Self-Development: Solo Travel

The thought of solo travel can be quite daunting. As someone that struggles with anxiety, it wasn't always inside of my comfort zone. It took some time and self-persuasion to get the guts to travel alone. Now, after two years of traveling solo I couldn't be any happier with my decisions.

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It's a normal thing to plan a get-a-way with your family annually. But if you're in the position that I was- as everybody in the family gets older and creates their own lives, not everyone can go and in there blink of an eye, family vacation come to a halt.

If you're like me, as you get older the desire to travel becomes stronger. It's natural to want to get out of your home town and explore areas you never been. So the next thing to do is to ask friends or your significant other. See where they would like to go. But as young adults, vacationing can get pretty tricky. Issues such as money saved and vacation time from work can get in the way.

It puts people in a bind and deters them from doing any type of traveling. "If I don't have anyone to go with what's the point? I won't have fun." (I've heard that on multiple occasions). So you're just never going to travel then? You're not going to experience the world outside of your little town because your travel buddy options are slim? There's so much the world has to offer. Take advantage as much has you can, especially if it's by yourself. Because if you wait up for someone else to go with you and help fulfill your dreams- you won't ever go.

Stepping outside of your comfort zone isn't easy- but then again when has anything in life that's been worth it been easy?

But beware, once you start traveling you won't be able to stop; travel addiction is real.

I have always been the conversational, outgoing, energetic girl that wants to make moves and do some exploring. My mom's side of the family has always taken a yearly vacation to OuterBanks, NC. We always looked forward to it but as we all got older and had families of our own or had distractions the family vacations slowly but surely stopped. I have been lucky enough that my mom has still always wanted to do some type of traveling. (Don't be afraid to check out my vacation cruise article that tells you all about our travels).

What are the benefits?

Traveling alone gives you confidence and freedom (things ample amount of people would kill to have). It helps you become more self-aware and get better at problem solving. You'll learn to get comfortable with eating on your own and taking tours on your own. You'll have the ability to do everything on your terms. You don't have to hope that other people are wanting to do what you want when you want to. Tours, naps, lunches all on our own schedule. My first solo trip I discovered how much I love reading, no matter how old you are you will continue to learn more and more about yourself.

Where do I start?

Solo travel is a lot about finding yourself, gaining confidence and personal growth. You need to find a place you have always thought about going or maybe a place you feel comfortable in because your first solo trip has a huge impact on your future travels.

• What's my favorite type of vacation? (beach, hiking, skiing, camping, cruising, ect.)

• Do you want down time? Do you like to stay busy?

Do your research! Make sure you find out all you can before you go. Don't be afraid to be added to Facebook pages or talk to people that have been where you're going and make sure you are prepared.

• personal opinions on safety

• length of trip

• how to get around

• budget

• what to pack

As a solo traveler you should be open to meeting new people. You'll have a way higher chance to meet other solo travelers and locals that can give you tips/ advice or better yet, hidden gems to visit on you trip.

Also, don't over plan a trip- if you're excited to go somewhere and want to experience everything it's natural to look up a million and one things to do that'll take up all your time. But leaving some down time to do some random exploring isn't always a bad thing. You might need some relaxation time or maybe end up coming across something else you'll want to do that you didn't think of before.

If you're new to traveling in general, check out my airport travel trips!

Remember- just because you're a solo traveler doesn't mean you can't have fun and enjoy your vacation.

• eat locally

• take on local events

• plan evenings out

• do day tours and classes

• go off the beaten path of normal tourists

What About Safety?

Safety is always a concern no matter where you go and who you go with. But it's always a smart idea to research the place that you would like to go to see if the crime rate is high. There are multiple things you can do to help avoid the nature of crime while you're traveling alone.

• Location is huge. Make sure that the place you're staying is in a good area, is around other hotels and restaurants. It's also a good idea to look up reviews to see what other people have to say. Don't get fooled by the great price trick, normally if something is oddly cheap for the area you're staying there is a good reason for it.

• Timing is important. Arriving to your destination during the day is a lot less daunting than trying to make your way around a foreign area in the midst of darkness. Sometimes it is impossible to avoid, so try to use apps for traveling that can track people and the routes like Lyft or Uber and not just plain old taxi.

• Share your trip. Always tell friends and family about your itinerary. Even if you don't have things fully mapped out yet, a rough estimate always works and keep in touch and give updates along the way.

• Learn the language. This obviously only applies if you're going somewhere out of your own country, but it is always good to learn some kind of phrases and words of the foreign language, not only does it make your trip more enriching but it helps with safety.

• Be slow to trust. It is always fun meeting new people and getting to know the locals but not everyone can be trusted. Most people are nice and here to help if you need it, but don't go around and flaunt that you're traveling alone.

You're Not Technically Alone

Post-pandemic things have vigorously changed. Anxiety is real and it's okay, no matter what anyone tells you. But don't think that you setting out on this solo trips actually makes you a loner. People are traveling solo more and more now a days. Graphic courtesy of theflashpacker.net

There are so many misconceptions about solo travel. Don't let them get to your head. Many people will respond with telling you that you are so brave to travel on your own! But you're taking a vacation and doing something for yourself- not fighting a war or backpacking across Iran. It's not weird to go eat by yourself. Stop thinking that. Solo travel is a wonderful niche to have. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Solo travelers show no sign of slowing down. more and more people every year take the leap and try it.

There are so many joys of traveling alone. So many opportunities to explore and learn new things- especially about yourself. Two years ago I stepped outside of my comfort zone and took my first solo trip to Seattle. It was daunting and I was so nervous. But I did it and it changed my outlook on traveling. Now, two years later I am planning a month-long solo adventure to Europe. It's scary but It's worth it.