How Solo Travel Can Open Up New Friendships
Traveling alone can be an energizing experience. You have complete freedom over how your trip unfolds and may also open doors to potential new friendships.
Some hostels and guesthouses organize outings designed specifically to bring solo travelers together, giving you an opportunity to meet others on your travels. Other ways include joining group activities like cooking classes or walking tours – or just talking with locals!
1. You Get to Choose Your Destination
One of the many perks of solo travel is having the freedom to select your destination. From relaxing on a beach to embarking on an exciting hike, the options available to you allow for customized itineraries tailored specifically to you and your interests.
Start planning your trip by listing your top priorities, then research destinations that match those objectives. When researching activities, make sure not to overplan – sometimes spontaneity comes its own way!
Though venturing outside your comfort zone may initially seem intimidating, over time it will become less daunting and easier. Additionally, learning to adapt and solve problems quickly is an invaluable skill!
2. You Get to Meet New People
Travel alone offers one of those rare situations in life where almost everyone you encounter wants to make new connections, yet that is exactly what happens when travelling alone. People love talking to strangers about themselves and their experiences – especially when visiting places in which they don’t speak the native tongue!
Hostels often host group events like salsa nights and pub crawls that provide an ideal setting for meeting other travellers. You could also sign up with a tour company that specialises in solo travel to find other like-minded travellers – sometimes this even leads to life-long friendships forming along the way! Travel can bring people together – making trips even more unforgettable.
3. You Get to Try New Things
People often claim, “I couldn’t travel alone, it sounds too risky”. Yet if you push past those fears and dive right in, you might just be amazed at all of the incredible adventures waiting ahead!
If you need some direction, Airbnb Experiences or group tours could be a good way to meet new people and experience local life. Otherwise, visit cities with vibrant cafe cultures or public parks and take in their sights and smells first-hand.
Be sure to carry an emergency contact list (families, doctors and insurance providers) whenever traveling alone. This way, medical professionals or Good Samaritans will have access to contact your loved ones if an accident or illness should arise.
4. You Get to Unplug
Unplugging from technology can be challenging, but solo travel can make the task easier. Set an appointment when to use devices or download an app to limit screen time; or choose an experience-rich destination to fully immerse yourself in.
Reading can be an excellent way to unwind and refresh, stimulating the brain while increasing creativity and decreasing stress levels. Investing time reading can bring many rewards.
As part of your safety planning, it is a good idea to inform loved ones of where and what plans you have in mind, in case any contact needs to be made with local authorities in an emergency situation. Provide your itinerary so they may contact local authorities directly if required.
5. You Get to Recharge
If you’re traveling alone for an extended period, it is crucial that you take proper care in taking care of yourself. From indulging in a spa day to journaling by a tranquil lake, spending some time alone can help recharge and rejuvenate.
Even if you’re traveling solo for only part of your journey (say, for instance a weeklong backpacking adventure), solo travel can still provide many advantages; simply make sure to include enough “me time”. Or consider signing up for group tours or treks while away to enjoy both social interaction and time alone simultaneously! You could even sign up for one of these experiences while away – which allows for both solitude and exciting new experiences in one trip abroad!
