Angela Killian

It’s been 9 years since the very first flight I took alone. I’d never even considered traveling solo until it became required due to visa & work requirements. However, I run into independent travelers frequently & they all quite enjoy it for various reasons. Meeting friends, independence & reflection are bound to occur when traveling alone. These are the top 3 reasons why you should get out of your comfort zone and travel alone.

1- You’re more likely to meet people / make friends.

For an introvert like myself, the thought of having to make new friends in each city of my holiday sounds like a nightmare. However, out of necessity, I can see why traveling alone would inevitably result in new friends.  True backpackers bask in this opportunity & end up making lifelong friends at dingy hostels or Couch Surfing experiences (an organization I can’t say enough good things about). If you BYOF (bring your own friends), there is little need to meet outsiders and you’re more likely to stick within your group. Get out there, meet new people!

2- Doing everything yourself.

Solo travel is oftentimes dreaded, but so necessary, especially for women. You need to know you are able to find your own way & be independent. If you hate being independent it may be because you are scared of it and you should “always do what you are afraid to do” (Emerson). So many times I take the backseat & allow others to take charge of where we’re going / what we’re doing. This habit sometimes makes me forget how to do things for myself. For example- I consistently don’t know where we parked or how to get to the store I frequent bi-weekly when others are with me. I switch my brain off. It pleases me when I’m alone & the answers magically appear in my head like second nature. It’s always so empowering to walk off an airplane in Asia (or wherever), retrieve your luggage & hail a cab knowing you are totally & completely on your own. Not to mention, you get to choose everything you do and eat. Don’t wait around for a travel buddy to start planning your next holiday, just go. The world is your oyster!

3- Reflection & personal growth.

This is the opposite of number 1. Although traveling alone isn’t my favorite thing, I do enjoy sightseeing alone. In extreme touristy places, people don’t pay any attention to you or even notice you’re alone. It can be highly reflective & relaxing. The only downfall is that part of the fun of travel is having someone to reminisce with about it. However, it’s important that people have some memories that are exclusively their own. There is no need to share some experiences with anyone else. Go see the world and spend some time with yourself!