Travelling is a story that many dream of writing but never pick up the pen to do so. Hopping on a plane, disappearing for days, months, or years… sometimes getting up the courage to embark is the hardest part. Then as you set foot out in the vast world, you realise that this journey is going to teach you things you would never have learned at home. There are some lessons that only travelling alone can teach you.
Read on to find out what you learn from travelling alone.
A guest post by Charlie Alf
What you learn from travelling Alone
1. You depend purely on yourself
If you have ever been told you are too dependent on others or are completely selfless, then travel will transform you into an independent, invincible person. You will learn not only how to do what is best for you and no one else, you will know what it means to trust your gut feeling and go with it. Furthermore, you will learn responsibility, time management, strategy, and budgeting.
When you are on your own, no one is going to pay your bills for you or hold your hand at the doctor’s office. You have to figure out everything about getting around more or less unassisted. Yes, it can be mortifying, but you will not regret the results.
2. You learn what “tolerance” means
New cultures can be bizarre, mind-boggling, and honestly, frustrating. Culture shock will not be an alien idea to you as you travel. Your first round with it will be the worst. The second and third time will come and go like the sniffles. Travelling means understanding that everyone and every culture has its unique quirks and norms, and you learn to accept those differences instead of fighting them.
3. You figure out your passion
Travelling alone gives you a lot of time to just sit and think about the world and your place in it. You can reflect on your life, who you are, and what you want. Travelling, after all, means following your heart and living as you choose to live, so do not be surprised if you unearth your purpose while traipsing through a jungle or cave spelunking.
Read more – Nine tips to travel the world solo
4. You learn how to live without luxuries
For those who choose the backpacker’s way of travel, which often deals with jamming the necessities into a hiking pack then couch surfing and jumping from hostel to campground and back again, there is no time for makeup, souvenirs, and bundles of clothing. In fact, you lose interest in anything that will weigh you down. The simple things in life, like walking along a beach as the sun goes down, or freshly brewed tea with new friends, are going to be more valuable than the new iPhone.
5. You get skilled in making acquaintances
Travelling alone helps you understand how to entertain yourself and be comfortable in your own company. However, just because you are independent does not mean you will not be meeting new people. As you travel, you will run into other backpackers, and you will share your stories. The art of small talk gets mastered quite easily this way. Also, the locals will be interested in where you are from and your motivation. You will find yourself talking to more people than originally anticipated, it is guaranteed.
Flying to a foreign country is just the first part of an experience filled with marvellous memories and experiences that will be unique to only you. Travel is the greatest teacher, especially when you are alone. With no one beside you, no one to sway you, your mind opens up to possibilities and ideas that you would have never thought possible. That is why these lessons can only be learned abroad. So get ready to pack your bags and open your mind.
A guest post by Charlie Alf – BackPackHack
This article was published in May 2017.