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The Benefits of Solo Travel
As someone who loves exploring, I learned early on that if I want to see the world in my own way and at my own pace, solo travel is the way to go. It’s not that I dislike traveling with others, just that I know the types of activities that interest me and I like moving at my own pace. There’s also the reality of conflicting schedules among friends, personal budget differences, and finding sitters for kids and pets that can make planning a trip with others difficult. While waiting for my partner to decide exactly when he could take off work, I may have missed out on learning to make laap pla duck (grilled catfish salad) in Chiang Mai or helping build a mud-brick schoolhouse on a permaculture farm outside of Melbourne. Embarking on solo travel can transform your life, offering unparalleled freedom and personal growth. Imagine setting off on adventures tailored entirely to your interests, from rafting in New Zealand’s glowworm caves to savoring a kaiseki meal in Kyoto. Traveling solo means no compromises; you can follow your passions and embrace spontaneity.
The Good Almost Always Outweighs The Negative
I took my first international solo trip 17 years ago, to Mexico; it was a learning experience. My borrowed backpack was waiting beside the luggage carousel, but the film canisters and alarm clock I had carelessly packed in its side compartments were not. My lack of confidence and poor Spanish-speaking skills resulted in a bar of soap and toothbrush that cost this gullible gringa the equivalent of $15 USD. Still, my positive experiences far outweighed the negative. There was the Yucatan fisherman who brought me to a local seafood eatery that took my breath away, and the Canadian couple I met on the public bus to Tulum that helped me score a prime thatched-roof hut (he spoke fluent Spanish) just yards away from the crashing waves of the Caribbean. At night, I would write in my journal by candlelight, sipping cervezas and nibbling on slices of the fresh cantaloupe.
Authentic Connections
One of the joys of solo travel is the opportunity to form genuine connections. Without familiar companions, you’re more likely to engage with locals and other solo travelers, leading to enriching interactions and lasting friendships. Through my solo travels I’ve helped neighborhood women make macetas or candy trees in the kitchen of their Cali, Colombia, home; sat down with Kenyans to a meal of spiced goat and ugali at a local eatery outside Nairobi; and embarked on a last-minute weekend excursion with a group of fellow solo travelers along Australia’s Great Ocean Road.
Self-Discovery & Lasting Friendships
Solo travel also provides a safe space to rediscover yourself. Free from everyday expectations, you can explore new aspects of your personality. While I do love traveling solo, I’m far from an extrovert. I consider myself a bona fide introvert with extrovert tendencies who finds it much easier to meet others and make friends when I’m not hiding behind a loved one. An added perk: These are friendships that tend to last. A fellow writer and I who bonded over a ceviche lunch in Lima recently got together again on his way through San Francisco; and the safari guide that led us on a foot search for wild dogs in South Africa’s Madikwe Game Reserve has been my WhatsApp penpal for more than two years. I’ve shared unforgettable experiences with former strangers while singing karaoke in Osaka and learning to make dim sum in Hong Kong. These are friendships that remind me that I’m more than who I am at home. I’m also a New Zealand bungee jumper, a Thailand trekker, and a woman lucky enough to sail around the tip of Patagonia’s Cape Horn.
Redefining Personal Barriers
Solo travel lets you push your boundaries and have extraordinary experiences. One of the greatest benefits to solo travel—whether we’re completely on our own, with a local guide, or in the company of a group of unknown fellow travelers—is that it offers the freedom to expand our own boundaries without those familiar home restraints. There’s no one to tell us who we’re “supposed” to be or how we “normally” act. Whether it’s a multi-day hike to Machu Picchu or a train journey along Asia’s Silk Road, solo travel provides a safe opportunity to try out something that may feel totally different from the norm but results in a truly remarkable experience.
Falling in love with solo travel can truly enhance your life. It’s an invitation to explore the world on your terms, build confidence, and connect deeply with others and yourself.
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Ready to take the leap? GeoEx’s travel specialists can help you craft the perfect solo adventure tailored to your dreams—whether you want to join a small-group trip or have an expert trip designer create your own custom journey, browse by destination or call us at 888-570-7108.
