When people ask me why I travel alone, my answer is always the same. I was born alone, and I’ll die alone… that’s not quite true, given I’m a twin. But they’re not to know that. And I think my point is still a good one.

Solo travel

I have been on more than a few trips alone. There are benefits and drawbacks of going solo, as there are benefits and drawbacks when travelling with one or more other people. I acknowledge that some people find the idea of going away alone, particularly for a week or more, seems odd (they might be more sympathetic if they knew it was not always entirely out of choice).

More accepted forms of solo travel might be a ‘gap year’ – where it is assumed you will meet others who are doing the same – or a working holiday, where you are likely to meet people through work. In general, though, I think there is a slight uneasiness and apprehension about going away by yourself.

Sharing is caring

While I am happy to travel alone, I think most people are social beings, and it is natural to want company – including while travelling. Sharing the new experiences, sights, places, food, music and culture with a friend or partner is special. There is potential for moments along the way that would not be the same without that person there, and being together in that time makes that shared experience more meaningful and memorable.

Having said that, I will now try to justify why you can go on a trip with the intention of spending most of it without human company. And that you can be enthusiastic and proud of these trips, even if other people might question your decision. Solo adventures can be as special as any other journey you have.

At your own pace

Travelling alone affords you the opportunity to go entirely at your own pace, taking a break as often as you like, as well as waking up – and going to sleep – when you want. You can choose exactly where to visit and for how long. You decide the itinerary and the schedule. I find the freedom of choice liberating and fulfilling.

With this autonomy comes responsibility, and it falls on you to choose your path. That can be daunting. When you are in full control, you have no one to rely on or shift blame to. Nor do you have someone to turn to when things go wrong. You will spend a lot of time with your own thoughts. That can be challenging.

Taking on that challenge tests your decision-making skills and requires you to use initiative. And putting yourself through that test may help you grow in confidence and develop as a person.

Meeting others

Ironically, I find on solo trips I am much more likely to meet other people. This is partly because, if I am alone, I am more likely to approach other people for conversation. Also, I find people are more willing to approach me, and strike up conversation than if I’m with a companion.

Travelling alone is a great way to meet other people, to interact with locals and discover more about the area you are exploring, or share stores and connect with other travellers.

Autonomy

So much of our lives are shaped by our parents and our upbringing, influenced by the society we grow up in. Many of us tend to follow a narrowly defined path, in terms of education, a career, and starting our own family.

Travelling alone provides an opportunity to break from that set track, if only temporarily, to determine our own path – quite literally – and make decisions for ourselves. It may seem minor, but the choice to do whatever, wherever, and however you want may help you realise you have more choice in other aspects of your life. While your travel experiences may not radically change your future life choices, the knowledge you are deciding your path is empowering.

The mental challenge

I think it would be a shame for anyone to miss out on an adventure because they don’t know anyone who wants to go with them, or because they care too much about what people might think of them. I say go for it. You might surprise yourself with what you can do, while having the adventure of a lifetime.

Having spent a lot of time travelling solo, I have discovered a lot about myself – my personality, what I like and dislike, and what I appreciate about the company of others. It offers time to process my life, give perspective on my challenges and struggles, while helping to focus my mind on what’s important. And I enjoy the basic freedom, to not have to answer to anyone, to be responsible for only myself, to spend my time as I choose – a welcome respite from my usual commitments.