Learnings of a Solo Traveler

The world is a big place and whats more exciting than exploring it on your own. I always dream about hopping on a plane and disappearing in the horizon. I already bought my ticket, still convincing myself that I deserve this trip, one step forward in fulfilling my dream to land my feet on each side of the world.

I stopped and thought about this trip a lot of times saying 'wait, can I do this? Am i really be traveling overseas alone? How can I do this? I hate being alone!' I almost panicked. Then I just told myself 'hold on tight! I can do this, I deserve this, I'll learn a lot from this trip.'

Experiencing things first hand, here are the things I learned from travelling solo.

I learned to how trust myself.

When you travel alone, the only person you need to think about is you. You'll realize that you're completely on your own. Instincts and intuitions will be tested more than once and sometimes thats all you have to rely on. I learned how to trust and depend on myself that i can do this. Seek for new experiences without thinking the need for approval from anyone. And that just gives me the confidence, seeing all the things I am capable of.

I learned how to take full responsibility of myself.

I've missed buses, cash didn't come out from the ATM, underestimated the amount of time it takes to a specific place and that ruins the whole itinerary, forgot to book a hostel following a late night arrival, and found myself in too many uneasy situation. But I'm all by myself, there's no one to blame so I just have to accept and take full responsibility for my own mistakes, learn from them and move on.

I learned how to love my own company.

It's a solo trip, there's no one to eat and share food with, no one to sit with while waiting for the sunrise on the beach, there's no one to talk to but it's OK. And it doesn't matter. That's when I learned how to love my own company. Yes I'm alone but I feel at peace, I can live my life at my own terms.

I realized how strong I am.

In travelling alone you will be tested, tempted and pushed. I learned to trust and stand on my own decisions. I found courage and confidence I never thought I have in me.

I was able to test my limits.

Without pressure from anyone I'm free to explore and do everything I want. It pushed me to the limit yet I withstand it. The long walks, the different tastes of food, the unfamiliar surroundings, the chaos... No matter how uncomfortable the situation is I was able to survive it. I learned how far I'm willing to go to do things I want to do.

I learned how to trust others and believe that everyone can be kind in their own little ways.

I found myself getting help from a local translating what I want to say to a tuktuk driver who cant speak english. Another local brought me to the bus station with her motorcycle for free cause I can't find any local transportation. Little acts of kindness hold much more weight when you are in a new place. It builds up faith in humanity and makes you feel a bit more at home.

I learned how easy to make new friends.

It can be that local you asked for directions, that hotel receptionist who helped you and made your stay extra comfortable, or another traveler you bumped in the streets. Before you knew it, you're already trading stories and laughing with them. And it doesnt take much. It can start from a friendly smile or a helpful hand. It made me appreciate the people I meet along the way.

Traveling alone can seem scary, but there's so much to gain from spending time with yourself. Filling the mind with memories that will last a lifetime.

When I think about the things I did, saw and endured, then I realized I got through it all, I can just be proud of myself. I feel like I can do anything now...



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