5 things I’ve learned from my first solo trip

Now I don’t know about you, but while travelling with friends, family or a partner is great, travelling solo is something everyone should absolutely experience at least once in their life. With my own solo travels taking me most recently to Las Vegas, I thought I’d share the 5 things I’ve learned from my first solo trip.

YOU GET A LOT OF FREEDOM

There aren’t many occasions that offer the same freedom as travelling solo. Without having to take anyone else’s plans or preferences into account. I was free to choose what to do, where to eat, how long to stay in each destination and so much more.

Being able to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, was an amazing feeling. And after some time out of my normal routine, I was all the more refreshed when I did return home.

IT’S EASIER TO MAKE FRIENDS THAN YOU MIGHT THINK

It may be called ‘solo travel’, but I found that I was never really alone. If you’re staying in hostels, joining group tours or just doing a day tour. You will meet plenty of other travellers from around the world. Many of who, will also be travelling solo.

IT’S EMPOWERING

If there’s anything that’ll boost your confidence, it’s managing to successfully (and safely) navigate your way across a foreign country alone. Without anyone else to help you read a map or ask for directions, you’ve got to take care of yourself. In doing so, and by solving the problems you encounter along the way, you’ll find yourself incredibly empowered. Ok you might encounter a few bumps along the way if there’s a language barrier or an issue with transport. But by handling yourself in these situations, you’ll start to realise you’re far more capable than you thought you were.

I REALLY ENJOY MY OWN COMPANY

Before travelling solo, the thought of sitting alone to eat a meal in a restaurant or cafe terrified me. But after flying across the world, booking my own accommodation and even doing a helicopter ride and concert by myself. That fear slowly but surely melted away.

In fact, I learnt that I can not only enjoy my own company. But that it’s actually healthy to be able to be by yourself. It boosts your confidence, and sense of self-reliance and makes you appreciate your friends and family even more when you do see them.

IT’S THE PERFECT TIME TO REFLECT

Travelling solo is the perfect time to ask yourself those soul-searching questions. Without anyone by your side to distract you from your thoughts, you can really take some time to think and reassess your life plan.

Whether you’re considering changing career, starting a relationship or moving house, the answers will be much clearer once you step outside your norm. In fact, it might just be the kick you need to start that next adventure.

So these have been the 5 things I’ve learned from my first solo trip. Let me know in the comments if you’ve solo travelled. And what you’ve learnt from that experience.