The most obvious benefit of traveling is that it helps you meet new people. When we travel with companions or even just a partner, we tend to stick to each other. Even though you get to meet new people, the dynamics and interactions won’t be as engaging or meaningful.
Traveling alone can get so lonely at some point that it will force an individual to meet and interact with total strangers. While you’re on your own on the road, you’re more likely to meet travel buddies, team up with other travelers and socialize more. Obviously, one needs to be careful when choosing whom to trust and take precautions to avoid potential danger.
Though not the most cost efficient means of going on an expedition, for lone travelers it’s easier now. With mobile apps like Air BnB and Couch Surfer, you can get accommodation either at a very low cost or even for free. It is also easier for solo travelers to obtain rooms at inns and hostels than in a group.
Safety can be a great relief, to which common sense is the key. Research a lot before you travel, check out destination and host reviews. Interact with other experienced travelers in forums and blogs. Overall, respect the local culture and customs, and you’ll be fine.
Traveling alone is the best way to step out of one’s comfort zone. It helps improve one’s problem solving and decision-making skills which in rediscovering oneself. One prominent advantage of such solo travel is that it improves one’s language proficiency. Moreover, traveling without a companion or guide will force an individual to learn at least a tiny bit of language for easier communication with the locals.
The greatest benefit of traveling alone is that one gets to be stress-free and relax. When traveling with a crowd, this aspect of traveling is often ignored. When you’re traveling alone, you’re free to make changes. You don’t have to fit into a group’s agenda or accommodate others. You are free to follow your own plans and wander about to your liking. Traveling alone gives one enough time to slow down, take things at their own pace.
All of us dream of finding true love, meeting someone who shares our interests, dreams, and goals. While out in the world, you get to meet so many people from many walks of life that this might just happen. For those who already have partners, time spent away may rekindle your passion and once you’re back, you’ll begin to appreciate each other’s company more.
Whether a backpacker or a budget traveler on the cheap or with sky as the limit, you can use your down time to pamper yourself. Do some yoga, get a massage, indulge yourself in rich and delicious local cuisine, take long walks on the beach or just idle around. Enjoy all the wonderful things the world can offer you, and come to the happy understanding that happiness is ingrained, not something to be sought after.