I refused an inexpensive once-in-a-lifetime, 15-day Mediterranean cruise because no one would go with me, and regretted it ever since. I'm a very social person, I hated the thought of traveling alone, and I think travel experiences are enhanced when they're shared. But I've come to appreciate the adventure of traveling without a companion.
People who have never traveled alone often describe their first solo trip as a religious experience. To take in new surroundings unfiltered by the prejudices, tastes or preferences of a traveling companion can be exhilarating. Being alone on the road focuses your energies and attention, intensifying the travel experience. Without the distractions of a group or companion, your senses are magnified.
If you are thinking about trying it, first and foremost, you can amaze your friends back home who never thought you'd pull off this solo thing!
Solo travel can also be the ultimate in self-indulgence; you can rest when you want and pour it on when you're feeling ambitious. Another benefit is that your mistakes are your own, and your triumphs all the more exciting.
Traveling alone is about freedom. You can choose when to get out of bed. You can choose where you have your breakfast. You can choose which art gallery or museum to visit or not. Choice means freedom, and freedom is the very essence of travel. You could meet someone who tells you about some fantastic place and you decide you want to drop everything and go there. No travel companion to object. You can be more spontaneous when special opportunities arise. For instance, if you suddenly decide you would like to learn to surf or skydive, then you can do it without having to consult anyone else. Or you might also find something or somewhere you really like and there's nothing to you from staying on or doing that activity over and over again if you want.
Think about it...being a party of one makes you a far easier fit-for a restaurant table, theater seat or any last-minute booking. Haven't we all seen the lone person moved to the front of the line while larger groups waited their never-ending turn?
You can take conscious pleasure in solitude. Use the time to get reacquainted with yourself, to solve your own problems or forget them. Whether you are an introvert or extravert, it doesn't matter. The extravert can meet many new people, because being on their own makes them more approachable. The introvert can mind his or her own business.
You can learn what you're made of! When traveling, things don't always go smoothly, but this is the time when you have an opportunity to grow. Eventually you'll not only be laughing about a situation that was a bit difficult, draining or intimidating, I guarantee it's the story you'll tell the most when you get home! The more you achieve and overcome, the stronger and more empowered you feel-a feeling magnified if you've done it all by yourself.
Finally...when you travel to a place that interests you, the people you meet are the people who get out and explore, who are interested in doing the very things you're doing. People who want to learn about the world, its cultures and differences. All the boring, stay-at-home folks have stayed at home. The people you'll meet are your sort of people! More than likely, everywhere you go, you'll find open-minded and welcoming individuals to talk with, share experiences, hang out, and possibly discover some lifelong friends along the way.
Be brave and take the plunge-try traveling solo, you may become a convert. Remember, it is better to be alone than to wish you were alone.
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