Solo Travel: Why You Should
"Don't be scared to walk alone. Don't be scared to like it." John Mayer
A few days ago I was having a chat with a friend who has just taken a 3 month sabbatical leave to travel across South East Asia. She had everything already planned out - several friends joining at different stages of the trip - until a fall out happened and she realised she’d have to spend 2 weeks travelling by herself. She asked for my advice on solo travel; why I did it, if it is as daunting as it sounds, how one gets through the day alone etc…
In our everyday lives, especially for the unmarried ones who live by themselves, we spend our day most times without friends or family in sight. If you’ve survived that, then bingo! You can travel solo and be fine. Yes, it may be an unfamiliar place but between Maps, TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet and the million and one apps available, we really don’t have any reason to fear getting lost or not being able to find our way around.
I am quite a champion at being independent: #TeamTableForOne, I’ll go to the movies by myself, I enjoy sitting at the bar by myself talking to bartenders as they work (hey, there are many handsome bartenders and I love to learn cocktail recipes too), I generally go off to do very fun things alone. Peoples’ reactions have always been of pity, like I have no one to travel or do these things with.
While it is amazing sharing new experiences and culture with lovers, friends and family, there’s a compelling case to step out of your comfort zone and embark on a solo trip, and no, I don’t mean work trips where you really don’t have a choice.
Here are 5 reasons I think my friend and everyone else should travel solo at least once in their lifetime:
1. Planning for one is easier
Any time I’ve tried to get a group together for a trip, it was too difficult to nail down a date or place that worked for everyone. Most people get all excited and then start pulling out closer to booking time. I still have a pending trip to Gambia because of this and now I have to pay twice as much to do it because it was much cheaper when I initially came up with the plan 3 years ago.
It really is challenging coordinating a trip with people and sometimes you miss out on opportunities and fantastic deals waiting for someone to have the time to go somewhere with you. Time isn’t waiting for you, why wait for someone?
2. It is empowering
A solo trip can be a powerful and life-changing experience.
Once you take the plunge and get over your fears, you’ll feel a sense of empowerment.
Imagine sitting on a beach, beer in hand, watching the sunset, just you and your thoughts. You actually enjoy the moment without having to make conversation with anyone or spending the whole time taking photos. You spend your time paying attention to that very moment.
Leaving your comfort zone is good for you and what better way to build your independence than: having to speak in a language you are not fluent in; figuring out how to get from point A to B in unfamiliar places and with unfamiliar people. It is a wonderful thing.
If your solo vacation goes well, it will most likely inspire you to tackle even more daunting things in life you’ve been afraid to try.
3. You get to meet new people
If you’re a born extrovert, traveling alone can be a wonderful way to meet locals and make new friends. If you are an introvert, that is still okay as you get to go at your pace. Being by yourself makes it easier for people to approach you: whereas when your friends are around you, people may be reluctant to interrupt. It lowers the barrier for mixing with locals.
4. Do everything you want at your time and pace
People traveling together will have different preferences for activities and itineraries and this can be stressful as you have to be considerate. Sometimes this means not indulging in some activities that you’d want.
You do not want to get dragged on kayak adventure when you have a phobia for water, or talked out of dining at an amazing restaurant because it is over the budget of your travel partner.
You can wake up and decide to lazy about in your super comfy room watching a movie on Netflix (or IrokoTV) and not feel guilty about ‘wasting’ a day that should be spent doing activities for the ‘gram. You are only responsible for your own good times, and no one else’s.
5. You get freebies and better service
For some reason, service at hotels and restaurants seems better when you’re traveling single. People tend to admire (or feel pity towards) those who travel alone, and it’s possible that when you make it known, you could be in for a sweet room upgrade or drinks “on the house”. Locals are generally nicer and generous when you are by yourself. Most of the upgrades, freebies and invitations I got were the times I was by myself. I now find that even when I travel with people I always sneak off to have some time exploring the place by myself. This hostel I stayed in on the trip to Merzouga had only one room with a balcony facing the mountain and guess who got it? The lone female traveler!
Travelling is an addiction in and of itself but the freedom you get when you travel solo is just different. From going at your own pace and not feeling guilty about it, to the strength and confidence you discover within yourself. The key is to keep an open mind while keeping safety in mind. If being lonely while travelling solo is part of your concern you can always sign up for day tours and excursions, or sign up to Tinder and arrange coffee, lunch or dinner dates. While people use Tinder as a hookup tool, I see it more as a social discovery tool that allows you to see the city through a local’s eyes when you are abroad. You get free and authentic tips from the locals– like the cheap, non-touristy bars, restaurants, clubs and hangouts – your very own personalised tour and you don’t even need to meet up with anyone, can you beat that? Or you can, if you are up for it, meet them and who knows, that could be the beginning or a wonderful friendship or love. I am all here for Tinder Tourism.
My friend has booked her ticket and I am excited for her. I'm almost certain I'll see a different person when she returns in December.
Have you gone on a solo trip? Did you hate or love it? Would you do it again?
