Many people may have doubts about travelling to different countries alone. However, it can be an experience that makes you see the world differently and hones your social skills and independence in such a way that staying in your comfort zone never could.
It might seem like a daunting idea, travelling for fun abroad without anyone with you (heck, travelling by plane solo even across the country is enough to make many people feel nervous), but if you’re up to the task, here’s what you can gain from travelling on your own.
Grow as an Independent Person
Travelling with someone means you have someone to depend on to do something that you don’t want to do. Whether it’s booking flights, asking a stranger for directions, or having an extra pair of hands when you have a lot of luggage to carry. When you’re travelling alone, you learn how to do everything yourself instead of just delegating the task to someone willing to do it.
So, when it’s time to book a flight, it’s your money and time on the line. When you’re lost in an area, it’s your responsibility to navigate. And when you know you’re carrying too much, you know it is your decision to carry so much and also your choice to try and lighten the load. These simple steps help you grow outside your comfort zone – something you wouldn’t have been able to do abroad if you had one person you know you could count on.
And in case something does go wrong (say, you were late for your flight), you recognize that there’s no one to blame for yourself. By taking that responsibility, you’re taking the first step towards learning from your mistakes and becoming a more independent person.
Makes You Socialize with the Locals More
Many people are more drawn to what is familiar. So, when a person is in a room filled with strangers and one friend, most people tend to draw towards that person, and vice versa. If they’re more extroverted, they may be willing to socialize outside their circle, but not everyone can be an extrovert.
When travelling alone, you get to easily meet people on the road. Whether you stay in hostels during your travels or you go sightseeing and meet people in museums, nightclubs, or any social setting that allows you to strike a conversation with other strangers, both locals in the area and tourists.
Travelling alone actually makes you more approachable to friendly people compared to when you’re with another person or a group. Going in a group signals you already have company and don’t want to be disturbed. On the other hand, someone who enters an area alone seems more like someone willing to talk and meet new friends.
When you travel with others, you’re more likely to stick to your group. But being alone allows you to socialize. You can form long-distance friendships, pen pals, or even form romantic relationships with people abroad. If you do, however, take note that you’ll have to sort out legal paperwork to get your spouse or fiancé a green card so they can legally live with you back in the US. Emsylaw.com says this is a long process that can take up almost a year to file, so if you’re going to marry a foreigner, make sure they’re a person worth spending the rest of your life with.
Easier to Move Around
When you’re with a group, it may be difficult to plan activities, accommodations, and flights due to capacity. You’ll need rooms that can fit your group, activities that won’t leave anyone behind, and flights that fit everyone’s schedule. And when you’re going around an area, trains and boats may have large capacities, but some modes of transportation such as taxis, Uber, and tuk-tuks have a limited seating capacity, so larger groups will require a second ride.
When you’re alone, however, you don’t have to think about accommodating plenty of people; all you have to think about is getting yourself from Point A to B. You may have to pay more for taxis and ride-sharing apps since you don’t have anyone to split the bill with, but the ease of convenience without having to worry about other people makes your travel feel lighter.
You aren’t thinking of accommodations that fit both you and your companion’s needs; only yours alone.
No Compromises on What You Want
Some people think that travelling to a new location means making the most of their time there. And then there are others who think that spending the first day relaxing and getting rid of the jetlag is fine. Now, imagine if you’re either one of them and someone else you’re travelling with is the other.
You have to make compromises so that both of you get what you want. But why make compromises when you can go on your own and travel at your own pace?
Without a companion or a group, you get to decide what you want to do. Do you want to eat at a fancy restaurant 20 minutes away, or do you want to sample a small food house where most of the locals go? If you aren’t on a schedule, you get to decide when you want to wake up and get ready to explore. And you get to decide if it’s time to return to your accommodations or stay out to see the country’s nightlife.
Travelling alone may seem like a challenge for people who have never left their comfort zone, but if you’re willing to take on the adventure, a lot of benefits await you. You can grow as a more independent and adventurous person not afraid to explore unknown places and meet new people.