Wanderlust Manifesto: Why You Must Try Traveling Solo

The joy that comes with traveling is undeniable—the mere thought of waking up in a strange city can be likened to caffeine coursing through your veins. It’s almost as if traveling adds years to your life, but perhaps that’s just the nomad ancestry jumping out. Whatever the case may be, we can all agree that it’s one of life’s greatest pleasures. The prospect of traveling alone, then, can be even more so. It may resemble some quotes you’ve probably seen on social media, but the best travel companion you could ever have is yourself.

Over the past few years, the interest in solo travel has increased, and tourist industries all over the world continue to come up with new ways to cater to this growing market. You’ve probably thought about traveling alone, but the idea might have seemed too overwhelming to think about. 

It’s well understandable, especially since you’ll be going beyond your comfort zone. 

Think of it this way, however: through solo traveling, you’ll be able to customize your itinerary to your personal preferences, thereby maximizing the value for your money and satisfaction. And there’s more to it than just that. Here is a simple guide on the many reasons and questions you may have on solo travels. 

Benefits check: What’s in it for me?

There’s one word that can perfectly sum up what traveling solo means: liberating. You’ll have the freedom to do whatever you want when you want. You’ll have all the reigns to your schedule, food budget, transportation choice, and destination checklist. 

The word “liberating,” however, goes deeper for many solo travelers. For some, it’s one of the greatest gifts they could ever give themselves because they find growth and peace from traveling. You’ll be given a chance to see the world in new perspectives, ultimately learning and understanding more things about yourself. It’s a trip of a lifetime, and if you think about it, the value of the rewards is worth more than what your money can ever buy.

Safety concerns: Is it safe?

For the new solo travelers, the usual concern centers on safety. The answer varies according to many different factors, but the best part is that there are millions of other travelers all over the world, which makes it relatively safe. 

The level of safety still depends on the country you wish to visit, however, so ensure that you research on travel advisories. In addition to this, make sure that you research heavily on other travelers’ experiences. If you’re sure about your destination choice, remember to stay aware of your surroundings. Keep your things safe and the rest of your valuables locked up in safes or your luggage. 

Budget-wise: How much will it cost me?

Contrary to popular belief, solo traveling isn’t more expensive than traveling with companions. In fact, being on your own means you have a flexible budget. No compromises need to be made, as no one will hold you back from either splurging on local restaurants or saving on costs through cheap hostels. It’s your trip, on your own terms!

Surprise: You’ll meet new people and immerse in a culture

As you go through your solo trips, you’ll meet new people. You’ll encounter plenty of other solo travelers, so don’t hesitate to strike up conversations and ask them out for dinner. Choosing to meet and engage with new people opens up doors of friendship and secondhand experiences you’ll learn from. 

Moreover, going on solo trips allows you to immerse yourself in cultures. Language may be a barrier to plenty of destinations, but if you observe hard enough, you’ll learn so much just by being in an environment and watching the people around you—how they dress, walk, and talk already says so much about their lives. Allowing yourself to experience the unfamiliar and unconventional challenges you in ways you never deemed possible, which ultimately helps you grow as a person. 

Just go for it!

Solo travel isn’t for everyone. Others return home soon after departing, while some embrace the liberty right away. You’ll never know how it’ll affect you if you never try, so give it a shot at least once—be it a weekend getaway or a three-week vacation. Don’t wait for people to make your dream destinations happen!

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