Traveling is the best way to explore. You can explore yourself as a person, explore the world around you, explore different cultures, people, languages, regions, and more. Traveling alone in particular offers opportunities to get to know the world we live in the way you want to, without having to consult any companions.
Usually, solo traveling is regarded as an activity to do before you get married, have kids, become a true adult with mountains of responsibilities. However, traveling when you’re younger can be difficult because you lack money, you may not know what you want, and you may not feel comfortable being on your own for long periods of time. Because of this, the best time to travel by yourself is at midlife or later. Here are some tips to make sure you make the most of your time traveling alone.
Why Travel Alone?
Traveling alone may not sound appealing to everyone right off the bat. Why risk being lonely, bored, and scared in an unfamiliar place? As it turns out, many of these seemingly negative side effects are actually some of the most important benefits of travel. In fact, going through culture shock can make you a more adaptable person, and being vulnerable to loneliness can help you learn how to overcome it and make new friends wherever you are.
Additionally, traveling alone can help you discover — or rediscover — yourself. As you go through life, you accumulate responsibilities. If you are married, you dedicate a lot of time to your partner and their needs. If you have children, you dedicate a lot of time to caring for them, getting them through their education, helping them pursue their interests, and giving them a good life. Even the most independent person can get swept up in other’s needs throughout their life.
If this sounds like you, then going on a trip somewhere by yourself can help you get to know yourself again for you, rather than for the provider you have been for the past few decades. Focusing on your desires without having to worry about anyone else is a liberation that you can benefit from in many ways. You can discover new passions and make memories that are just your own.
A Life With No Regrets
As mentioned, traveling on your own is often looked at as a frivolous experience meant for youth, but when you’re young, you may not have the opportunity to travel. Hopefully, you can create this opportunity for yourself at a later age. Even if you don’t have a lot of money to spare for luxuries, you can save up money for your trip and look for ways to save money while you are away.
According to financial experts at Fiscal Tiger, there are plenty of ways to save money while on vacation without having to compromise the quality of your experience. This can include the following:
- Use alternative transportation, such as renting bikes, using the metro, or taking the bus
- Use alternative lodging options, such as hostels, VRBO or AirBnB
- Book your trip for off-season
- Save up airline points
- Buy a tourist pass
- Avoid monetary transaction fees when traveling abroad
Of course, you can also choose your destination according to your monetary and time budgets. Especially for your first solo trip, you can try going somewhere relatively close to home. Traveling alone isn’t about going to the most fabulous destination or traveling in luxury, it’s about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, making new experiences, and growing as a person. If you have the chance to solo travel at any age, take it! It may be scary at times, but the opportunities it will give you are priceless.
Have you ever tried traveling alone? If you have, how did you like it? If not, what is stopping you? Leave a comment below.
Why was this article written by a man? This totally stymies me. And boomer men traveling alone? He could not put in anything personal since the topic does not apply to him.
That’s a good point, Olivia. I appreciate your feedback. I know a lot of millennials these days who have inspiring moms who travel alone, but you’re right.
Haha, that’s exactly what got me thinking about this article, actually. I’m sorry if I offended you; in fact, I’d love to read your experiences of traveling alone as a boomer woman, Olivia!