Travelling the world alone can, for many, be a tantalising prospect. But it can also be a daunting one. The very freedom that makes solo travel appealing can also instil an anxiety that can be difficult to shake. But it’s worth it: once you’ve done a little bit of solo travelling, you’ll gain the confidence and mental resilience you need to do more of it. These qualities will lead to personal growth that actually serves you well later in life, too.
Mental and physical health benefits
Travel solo, and you’ll have complete control over what you do on any given day. This responsibility will force you to make your own decisions, and to live with the consequences of those decisions. You’ll also have the novelty of new environments, especially if you’re touring multiple places in quick succession, and this stimulation can help to improve both your mental and physical health.
Open your mind and boost your confidence
If you’re travelling solo, you’ll get the chance to meet entirely new people and immerse yourself in unfamiliar cultures. If you’re the sort of person who naturally shies away from conversation, then this might be exactly the solution. If you’re having to converse with someone in a foreign language, then the effect is even greater, as you’ll be forced over time to understand not just their words but their perspectives as well. Or, if you’d prefer to ease yourself in, there are plenty of destinations in the UK suited to solo travellers.
Independence and personal freedom
Solo travel means devising an itinerary, which can be shaped according to your precise tastes. This means that you don’t have to waste any time pursuing activities that you aren’t quite as enthusiastic about. You can think of this as optimising your holiday to your precise tastes. If you want to spend the entire day beside the pool, on a foodie tour of the city centre, or on a hike through the local hills, then you can do so.
When planning your itinerary, it pays to be proactive. Start forming your plans as early as possible; that way, you’ll be able to get into all of the activities and venues that you’re interested in, and for the best possible prices.
Group activities
Loneliness needn’t be a feature of your solo adventures. You can involve yourself in activities with others. A walking trip for singles might provide you with an opportunity to make friends that you’ll keep for the rest of the holiday – and perhaps for longer.