Why I Always Choose to Travel Alone & You Should too

When people find out I travel alone their responses vary from "aren't you lonely" and "you aren't scared" to "you're so brave". I've mentioned before that I have an introverted personality, meaning that I enjoy my alone time and I don't need external sources of stimulation. As a person with an introverted personality, I need that alone time. I've never been one to hang about in big social groups and I hate having to attend those things because I'd rather not talk to people I don't know.

I find comfort in just being alone, which may be weird to some people, but I can't imagine not being able to do things alone. I am not saying that I won't travel with someone but they need to be the right someone. Often times people choose travel companions because of convenience, loneliness or other factors. Travelling alone seems scary at first, but here are so many great things that you can experience when you travel alone. 

Solo in Siem Reap, Cambodia

It's a Confidence Boost

You may think to yourself that you are confident (you probably are), but just wait until you take your first solo trip! After your trip you will realize you can take on anything and go anywhere on your own. You will feel very proud of yourself because you did something that so many people are afraid to do, be alone. This allows you to figure out things on your own like directions, sightseeing, etc. Also, travelling alone does not mean you can't meet people on your journey. There is always opportunity for you to make new friends at your hostel or on the street.

Shanghai Disneyland

Issues with Photography

Thank God for selfie sticks and tripods! These two things are the greatest inventions ever made for solo travellers as they allow you to take pictures of yourself without needing another person to be involved. We have all experienced the frustration after asking someone to take our photo then ending up with a finger, a dark blob or a blurred image.

​So why not just take your own photos so you are able to control how it looks. I have a plethora of horrible pictures my friends have taken for me that I have tried to fix but with no avail. It's very frustrating when you make the effort to get a great shot for a friend and they just take pictures when you aren't posing or the lighting is horrid.

Luxembourg

Not Having to Compromise

I recently overheard two girls having a conversation about where they wanted to travel. The conversation went something like this,

"Hong Kong?"
"Too hot right now."
"Bangkok?"
"Don't people just fly into Bangkok to go other places in Thailand?"
"I'd love to go to Singapore!"
"It's looking really expensive."
​*Eye Roll*.

Both girls looked frustrated and annoyed with each other. So, my point is, why wait on someone else to agree to go somewhere that you want to visit. If you have the means to travel then just go. Unless you both want to go to the same destination you will end up having to compromise on a location, hotel/hostel and things that you both want to do.

Tower Bridge, London

Social Freedom

Maybe it's just me, but there's nothing more exhausting than having people around ALL THE TIME. Maybe because I spend most of the time listening to others ramble on about themselves, shrugs. Anyhow, during the week you usually spend your time being social with colleagues, friends or peers which you see maybe 5 days a week. Traveling alone gives you a social break. You don't have to talk to anyone if you don't want to and you can make yourself unreachable.

What are some other reasons you travel alone?

You May Also Like

The Benefits of Solo Travel