The fear of solo traveling might be justified, but the experience can be transformational. We see the growing number of solo travels happening year in and year out. A discussion ensued online about things people thoroughly enjoyed when traveling alone. We highlighted some responses below.
1. No Place Like Home
We agree that going to a new place is so much fun. The experience helps people keep open minds about other places, cultures, and people. But more than that, have you experienced that overwhelming joy of returning home to your space? What better way to appreciate home than spending some time away from home?
2. Discovering Different Cultured People
There is a temptation to say that most people forget this line, but we would refrain from that. Someone shares being appreciative of people who understand the meaning of “public spaces” and conduct themselves accordingly. Finding out that people in a different region “rarely take up unnecessary space and absentmindedly cause obstructions” and comparing it to your town filled with people who do the direct opposite and ensure their disregard for shared spaces is felt by everyone is something that would stick for a while.
3. Good Conversation With Strangers
When you’re on the road with friends, you hardly have the time or opportunity to meet strangers who aren’t in the circle. Solo traveling allows you to enjoy random conversations with strangers. You get to talk with them without feeling like you’re cheating on your friends or travel buddies.
4. Sleeping in Survival Mode
Most people prefer to fall asleep in a quiet, dark, and comfortable place. Most people find sleeping in an environment that isn’t all three almost impossible. Someone mentions that they are grateful to learn how to fall asleep with noise playing in the background, and now they can be awarded “best in sleeping soundly in any hostel dorm room.” They must have been through a lot to learn how to sleep like that!
5. Taking Time Off
Some reasons for vacationing are to rest, relax, and enjoy yourself. Are you even on vacation if you aren’t doing things that fall into these categories? There is something about being out of the house and away from your daily routine. To top it off is taking that time and doing absolutely nothing — pure bliss.
6. Experiencing Changes in the Way We View Life
Someone mentions the ability to “compare and analyze what you hold most important.” When we step out and experience new places and people, it opens us up in more ways than one. We see things that are different and similar to what we are used to. In most cases, it helps us question things we wouldn’t do on a typical day.
7. Food
Yes! We totally agree! Every place has its signature dish or cuisine. Traveling to these places is one of the best ways to experience their food. Do you know what’s better than that? Traveling solo and trying whatever you want. You don’t need anyone to agree or disagree with your choice.
8. Wearing Light Clothes
A commenter shares that solo traveling has taught them always to wear “fast-dry, lightweight, polyester/merino wool.” These materials can be washed and dried very quickly. Of course, we understand that some situations/places might require thicker clothes, and that’s fine, too. You could pack a few of those and lighter clothes.
9. Shampoo Plus Sink Equals Clean Clothes
One of the issues most people face is sorting out their dirty laundry when they are in a different place. The most convenient option is to use the laundry services in your hotel, but that can be expensive. Another perk to wearing light clothes is quickly washing them in the sink or shower. A person discovered that using shampoo and water on their clothes perfectly cleans them. Talk about a life hack!
10. Being Able To Pack Light
If you are one of the people who can comfortably park light for any trip, you should be proud of your superpower. It makes moving, getting on any transport, or even walking so much easier. It means no extra baggage or moving with people who have excess luggage. It would be just you and your light bag — sounds like freedom.
11. The Simplicity of Life
A comment talks about how simple life is in a different place than where they live. It’s in the simple, little things. For instance, the public transport in one place might be so diverse that it would touch one’s soul, or it could be the people and how they live their lives. Overall, it is only possible to experience if you go over there and live in the moment.
12. Being Unapologetically You
This is a personal favorite. Being aware that there’s no one around to pressure or influence your choices can be another form of self-discovery. You can do whatever you want without needing permission or trying to negotiate and compromise with anyone. Being alone, embracing it, and being selfish — in a good way, of course — is one of the many joys of solo travel.
Source: Reddit.
This article was initially published and syndicated by The Cents of Money.Â
