Traveling alone: The real mind opener

I traveled alone for the first time when I was 19, simply because my traveling partners canceled on me at the last minute. I decided I did not want to cancel everything, and lose money, so I went to Italy alone, and it was one of the best decisions I ever took. Traveling alone can be a rewarding and mind-broadening experience. Especially those who tried it late in life, either by choice or by necessity, describe their first trip as a spiritual journey. It certainly is a very educating experience; you learn yourself better, what you really like, what you want and what you need, without having to consider another person. Of course, there are risks to evaluate, but it is another opportunity to improve your ability to foresee things and to plan ahead.

Focus on the journey and the destination

When you are traveling without a companion, you can engage much better with the environment, the surroundings, the things you see and hear. Perhaps this is why solo travelers often have more lively memories from their trips.

Build up your confidence

You rely on yourself for just about everything. You are responsible for your own fate, you make all decisions, and you alone will cope with any situation. Solo traveling is much like taking life into your own hands.

Enhance your social skills

When you travel alone, it is easier to engage more with the people you meet. Something you will have to ask or something you will need can become an excellent opportunity to start a conversation. And hey, if you come to Athens, which is an excellent choice for a solo traveler (in terms of safety, weather, cultural activities, great food, proximity to beaches, and hospitable locals), you can always do something new and fun like a food tour, or a cooking class. Talk to the other people in your group, and who knows, you may even make new friends, or even meet the love of your life!

Discover your spontaneous side

You can change your plans according to a last-minute decision without having to inform anyone. You are your own master and commander, and perhaps you will find out how impromptu and fun you can really be!

Become better at solving problems

When you are traveling alone there is no one to help you and do things for you. You will surprise yourself dealing with the various situations you may encounter, and you will discover skills and talents you never knew you had! (Had you realized how proactive you really are?)

Enjoy your own company

Traveling alone can really make you enjoy who you have become. How well are you coping with being you? Are you calm with your own company? Are you enjoying that glass of wine by yourself? The usual daily interaction with other people gets out of the way, and you can really listen to your inner voice.

Figure out what you really want

Speaking of that inner voice, I must confess that I have returned from a solo trip with a very clear image of what I wanted to do with my job, after reaching a very stagnant point in my professional life. Being alone in a foreign place enhances your sensory perception, and gradually you can become a better listener of your own thoughts, desires, and aspirations.

Traveling all by yourself can broaden your mind in ways you could never have imagined. And do not forget that freedom, being the sole decision-maker, and the only person accountable, requires a very large degree of responsibility. I could say that solo traveling makes you a whole person, a real adult. This benefit alone has enormous weight on gaining life experience. The experience of traveling alone challenges you and injects a bit of adventure into your life. You should give it a try.

By Sophia Dritsa

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