Contrary to popular opinion, travelling alone personifies freedom. Here’s why solo travelling isn’t lonely, and it’s something you should try.
For many people, travelling alone can be daunting, scary, and ultimately very lonely. It is easy to see why. After all, humans are social animals, and we need human interaction.
However, we reassure you that solo travelling isn’t lonely. On the contrary, it can be a liberating, joyful, and unique way of seeing the world and seeing it your way.
Many factors are at play, such as safety and language barriers. But there are so many more reasons that outweigh the negatives. Let us show you why that’s true.
Travelling the world at your pace – you dictate the speed
One of the most apparent reasons solo travel isn’t lonely is because you set the pace, time, and schedule. When travelling, we are often restricted as others may not share our interests or specific way of travelling.
However, there is no such restriction when you are solo travelling. If walking miles upon miles in a city is for you, you can do this unimpeded when travelling alone. Stop as many times as you want, take as many photos as possible, and see as many sites as you wish.
In doing this, you develop a special relationship and connection with the spot you’ve visited. The city, town, or landscape will always retain a special place in your mind. There are many countries in the world that you can solo travel to at your pace.
Making new friends and connections – one of the best reasons why solo travel isn’t lonely
Solo travel doesn’t have to be just you alone and never holding a conversation while you’re away. It can be the opposite and is an excellent way of making new friends and connections. Sounds unusual? Well, you can add it to your bucket list of unusual things to do.
When solo travelling, you will find that you are more open to meeting new people who you may surprisingly have a lot in common with. This could be people also solo travelling. Others may be locals of the area and will often be very happy to tell the tales of the town.
There is also an extraordinary element of spontaneity to this. You don’t know who you will meet or speak to. You will come home with various experiences and interactions you never thought would happen before you left.
Opportunity for personal growth – learn about yourself
A compelling argument for why solo travel isn’t lonely but liberating is that it offers the chance for personal growth and provides many avenues for learning about yourself.
You will find out how much time you can spend alone; you will learn to deal with solitude and your own company. Ultimately, this can help you become more self-reliant, independent, and resilient. You can take these traits with you for the rest of your life.
Solo travelling can be the best way to travel. It also provides ample opportunity for heading to quaint cafes and people-watching or letting the world pass as you read a book. You will find how liberating this experience is once you try it.
Disconnecting from the stresses of life – a well-needed break
Bolstering our arguments for why solo travel isn’t lonely but is liberating is because travelling alone truly gives you a chance to detach from the stresses of your everyday life. Sometimes, a break is just needed.
Often, it is our interactions with other people that lead us to feel stressed or stir our emotions. This is just part and parcel of daily life. Travelling alone can remove that worry, even just for a little while.
Solo travel allows you to reflect on how you operate in life, work, family, sport, or whatever it may be. You will inevitably go home more prepared to confront what is ahead.
Other reasons why solo travel isn’t lonely – not an exhaustive list
There is undoubtedly no exhaustive list of why solo travel isn’t lonely and liberating. Other significant factors would be similar to those if you travelled with others, such as experiencing new cultures and enhanced social skills by having the courage to form new connections.
Making new friends is important for when you decide to return to the city or town. In all, the sweetest thing about solo travel is that you can personalise the experience, set your own budget and learn what it is to be truly at peace.
