Four compelling reasons to embark on a solo journey

Exploring new places and cultures with others can be some of the happiest times of your life. But nothing quite compares to the transformation you can achieve with solo travel.

Whether you’ve got a week’s holiday to take and no plans, or a few months to fill before your next commitment, here are four reasons to consider a travel adventure on your own.

You’ll have freedom and flexibility like never before

Travelling by yourself is one of the most liberating experiences you’ll ever have. Complete control over your destination choices and activities means you can craft your itinerary without compromise. Every decision is yours to make. No need to please partners or travel companions – it’s your time to be selfish.

Even if you don’t know where you want to go or what you want to do, simply seeing where things take you is all part of the fun. You can follow your instincts, whether that’s taking an impromptu hike in nearby hills or walking into a bar without knowing anyone.

Take the first step today. Look at last minute holidays and see if any destinations take your fancy.

You’ll build your confidence and sense of independence

Solo travel tests every bit of your character. It challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone and do things you wouldn’t normally have to back home.

Navigating unfamiliar places, overcoming language barriers and solving problems as they arise builds a strong sense of self-reliance and resilience. Whether it’s mastering the Tokyo metro or haggling in a Moroccan souk, every small victory boosts your confidence.

Far from the comforts of home, all these little wins can accumulate and completely transform your character for the better. This sense of self-discovery and self-actualisation is so empowering.

You’ll embrace your destination more deeply

Travelling with friends or family often holds people back from throwing themselves into authentic situations. Going solo removes some of these barriers. Being alone, other travellers and locals are more likely to approach you and you’ll find it’s much easier and more natural to strike up conversations.

You may also have more time to immerse yourself in local culture and traditions. Activities like learning the art of Italian pasta-making with a local nonna or joining a meditation session at a Thai temple can create more meaningful and memorable moments that you can take with you.

You’ll certainly take home much more than just photos of your destination.

You’ll make brand-new connections

Finding other solo travellers with similar experiences helps you create deep connections with people you may never have had the chance to meet otherwise.

You might make friends with someone from a completely different walk of life, country or continent. Their stories might inspire your own adventure and give you lessons to apply to your own life going forward.

Human connection is a wonderful thing, and it’s one of the purest things you can enjoy while solo travelling.