Picture it: a nice beach with margarita in hand, or a hike up the Andes mountains, or a five-star meal in a bustling city like Hong Kong or Tokyo. Yes, it is possible to have these things without a romantic partner in crime. Or even a friend.
I know, the thought of solo travel is scary. You’re all alone in a strange land. Can you eat dinner in a restaurant by yourself? Will you be able to navigate the train schedule? And will you get lonely?
The answer to all of these is yes. But is it worth it? Also…YES.
When I was in my twenties, I decided not to wait for someone else to see the world. I didn’t want to be dependent on someone else’s schedule or agenda. I didn’t have much money, but I was willing to save and stay in questionable places, like that time in Rome when I slept in the janitor’s closet in a local hotel to save some cash. (I wouldn’t recommend this.) Or the other time I stayed in a hostel in Christchurch that gave me fleas. It all turned out ok. Better than ok.
I’m not an outgoing person, I’m pretty shy. I have to force myself to be social, because it’s much easier to hole up in my house and binge-watch Broad City. But when I look back on my life so far, the things I did that scared me the most also brought me the most joy. This is not some platitude – I was honest to God TERRIFIED of some of the trips I took. Like when I was in the countryside of Ecuador, staying in the middle of a tobacco farm with pigs and goats roaming around me. I cried the first two nights I was there, wondering what I had gotten myself into, but now, I consider it one of the best trips I ever took.
Solo travel forced me out of my comfort zone. When you have nobody to fall back on, you rely on yourself. You reach out to strangers. You accept that invitation to join them for dinner, or for a hike, or to walk around the city. You will make a life-long friend that you don’t expect.
I’m so glad I got to do this before I married. I still go places on my own occasionally, though not as often because it’s not so practical. But even now, solo travel is something I plan to do again. Maybe hiking in Bhutan, or the Camino del Santiago in Spain.
Regardless of your relationship status, take your life into your own hands. No more excuses – it’s time to do those things you want to do, even if it’s a day trip to the desert. (Baby steps, ya know?) Don’t wait.
XO,
Kelly
About Kelly Seal
Kelly is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She blogs about dating, relationships, personal growth and what "healthy living" means to her. You can follow her on Google+, Twitter @kellyseal or through her website www.kellyseal.com.
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