Solo travel has many benefits, and one of the most obvious is that it boosts your confidence. Everything is up to you when you are on your own, and this can be exhilarating. It’s all about responsibility – if something goes wrong, it’s up to you to fix it. And with every success comes more confidence.
Here are 11 reasons why solo travel will make you feel confident!
1) You learn to rely on yourself
When traveling solo, there is no one else around who can help you. If something goes wrong, it’s down to you to fix the problem – whether that means making a phone call or asking for directions.
This is one of the benefits of solo travel, you realize how much more capable and resourceful you are than you thought! You have to learn how to do things independently – from navigating new cities and countries to organizing your transport options and accommodation.
2) You develop fearlessness
When something unexpected happens while traveling, you have to deal with it. This makes you fearless in the face of uncertainty and doubt – as well as helping you be more flexible.
If something goes wrong, instead of panicking or freaking out, simply ask yourself, “how can I fix this?”
3) You become more resourceful
When traveling solo, it’s up to you to solve problems.
Whether that means booking a new hotel room when yours is double-booked or finding the best way home if your transport breaks down – being resourceful comes in very handy.
4) You become wiser
Traveling solo takes you out of your comfort zone. This makes you embrace new experiences and cultures and learn from the people around you – both locals and other travelers.
In turn, this leads to a more open mind, which means that when issues arise in life back home, instead of avoiding them or trying to ignore them, you face up to things head-on.
5)You’ll feel vulnerable.
Many things can go wrong while traveling.
This can be scary at first, but once the initial fear has passed, this feeling of vulnerability is actually quite empowering – because if anything does happen while on your trip alone, instead of hiding away in a corner (like many people would), then don’t hesitate to ask for help.
6) You learn how to make friends with strangers
When you are traveling solo, it’s up to you to meet new people and make friends! It can be a little scary at first, but when you take that plunge and start talking to someone, all sorts of opportunities open up for making new connections and building friendships that will enrich your trip in ways never imagined before!
You can start chatting to your waiter or fellow traveler on the train/bus. Who knows, they could become some of your best travel buddies too. So don’t miss out on making those great memories together.
7) You become more confident in your abilities
Slowly but surely, if you stay positive and don’t give up on yourself, you learn how to solve problems by using your resourcefulness and experience less stress along the way because if anything does go wrong while traveling alone.
Instead of worrying about things too much or panicking over what might happen next, simply take a deep breath, then think to yourself, “I’ve got this!”
8) You learn how to be flexible
When you travel solo, instead of being tied down by a group itinerary or someone else’s plans, then the only person who is in control of your trip – YOU!
You’ll learn to stay calm when something unexpected happens and make the necessary changes.
Flights home can get delayed, wifi/internet can be scarce, and tours can suddenly be canceled due to bad weather conditions. As long as you stay calm and don’t start freaking out, things will work out OK.
9) More confident in your self-worth
Traveling solo gives you the time and space to realize your self-worth. It’s easy to get lost in the rhythm of everyday life. It’s easy to lose yourself and drown in doing what everyone else wants you to do.
However, when you’re traveling alone, it makes you think about who YOU want to be!
10) You become more independent
Traveling solo is the BEST way to learn how to be independent! It teaches you how to fend for yourself, how to be resourceful, and how to think on your feet.
This is a valuable skill that can be used in all aspects of life – not just travel!
11)You learn to make decisions decisively
You won’t have someone else there telling you where and when – instead, you have to make the decisions.
This teaches you how to take decisive action in all aspects of life and makes for a much more confident person overall.
Final Notes
All in all, traveling solo is an amazing way to boost your confidence! From learning how to solve problems and being more independent to gaining new friendships along the way, these are just some of the many benefits that come with setting off on a trip by yourself.
So if you’ve been thinking about traveling solo but have been hesitant for whatever reason, then I would recommend giving it a go because not only will you make the most of every moment but also gain so many invaluable experiences in return.
So what are you waiting for?! Life is too short to stay within your comfort zone!
