control
You have nobody to challenge your itinerary or suggest an activity that you don't want to do. It's all you to you! Shopping? Museums? Hiking? Beach? Sitting on a bench all day and people watching? The world is your oyster.
You Work Up the Confidence to Talk to Fellow Travellers and End Up Bonding
After a few nervous side glances at another traveller in the lobby of your hotel or being seated near each other at breakfast, you cautiously approach them and end up totally hitting it off! You may even decide to spend the rest of the day or week together. Before you leave, you exchange social media profiles and promises to meet again soon. New travel friends are the best.
You Eat Alone For the First Time . . . and End Up Loving It
Eating alone can be intimidating, but there's nothing like a nice glass of wine, a good book, and delicious food to make you realise what you've been missing all these years. The best mealtime company is yourself!
You Buy Yourself a Little Present Because You're Now a Globe-Trotting Queen and You Deserve It
What's a holiday without a little shopping? A memento (or a dozen) to remember this special trip is a must, and there's nobody to make you feel guilty about spending a little money on yourself. Enjoy taking your sweet time browsing wherever you may be and indulging in some retail therapy.
You've Conquered Your Fears, Made New Memories, and Had the Best Time Ever
What once seemed like a scary challenge has turned out to be your new favourite thing. The doubts you had seem silly now that you've had such a good time. There was nothing to be afraid of after all.