Advantages and disadvantages of travelling solo

Crazy, brave, strong willed, ambitious, lonely, adventurous. These are just some of the names i got when i decided to leave the nest and travel solo. Most people do say i’m crazy and brave, but when your on the road, exploring the world you realise how small the world really is and how it really isn’t that intimidating at all. Thats not to say it isn’t hard to travel by yourself; of course it is, sometimes it does get lonely and you long for a cuddle from a familiar, friendly face; however here are some advantages on rocking the world; solo style. 

1. Easily meet so many people from all over the world. It is always so interesting to meet people with different backgrounds, stories and future goals. The primary reason is due to the fact that your more willing to take initiative to meet other travelers and locals on your journey. Its constantly inspiring me to travel more when i hear of peoples stories either diving or traveling.
2. Flexability, Traveling on your own terms – waking up in the morning, deciding to change your plans, why not? It allows you to be spontaneous without accounting for anyone else and lets you achieve your goals without any one stopping you.
3. Your confidence increases – your on your own, no one else to rely on but yourself, slowly this impacts your confidence and the little things that intimidated you at the start of your adventure you will no longer blink an eye-lid to. For example, talking to strangers in the communal kitchen. with confidence comes more adventure and enables you to really step out of your comfort zone.
4. You really get to know yourself. Time to yourself allows for you to really get to know your fears, thoughts, ideals, attitudes, goals and who you really are as a person.

With the good, sometimes comes the bad; the disadvantages of going solo.

1. The rumours are true it can be lonely exploring the unknown. This is only true if you make it, you can stay in a single bed room or you can stay in a shared dowm and meet people! You can’t always find someone who wants to explore the same route as you however in many cases you can meet people along the way, its just hard to say goodbye.
2. Its more expensive. Not being split the taxi cost does take its toll, just be prepared. (Or walk!)
3. Not being able to share all your travel experience with someone else. Sure, you’ll share and meet so many amazing people, but when you finally make it home it can be nice to look back on your trip with your travel partner and reflect on all the experiences you had together.
4. Selfies! Your photo collection is full of landscapes and other people – but not many of yourself!

 

With all of those factors in mind, it completely depends on the individual how you will experience traveling alone. In my view, the hardest part is getting on the first flight, not the next 6 months but its all part of the adventure!