5 Reasons Why You Should Travel Alone

Here I am again, traveling alone and feeling anxious… or should I say excited? It’s been two years since I don’t travel by myself. I used to love going places alone and then, all of a sudden, it stopped. I guess I used to be more comfortable being uncomfortable and let me tell you, nothing will make you get out of your comfort zone more than going somewhere new all by yourself for the first time. It’s exhilarating, exciting and, in a way, scary. It’s a feeling I cannot put into words. As I sit on the plane on my way to Los Angeles for the first time after 14 years, I have all sorts of feelings and thoughts running through me. I feel like a little kid who is about to discover something new, and now, at my older age, I know I am about to discover more about me. Pretty deep, huh?

If you want to try something new and discover who you really are, here are my top 5 reasons why you should travel alone:

1- Dealing With Your Own Fears

I’m not gonna lie, it can be scary to go somewhere you have never been before all by yourself. At the same time, however, this is what makes it all so exciting. By putting yourself in this position, you will most likely face your fears of being alone and vulnerable. Fear paralyzes us and because of it, most of us say “no” to amazing experiences and opportunities because our brains kick in and do their job of protecting us. You will never grow if you don’t go against your fears and, the biggest fear most people have, is to be alone. Let alone travel alone. Trust me, fear is paralyzing. You will think of all the reasons why you should not do it: money, time, kids, family, job, dogs, birds, etc. Here’s what I say, pick a location you have always wanted to visit. It doesn’t have to be far. Pick a place. Decide you will go and just go. You will be surprised at how this little act will change your life. Once you take your first trip, you will take your second one and then third and, next thing you know, you will be a world traveler.

2- Learn To Become More Independent

Being independent can mean many things to different people. However, the definition of independence is to be able to survive on your own, making your own decisions and being accountable for them all. Now, you can say you have your own place, pay your own bills and have your life together. However, when you travel alone, you only have yourself to rely on. You will be in a different place, around places and people you don’t know, and you will have to figure out how to eat, see places, and get around. Once you can do all this by yourself, the feeling of being self-sufficient is the highest high you will ever get. Now, imagine if you do this in a different culture and in another language? Simply wow!

3- Be Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

We are creatures of habit and we like what we know. Change is scary for most people. Being uncomfortable is something most of us don’t like nor want to deal with. In this way, we live lives we are not happy with and do things we don’t necessarily love, simply because we are comfortable with what we know. Is this really the life we are supposed to live? Are we here on this planet to simply have a family, wake up early, go to work, make money and do it all over again and again? If you are ok with that, I am not judging you. But, have you ever thought of a life where you try different things every day and really deal with what makes you uncomfortable? When you travel alone you will find situations on a daily basis that will make you uncomfortable. Maybe it’s the food, the people, the architecture, the demographics of your location of choice, the different addresses, you name it. By putting yourself in uncomfortable situations you will learn about you and about what you accept and don’t accept. Being uncomfortable is not a bad thing, guys. Welcome the discomfort of not knowing where to go, what to do and who to talk to. Embrace the fact that only through discomfort will we move forward and become the best versions of ourselves.

4- Get Lost

It is said that to find ourselves, we have to get lost. Get lost in a new place and find things you have never imagined were possible. We are so addicted to our phones and GPS that we don’t know the meaning of exploration. I say, no maps, no phones, no nothing. Just get out and walk, drive, bike, whatever. Go to a new place and just let go of any worries of having to visit the places Trip Advisor tells you to go. Who cares? Discover your own cool places, your own yummy restaurants, your own favorite little spots. Talk to locals and ask them where to go and what to do. Get out of the comfort zone and just go with the flow. Create your own top 10 places to see. Why do we have to follow others when we are all so different in our likes. Get out there and get lost. You will be happy you did.

5- Enjoy Your Own Company

You cannot love anyone else if you don’t know how to love yourself. That’s a fact! The only way to love yourself is to spend time in solitude, in exploration of your own person. Learn to love your company. What do you like? Do you even know? And when I ask this I mean, do you know who you are and not what others think you are? Being alone in a new place will give you the opportunity to be with yourself in your own discomfort and in your own way. You don’t have anyone to depend on nor to rely on. You are it, my friend. Learn to enjoy having fun with yourself, laughing alone, crying, screaming, dancing and admiring everything around you. Once you learn to love your own company, whoever comes along, if you don’t already have a partner, will be a matter of choice and not a necessity. We don’t need anyone. We came alone and we will leave alone. Love yourself, enjoy your company and everything else will be cherry on top of the cake.

There you go. I hope you take on a new adventure and get out there. This is such a big world with so many amazing things to see and do. So many incredible people to meet. Get in the car and drive. Book a ticket to a place you’ve always wanted to go and just go. Trust me, you will love it and you will never be the same person again. Have fun and safe travels!