A quick Google search about solo travel reveals just how fulfilling a solitary trip can be. Although there are benefits to traveling alone, it may not be the right fit for everyone. iPhone albums full of selfies, dinners alone, and the need to make decisions on your own are just a few things to consider before you plan your next solo trip. Decide if solo travel is right for you using these 8 questions!
Can you make friends easily? Having some "you time" might be nice for a little while but eventually you are going to get bored. Going to the bar alone can get depressing. Are you the type of person that will make an effort to be social? Are you willing to strike up a conversation with a total stranger? If you are shy or introverted, the thought of befriending complete strangers might scare you. Consider staying in a hostel! Hostel dorms provide the perfect atmosphere for meeting people who are in the same boat as you.
Can you defend yourself? We have all heard the phrase safety in numbers. Unfortunately, travelling alone makes you an easy target. No one will be there to watch your stuff when you go to the bathroom or look out for you in general. It is vital that you are conscious of every danger and make every choice with care.
Are you good at navigating? The walking feature on your GPS won't always be there for you. Bad reception or a dead phone could leave you stranded in a city. Taking public transportation or getting directions in a different language can be extremely intimidating.
Are you a good planner? Solo travel is every control freak's dream. It makes you the ultimate decision maker and forces you to choose the whens, wheres, whats, and hows. If all goes wrong, you are the one to blame. A detailed itinerary and lots of research beforehand is important when it comes to planning.
Do you care what others think? Eating out alone or simply asking strangers to take pictures of you may seem like an easy task to some of us, but to others it's unbearable. If you are the type of person who prefers order room service just to avoid the awkwardness of getting a table for one then maybe solo travel is not right for you.
Can you laugh off the small stuff? Losing luggage or missing your train can seem like an adventure when with friends. However, it can be nerve-wracking when you're alone. Will you be able to not sweat the small stuff? Taking advantage of any situations you are put in is key for a solo traveler.
Can you afford it? Traveling alone is expensive. Group trips allow you to split the cost of a hotel room, a car rental, or a fancy meal, but when traveling alone you have to foot the full tab for everything.
Are you adventurous? Sky diving or visiting a country where you don't speak the language can be intimidating. A travel companion often relieves the stress of all that. Are you able to face those challenges alone?
Using this self-evaluation, decide if solo travel right for you. If you answered yes to a majority of these questions then you should consider planning a solo trip at least once in your life. Find out for yourself what's behind all of the life changing claims about solo travel. On the other hand, if you are not fully confident in yourself, then stick to travelling with friends.
