7 reasons why you should travel solo?

Solo travelling has been one of the most liberating things that I have done for myself. Nothing has been more free-spirited, more adventurous and more self-realizing thing I have done than solo travelling.

Beyond Comfort

For most, the mere thought of travelling anywhere on their own is one of the most scary experiences. But those who have taken the leap of faith know that the first step is the most difficult and no matter how tangled your itinerary may seem, things do turn out pretty awesome on the go. So, don't overthink it. Book your tickets and leave.

Figure Out Solutions

No matter how well planned you think your itinerary seems, there are always going to be wrong turns, tire bursts, snow storms or lack of cell network. Being on your own, esp. in a foreign land will make you find solutions to the problems instead of whining over them as we all do in the comfort of our homes. Because if you don't find your way out, you won't make it to your next milestone and would ruin your trip altogether. Plus, it is damn cool to figure stuff out and get things done.

Build Self-Confidence

Because you are on your own, way out of your comfort zone, sometimes into the panic zone as well and figure your way out of a leech infested forest onto the nearest beach where dogs chase you, or maybe camp alone in a deserted lakeside plateau where there could be a possibility of a leopard saying hi to you when you step out of your tent to pee, you already know what you just accomplished when you get to the beach or see the morning sun. Thus, the next brave step is always a build up of the previous fears and challenges you overcame. This step-wise progression build confidence that manifests into other areas of your life as well.

Enjoy Your Own Company

When on the road or in an unknown city, there aren't going to be too many instances where you will find groups of people to gel in nor some locals would be too kind. While solo travelling forces you inwards to self-reflection, a constant chatter within oneself of being aware and being awestruck from grand views, it makes you self-sufficient to slowly like your own company and own thoughts and not like to be disturbed anywhere esp. when you sit and reflect. Eating joints and cafes are places where you just sit and collect your thoughts and moments that just passed and chit chatting then isn't something any solo traveler would want. Instead, they would rather sit quietly, do some people watching and savor the local flavors. however, this doesn't mean you avoid people, there are always some cool people you meet on your way which is the next point anyways. It just means when you travel solo, you start enjoying your own company more.

Meet Some Amazing People Along The Way

Solo travel does mean being on your own, but that doesn't limit you in any way in meeting new people on the road, in the midst of city chaos or on a trekking trail. You wouldn't even make a conscious effort, but some deep relationships are made on the road, and it doesn't even need a ton of days to merge into. Sitting along a flowing lake and sharing life's moments or gazing at a gigantic mountain peak together in awe after an entire day of toiling climb make for some strong bonding and that is where travelling builds friendships.

Explore Unknown Trails

A very liberating benefit of solo travelling is that you aren't bound by a typical itinerary nor by a partner or a group. The best part of your trips will come when you take the trail not taken. It will be scary, being alone not knowing what follows, but more often than not, your best moments and the best views will be rewarded. Once you tread the unknown, you will follow it again on your future trips as well because that is where the others aren't flocking for that is where you get the most challenge.

Get To See Some Amazing Views

Continuing the previous point on exploring unknown trails, when you venture into the uncharted waters, there are going to be a ton of challenges, lonely nights and frustrations too, but the when those first sun rays gently caress that tall snowy peak and turn into a golden glow, the feeling is unmatched and everything will be worth your steps.