Why Solo Travel Can Be the Best Thing for You
Yes, solo travel can be good for you! Over the years, I have taken many trips on my own. I am so glad I did. Otherwise, I would have missed out on seeing these amazing sights pictured throughout this post. If you are hesitant about solo travel, read on to find out the benefits plus some additional resources you can check out.
You might also like these posts: One of the Most Beautiful Places I’ve Visited: Orcas Island and The Most Beautiful Gardens I’ve Ever Seen: Butchart Gardens.
Note: The links to the books are affiliate links. That means, if you purchase one of these books through the link, What A Good Day will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The opinions are my own. We appreciate your support!
The Benefits of Solo Travel
Solo travel has many benefits. The most important one to me is the absolute freedom to do what you want when you want. You never have to discuss endlessly “what do you want to do for dinner.” You never have to compromise on what specific sights you want to see. And you can set your own schedule.
Another benefit is the confidence you gain from solo travel. When it is up to you to navigate a new city or country, your belief in your capabilities grows. Also, spending time on your own while traveling gives you an opportunity to really reflect and think about your life.
How to Overcome Hesitation About Solo Travel
If you think you are not brave or independent enough for solo travel, then here are a few tips to combat your hesitation.
- Plan ahead and do plenty of research
- Know that you will meet people during your travels
- Start off small and take a day trip on your own
- Pack a book or load up your reading app to keep you occupied
- Plan excursions like museum visits that don’t really require company
Highlights of My Favorite Solo Travel Trips
Between trips for work and personal vacations, I’ve traveled alone numerous times. If I had decided I didn’t want to go on my own, here are some highlights I would have missed.
- Seeing an avalanche fall on the other side of Lake Louise in Canada
- Riding a horse to the top of a mountain also while visiting Lake Louise
- Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia
- Seeing orca whales in the Pacific while in the San Juan Islands
- Taking my best travel photo ever while walking on a glacier
- Eating lobster everything (pizza, omelet, whole lobster) while in Maine
- Seeing the summer “cottages” in Newport, Rhode Island
- Having the time of my life at Disney World without worrying about tired kids
- Taking a sailing lesson off the coast of Orcas Island
These are just a few of my favorite memories. I’m glad that I took the chance on solo travel.
You might also like Jamie’s posts How to Make the Most of Your Grown Up Disney Vacation and Powerful Life Lessons from the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Final Thoughts on Solo Travel
If you are ready to give solo travel a try, then here are two articles I recommend reading. The first one is from Travel and Leisure magazine called “The 29 Best Places to Travel Alone in the U.S.” You can check it out here.
Another great article to check out from Travel and Leisure is this one on some of the best safety items to travel with. Safety is always at the top of my mind, and I try to choose my destinations wisely. For instance, you won’t catch me planning a trip to Iran or Russia.
If you have never considered solo travel, I hope this post (and pictures) encourages you to give it a try. If you have taken a trip on your own before, please let me know in the comments below. I’m always open to recommendations on new places to visit!
Here are a couple more of our travel posts you might enjoy: The Best (and Most Affordable) Travel Essentials You Need Today! and Unique Beach Reads That Will Make a Great Vacation!
Have a good day!
Kristin
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Your photos of Canada brought back wonderful memories. My trip across the Canadian Rockies is one I hope to do again.