As we look back at the stories of alumni from previous years this week, a recurring theme emerges in their testimonies: there are many benefits of solo travel. So, what is the allure of traveling solo? We’ll explore a few reasons why so many people travel solo, and are glad they did.
You’re the Boss
With so many programs available abroad, deciding where to travel solo and which program to choose for a small group often involves considerable compromise.
Rather than limit your vision, set up your situation so you have one customer – yourself. With only yourself to please, you get to explore passions and dreams that are yours alone. Have you wanted to visit Ireland ever since you were 7 and saw a picture in a magazine? When you were 12 did you dream of flamenco dancing in Spain? Beyond the first few decisions about where to go and what to do, there are all of the daily decisions once you arrive. Should I sit on the beach or explore a book store? Take up knitting or meet the host family’s extended clan?
By traveling alone you get to make decisions that honor your interests, leave room for spontaneity, and provide for an authentically personal experience without much negotiation or compromise.
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It Builds Confidence
Going on a solo journey can be daunting, with the initial step often feeling the most challenging. It’s normal to feel anxious about setting off alone. But, if we think about all the great benefits of traveling alone, few experiences compare to the joy of spending a day discovering and navigating a new place on your own. Without a friend or family member to lean on, you become the leader.
So, is traveling alone fun? Yes! There’s a profound sense of satisfaction when you discover just how capable you are and that’s what we care most about at World Endeavors. What happens when you hit some bumps in the road like a lost ticket or an indecipherable menu? Learning how to reach out and ask for help is an invaluable life skill to develop and brings its own reward of increased confidence. Most people are more than happy to help and find all kinds of creative ways to give assistance.
You Aren’t Really Alone
Though it may feel like you are prepping for a solitary journey up Everest, the truth is, you are heading off to a new community of people. You might have a host family to connect with, or an internship team that helps show you around your new city. You may have roommates or fellow volunteers working with you. Many of our alumni fondly recall meeting new people who made their experience truly magical. They often return home hoping to reconnect with those friends on a future trip or meet up in a different location.
However, if those friends are difficult to find, some travelers fully appreciate the benefits of solo travel, embracing the chance to focus solely on themselves and their own adventures. They throw themselves into a bag full of books or a knitting project or fill their time with photography or journaling about their experience. Rarely do we speak with a participant who felt truly lonely even if they were spending a lot of time alone. And more often, our alumni came home with an expanded network of new friends who widened their world view.
It Opens Your Mind
Without your familiar cast of characters observing and sharing about the world, you get to use your own lens to view what is happening around you. It’s a great opportunity to observe the world and its inhabitants without judgment. As a visitor in a new community, you will have a chance to reach out and explore your curiosities about another culture. Patience, humility, kindness and a better sense of humor all develop faster in this personally enriching and challenging environment. In the end, it makes you a better person and certainly a better traveler.
All the Best Solo Travel Benefits Start with You!
Ultimately, the benefits of solo travel provides a unique lens through which to explore the world, encouraging personal reflection, cultural understanding, and an expanded worldview. By stepping out on your own, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities, making you a more confident, open-minded, and empathetic individual.
If you have any lingering questions or need further information, then get in touch with our team or read more stories from previous volunteers and interns. We’re passionate about what we do and are always eager to assist you. Whether you’re curious about how our services can benefit your journey or just want to chat about your goals, we’re here to provide the answers and guidance you need. Let’s connect and explore how we can work together to achieve your vision!
