Why Going Solo is the Ultimate Travel Hack
After months of planning a backpacking trip with your friends abroad, you finally ask if everyone’s ready to book their flights - and then…your question is met with silence. The group chat turns to crickets, and suddenly, the excuses start rolling in about why they can’t make it anymore. It’s frustrating, disappointing, and all in all just kind of sucks. You’re left wondering what to do next - should you wait until your friends are ready, or should you say sod it and go alone? Then all the questions and self-doubt start flooding in: is it safe to travel alone? Will I feel lonely? Am I able to enjoy travelling solo abroad if I’m an introvert or a woman?
Backpacking solo sounds daunting, but hear me out (as someone who's travelled solo many times): what if I told you that your friends backing out could be the best thing that’s ever happened to your travel plans? That’s right - getting ditched by flaky friends might just be the perfect chance to embrace solo travel. Here’s why:
You Discover the Pure Joy of Making Your Own Schedule
When you travel with friends, there’s always some level of compromise. Maybe you wanted to explore that quirky museum, but your friends were more interested in hitting the beach instead. Or perhaps you’re an early bird who loves catching the sunrise, while they prefer to sleep in. When you travel solo, the only person you need to consider is yourself. One of the greatest joys of solo travel is the freedom to create your own itinerary, change plans on a whim, and spend your time doing exactly what makes you happy - without needing to accommodate anyone else’s preferences.
You can choose your perfect Workaway project or join local events based on your personal interests, wake up when you want, linger at a museum for hours, or spontaneously decide to explore a hidden gem that catches your eye on your wander around a new place. This autonomy allows you to dive deeply into your interests, pursue activities at your own pace, and fully immerse yourself in the experience and culture without worrying what others want to do. The power of uninterrupted exploration lies in these moments as you’re free to follow your curiosity wherever it leads, creating a travel experience that is entirely your own.
It's The Perfect Opportunity to Grow and Build Your Self-Confidence
Travelling with friends can sometimes feel like carrying a security blanket. Even though you’re in a foreign place, you’re with people you know, which makes it easier to stick to your comfort zone and only talk to the people you know. But when you travel solo, you’re pushed to rely on just yourself and no one else. Whether it’s navigating a new city, dining alone, or striking up conversations with strangers, solo travel forces you to grow in ways that group/friendship travel simply doesn’t.
There's a unique thrill in successfully navigating a foreign country, ordering food in a language you're just learning, striking up a conversation with a stranger who soon becomes a great travel buddy, or conquering a tough hike on your own. These small victories add up, and before you know it, your confidence is soaring. Solo travel offers an incredible opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth - just take a look at some of the inspiring stories shared by fellow Workawayers! It reveals that you’re capable of far more than you ever imagined. The memories and sense of empowerment you gain from these experiences will stick with you long after you’ve returned home.
You Get to Reconnect with The Most Important Person in Your Life - Yourself!
Life gets busy, and it’s easy to lose sight of who you are amidst the chaos of work, relationships, and social obligations. Solo travel gives you the rare opportunity to reconnect with yourself. It’s a chance to reflect, recharge, and rediscover what truly matters to you and be present in the moment. Whether it’s spending a day hiking in nature, journaling in a cosy café, or simply sitting in silence and soaking in the atmosphere, solo travel allows you to discover a new version of yourself as you tune into your own thoughts and feelings without the distraction of others.
Don’t let your friends’ flake-out on you to prevent you from exploring the beauties of the world. It happens, and it’s their loss. Rather than dwell on the disappointment, see it as a blessing in disguise.
Solo travel offers unmatched freedom, allowing you to move at your own pace, explore your unique interests, and adapt your plans on the fly without worrying about others' preferences. It opens up opportunities like Workaway, a cultural exchange platform where you can learn new skills and live like a local! Allowing an amazing way to stretch your budget, immerse yourself in the local culture, and meet new people.
It also encourages self-discovery and builds confidence, pushing you out of your comfort zone and facilitating meaningful connections with locals and fellow travellers. Travelling alone gives you the opportunity to uncover new destinations, meet incredible people, and, most importantly, learn more about yourself while fully immersing in the experience. This creates a more authentic and memorable journey, tailored entirely to your desires. So, pack that backpack, book that ticket, and set off on the adventure of a lifetime - you might just find that you’re better off without your friends anyway.
About Stephanie
Stephanie was born on an island and raised in a British/Portuguese multicultural background. From a young age, she learned how to embrace different languages, traditions and cultures. This upbringing
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