Solo Traveler – Benefits of Traveling Solo

Have you considered hitting the road in a motorhome or travel trailer, but you’re just too intimidated by going it alone? There are thousands of “solo travelers” that have thrown their inhibitions aside and jumped into RVing with both feet and we want you to become one! That’s why Camping World has put together a series of articles to encourage those who want to travel but haven’t quite figured out how to do it alone.

Today we’ll look at the benefits of traveling solo.

The Benefits of Traveling Solo

For many, traveling alone congers up fears of loneliness, getting lost, or the insecurities of making big decisions alone. If you look past the fear you will find that the rewards of solo travel far outnumber the detriments. Here are just a few benefits:

• You can be spontaneous without worrying about a partner’s ability to join you.
• You will have the ultimate freedom to explore where and when you like.
• Your costs can be much lower than traveling with a partner.
• You can meet interesting people, and you may end up chatting with people you may never have approached if you had a travel buddy with you.
• You can relax and rest without guilt.
• You will come to know yourself better.
• You will have more time to work on creative projects.
• You will have less stress because you won’t have to meet the deadlines of others.
• You can immerse yourself in your travel location, getting to know locals, exploring the heritage and history of a place and its people.
• You will create more confidence in yourself.
• You can fully experience your travel locations, living in “Kodak Moments” and not just running through a list of activities.
• You will be pushed outside your comfort zone, forcing you to grow.
• You can develop skills to help you share your experience when you return home like photography, writing a journal, video photography.
• You will learn to enjoy your own company.
• Your courage and self-satisfaction will grow.
• You will test yourself.
• You will try new experiences without fear of judgment.

Just think, you have control over your own schedule, so go anywhere and do anything. If an opportunity arises, you can go with the flow! If you choose to spend a day reading, your time is your own.

With unscheduled time you can pursue the more creative aspects of travel, like portrait photography of the locals, an impromptu cooking lesson from the chef at your favorite restaurant, or a spontaneous tour of your cab driver’s beloved city.

When you spend time with yourself you become more aware of the things that hold you back, tackling each one as a testament to self-growth and improvement. You force yourself out of your comfort zone and discover new courage and satisfaction. Also, you suddenly realize that you are great company.

Drawbacks of Solo Travel

Many times as we travel alone the one thing that is lacking is the ability to share these new experiences with someone. That, my friend, is the time when you conger up new skills like journaling, photography, and drawing.

These talents will aid you in conveying your journeys with loved ones and will keep your treasured memories for a rainy day when you dream of traveling again. Start a blog to share your stories and images with those who couldn’t travel with you in person. They will appreciate it, and you will find new reasons to capture every moment.

Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back

Fear is usually a marker for a barrier that needs to be crossed. If left unchecked it can rule your life, leaving you frightened of new experiences and making you a prisoner of anxiety. Instead of giving in, take one step toward overcoming the worries you may have of traveling alone by planning one short camping trip on your own.

I think you’ll find that those worries will be replaced with courage and freedom—the freedom to believe in yourself and your capabilities. Each trip will make you stronger and more determined to enjoy every aspect of your journey.

Fear and apprehension have no place in your new world of solo travel. After all, if you can conquer dumping the black tank on your RV, just think of the boundaries you can break through, of the places you can go. Follow scenic byways, explore ancient ruins, share a meal with a new-found friend, and do it on your own terms. It’s all just around the next corner for a solo traveler.

Do you know any benefits of traveling alone? Leave a comment below!