The moment I boarded the train, a chill went through me. "What am I doing?" I asked myself. Late one night, I booked a solo trip to Mumbai on a whim.
Traveling solo isn't as daunting as you might think. As you push your comfort zone, follow your own rhythm, and discover what you are made of, you will discover your true potential. Though I had traveled to Maharashtra twice before, I had never been there on my own. Nevertheless, I was riding a train heading to one of Maharashtra's biggest cities, wedged into a sleeper compartment. I was terrified, to be honest.
As the hours turned into days, I learned how to navigate the city. It was great to see places described in books and magazines, such as the Gateway of India and Marine Drive.
It was so unbelievable that I had to pinch myself. I was in Mumbai alone, doing everything myself. At the same time, it was overwhelming, exciting, and liberating. While looking for accommodation, I found the most beautiful rental apartments in Mumbai.
In the end, I was sold. From "Gosh, what have I done?" to "Why haven't I done this sooner?" I learned so much on my first trip and will never forget it.
Traveling solo is something most people want to do. However, when asked, most people will react nervously or mumble "do you think I have no friends or something?" or give either of two responses. First, "Why would you ever want to do that?" and second, "Oh, I could never travel alone." This is particularly common for women.
Would it surprise you if I told you that traveling solo has many benefits? Doing something that scares you a little (or a lot) increases your sense of freedom, empowerment, and confidence. Plus, it's hard to stop. Once you travel solo, you'll want to do it again.
Still not convinced? It's okay.
No one thought we could fly until the Wright brothers made their first successful flight. Even a day trip in your local region can stretch your limits a little. Give it a try, and you'll find it's a truly life-changing experience, as most solo travelers have found.
After embracing the risk of stepping out of your comfort zone, you're bound to learn these 10 (of the many) benefits of solo travel.
A certain way of doing something, or how everyone else views it, doesn't mean it's right. Taking advantage of learning opportunities while traveling solo broadens your perspective. Experience a city first-hand, not from a blog or a friend's account.
Through first-hand experiences, you can challenge your own prejudices about different cultures and beliefs. Embracing new perspectives and truly opening yourself up to solo travel can bring about the most meaningful experiences of your life.
Whenever you travel with others, you focus on the shared experience. But when you're alone, you're more direct with your surroundings. Immersing yourself in your surroundings results in a truly memorable experience.
There is so much to discover outside your comfort zone once you gain equilibrium. It will leave you speechless when you discover the beauty of the unfamiliar. The experience of learning about other cultures and ways of life is so rewarding, one that you cannot obtain watching a travel show on TV.
Traveling solo forces you to face challenges on the road, so you learn just how strong you can be. Knowing that you can handle whatever comes your way will increase your confidence and fearlessness. Travel has a natural ebb and flow. You learn to be in the moment when you're on your own. There is no way to plan for all possible outcomes, so trust yourself that whatever happens, good or bad, you can handle it.
Traveling isn't always easy. Buses break down; airlines cancel flights; and you get lost (always in my case, anyway). There is nothing worse than wanting to go on a wonderful day trip, but you do not have a car. All of that is part of the solo adventure and the story you'll share afterward.
By solving more problems, one gains the confidence to solve new ones. Your creativity muscle grows stronger each time you overcome a new challenge. Your life lessons and valuable skills will stick with you long after the trip is over.
When you travel alone, you can do exactly what you want when you want. You don't have to worry about disappointing anyone or negotiating. Follow your own rhythm and desires. Take a detour if something catches your eye. Make a change. Get to know new people. Let it flow. Shrug off those "shoulds" you're used to and follow your inner compass. You'll feel so much better.
The best way to learn about yourself is to be alone. A solo adventure in a new place is fertile ground for self-discovery and figuring out what you're capable of. I think you find out what you are truly made of when you're away from your people and your obligations.
Don't be afraid to try new things. Discover parts of yourself you're not so comfortable with. Get your amazing self out of the cage - not the one restricted by expectations and obligations. Make an introduction to the world.
You will be more open to talking to people you don't know when you travel alone. Getting to know a place is easy when you meet its locals, and that's much easier when traveling alone. If you travel with someone else, you will still meet other people, but not on the same level. It's great to see a place through the eyes of a local. Once you meet them and find out how much you have in common, you won't feel so alone anymore.
Solo travel means you're writing your own story. It's your choice where to go, what to do, and even how to view things. I think experience is more valuable than stuff, and the stories that connect places, events, and people are priceless.
That dessert you got from the local chef who served wine; that paper flower you got from a kid walking through the city; or the scar on your leg from the motorbike (whoops!). You'll remember these stories years after the adventure ends.
A solo adventure is one of the best ways to care for yourself. When traveling with others, you must accommodate their needs and wants. Traveling alone, however, is all about you. Take a nap whenever you need to and engage in activities you enjoy. Don't go to the top tourist attraction in a city if you don't want to. Get away from the city for a day and commune with nature if the city overwhelms you. Take better care of yourself by tuning into your inner voice.
Be sure to leave your everyday life behind, including any stress or expectations that you may have. You don't have a boss, no controlling mother, no needy children. Take some time to nurture yourself and reconnect with yourself as you explore your surroundings and meet new people. Let that be a part of your trip that you take home with you. First solo trips teach you so much about yourself and about the world that you can never unlearn them. Whenever you let yourself travel solo, something sparks inside of you. Suddenly you'll see the world from a different perspective, and it's intoxicating.
It's not just the world around you that seems different, but also within you. Just imagine what you could accomplish if there were no limitations imposed by others or by yourself. Traveling solo makes you realize how amazing and powerful you are. You've got nothing to lose. You'll be glad you gave yourself that.
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