As you know I love to travel and have always been traveling to different countries. For the most part with family or friends, until I decided to do an exchange year and study abroad in the U.S. You could consider being away from your home for a year, „traveling alone“, but it certainly didn’t feel like it, because I found a second home, family and friends that year, which I’m forever grateful for. What I mean by „traveling alone“ is without a host family, without a school and friends, just you, your luggage and a new country.
For a few days now, for the first time I am experiencing how it is to travel alone and there are a couple of things I have noticed, and summarized some of the pros and cons of traveling by yourself
PRO (+)
Personal Growth
One huge upside is that you not only get to know yourself better, but you grow as a person. There is a saying „Nobody can make you happy, until you’re happy with yourself first“ and LOVE yourself. Learning to love yourself and being able to spend time on your own is something most of us would need to try first and practice, because we are constantly surrounded by people from morning to night. When you are the only person to spend time with, you are automatically your most authentic self. I think traveling alone has huge benefits and can be really healing, especially when you need time off from people, disconnect from the world and re-connect with yourself. This is important because as I mentioned we are in our most authentic and raw form when we’re alone and having to constantly adjust is exhausting, even if you don’t feel it. I recommend it to anyone who’s looking to find purpose, fulfillment and in general get to know themselves, their dreams and desires better, or make an important life decision, traveling by yourself can be a huge eye opener and gives your mind time to rejuvenate and relax from constantly being on demand.
Independence
When you are your travel-buddy you don’t have to compromise and can do whatever you feel like doing. Also, you are forced to make all the decisions and subsequently you are responsible for any and everything. In other words, you learn „adulting“. At some point we all have to grow up, not in a sense that we loose our childlike excitement, but we simply learn to make responsible decisions and take care of everything. I think every teenager should either do an exchange year or travel alone for some time learn what becoming an adult means. This is a huge step in life I think a lot of people and parents have dismissed, that I think plays a crucial role in „bad parenting“. There are many parents in the world who are responsible for children, even though they have never learned responsibility. I truly believe that you must learn to not only love yourself first, but also be responsible for yourself. If all your life you’ve turned to other people when it came to making decisions and taking action, traveling by yourself is a great step in the direction of becoming independent and responsible.
Meeting People
When you travel with a group of friends or even just two people, often that is a barrier to a lot of people to start a conversation and meet new people. When you are by yourself, especially as a woman there are a lot more people approaching you. While I have to admit this can be a downside, constantly being approached by people with different intentions it can also be nice, because sometimes you meet people and without expectations you learn something, find a friend in a stranger and you connect with people you otherwise would have never met.
I think the human experience of meeting people, communicating and connecting is something beautiful. There are so many people in this world and we know only so few. While I love to keep my circle tight and am forever grateful for the people in my life and I wouldn’t want to have it any other way, I find it really refreshing and love to meet people from around the world, people with different perspectives and energies. Meeting new people is not just fun, but can be just like reading a book from an author, educating. Never before have so many strangers come up to me when least expect it, just going for a walk on the beach and told me that I’m beautiful, and wished me a nice day or life, without any further questions. All of sudden I felt more approachable, because I have discovered love for myself, loving to spend time with myself, exploring places without feeling the need to share it with anyone.
CON (-)
Whether you like traveling alone or not, I think all would a free that it’s certainly not easy.
Responsibility
You are responsible. I know I listed that under positive, but I’m sure you can guess the downside part of being responsible, well you have to think about and take care of everything. From catching your flight, to finding your way around, everything you are in charge of, which means you have to maintain a clear head. I personally think that when something does go wrong or you find yourself in a „bad“ situation, it’s particularly interesting to see how you react when you’re by yourself and you have to find a solution. In some places in this world it could even get quite dangerous, traveling by yourself and I personally would not go that far, but when you do you have to be even more awake, clear headed and aware at all times. That can quickly result in the opposite of serenity, which is why I like to stay in places I feel rather safe and know that I don’t have to be over the top alert. For example I would not travel through India by myself (I’ve been there before), because I would have to be extra careful all the time and that would diminish my purpose of traveling by yourself, which mainly is relaxation of mind.
No Photographer
The other downside I’ve noticed the last few days.. Taking pictures is definitely harder when you are by yourself. Yes you can ask strangers to take a picture and they will take exactly one picture (never enough)…but it’s a whole lot better when you have people with you, capturing moments .. for what? Obviously to post on Steemit AND for memories!
Speaking of memories, my last „con“ of traveling by yourself:
Fun With Friends
Even though in general I think it’s less stress-free with friends, the fun I have with my friends is often worth it. Especially when you share the same interests and you cooperate well together, I think traveling with a real friend is priceless. I have traveled before with one of my girlfriends for about a month along the East Coast and the experiences we had, and memories were among the best of my teenage years.
Why am I saying „my teenager years“? Well because in a few days, I’m a officially not a teen anymore! More about that upcoming day and where I’m headed next, you will find out in my next post!
In conclusion I would say that traveling by yourself is an experience that everyone should have tried at least once. If you are afraid, you should definitely do it because that is an indication of you needing to get to know yourself better. Also traveling doesn’t have to be far away, as long as you go somewhere by yourself and spend time alone, you approach the purpose I mentioned in this post of traveling by yourself
There is a lot more to come and a lot more to explore, with friends and on my own. My journey has just begun and I'm excited for it! I hope you are too, as I will be documenting as much as possible right here on my blog.
Question of the day: Have you traveled solo before? If not, what is holding you back?
Much love,
- Mrs.Steemit
Hello. Nice article! I myself finally went for traveling solo. After many journeys with friends I got the feeling that it's time to see how well I fare alone. So far I was not alone at all. Since I came to New Zealand people do meet me all the time. But when the weather is better I will walk and hike alone and I have to say I'm quite looking forward to it. Happy travelling
Sounds really nice! New Zealand is on my bucket list for sure! :)
@mrs.steemit I have been traveling for last 15 years alone. Mostly for business but sometimes for following my passion on wildlife. I think the pros were that I became really independent and self sufficient, got over my fear of strange places and learnt a lot about new cultures. It is very enjoyable. Cons were that I missed my family and had no friends to enjoy with many times as you have pointed out.. Thanks for highlighting this important aspect of traveling alone. Upvoted
I have been following my passion of wildlife blogs with my musings and have learnt a few new skills
Great points! Thanks for sharing your experience. I will check out your blog, I'm sure you have interesting stories to tell :)
Thank you so much. Will look forward to your visit to my blogs. Thank you in advance for taking the time out of your busy schedule
It's kind of like going to a restaurant solo. It's a risk/reward scenario, and you just don't know if you'll be greeted by a cool sample of people and circumstances or a lame one. I guess you could also take the perspective that it doesn't matter who's around you as long as you have the right state of mind. But I do think you can run into lucky circumstances that make your experience amazing
Good example, I agree that it involves a kind of "luck" as you call it. I would rather say if you're open minded and full of positive energy you go with the flow and attract those amazing experiences and cool people
Yes, nice to ve in flow :). I love traveling sólo Its opening me incredible situacion
Great read. I think it depends of the situation. I have done both. When traveling with someone there are compromises that must be made. You may not be able to do everything you wanted to. OR it may be even better than you anticipated. Also does your personality compliment your traveling partner(s). Not all chemical or people blend. In my recent trip to Okoboji It was a trade off. Orvall a win with two other people. But it did have some dark moments. Thanks for sharing. - I upvoted and am following - Troy
Thanks! Very true, that it depends on the people you're with.
Some great points. I found myself in a similar situation when I moved out to college (4 hours flight from home). Definitely learned to take more responsibility (learn how to cook more than just eggs) and independence during that experience so those are definitely positive.
I really liked "No Photographer" point..made me laugh. But hey we're a world of selies so all good!
Thanks! Moving out is definitely a similar experience when it comes to independency, especially if it's not right around the corner from your family's house
Not only does traveling make you find your "authentic self," like you said, I think morr people should take the opprotunity to experience 3rd world countries and give back to society. Nothing would make a person more humble or driven like going to see and aid others in situations that we never have to struggle with like seeking water, food, ect. Now what they do when they come back after their journey, is a different story but god I hope it is for the greater good of man kind.
Very true! Great add, there are many reasons to go on solo adventures
Great post! Brave of you to travel alone. Now I see why people love to travel, thanks for sharing!
very nice post and I totally agree with most of what you wrote.
life is too short to wait for other people to travel with you x)
that being said, one of the worst moments of my life was when I was solo travelling in Thailand and got food poisoning... Having nobody to take care of me was tough!
Thank you for sharing. Upvoted&Resteemed&Followed
Thank you! Sorry for your bad experience, it's true that when your health is not well, traveling alone can be a horrible experience. That's what I experienced yesterday and described in my latest post
I have never traveled alone. I have took a trip with my best friend to the east coast for a couple months and it was a blast. We were able to find work promoting ourselves online willing to work odd jobs around peoples houses. We were actually at a point where we could just work on the days we wanted and have fun most of the week. It was sad when it had to end, it really was a good time. We met a lot of people, made a lot of friends, went on a lot of side trips. But I have lived alone before for a while, in the middle of nowhere type deal with no one to really talk too. In that case I learned a lot about myself and how to just enjoy being me. I think I should travel alone one day though and see what that is like.
Love that first quote, and it is true.
The pros and cons you give are quite appropriate. Traveling with friends creates great memories but my most adventurous trips have been on my own.
Thanks for sharing. Ah yes I've traveled alone and it's a good feeling not depending on anyone to decide where to go, where to eat, what to visit, what to do next...you just do it. But I prefer to travel in the company of someone I love. ::)
Travelling alone is something so irresistible for me! Its simply amazing how we grow ourselves as human beings during the process! Keep the good work coming! and also do check my profile you may like something, especially my latest post https://steemit.com/travel/@alexkoshy/god-s-own-country-kerala-why-should-you-tour-india-v
Alex Koshy
great article, i tried both alone and with friends and agree with all your cons and prone, I'm not even sure which one is better. i think if you are in a bad place, best to travel alone and clear your head, otherwise better with a partner or a friend :)
Thanks! And I'm with you, I like both depending on what you want to achieve :)
Its a self finding doing a solo travelling. You are more aware of your surrounding, asking for help a lot, let go of ego and so on.... I am pretty much afraid to solo travel. But really I wish to have a gut and do it some day. Nice post Mrs. Steemit!
One of the things that I like about traveling solo is that I tend to meet people that don't always fit my "usual" friend group. I've found when i'm traveling with friends we tend to meet and hang with people around our age group but when i travel alone I find myself interacting with a wider variety of people which I enjoy. Great post!
@mrs.steemit Love the article! Hit a lot of points for me, I'm used to traveling with my clients or business partners and only been solo a few times. The experience is much better with a group of people you share a commmon theme and interest with. I'm looking forward to my travels to Dubai, it will be a first in a very long time that I've done it solo.
Solo travel is good but sometimes it makes me feel lonely. Anyway, it gives us freedom because we can go wherever and eat whatever we want!
When the opportunity comes I just go whether I'm going with someone or not. Solo travelling empowers you, gives you freedom and the amazing people you can find along the way is an experience you can share.
So much of what you said, I would love to quote. It sounds like you have met a lot of beautiful people along the way. I personally love your pictures, so please take more for us :D
I rather travel with a friend. To me, its fun. You can take pictures with a friend, you can split the costs and so on. And if you chose to drive to where you are going, you can switch off, it would be tiring doing all the driving by yourself.
The photography point is a good reason, also the driving one. Even though I would say for the experience, traveling alone is something to at least try and grow as a person. Thanks for adding your points!
Thanks for posting this. I have also thought much of the same as a fly fisherman, venturing across the unknown, sometimes on foot, & other times on boat. It's always well worth it though, even if I don't have anyone to help me take pictures. :)
I'm not a good swimmer. But love to eat fish, salmon, tuna. Love the Omegas for the brain. I'm American in Vietnam. I'm from Oregon. Been to Canada, New York, Hawaii. I travel a lone sometimes. Have traveled around a bit these past almost 5 years in Vietnam. It is sure worth it. I agree, @ghostintheshell starring Scarlet Johansson. Good name. Good movie too I guess. I love to travel. Love to learn. You can do so much when you travel alone. More freedoms. More flexibility. Very adventurous. Very mysterious and even educational and life transformational.
I think the human experience of meeting people, communicating and connecting is something beautiful
It is!
I just travelled to China with my startup. I went to Beijing and then met up with my team in a different city a few days later, so I got to experience both travelling solo / travelling with friends in a foreign country. I can say I experienced everything that you described. Once I met up with my team it became more fun going out. But when I was myself, it was an adventure and I grew as a person as I became more secure in my ability to do things independently.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I agree, both are an adventure
Yep a lot of pros and cons both ways... I guess knowing when to travel alone and when you could use some company.. if you do travel with others, ideally you share the same interests otherwise it can be a less than ideal experience lol
Great points @mrs.steemit. You got yourself a new follower. Upvoted and resteemed ;]
Thanks! :)
Very interesting thoughts friend.
Lol there is no way you actually read my "thoughts" in 30 seconds. Thanks anyway :D
If you look at his/her profile, you'll see he's using a bot to comment repetitive stuff on posts hoping they would get paid. You shouldn't upvote such users as it will encourage the production of more fake comments in the platform, especially in your own page...
Looks fun seeing you hanging out with your friends ..😄
Posting a great friend, solo travel, I like traveling but time limitations make me can not enjoy it
amazing post your thoughts are heart touching i love to read your posts.
The brows are on point @mrs.steemit! :)
Yours or mine? Lol
May i say both? Hehe :)
Traveling, one of the best and beautiful thing in this life!
Good luck to you with your travels! I always enjoy your posts. I travel alone a lot so I can relate :)
Very nice post indeed. Traveling alone for me really helps me reflect about my present life and find inner peace within. :)
Posting a great greeting from @ abupasi.alachy
Lol nice. I'm going on a trip tonight to Chicago. I'll see if your blog matches up. ;)
interesting thoughts ! next time i will try alone traveling !
or find somebody to travel with
Solo Travel is a wonderful experience. You definitely learn to take care of yourself (because if you don't, no one else will!). You learn to "live without".. mostly meaning that you don't have the comforts of home, such as the safe feeling that you get when you know that you are home and with your loved ones.
All individuals need to take responsibility for their actions and inactions. The world does not act upon you nearly as much as you are acting upon it. Sure, there is chance and luck, but at the end of the day, you are responsible for yourself and no one else is to blame, or be praised, for your choices.
Great post!
well said @mrssteemit. you have said it all
A very interesting post, and a beautiful tourist destination.
very useful information
The way you do must be very interesting, you also know how to make a good post I hope you always succeed and get what you have been expecting for you, now I have followed you
I look forward to my solo vacations. It's nice to move at your own pace, and vacationing alone allows for that. Safe travels!
Well written ...
Good post
Friends i am new here follow me please post open and votes comments on please
this is an incredible post. thanks for sharing @mrs.steemit
You have accomplished so much before your 20s.. I always believe , this is the time to take risk.. and get the biggest rewards and have fun. You have freedom,health and everything to do it now!!!..I regret not doing it in my younger days!! See y blog related to my startup story...
https://steemit.com/life/@sanees/my-startup-journey-part1
Holy you are still a teenager and your already know what sup!!!
I concour on alot of those things, but I think the pros out weigh the cons in my opinion. Responsibility is like you said part of "adulting" and as much as I hate doing that, its still a part of me, seeing as Im in my 30's now I still feel 22 thou and look it.
but no fotografer??? u kids and your selfies, you dont gotta be in every single foto. use your memory, take a picture with your eyes and remember it forever, that way it'll never get deleted.
and like you said fun with friends is great but make new ones!
good post thou, get out there and keeping making friends. i still do to this day!
Very informative thanks!
Hoping to go travelling myself for the first time out of country.
@reedus
@mrs.steemit Hope you enjoy this. Analysis of Steem's Economy - A Social Scientist's First Impressions - Part 3/4 in the series.
https://steemit.com/steemit/@cyberspace/analysis-of-steem-s-economy-a-social-scientist-s-first-impressions-part-3-4