Travel

Go Solo: An Argument for Travelling Alone

If you’ve ever eaten alone in a restaurant, the idea of going on holiday by yourself might not sound all that scary. However, if you’re the type of person who would rather do anything but, it’s unlikely you’d ever even entertain the notion of travelling solo.

But have you ever really thought it through? Sure, nobody likes to be lonely or appear as if they are, but if other people’s perceptions or the dreaded Fear is putting you off, why not consider it as a challenge? If you’re skeptical, there are reasons why travelling alone could be the most enjoyable adventure of all…

Firstly, if you’re often a slave to the aforementioned Fear – you know, that thing which stops you from speaking to strangers or going for a job you really want - heading off somewhere by yourself might just be the perfect chance to confront it head on. When was the last time you were scared by something but did it anyway? Once you’ve been halfway across the world with nothing but a suitcase and your own thoughts for company, chances are going for that promotion at work will be a no brainer. On the other hand, if you’re struggling to find a path in life, a break from the stresses and strains of the daily routine – and the people who are a part of this – might be enough to allow your thoughts to clear and a new perspective to form.

As well as being therapeutic in this way and a healthy activity nevertheless, another reason to consider travelling solo is pure selfishness. But in a good way of course! If you’ve ever been on a trip with friends where you’ve sacrificed activities you’ve wanted to do for the majority vote, you’ll know how frustrating it can be to have other people decide the details for you. By going unaccompanied, not only will you have the freedom to do exactly as you wish whenever you wish, but you might be able to try a few things you’d never do in a group. If you want to stay in a Travelodge or a five-star resort, you’ve got the deciding vote! From choosing hotels to what time you eat dinner: it could be liberating to have total control.

If you’ve been prevented from travelling before due to money issues, this kind of trip could help. Without family or friends to consider, you might be more inclined to take the cheaper option where you’ve previously shelled out. There are loads of ways to cut costs whilst travelling, from using coaches instead of trains, and National express vouchers or money-off deals whilst you’re at it, you could actually find solo travel to be the most frugal kind of all!

At home, it’s easy to get stuck in the same old routine. We wake up, go to work, socialize at the same places with the same people, and probably never venture very far outside of our comfort zone. On the contrary, the experience of being abroad is so far removed from day to day life that it forces a new way of interacting with others. So there’s a good chance you will meet a lot of new people, and a pretty varied range at that – from like-minded travellers to random people you never thought you’d make friends with – it’s a fantastic chance to get learn about new cultures and traditions as well as widening your social circle.

If you wish you had the confidence to take a trip alone, why not make 2013 the year? Whether you’re in search of personal growth or just downright adventure, one thing’s for sure: you’ll never have any qualms about booking a table for one.

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