For many the idea of traveling alone is daunting. The fear of isolation is often enough to discourage people from taking the plunge. But fear can be paralyzing, and it often causes people to overlook the benefits of solo travel.
Traveling alone allows you to have exactly the trip that you envisioned. So, if you have a bad time the only person you can blame is yourself! It is an opportunity to be completely self-indulgent and give into your every whim.
If you are looking for a solo adventure here are a few tips to help you find your mojo:
Start small. I am of the belief that all you need is one trip and you will be sold on the solo experience. Start small and take a daytrip or travel somewhere that you are familiar with. This will help you build your confidence. The first time I traveled alone was to New York City. I had previously been there, so I had a level of comfort with the city, which empowered me to get out there and experience it for what it was worth. After that excursion I had completely bought into solo travel.
Talk to strangers.The thing about traveling alone is that you are never actually lonely. There are lots of other travelers making their way, and locals are often willing to throw a few tips your way as well. As soon as you open up you will find that there is a world out there waiting to connect with you. The fact is that in our day-to-day life we are usually too closed off to this possibility and inadvertently shut people out. Don’t be afraid to belly up to the bar or grab a table for dinner. Making friends with those around you is half the fun of traveling to new places.
Take a chance. As that old saying goes, you never regret what you did – only what you didn’t do. Over the holidays I decided to take a random trip to Paris. Sure there was that moment where insecurity crept in and I thought I was completely insane. But I pushed that aside, and I had one of the most amazing trips of my life. Traveling alone allows you to be introspective, and being alone in a foreign country where you cannot speak the language teaches you a whole new level of self-reliance.
When I stood in front of the Eiffel Tower I did not feel loneliness. There wasn’t room for any of that, because I was filled with pride. Because traveling alone is just fabulous.
Solo travel in Paris
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