If you haven’t traveled alone, you should give it a try. I've traveled to Malaysia by myself, hiked alone in the mountains and I’ve been alone at a cabin in the middle of nowhere for one week.
The first time I was on a plane alone I was 17 and I felt like I owned the world. You won’t believe how amazing it is before you try it.I decided to sum up the most important reasons why you should travel alone.
At one point, on my trip to Malaysia, I found myself in a big city in need of a taxi. I didn’t have cash and the few ATM machines I could find didn’t work. I asked around for a bank, but no one could speak English, not even the police. I was hot, thirsty, hungry and frustrated. Hours went by and I was just walking alone in this huge city. I had no phone signal, no money and nowhere to go.
When I stumbled upon a dead body in a back alley, I had enough.
After sitting down and cursing the entire country for a minute, I spotted a bank worker inside a closed bank. I desperately knocked the window and she helped me withdraw some money.
In spite of these painful hours of my stay, I enjoyed Malaysia and it was super cool to discover a country all by myself. I met some interesting people and I enjoyed the sun there. I didn’t miss Norway at all.
If you have a family and it’s hard to get away, try going to the neighboring city and get a hotel for just one night. Explore both the city and who you are when you’re alone.
Don’t get me wrong, I do think that great experiences are better when shared. The best times in my life has been while traveling with friends. But I also think you should travel alone and enjoy the following benefits at least once. Go on an adventure!
1. You learn about yourself
I learned that I was more independent than I thought I was. I also got to know more about my strong and weak sides. Two of my many weaknesses: I’m very worried and I’m grumpy until I’ve had food in the morning. My strength: I never give up.
(Unless it is getting through a Bachelor of Business and Economics. I gave up, I quit and it’s been the best choice I’ve ever done because I became a journalist instead.)
2. It’s out of your comfort zone (most likely)
At least it was for me. If something scares you or is uncomfortable, you have more reason to do it. I found that I grow every time I do something I don’t want to or something I dread.
3. You’ll get know other people
Traveling alone is a great way to make new friends and acquaintances. I guess you're a bit more approachable when alone, instead of in a big group. Also you'll be more open to talking to people when your BFF is M.I.A.
4. Freedom
You’ll feel free when you travel alone. Free like the bird, it can’t be explained, only experienced.
5. Planning the trip is easier
Well, you're the whole travel group, the trip planner and the guide. You basically decide everything. When I travel with friends, I agree to join events or to go see sights that I didn’t really want to go to. (Although that has sometimes turned out to be super fun, like a spring break concert in Jamaica.) I can spend as much time as I want in each restaurant and I am free to lay in bed one entire day with a book just because I want to.
6. Confidence
I believe more in myself after traveling alone. I'm now less afraid and more confident that I could do anything I want to.
7. Time alone
Although I’m super outgoing and social, I’m actually an introvert. I loved spending time alone when I traveled solo.
8. Flexibility
You don’t have to consider anyone else’s opinion if you rapidly change your plans. This is great for a spontaneous person like me.
I decided to end all my posts with a song, so here is my second song to y’all:
Imagine Dragons
Susanne
Couldn't agree more I have traveled a lot solo. My scariest moment was also in Malaysia, KL, no dead bodies though. Was staying in a €1.47 hostel and couldn't find it again, not even the area. Ended up talking to so many people at 4am, that city doesn't sleep, ate breakfast with some market traders setting up for the day. And finally with the help of a firefighter found my hostel.
terrible night great memory
WOW! That sound horrible, and that would probably make me cry, haha. Thank God for firefighters, right? :)
ah I didn't say I didn't cry, but the market traders consoled me with dumplings
HAHAHAHA!!! dumplings fixes everything!
Travelling alone and finding a dead body? You're braver than me!
I wouldn't have gone in to that street if I knew. So I'm not really that brave.
I remember being in a remote village in Croatia as a teen, crying in a telephone box after being robbed, I was alone, hungry, not speaking a word of the language. Wow what a humbling experience. Definitely grew because of that. I thought I was dead for sure. All I had was a harmonica and a bottle of water. Hey - I made it and the harp - so apt at a time like that!
Oh my gosh! That's horrible. I would have been a very dramatic teenager at that point. I'm glad you and the harmonica made it through that incident.
Thanks Susanne. I absolutely loved your post by the way. Keep em coming.
Best
Booky
Great article! I agree completely because my first solo experience to Rome really opened my eyes up for how I need to plan things out a little ahead. Did I learn from my past visit to Europe? Nope :-P If you haven't been to Poland then I highly recommend it
Thank you. How was Rome? Haha, way to go! I never learn either. I agree, I've been to three cities in Poland. It's great and for us Norwegians it's super cheap too.
Rome was crazy but it was easy to navigate. The people there are really nice and it is a great getaway during the winter. I also enjoy Florence and Assisi as well and they're a day trip away from Rome. Florence is definitely take more than a day.
I am a little biased when it comes to Poland because I lived there for my study abroad. Krakow has my heart!
Gives me something to consider at this time in my life. Thanks.
dubloon135
I'm happy if I can get only one person to consider traveling alone somewhere! You're welcome.
Great story , I couldn't agree more, travel solo you learn so much about your self it is priceless. I went traveling solo and now live in Cambodia life would be so different if I stayed in Australia. I have changed for the better.
That's inspiring. What's Cambodia like?
its very hot or very hot and wet haha I love it, a nice relaxed lifestyle
If you like the rain, you should visit Norway! Ha ha! Sounds like you're living the dream.
..and I've never been so alone, annnd I've, never been so ALIVE
This is so true!
motorcycle drive by
Yep i do this often. You make an effort to be with people when you like. You get to know others and learn a lot more about where you are and where you might want to go next. Highly recommend doing this
That's correct. And yes, The Road is made while you're walking.
As someone currently on a two week trip by himself, great analysis.
Thats cool, where are you traveling?