The world constantly beckons, tantalising us with jaw-dropping landscapes, exciting experiences and rich history. But what happens if you don’t have a travel buddy?
Fear not, the intrepid path of solo travel awaits you.
It may seem daunting to travel solo, but this journey brings valuable life lessons that will stick with you for a long time. As I reflect on my life so far, one of the most enriching experiences has been solo travel. I highly recommend going it alone, and here’s why:
Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
Our routines and familiar faces can lull us into a comfortable predictability. Solo travel is a plunge into the unknown, a leap of faith into uncharted territories. It requires summoning the courage to embrace vulnerability and step outside the safety of the familiar. The decision to embark on a solo adventure is often met with a mix of excitement and trepidation.
I remember checking in for the long haul flight to Chile, and literally shaking in my Converse’s from fear! It wasn’t until I walked onto the plane and found my seat, that I became more calm and excited at the unknown!
From navigating foreign streets to striking up conversations with strangers, each step requires a willingness to embrace vulnerability and push past your comfort zone. Yet, it’s through this vulnerability that you discover the depths of your own courage. You learn to trust in your instincts, to lean into discomfort, and to embrace the inherent risks of exploration.
The Art of Embracing the Unexpected
The beauty of solo travel lies in its inherent unpredictability. Missed trains, language barriers, and unexpected detours become part of the adventure. You learn to embrace the flow, to find solutions on the fly, and to appreciate the serendipitous encounters that often arise from these unplanned moments.
Every step forward is a leap of faith into the unknown. Yet, instead of fearing the uncertainty, you learn to embrace it as an integral part of the journey. It’s in these moments of uncertainty that the most profound growth and learning occur.
An unexpected event for me while travelling solo, was when I fell and fractured my nose in Rio. Despite urgings from people to return home to recover, I insisted on continuing my travels. I still flew to Ecuador, but I cancelled my plans to the Galapagos Islands, instead staying in a hostel in Quito to recover for over a week.
Years later, I’m still happy that I chose to do it that way. Making your own decisions gives you power and makes you responsible for your actions. If I didn’t recover well, I could only blame myself. Luckily, it all worked out. I elevated my knee for days, wore a knee brace for weeks, and looked after my nose.
Discovering the Power Within
You are the one that is in charge. You decide everything. From what time you wake up, which restaurant do you want to go to, if you want to socialise or not, etc.
Just imagine – you’re viewing a breathtaking mountain vista, the reward for a challenging hike you conquered alone. Solo travel is replete with such moments of self-reliance. You learn to trust your instincts, navigate transportation systems, and solve problems that arise.
The small wins as you overcome obstacles, become proof of your inner strength, boosting confidence, pride and self-belief. You emerge from your travels with a newfound belief in yourself, and a capacity to thrive in the face of uncertainty.
The Joy of Your Own Company
Solo travel offers the gift of solitude, allowing you to reconnect with yourself in a world filled with constant distractions. We often underestimate our capacity for enjoying solitude. It isn’t about loneliness or isolation; rather, it’s about finding a peaceful silence away from the noise of everyday life. When you travel alone, you step away from the roles and responsibilities that define you at home.
You may find yourself initially craving company, but after a few days, a sense of peace descends. You learn to appreciate your own thoughts and company, indulging in introspection and self-discovery.
Whether you’re sitting in a café in Paris watching the world go by, or trekking through the hills of New Zealand, the quiet moments invite introspection.
What do you truly love? What drives you? What are you afraid of and what do you want to change?
Solo travel provides the space and time to ponder these questions, turning alone time into a pleasant experience rather than a feared one. You learn to navigate the ups and downs of your emotions without external distractions, which can be incredibly empowering. This self-acceptance and comfort in your own skin is a crucial life skill that enhances your overall wellbeing.
The Magic of Human Connection
Solo travel strips away the comfort of the familiar, pushing you into new environments. This can mean staying in local guesthouses instead of chain hotels, eating in small, family-run eateries, or even participating in local festivals and traditions. Each choice opens a door to observe and participate in the day-to-day life of locals, offering a glimpse into their world that remains unseen by many tourists.
You’ll also find yourself naturally drawn to other travellers, sharing stories and forging friendships in hostels, on buses, or during day tours.
Solo travel allows for spontaneity—like deciding to join a dance in a village square or accepting an invitation to a local wedding. Participating in these traditions isn’t just about having fun; it’s a powerful way to connect with a culture on its own terms.
Disconnect, to Connect
Another of my favourite things to get out of travelling solo, was feeling ok to disconnect. Having a smartphone attached to you, your attention can be constantly pulled left, right and centre, with social media, entertainment, and other distractions.
And, to be completely honest, I get excited to have plans of posting about my travels while I’m in those places. The reality for me, is that I enjoy being in those places so much that I often don’t feel like posting on social media. I get a lot of joy and soul food from the places I visit and I want to savour every moment.
I find it absolutely amazing to relive memories; from sunbathing on a beach in Panama and hearing the palm trees rustling above me, or feeling the cold and walking my legs off hiking in Torres del Paine, or doing yoga next to a lavender garden in El Bolson. They are some of my fondest memories of peacefulness, and I’m grateful that I took sensory snapshots, rather than uploading posts.
Table for 1
“Just a table for 1?”
“Yes, thank you” I replied.
People asked me how I managed to go to restaurants and events alone, expressing concern about how others might look at them. But when I hear about amazing food at a restaurant in a location I’m rarely in, I care more about missing out on the food than about people staring at me for being alone!
It’s also easier than you think. My trick to feel more comfortable in restaurants is to be friendly to your server, and bring something to read and get engrossed in.
Most people won’t pay attention to you anyway, as they are busy eating and conversing with their other company. I decided I didn’t care about the people that did look, and I was likely never to see those people again! The latter was a good motivation boost! 😂
Returning Home, Transformed
Solo travel isn’t just about the places you visit; it’s about the person you become. You return home with a newfound sense of self-confidence, independence, and resilience. You’ve discovered a strength and resourcefulness you never knew you possessed.
The world feels a little smaller, a little more knowable, and a lot more inviting. So, pack your bags, embrace the unknown, and embark on a journey of self-discovery – you might just surprise yourself with what you find.
Lore & Tempo is where motherhood meets adventure. I’m Ren – storyteller, explorer, and single mum in Wellington, New Zealand. I’ve been lucky enough to wander through 45 countries. 15 of them with my +1, Kaydes, either strapped to my front, on my hip, or running ahead on her own adventures. I created this space to share single parent life, travel tips, and the joy of exploring the world.
