Four benefits of solo travel for women
Solo travel is something that many people have considered but may not have done. Women especially find the thought a bit scary and intimidating.
Traveling alone can open up so many doors for you, from improving your confidence to experiencing new cultures and cuisines. It seems that post-pandemic, many travelers identify themselves as independent or solo.
If you are a woman considering solo travel, then read on to find out why it is so beneficial. You never know, you may be inspired to take the plunge and book a vacation!
1) Empowerment and independence
Traveling alone can be intimidating for women. Trying to navigate a new country as well as transportation, accommodation, and food alone is enough to shake the most self-assured person.
By navigating these tasks, you will find that you can do them. This will lead to an increased feeling of empowerment and independence that you can use in your daily life. A hard task at work? Easy when you have navigated Thailand alone. A difficult conversation with a friend? You know you can do it when you have successfully asked for directions from a non-English speaker.
2) Personal growth and self-discovery
Spending time alone with your thoughts can sometimes feel like a bit of a luxury. Modern life doesn’t leave much alone time. This can impact your mental health as well as your emotional well-being.
Whilst you are traveling you will be able to find time for some self-reflection. This could be redefining your long-term goals or working through some personal issues. Long plane or coach rides are perfect for this – you could always take a notebook to help organize your thoughts and make a plan for when you head home.
Find time to create some new personal achievements as well. This could be a bungee jump, volunteering at an animal sanctuary, or swimming in the Amazon River. Returning home with a sense of achievement will help you push yourself out of your comfort zone again and experience new things.
3) Safety and preparedness
Whilst solo travel is incredible, you need to think about your safety before you set off. Check the travel advice from the government as this will help to give you an idea of what to expect.
Keep any money and important documentation like your passport close to your body. Some travelers have started wearing cross-body bags under their tops to keep them secure and hidden. This makes it harder for people to gain access without you knowing.
If your safety is something that really puts you off solo traveling, why not compromise? Book group activities such as guided cycling trips alone. This will give you the security of traveling with a group of people but still give you a chance to experience traveling without loved ones.
4) Connecting with new cultures and communities
Traveling alone will often force you into social situations with people you wouldn’t normally meet. This could be other holidaymakers from different countries, local citizens, or other people speaking the same language as you.
Speaking to local people can lead to exciting opportunities that may not have been on offer before. You may be invited to stay at someone’s home, which gives you a taste of authentic life. Some places offer work in exchange for food and accommodation. Home-cooked food is one of the best ways to get a taste of the local cuisine.
