Why Every Woman Should Travel Solo At least Once in Their Life

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There are many benefits of travelling alone, but solo travel is one of those topics that raise a bunch of mixed interest from people. Some would never travel alone and the very thought of navigating a new country by themselves is terrifying. Others are raring to go and can’t wait to get out the door!

There are plenty of benefits to solo travel, however, a lot of women have small niggling worries that hold them back. Like what do you do if you get lost? What if you don’t enjoy it because there’s nobody to talk to? Or what if you get funny looks sitting on the plane or eating at a restaurant by yourself?

the benefits of travelling alone

None of these reasons should be a factor that stops you from going altogether, just things that you need to consider when you’re making your plans.

1. It opens your eyes 

Travel, in general, can open your eyes to so much.

It’s easy to get caught up in our own little routines or the 9-5, school run and housework. Travelling gives us the chance to experience different cultures and different ways of life.

When you travel, you experience things that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to. You see things that others only dream of seeing and visit places that are so much more amazing in real life than the staged photos that we all see on Instagram.

Travel allows you to challenge yourself, especially when you go solo. You can push yourself to the limit and really get out of your comfort zone.  

2. It gives you the chance to learn 

Seeing and experiencing the world is so much more educational than a training course or a classroom.

Everywhere you go has something unique for you to immerse yourself in. Whether that is a new language, a new cuisine, a new aspect of culture, a way of life, faith etc.

Travelling gives you the tools to learn new skills and new knowledge and you may even gain new opinions. The best part is that because you physically get to experience these things in real life, you’ll actually remember them.

How much of your high school knowledge do you remember now, let alone actually use?

The things you’ll learn as a traveller will stay with you forever, long after you’ve left the country.  

3. You make friends for life 

A lot of the time when you do go on a solo trip, you’re not actually alone.

There are tourists everywhere all over the world and 9 out of 10 times, when you visit a popular attraction or explore a new country, there will be others there. And sometimes, without even trying, these people can become your friends.

Maybe you’ll meet someone in your hotel or hostel and you’ll get talking and realise you have similar interests. It’s surprising how many locals will start a conversation with solo travellers; whether they want to find out a little more about your journey, make you feel more welcome in their home city or just have a general conversation.

And this definitely isn’t something to shy away from.

Despite what people tell you or you see on the News, there are plenty of good people all over the world who genuinely want to lend a hand.

Making friends with different cultures and fellow travellers can really enhance a trip as well as restore your faith in humankind.   

4. You can enjoy your own company 

Everybody needs a bit of ‘me time’ now and again and there’s no better place to get it than abroad. As well as being able to enjoy your own company, you also end up learning more about yourself.

There are probably a bunch of things that you would’ve liked to try while travelling but never got the chance to.

Well, when you travel solo, the world is your oyster and if you want to try something new, there is nobody stopping you from doing it. 

5. You do what you want when you want 

Have you ever been out shopping with a friend, partner or parent and been finished in that shop ages ago but the person you’re with just wants to amble down every aisle?

Or have you ever been on a trip with someone who likes to sit on the beach or lay by the pool and all you want to do is explore but you also feel bad for leaving them?

One of the serious benefits of travelling alone is that it eliminates all these problems.

If you want to lay in, you can and nobody will come banging on your door telling you to get up.

If you want to travel on a budget and stay in cheaper accommodation, you can. You choose the restaurant you eat at; you choose what to do each day and you don’t have to compromise at all.

Travelling in your own style can honestly be the most refreshing thing you will ever do. 

6. It gives you confidence 

The confidence boost from travelling solo can literally be amazing.

Hitting the ‘Book’ button on Skyscanner for your first solo flight can be mega scary, but the rewards that come with it are incredible.

You’ll be able to feel empowered every step of the way knowing that you’ve done something that a lot of people only dream of. When you travel solo you literally are your own boss; you call the shots, and you’re in charge.

And this can be such an eye-opening experience and eliminate any doubts that you’ve had about your own ability. Plus, you will also become reliant on only yourself and realise that you don’t need other people to be with you to make you happy. 

7. You realise your own abilities 

Travelling solo will force you to do things that you wouldn’t normally do, and whether you like it or not, you won’t have a choice.

Do you often rely on someone else for directions when you travel?

Well, if you travel solo, this will be on you.

D you normally let someone else plan the itinerary or choose the restaurant?

That will also be your call.

A lot of these situations, although they may put you out of your comfort zone, will make you realise that you can do much more than you think you can. You can eat alone, you can navigate your way around a foreign country alone; in fact, you can do anything when you put your mind to it!

This is one of the great benefits of travelling alone as it can be more empowering than any trip you take with someone else.  

8. You can face your fears 

There are a lot of fears associated with solo travel, especially if you’re female.

Safety, getting lost, feeling lonely or homesick, and getting unwanted attention from men are all worries that you can face on your travels but each of these points is simple enough to remedy.

If you’re worried about getting lost, always keep a note of your hotel’s address on you, just in case. It’s also a good idea to keep the number for your travel insurance’s emergency line.

Make sure to arrange a time to speak with loved ones back home when you travel. Despite the time difference, there will always be a time that works for both of you and lots of WIFI call services that make speaking to people across the world super easy.

If anyone gives you unwanted attention, make sure to be firm and not encourage this kind of behaviour. Staying near public places and tourist destinations will often ensure there are others around who will be able to help if things get out of hand.

With a lot of these points, it’s not about travelling less or only visiting certain destinations, it’s about travelling smarter. Take precautions and make sure that whatever situation you find yourself in, you’re never without a backup plan.  

9. It can actually be safer 

Regardless of what people may say to you before a solo trip, travelling alone is no less safe than staying at home.

8 out of 10 reported cases of rape occur where the victim knew their attacker. As sad as this is, the unfortunate truth is that more assault or violent crime happens when you’re at home than when you are abroad. So, whether you’re alone or not doesn’t actually make any difference at all.

In many homicide cases abroad, people were attacked when they were with their partners, friends, or even locals. The majority of attacks are planned; travelling solo isn’t what makes you a target and more often than not, people are just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Nevertheless, some of the more popular travel destinations are actually the safest places on the planet.

Countries like Singapore, Japan, Portugal, Zambia, Norway and Austria are all rated as some of the safest countries in the world. Iceland has been rated the safest country in the world and New Zealand comes in at number 2. Both these destinations would be perfect if you’re looking for the safest trip possible.

10. Freedom 

On a much more positive note, the freedom you experience as a solo traveller is next to none.

You honestly won’t get that experience from doing anything else in the world. When you travel solo, and especially when you buy a one-way ticket, there is honestly nothing holding you back. This is one of the best benefits of travelling alone!

No rules, no deadlines, no one saying ‘are we there yet’, no one saying ‘I’m bored, can we go now’.

Travel can be the perfect escape from a soul-sucking job, troubles at home, or a bad breakup.

Travel can be a great relief from stress and leaving everything behind is sometimes just the dose of freedom that you need.  

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