Updated: 07/26/2018 | July 26th, 2018
“Joe, did you book your ticket yet?” I asked as we sat playing video games.
“No. I changed my mind. I’m not going to go.”
“What? You aren’t going to Australia? We’ve been planning this vacation for months!” I was stupified.
“Yeah, I don’t feel like it. We’ll go some other time.”
Over the coming weeks, I attempted to get my friend to reconsider, but to no avail. When Joe changed his mind, he changed his mind. Our trip to Australia — our big post-college adventure — was off.
And none of my friends wanted to replace him.
If I wanted to travel, it would have to be on my own.
So, in 2004, I left by myself to Costa Rica. It was that trip that planted the travel bug in me. It was that trip that helped inspire me to travel more, visit Thailand, and quit my job to travel the world.
Joe not going was the best thing that ever happened to me.
But him not going was a pattern that has repeated itself consistently over the years. While a few friends have joined me here and there along the way, more often than not, plans to meet friends in far-flung places don’t pan out. When it comes down to the wire, “something” always comes up and they’re suddenly too busy, change their mind, or can’t afford it.
It’s taught me that if I wait for others, I’ll never go anywhere.
There are places I want to go, people to see, experiences to have, and food to try — and only so much time to accomplish it all.
So I refuse to wait. I won’t let others keep me from realizing my dreams.
It can be scary traveling alone, especially when you’ve never done it before. But, to me, growing old without experiencing everything you want from life is even scarier.
If you’ve been putting off a trip because you’re waiting for someone to go with — stop. Just go. Don’t let others hold you back from your dreams. Trust me, along the way you’ll make plenty of friends — from other solo travelers who thought “Screw it, if I don’t go, I’ll never go” to locals interested in meeting new people.
I’ve found that you’re never alone when you travel. I worried that if I didn’t travel with friends, I’d be alone. I’d never make any friends. But it turns out you make so many on the road that you have to go out of your way to be alone! You’re constantly surrounded by people!
Solo travel gives you ultimate freedom. You wake up and it’s just you — what you want, where you want, when you want. In that freedom and infinite space of possibility, you meet yourself. You hit the limits of what you like and don’t like. There’s no one to pull you in any one direction or override your reasons. Want sushi? Get sushi. Want to leave? Leave. Want to try bungee jumping? Go for it.
It’s sink or swim and you have to learn how to survive — who to trust, how to make friends, how to find your way around alone. That’s the greatest reward of solo travel: the personal growth. Each time you go away, you learn to become a little more independent, confident, and in tune with your emotions and desires.
Solo travel is not for everyone. Some people return home soon after departing, others cry for weeks before embracing it, and some just embrace it right away. But you’ll never learn that if you don’t travel once by yourself. Whether a weekend away, a two-week vacation, or trip around the world, try it at least once.
Don’t wait for people or hold back from living your dreams. You could be waiting a long time until someone finally says yes. There’s only now — and if you don’t go, you’ll regret it.
Because if I hadn’t stopped waiting, I’d still be in my cubicle, trying to convince Joe to go to Australia and wondering if I’d ever get to see the world.
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Betty
awesome post! and you’re absolutely right, you can’t wait on people when it comes to living your life. even if it means going the journey alone.
and really, how can you expect anyone to want to go places with you if you can’t stand the thought of going to those same places by yourself? a lot of the time we are our own best company 😀
Matt
Totally agree. I always invite friends to join me for trips or to visit me while I’m an expat. However, I know that it’s usually a fruitless exercise. It has happened 2 times which were great. But I never plan on it actually happening. Instead, I go alone and enjoy the hell out of myself. If a friend actually does follow through and visit me, we’ll have an awesome time. If not, I’ll still have an awesome time!
Ken
I have often traveled solo. The first time, when I was 18, a friend bailed on me a month before departure, and this after two years of planning and saving. After a 20 minute breakdown I decided to go it alone, and had a great time. One could really travel on $5 a day when back when. I really grew up those two months in Europe. I still travel alone when a situation presents itself. As I work at home, when a deal comes alone online, I pounce. Just returned from Iceland, and then Barcelona. Years ago, when I was in Stockholm for my business, an ad appeared in the paper about trips to St. Petersburg. The EST line just had a catastrophe, as a ferry sank and many died. They were desperate for passengers on their other ferry. None of my Swedish friends would go with me and I heard dozens of excuses. I booked a double room on the boat (5 days; 3 meals a day; an evening an whole day, and whole morning in St. Petersburg) for $90. It was January, but so what; it was a fantastic visit. The choice is simple. Either you go or not, and wind up in a cubicle waiting. A totally agree with you Matt, carpe diem.
Anna Lou
We’re on the same wavelength today, my friend. I just posted a super similar post about solo backpacking! I think things like this often seem scarier than they actually are, and most of the time we’re stronger than we think we are. It’s just a matter of giving it a try! 🙂
James
I had a similar experience. Me and a friend were planning a trip to run with the bulls in Pamplona for about a year. When it came time to buy tickets he kept putting it off and putting it off. It ended up costing me a lot more in plane tickets. I ended up going alone and it was one of the best experiences, and I met some great people along the way. It inspired me upcoming solo trip to Thailand.
Nathan Okuley
Great writeup! I couldn’t agree more. I’ve had multiple friends that fear the plunge, so I started taking a solo trip every single year. It’s initially challenging, but now has become a rhythm for each year that I look forward too. Everyone needs to be able to “go” on their own at least once. What a character-building opportunity.
Karen
Hi Matt, great post. I prefer solo travel, and my main reason is because one of the main reasons I love travel is getting to know different cultures. I prefer traveling alone, because I meet so many people, and get to hear their life stories. I either meet other travelers in hostels, or locals. Now that I’m married with a 5 yr old, I rarely travel by myself now, and I do miss it.
Francois damours
Many travelers I have met over time have faced this problem. I consider myself lucky to be surrounded by a gang of close friends that since high school have traveled the world.
Currently finishing in 1 week my Around-South-America trip with my best friend (amazing 5 months of none stop traveling) and we would probably do many other long trips like this… but the other long trips I will do with my girlfriend; reached this stage in life when some stuff are becoming way more serious then before.
You’ll meet the perfect girl for you; and will always have the best traveling person afterwards 🙂
Colette
Totally agree!
I did a solo trip to Europe when I was 21 and it changed.my.life. The whole way I approached things when I got home was different, new found confidence I suppose!
Kathryn
Yep, solo travel is the best. I don’t even really understand why people hang out with random strangers at their destination. The whole thought of spending time with someone you just met in the lounge at a backpackers freaks me out. People have to prove that they are going to be better than my own company before I spend time with them.
rob mills
I just started travelling at the end of November this year and I’m doing it on my own! Was intimidated at first. But I love it. You get to meet amazing people and make your own decisions and do what you want. I suggest anyone thinking about it dive in.
Matt
Sounds like how I started traveling solo–while studying abroad in London I couldn’t get anyone to go away for a weekend, so I started going on my own and enjoyed it. I’d still rather have one person to share my travels with, but I also enjoy taking time for myself to just wander the streets and hiking trails without worrying about what the other person wants.
Lieber
I couldn’t agree more, Matt! I began to travel alone years ago when I wanted to go to Russia. Several friends were excited about going, but when it came down to making reservation, all plans came to a halt. I did exactly what you did, I traveled there solo, and did meet up with a tour group in Moscow. And I had a wonderful time. Since that trip, I’ve travelled other places in the world, solo, and love it. I’m not waiting for anyone, I’m going! You rock, Matt!
Sky
Yes, exactly…I would honestly love to travel with my friends because there are some experiences that are just better with a friend at your side but I quickly learned, as you did, that I would be waiting forever if I never traveled solo.
Ankursh
From traveling with a partner for 15 years I just recently found myself on my own. It was a surreal experience when I did my first solo trip, a 3 week adventure in Italy, that started and ended with completely opposite emotions. For 3 days, I cried to bed missing my kids. By the time my trip was over I was refreshed, excited to be where I was and head back home. Mission accomplished. Solo or not I will be on the road. You just meet people. Twice on my trip I met folks with whom I changed plans and had a 1-2 day detour.
NomadicMatt
Solo travel is never alone travel. I think I often meet more people when I’m alone than when with friends.
Amélie
Ha, this resonated with me. I’m a seasoned traveler, but I have always done so with my boyfriend. In February I am going to India with a friend, and now that I have got my flights and visa sorted, she decided that she is scared she is going to come up with psychosis and nutrition imbalance. I wish I was making this up, but I am not. So I guess: India, here I come, on my own. 🙂
NomadicMatt
You’ll have a blast! I’m sure of it.
Dave Brett
Great blog post, people can let you down big time when it comes to going. Travel sounds wonderful at first and of course people will say yes to going but when it actually comes to the booking some start to back out once more concrete plans start to take place. Go alone and you only have yourself to blame, much more easier to make happen.
NomadicMatt
….and if you don’t like it, you can always come home.
Linda
Great post. I agree that if you wait for a travel partner then you will be waiting forever. I find travelling solo a great enriching experience. I have also met a lot of amazing people along the way.
Frida
I’m a woman in my 50s who has not traveled much. I went to Europe with my father last summer – my first big trip! I am now saving to to travel solo and am still contemplating where. Can you recommend a blog to follow that addresses issues I might face? I do get yours and love the inspiration.
Christian
Great post Matt.
I think I’ll get a tshirt with this quote “There’s only now and if you don’t go, you’ll regret it.”
NomadicMatt
Take a picture when you do! 🙂
Sam
Really like this post! I do enjoy solo traveling from time to time. It does give you an incredible amount of freedom. Only one downside for me though: I tend to do/see more when traveling with someone else, cause you push each other to do/see more. When I’m traveling by myself I sometimes find myself getting a bit lazy.
Sigurdur Bjorgvinsson
Awesome post and spot on. I had the exactly same experience few years ago.
I had plans with my friend to go and walk a mountain to see a volcano, but the day before he cancelled because it was a Sunday morning we planning to go and he wanted to go and “party” Saturday evening.
I was scared to go by myself but I decided to just go with it and do it alone.
It was the most awesome thing I have seen in my life, a volcano right in front my eyes, I’ll never forget that day.
Kim
Same thing happened to me. My friend and I were supposed to go backpacking for six months but she backed out. I decided I wasn’t going to let that stop me so I went by myself and had a better time then if she went with me. Traveling on my own enabled me to get out of my comfort zone and meet people along the way who I may not have talked to if I was traveling with friends.
Paul
So Matt, what happened to Joe in the end?
NomadicMatt
Sadly, he’s still never been to Australia.
Josie
Thank you so much for this post! It was exactly what I needed to hear. Ive sold everything I own and booked a one way ticket to the other side of the world, and am leaving in a week. I’ve been worrying about exactly what you posted about, being lonely, not making friends or enjoying my adventure. You were the motivating voice I needed to hear. Thank you!
mike
For 20 years I been traveling alone , just the other day a friend put a map up on facebook it asked how many states have you visited. Now here is the deal only places i have not been is pacific north west about nine states alaska and hawaii included.
Joanna Kalafatis
Love this post! I’ve always loved traveling solo and never really seen the issue with it, but more and more I see how many friends of mine think it’s a strange thing to do.
Same questions: “Don’t you get lonely?” “Don’t you get bored?” “Aren’t you scared?”. No, no, no! How can you be lonely and bored exploring a brand new place with never-before-seen landscapes and fascinating new people to meet? Why would I be more scared than I would be in my home city?
And like you said, I can indulge my own preferences when traveling when I do it solo – I love photography, and I realize every time I’ve traveled with friends, I don’t take quite all the photos I’d like to. I feel bad making my friends stop all the time to take a photo I want, or waking up at dawn for perfect light but risking disturbing them sleeping the next bed over, or dragging them on a hike I know they don’t want to do for a vista point at the end. Alone, I can do all these things without any guilt or issues!
NomadicMatt
I feel the same way!
genevieve
This SO resonates with me. I have so many friends who would be down with the whole “let’s to go X country!”, even when I said are we really doing this? Because I am serious. Always – Oh, yes, this is so happening. Let’s pick our dates, let’s talk about what we’ll do and maybe we can hit another nearby country while we’re there. For months. And every single time, when I would finally say I’m ready to buy tickets, it would all switch to “What? That’s crazy! I can’t (afford it/take time off/leave my boyfriend and/or cats, you name the reason).
I finally realized that I just needed to pick a country and dates and go. I tried – realllllly tried – to find someone to go with me, but I got the same old excuses, so I went by myself. It’s totally true – you can’t let your goals and desires depend on someone else’s participation.
And now most of those friends tell me how lucky I am that I “get” to travel. I’ve stopped trying to explain that anyone can make the choice to travel and now just agree with them 😛
Candice
This sounds so familiar.. when ever I want to go everyone has an excuse!! even locally I live in a beautiful British Columbia and even trying to get someone to go exploring in Whistler or the Island is like pulling teeth!! Next year looks like I will be going solo to Italy, but their loss not mine!
Gwen
I woke up recently and realized that I was 59 and that I have limited travel under my belt. I’d love to spend most of my next 10 years traveling. It will prob have to either be alone or with a group of people I have never met before. Either is fine by me I just want to go!
Laura
I think everyone should travel alone AT LEAST once. It’s frightening at times, but when you arrive you let all your fears behind and you realize you are absolutely FREE to do whatever you feel like to and unconsciously more open to new friendships and experiences. It’s truly liberating.
Leigh
Thanks for sharing! I completely agree that it is sometimes tough to travel on your own, but if you never take that leap, you never grow. It was my willingness to travel alone, and even to move to a place I’d never even seen, that found me my best friend and traveling partner in crime! Sometimes things are best done alone, and sometimes, those decisions lead us to others worth traveling with 🙂
~Leigh
Rano
Great Post! The funny thing is that now that I actually started travelling alone, I don’t really want my girlfriends to come with me anymore – it is so much easier to meet new people when you are by yourself :))
Tammy
Traveling alone can be super scary, however it is probably the greatest thing ever. When I traveled Asia by myself I thought I was out of my depth, but when you’re alone, you’re never truly alone. People gravitate towards you and you are constantly interacting.
Amanda P
I love this. 🙂 After a couple years in Germany and having seen very little compared to my time due to plans falling through, I had the same thought: “if I wait for others, I’ll never go anywhere.” When my husband decided he didn’t want to go to Copenhagen, I went alone with a bus tour. The woman next to me ended up being alone also, and we had a fun time roaming around Copenhagen together. I later went alone on a bus trip to Munich, and I’m sure I could have walked around with one of the other people I saw who were alone who hinted at welcoming company, but I decided to go it alone and had a great time.Since then, I still haven’t been traveling as much as I’d like to, but I’ve certainly been seeing more than I would have if I were still waiting on people to follow through with plans. I think this is very true also: “Each time you go away, you learn to become a little more independent, confident, and in tune with your emotions and desires.”
ron
You are absolutely right on traveling alone. In 2006 I was supposed to go to China with a friend. A couple of months out he had to cancel and I decided to go to Thailand alone. I mapped out a rough outline as to where to go, how many days at each destination, etc. My first morning in Bangkok I remember sitting on the edge of my bed saying to myself — “well Ron you can sit in this hotel room for two weeks or you can get organized and get and see this country”. I was pretty terrified but I got out, figured out what see first, how to get there and everything else along the way including the money, language, etc. I had a terrific time and never looked back. That was about 12 trips to Thailand ago as well as traveling solo to Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore & Indonesia. After several people had cancelled on me I decided I am planning my own trips and if anyone wants to join me great, but I’m not planning my trip around if they go or not. Traveling alone expansions my horizons and give me a great sense of satisfaction.
Coral
‘Don’t wait for people or hold back from living your dreams. You could be waiting a long time until someone finally says “yes.” There’s only now and if you don’t go, you’ll regret it.’- that applies to so many things in life 🙂 great post
Michelle
Spot on again Matt. So many people look at me with pity when they find I’m traveling solo. Sure everyone says they want to go to Italy or Bali, but when push comes to shove they don’t have the time, money, guts or chance to go when you’re going.
Over the years, I have traveled with family, friends and solo. There are benefits to traveling solo people. Life is short. Make the most of your opportunities.
Robert
Thank you for your post, I travel alone and always you will fin a friend either related to your work, hobbie, Facebook or couchsurfing. Particularly this last one helps a lot because if you ask you will find somebody to show you around or just have a beer, and the remote the place is more chance that lonely people will like to join. As a yoga practitioner I always look for yoga studios and the sense of group affiliation will help you not to feel loneliness.
Derek
Matt, you convinced me to go solo this past September and I did. I drove through France to Germany for eight days after traveling with a partner for 20 days. Yes, it’s nice to share experiences with someone, however, it was great traveling by myself. I decided where to go, what to do and how long to visit. At 62, I discovered I can travel on my own. A renewed sense of independence–it had never left me.
Holly
I just posted that one of the things I learned this year is to go alone–rather than not going at all. While I’m new to the concept, I don’t want to miss opportunities. So, I’m starting with small day trips and hope to expand to overnight trips. I love the flexibility of deciding what I want to do and when I want to do it.
Felicity Fields
I actually just had this conversation with someone in the pub last night. She was completely bowled over by the thought that I was traveling alone (and in Ireland, which is just crazy).
And I explained to her that if I’d waited for someone, I’d still be waiting. Instead, I’ve traveled for 7 months already, and all by myself. Funnily enough, I did have a friend come visit me here in Dublin for a week. It wasn’t as much fun as traveling alone. 😉
Kristin
Love the post. I prefer traveling alone because I am an introvert (meaning that I recharge from being alone, not that I’m shy). I enjoy the company of others who are independent and feel confident splitting off on their own sometimes, but when I find myself with someone who wants to do every single thing together it can feel stifling. Traveling alone lets me hear myself think, and allows me to discover new things about myself.
Herb
I am 57 years old, and this Spring will be my first real adventure to distance lands. (not counting military travel forty years ago) A friend and I are doing the Rick Steves – 21 day European tour. I am spending big bucks on this maiden voyage, for sure. But I plan to do as much traveling as I can before I leave this earth and I am fully prepared to do much of it alone. Future trips are going to have to be done much more frugally as I don’t want to eat cat food when I retire. I really enjoy your news letters Matt. Maybe we will bump into each other some day. Would love to meet you and say hello.
Van
Traveling with someone & sharing an adventure together, can be a very bonding rewarding experience. But I agree, there’s nothing quite like the freedom of a solo adventure. You go where you want to go, when you want to go and everything gets filtered through your direct experiences. The people you meet. The food you eat. The things you do. It’s all up to you. Not that you can’t experience such things with another traveller. It’s just that when you travel solo its a much more personal journey. And I love that aspect about traveling alone. Just because you travel alone, doesn’t mean you’re lonely(although that can be part of the experience), it just means you’re forced to interact with locals & strangers. Such interactions deepen your experience in unexpected & memorable ways. As a result, you gain a deeper more colorful understanding of yourself & your surroundings. I love traveling solo.
Ivonne
I absolutely agree with you. I’ve always wanted to travel alone, but every time I book the ticket, there’s always something come up and I have to cancel it. LOL
Traveling alone teaches about yourself deeply actually 🙂
Cheryl
I agree! You can spend as little or as much as you want on food, lodging, walk all day or just sleep if you feel like it. I traveled to Belgium and The Netherlands on my own a few years ago. I am now planning a trip to Brittany and Northern Spain. I’ve asked a few people if they would like to join me and no one wants to. Actually I’m sort of relieved. People tell me they would be afraid to do this. I am female and 60+ but I know I will be safe. As safe as anyone can be. You have to take some risks in life!
Pauline
You should never be afraid to travel alone, or even reconsider your plan because someone ditched you!
It’s an even bigger adventure! You will meet so many people!
I decided to go to Australia to work there for 1 year, all alone, and I met so many winderful people, and found a lot of jobs!
Meghan
This is an amazing post Matt! Having no one to travel with held me back so many years. Then eventually I took my first road trip alone, then moved to China alone to teach, and now I’m headed on a three week adventure in Thailand alone. Thailand ALONE will be my biggest challenge yet, and I can’t wait to see the amount of growth I will have achieved afterwards. Buuttt its still intimidating, and your post is exactly what I needed for a little boost of courage!! Thanks for sharing!
Zainul Hal
“Each time you go away, you learn to become a little more independent, confident, and in tune with your emotions and desires”.
I like your words… It should be the quotes.
I like travelling alone. It makes me feel the real freedom.
Adrian Amy
Solo travel enables greater self change in my opinion. Comfort and conformity are easy and uninspiring. If you’re really looking to enrich your life, solo is key.
That being said, a short vacation with a friend never hurt either!
Darren Boland
Hey Matt,
Great post, I’ve traveled a few times over seas with travel “buddies” I refuse to travel with any one again. I now tell them where I am going and when.. and I can see them there…
Also I think that “It’s taught me that if I wait for others, I’ll never go anywhere.” is a key for life in general. If you want it, do it, don;t wait for anyone or anything…
Dayn
After traveling alone, why would you travel with anyone else. The joys of being on your own timetable can’t be beat. And people are easy to meet if you want company. I just returned from a month long solo trip to Barcelona and am planning a trip to Portugal in the spring.Would not be possible if I went with anyone else. Love solo travel.
Joya
Such an important post to write! I completely agree with you. I’ve traveled solo twice and while it is a lot harder for me to do I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to see a new country just because I didn’t have someone to travel with. All of my friends have an excuse for why they can’t go so traveling solo is better than staying home!
Holly
I have wanted to go to Peru to hike the Inca Trail since my sister came back 2 years ago. I’ve been researching and researching, and I’ve finally decided that 2015 is my year. Last year, I planned to go in May, and then my other sister bailed on me. You couldn’t have said it any better Matt – if you’re always waiting on someone else, you’re going to miss out on so many opportunities for yourself.
That’s why I’m going to Peru alone. 🙂
Ben
I agree with the ‘getting out there and doing it’ sentiment, and how travel really is one of the greatest things one can do, but it does not have to be alone.
My passion for travel started late (ish) in life. I did an organised tour for a month and then planned on moving to Peru for study and charity work…but that would still have been organised.
Then I met Caroline and our shared passion for travel means we are now sat in Vietnam, 3 months in to an 18 month RTW trip. We push each other to try new things and we wouldn’t be without each other. We are learning as much about ourselves as each other.
Because if I hadn’t met Caroline, I’d still be at home, trying to convince myself to leave, and wondering if I’d ever get to see the world.
Melinda
I’m going overseas for the first time in my life to Cambodia on my own for a month! I never thought I would have the courage to. I’m going on a 2 week tour then 2 weeks voluntary work in April. It’s all I can think about at the moment I’m that excited!
Kamarul
I couldn’t agree more about everything you said here, Matt. For someone living in South-East Asia, my friends (or generally people in the region) often balked at the very idea of Solo Travel. I guess it’s a cultural thing among us Asians…most in my society here in Singapore finds “safety in numbers” especially when it comes to travelling or vacations abroad. I have to admit it’s hard initially to venture out of my own comfort zone and get out there in the world alone, but after trips to Europe, Oceania (NZ and Oz), Thailand including a solo road trip around Turkey, I could no longer imagine planning my future vacations and trips going on as nothing but a Solo Traveler. Not only have I managed to overcome my own fears about many things like driving in right side of the road (where I live, we drive on the left, among other challenges), it’s also satisfying in the end that I’ve overcome that mental barrier and ultimately discovering myself in the process. Then, there is also the human interactions…getting to know people and making friends with people from distant lands…knowing how to go on with their lives…the colourful culture..and sometimes getting lost in the wilderness of New Zealand only to find myself gazing at one of the most beautiful alpine sceneries I;’ve ever seen. So yes, I do enjoy travelling solo and probably will do so in future…it’s the expression of ultimate freedom.
Sam
I’m currently on my first solo trip and man…it’s rough! It was supposed to be a short trip -about a month- but less than a week in, I’m not sure if I will make it. I’ve gotten lost so many times, can’t speak the language, and am just generally having a hard time adjusting. I’m actually quite surprised how hard this has been for me because I typically embrace alone time. It’s really stretching my comfort zone. Eating alone!!!? WHATTT??? Never thought I’d do that!
I don’t really care for the main touristy attractions, so I’m spending my trip off the beaten path. Maybe it would have been easier if I wasn’t. Maybe it would be easier if I was staying in hostels (but I feel a bit old for that). I read so many travel blogs and hear so many stories about how easy it is to make friends on the road, etc. I haven’t even found someone to have a conversation with!!! Meeting new friends seems like an impossibility at this point.
I feel like I’m failing at this trip.
NomadicMatt
Where are you? Are you staying in hostels? If this isn’t something you’re used to, the first week is going to be a major challenge but give it some time and you’ll get used to it. It’s rough in the beginning and it takes time to adjust to a new way of life.
Dougie
You are spot on in your blog. I’ve dreamt about going away alone experiencing what the world has to offer. No limits on what I can do or where I can go as there would be nobody to stop me and pull me back once i’m gone. Like to one morning get up and think ‘fuck it I am going’ then arrange to go away and stick to it.
Dana
” if I wait for others, I’ll never go anywhere” SO TRUE! I learned that decades ago in my mid 20s. Began going places on my own when no one else would accompany me: movies, restaurants, etc. Took my first solo road trip at 24 from Utah to CA. Gradually as the decades past more and more of my road trips were done solo, and fewer with others. Until I finally admitted to myself the dirty little secret I didn’t want to face: I was spoiled rotten at this point. I LIKED being alone on these things!! Liked it? I relished it! Did whatever I felt like doing. Stopped where I wanted, ate where I wanted, listened to the same song 80 times down the freeway. Talk to docents and villagers, stare at the sea or meditate over a lichen covered rock. With no one behind me clearing their throat and point at their watch. I am one of those people who recharges with “alone time.” Yes, I have still done road trips with good friends and had a blast in the process, I’m not entirely anti-social. But my fav trips are usually ones where its just me off on an adventure to meet the world and see what I can see. Sadly, when you take other people its not your trip any more -and depending on who you invite…it can lose the “flavor” you were originally seeking. (I had, at one time, several lovely but high maintenance “control freak” friends, god love em! Asking them to do anything required surrendering the reins and letting them take over whether for a weekend, an evening or longer. I soon figured out I didn’t even want them on the longer road trips.) I’m nearing 60 and I have a lifetime of great experiences that would never have happened if the trips hadn’t been solo. So much I would have missed out on! And it all started because I realized early on if I waited for others I’d never go anywhere.
ME
Wow wow, just WOW. I needed to read this soo badly. Lovely blog. I am teaching English in Japan and I plan to have a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the ski resorts of Hokkaido in the North of Japan. To do that, I will have to send less money home and postpone some renovations at home for at least four months so mom doesn’t understand. However, if I don’t do this, I will regret for the rest of my life. I really want to do this when I can. After reading this blog, I will go ahead and book the flights…
Loveen
I just have to comment because this is exactly what pushed me to travel solo years back! It wasn’t because of self-discovery and all that – it was because it’s just so hard when you travel with friends and you have to synchronize your dates, etc. It’s better when you nothing else to consider except your own preferences.
Decky Harris
It is always better to travel alone. But before planning for travel, it is necessary to plan our things at our time of travel. Without arranging a proper travel, the trip will be useless. Here’s an interesting article on travelling alone.
Jeffrey Bennett
Oh absolutely!! I searched for many months to find someone willing to go to Asia with me for my first time ever, yet not a single one of my friends at the time could make it. I decided to go alone anyway and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
Bella Marin
I agree! Cant wait around for someone.
Nina Javez
Traveling alone has been one of the most liberating and enjoyable experiences of my life. This blog is nothing but true!