A good trip is one of the best self-prescribed therapy methods for our soul, especially if you choose to embark on your journey alone. Solo travel offers a great opportunity to reflect, relax and explore the world at your own pace. At the end of many solo trips, people often find mindfulness and learn many new things about themselves.
So, if you’re interested in travelling the world alone, here are a few benefits you can expect to reap.
1. It will allow you to recharge
If you need a few days to recharge your batteries, travel is a great emotional charger. Because travelling with friends and family is certainly fun, it’s not exactly something you’d call Zen. On the other hand, solo travel will give you an opportunity to be mindful, it will distract you in a healthy way and allow you to go back home free of stress, anxiety and fatigue.
2. It allows you to slow down
Solo travel will force you to slow down and smell the roses. Now that you don’t have to dance to the beat of anyone else’s drum, you can take your time to truly soak up the space. Talk to locals, walk the less famous streets, check out less popular sites, visit tiny bars and restaurants. These little moments of downtime will not only give you the true feel of the destination but also allow you to breathe freely and be active which are great for stress relief.
3. It gives you time to reflect
When you’re chilling alone in front of a waterfall in Iceland, swaying on a hammock in Bali or climbing Machu Picchu, you get plenty of time to reflect. This time is best spent on thinking about your position, about things in life that are important to you. You can try coming up with a plan to focus your attention to those important elements of your life. No matter if it’s travelling, hanging out with friends, playing video games, you must pursue your hobbies and passions in order to be happy.
4. It provokes you to face your fears
When travelling alone, facing a few fears is very expected. However, you must not let your thought stop you from enjoying your experience! After some time, you’ll learn how to go with the flow and lean into your trip instead of constantly seeking comfort. For instance, you’ll have to overcome your fear of eating alone in a restaurant and you’ll have to overcome your fear of talking to strangers. But, don’t be completely reckless! Make sure your gear is in top shape and that you have all the necessary safety items. If you’re planning a solo road trip, it’s best to have the best GPS device on the market. Check out some reviews online and find something that will be your faithful companion on your trip.
5. It allows you to know yourself
Solo travel allows you to observe and figure out the impulses that push you forward, your mind’s hopes and fears. It will show you all the situations where you choose to stand back and observe instead of experience things to the fullest. Since travelling alone is a road to self-realization and self-acceptance, you can see yourself as you are without suppressing any parts of your personality. The fact that you’re alone on your journey gives you the freedom to express yourself knowing you won’t be judged by your travel companions. You will find out your true reactions to situations and learn so much about yourself.
6. It opens your mind
People on solo trips tend to make many new friendships and meet people from different places, different cultures and religions. Exposing yourself to various different people certainly strengthens your sense of self, but it also opens your mind and allows you to be more understanding. Seeing where people come from will make you understand them much better. This can help if you tend to struggle with anger, anxiety and stress. Having an open mind breeds empathy and a healthy mindset.
How to pick a good destination?
If travel therapy sounds attractive to your soul, it’s going to be even better if you pick a safe destination. For instance, Portugal is the best solo travel destination, especially for first-timers. It’s full of vibrantly-coloured castles, gorgeous coastal cities and natural beauties and it’s a perfectly safe destination that will allow you to aim all your attention towards your trip and your needs. Switzerland is another great solo travel destination. Everything from its well-designed parks to free museums to breathtaking nature is tailored to give you a stress-free experience. Canada, especially Quebec City, is also a super friendly and chill destination. If you love winter, you can hit the slopes, try dog sledging, ice skating and many other activities perfect for solo travellers. The city is also full of pampering spas, bars and restaurants that will give you time to relax, unwind, reflect and soak up the atmosphere.
Solo travel is a cleanse for your soul. It brings love, power and control back into your life, just like therapy. So, if you feel like you could use a break, pack your bags and let the road take care of you.
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Author: Stella Green Thompson
Stella is a graphic designer and illustrator, a lifestyle and beauty blogger and a food enthusiast. She is very passionate about the environment and her hobbies center around her love for nature, yoga and living in balance. Stella loves giving tips about healthy lifestyle and self-development. She is a contributor to several health and lifestyle blogs. You can find more about her writing by following her on Twitter.