Hans Christen Anderson once said “to travel is to live,” a quote we at Outside Agent Link wholeheartedly agree with. Traveling is one of the best ways to learn about and experience the world and all its beauty and diversity. But many people decide not to travel because they think of traveling as a group experience. We spend so much time around other people—at work, at home, during free time—that sometimes we forget what it is to take a break and spend time with our own minds.
Oscar Wilde said “I think it’s very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person.” Traveling solo is a great way to take yourself out of your comfort zone and get to know yourself a little better.
Here are some of the benefits of traveling alone:
Get to Know Yourself a Little Better
Introspection and reflection can be empowering and illuminating byproducts of solo travel. Witnessing how you react to different situations can help you gain a deeper understanding of who you are.
Gain Confidence.
Traveling solo can be a challenge, but challenging yourself helps you grow. As you experience and overcome new situations and obstacles, you are gaining confidence in yourself and in your abilities.
Cultivate Mindfulness
Like meditation, purposeful solitude can help you cultivate mindfulness and help you live in the present, rather than focusing on the future or the past. Practicing mindfulness has been shown to lower your stress levels and make you feel more appreciative of your current state.
Relaxation Aplenty
Not having to coordinate with a companion or spend time and energy catering to someone else’s desires can eliminate plan out every day of your travel common sources of travel stress. When you’re on your own schedule, you can rest and unwind as much as you need, allowing yourself to indulge in leisurely luxuries like spending the day reading on the beach.
