The Benefits Of Travelling Solo As A Woman
“To see the world with sharpened senses, where each sight is illuminated with a sense of discovery and each sound reverberates with significance. To enjoy the company of oneself while disconnecting from routines that numb the mind. To go on an adventure and emerge from the journey stronger. This is the beauty of travelling solo.”
Travel broadens one’s horizon, but to travel solo, you are embarking on a process of transformation, even without realising it. At Textile Seekers, we know just how precious this experience can be, which is why we are huge advocates for women travelling solo.
Why some women fear travelling solo
Many women often worry about the safety of going on a solo trip. You might fear getting lost, are anxious about being scammed, and lack the confidence of going on the road by yourself. You are unsure if you could just pack your luggage and escape your routine life. You lack the experience of planning a trip and you have never thought about what it is you truly want. Perhaps you once dreamed about visiting Paris to see the Eiffel Tower or wished to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat, but over time you became so busy with life and work, you forgot about your travel goals.
First steps to start travelling solo
There are many reasons not to do something, but as seasoned solo travellers ourselves, we can confidently say that once you take the first step, you will never regret the decision to travel by yourself. A solo journey is one where you get to discover the world, and get to know yourself better. It can be uplifting, adventurous, empowering and even addictive. If you do your research and plan your trip carefully, there is little to worry about. Being flexible during your travel and being prepared for the unexpected will allow you to handle any sudden changes that might occur during the trip. You will soon realise that solo travelling can be safe and enjoyable. However, if you wish to take baby steps in your quest to becoming a solo traveler, joining a reputable tour can also help to ease some of your fears, especially in an all-female tour group.
Be it backpacking, joining a tour group, or going about the luxurious way, the benefits of travelling solo are countless. Here are some advantages to being a solo traveler:
1. Become independent
Stepping out of your comfort zone will force you to be self-reliant. You have to navigate the direction to the hotel yourself, you might have to dine alone, and you need to be bold in asking for help when you need it. You learn to be resourceful and experience what it is like to take care of yourself and look out for yourself. This process will cultivate your self-confidence and at the end of your solo trip, you might even feel more empowered to bring this newfound attitude to your work and personal life.
2. Self discovery
When you have to make decisions by yourself, plan what to do for the day, interact with the locals you meet, all the little actions that take place during your solo trip are opportunities to get to know yourself better. You might discover that you actually have good interpersonal skills and are excellent at making small talk. Or you feel you need to work on your time management skill. You might even recall a long-lost dream and decide to make a career change, pursuing what you truly love!
3. Broadening horizons
Nothing broadens the mind quite like a solo trip. You learn new things about the destination you visit, from its history to its culture. As you adapt yourself to the new environment you are in, it opens your eyes and you see how other people live. Be it being infected by the Italians’ passion for food in Florence, or being moved by the hospitality and warmth of the Vietnamese in Sa Pa, each travel moment has the power to put your life in perspective, inspire you to learn from the locals, and even motivate you to make changes to your personal life.
4. Meet new people
It is easier to meet new people and make friends as a solo traveller. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to meet like-minded friends who share your interests? Such potential meetings are likely to happen if you join a themed tour, such as a guided museum tour to learn about art and culture or a traditional textile workshop in the mountains with local tribes. If the tour you go on is all-inclusive and spans a long period of time, like attending a yoga retreat in a lush jungle resort for a week that will give you plenty of opportunities to get to know someone better. You could have conversations on the tour bus, share ideas over meals, or explore the city you are in together. You could walk away from your solo trip with a friend for life!
5. Freedom
When you travel by yourself, you have total control of your trip. You have the freedom to decide what you want to do instead of having to compromise with your travel companions. You are free to pursue your interests, spend a whole day in a museum if you want, or explore a local market and see what regional cuisine is. Such freedom is priceless yet easily attainable when you travel solo.
6. Me Time
During your solo trip, you will have the luxury of indulging in “me-time”. With more time on your hand, you can focus on wellness besides exploring the city you are in. You can pamper yourself with a long bath in the hotel, or go for a relaxing spa without having to rush or worry about appointments with your travel companions at a certain time. Even reading a book in silence or meditating at the beach without disturbance can improve your mental wellbeing. As you travel solo and immerse in your surroundings, you can disconnect totally from work, from your routine and from everyone else. This enables you to return home recharged, invigorated and healthier.
7. New memories for life
By being alone, your senses are sharpened. You soak up every moment of your solo trip, and the way you remember the journey is different. The memories are more vivid; they will stay with you for a long time. Instead of thinking there is no one else to share these memories with, consider your solo trip and the memories you create as precious gifts to yourself.
A new you after a solo trip
On top of the benefits, you will be amazed by the changes you feel after travelling solo. You could come home with a changed mindset and a newfound appreciation for what you have in your life. You could hatch new ideas for a business after gaining inspiration during your travel, or make a new plan for your career. Feeling stronger and rejuvenated, you will be ready to take on life again and tackle new challenges that come your way.
Are you excited to experience the wonders, which a solo trip can do for you and your life? Here at TextileSeekers, we specialise in organising all-female slow travel tours that venture into the heart of each country we visit. Sign up for our latest itinerary and travel plans, and let us bring you on a life-affirming journey!