I’ve been fortunate and privileged enough to travel for most of my life, and I’ve always enjoyed it. But there is an indescribable feeling you get when you travel alone. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever done before and I feel more confident in myself because of it. It’s like I finally found my element, and I’m comfortable enough in myself to go at it alone. It’s a feeling of breaking free of a cage you could not see and finally being able to fly. It’s breathtaking, extraordinary; it’s wondrous. If you ever have the chance to travel alone, you should take it because it will rock your world.
The pros of traveling alone:
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You are in charge, no one else runs the show
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You get to meet other solo travelers and share experiences
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Meeting new people
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Independence
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“Me” time
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Discovering yourself
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Putting yourself out there
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Getting out of your comfort zone
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Build up your confidence
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Time for reflection
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Personal growth
The cons:
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You don’t have anyone to watch your back
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Solo women travelers can often be targeted for crime (but this applies anywhere, even in the U.S.)
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Some activities are more fun with friends (on my trip I really wished for a friend at the hot springs because it was a lonely activity to do by myself)
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Some people might get lonely if they’re not used to making friends in new places
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It can be expensive, especially for things like hotels because they often charge premium for singles
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You are in charge, and that means you do all of the work, from planning to haggling in the market