The idea of traveling alone can be intimidating for many. Being immersed in a new environment on your own can be daunting without friends or family to lean on and relate to. Many simply find it awkward to engage in traditionally communal activities by themselves. I have long enjoyed the peace, enrichment and freedom of exploring the world on my own. Through sharing my experiences, I hope more people can see the benefits of traveling solo. Here are some reasons why traveling alone is amazing!

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Doing What You Want, When You Want

Let’s start with perhaps the most obvious benefit to traveling solo: you get to do what you want, when you want without having to consider someone else’s tastes. You don’t have to worry if no one else likes the restaurant but you. You don’t have to worry if someone else finds museums boring. You get to savor what you love and explore your authentic interests. Without the distraction of other’s opinions and priorities, it can also be a great opportunity to discover new passions.

Financial Independence

A big reason why traveling alone is amazing for me as a frequent budget traveler, is less financial stress. Now you may say, “But… isn’t it cheaper to split the cost of things?” Not when the costs are significantly higher than what you’re normally comfortable with spending. So, for someone like me who is happy to cook my own meals while on a trip and exclusively take public transportation, it can be jarring (and annoyingly expensive) to travel with someone who insists on eating out for every single meal, going on shopping sprees and taking taxis everywhere. This certainly goes both ways: If you have a bigger budget to indulge yourself, it can be freeing to let yourself spend to your hearts content without having to consider someone else’s constraints.

Less Difficult Planning

Have you ever tried to plan a trip with people who all have different work schedules? Or find accommodation that matches everyone’s comfort level without breaking the bank? Or had to decide on flights with a date and time that works for everyone? How about if one member of your party can’t go at the last minute which might affect your itinerary and accommodation costs? Planning a trip with multiple people can get complicated! When I only have to consider myself, my schedule, my budget, and my unique needs, it’s a much easier experience!

Mindful Experiences

I think one of the main reasons for an aversion to traveling alone is our society’s negative connotation with being alone in general. I have come to understand that being alone does not have to equate to being lonely and it is extremely important to be able to enjoy your own company. Traveling alone is amazing for practicing this joy and confidence in solitude. I believe a key component of this joyful solitude is being mindfully engaged and present in your experiences. Conversation with friends is wonderful, but there is a special stillness in watching a sunset, viewing a piece of art, or savoring a new type of cuisine when it is just you and your senses taking it all in.

Meeting New People

This post is not meant to discourage interacting with others! Traveling alone can also be a great opportunity to meet new people! Naturally, If you’re traveling with friends or family, there’s not as much of an internal push to make connections with new people. As I am often in places where I really stick out amongst the locals, many people just come up to talk to me out of curiosity.

You can get more proactive and go to events, workshops and activities around your interests and try striking up a conversation with someone. As a somewhat introverted person myself, I understand this can be a little scary but I’d encourage everyone to be open to meeting people abroad as it’s a truly rewarding experience!

Traveling Alone is Empowering

The fears around traveling by yourself for the first time are understandable. Mishaps that can happen on any trip like getting lost, losing/breaking belongings, or struggling with a foreign language can be tricky to navigate without a companion for support. You must naturally be more mindful of your personal safety, especially if you’re traveling alone as a woman. But it is facing and overcoming these obstacles that makes you a braver, stronger person.

I can undoubtedly say that I am a bolder person having explored so many places on my own. Traveling alone as a black woman, I have experienced sticking out so starkly in racially homogeneous populations that it encouraged me to walk proudly and unapologetically in my skin.

And traveling alone is not just empowering out of overcoming negative situations: There is an incredible joy out of bringing oneself to a wealth of beautiful new experiences and creating cherished memories by your own volition. One of my favorite quotes about travel says: “Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” From discovering new interests to meeting new people to growing your confidence: traveling alone is truly a life changing experience!

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed my perspective on travel, I hope you’ll check out my packing list of great items for long term world exploring!