Lone Wanderer: Why travelling solo is good for you

Oscar Wilde once said, “I think it’s very healthy to spend time alone. You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person.” And that’s why you should experience travelling solo, or at least have it on your bucket list.

For those of us who rarely dine by ourselves, or are extroverts, the idea of travelling alone may sound frightening and intimidating. Yet if you manage to muster up the courage and take a leap of faith, you will find your solo trip empowering and rewarding. Here’s why:

#1 Take a break

We work with people, hang out with people, and spend almost every waking hour with people. Take a break from all things familiar and just focus on yourself. Part of the reason why you’re so exhausted after work is having to deal with people, put up a pleasant front and socialize. It might not be obvious to the outgoing bunch, but at times human interaction can be arduous and hence, the need for a (solo) getaway.

#2 Finding yourself

Cliché as it may sound, travelling solo — including being lost in a foreign place by yourself — helps you discover the other side of you that you didn’t know about. You listen to yourself from your own perspective, instead of seeing yourself from the eyes of your peers. You find out what your fears are deep down and it becomes a quest to conquer them. That is an empowering experience and becomes an opportunity to mature.

#3 New friends

Even though travelling solo includes taking a break from people you know, there’s nothing wrong with making new friends. In fact, it’s great and irreplaceable. Make friends with people from around the world who happen to be in the same place at the same time with you. Appreciate the different dynamics that come with different encounters, something you wouldn’t experience as well when travelling with a group of friends you would otherwise be too comfortable to leave.

#4 You do what you want, when you want

You set your own schedule, you do the things you want to experience, visit places you want to see, eat where you feel like. You do what you want, when you want it, without having to worry if your travel peers approve of the itinerary. You get to please you, and only you. When was the last time you can sincerely say that?

#5 No drama

When things don’t go well between you and your pals, you risk ruining the whole experience of the city. The bad blood is what remains from what could be a beautiful trip if you had roamed on your own. Just like #4, you don’t have to worry about meeting anyone halfway in terms of the best way of experiencing a city and that calls for the absence of arguments. Simply said, there’s no drama involved when travelling solo. There’s only fun and adventure.

The next time you’re planning a trip with some friends, keep these perks in mind and give solo travel a chance. Embark on a fun, exhilarating adventure and be independent while you’re at it. Leave your fortress of comfort behind and get ready to delve into a whole new experience.

Natasha Gan

Read more:

Bali Bliss: My relaxing stay at Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa 
Eat, Spa, Shop: The discerning girl’s guide to Bali

Solo Trip: Can women travel alone in Asia?
Solo Travel: What to note when travelling alone?
Solo Travel: Where to travel alone in Asia?