Embrace solo travel, and explore the world on your own.

Recently I went on a solo trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica.  I was amazed but not surprised by the number of people that asked me if I was traveling alone and how it was.  It was a great trip, and I would do it again.  Although my husband is my ideal travel partner, I know I can and probably will travel solo again.  I’ve heard stories of girlfriends planning trips to find out that one has decided to make the trip with a boyfriend or husband.  In other cases, a group has planned a trip and the group members cancel one by one when it nears time for the trip.  Whatever the reason, here are a few reasons why a solo trip could be an option and why you could be your best partner.

Solo travel is good for your soul.  It allows you time to reflect and discover more about yourself and what makes you, you.  You will be away from familiar people and distractions that can keep you from listening to your inner self.  There will be no interferences other than the ones you make for yourself.  This allows you to do as much or as little as you want and rest as you feel inclined to, guilt-free.  Most of all, solo travel gives more self-confidence and a great sense of adventure.  Because you have to navigate the trip independently, you get a sense of your capabilities and strength.

A solo trip will make you prioritize your wants and desires.  You can do what you want when you want without having to confer with anyone or consider another person’s wants or needs, schedules, or timing.  Conversely, it means you are responsible for making all the decisions about the trip.  This will ultimately make you more assertive, decisive, and confident.  Inevitably this leads to more personal growth and a better understanding of who you are and your capabilities.

Solo travel is an adventure all on its own.  While many of us do not consider ourselves adventurous, a solo trip indicates that you have an adventurous spirit.  In many cases, you will be traveling to a place you’ve never been before.  Although you may not climb a mountain or hike an unfamiliar trail, you will be stepping out of your comfort zone and meeting and interacting with unfamiliar people.  You will often do and experience things you would never encounter daily.  Most importantly, you won’t always find like-minded people, and navigating with those people will also be an adventure.

Solo travel will help you to improve your social skills.  You won’t always be able to choose the people around you or those you have to interact with, so your conversational skills will be challenged and will improve.  Weirdly, solo travelers are seen as more approachable than couples, and people are more inclined to initiate conversations.  You will have to trust your instincts on who to trust and who to befriend or have conversations with.  Because of this, solo travel improves your interpersonal skills as well as your communication skills.

Have you ever taken a solo trip?  If so, would you recommend it, and why?  Let me know in the comment section below.