What Do You Learn Traveling Solo?

So… what do you learn traveling solo?

Who are you when no one’s looking?

What do you do with your time when there are no demands on it?

You can learn the answers to both these questions when traveling solo.

People often say that they learn a lot about themselves when they travel alone.

• Günter – To be open for new adventures ..
• Micheline – That I can usually figure a way out of dilemmas.
• Maxine – I am more open to meeting other people when I’m out in the world on my own!
• Kiara – Patience, planning, independence, self-reliance, culture, acceptance… and a whole lot more!
• Ilona – That I am a lot braver away from home on my own, than when surrounded by things and people I know. Weird, but true!
• Jennifer – That I prefer to travel alone!
• Moya – You can be alone when you choose, or can find company any time.
• Sarah – That I am capable of navigating public transportation perfectly well in other cities on the first day, despite still getting lost in NYC after living in the Northeast for 20 years
• Dawn – That I CAN.
• Jenne – Freedom!!!
• Suzanne – That mountains are not my favorite places. Too chilly, even in summer.
• Linda – That I can be alone and have just as much fun (if not more) alone. It brings me much more serenity.
• Tracy – That I am stronger than those-who-put-me-down (because THEY are not strong) would have me believe. A LOT stronger.
• Emily – That I love it so much that it’s an indicator I may not be cut out for a relationship; that I am stronger than I think; that I alone am in charge of my own destiny; that if I die while traveling alone I will die in the happiest state known to Emily; that no matter where someone is born into the world, we all have the same basic human needs (to be accepted, to be heard, etc) and are more alike than we are different; that being a traveler is who I am…it’s like the air I breathe….I must have it; that people appreciate a simple smile more than you know; that through travel, I have grown and my likes, dislikes, desires, etc have evolved in the last few years…. Yup, that about sums it up!
• Jfur – To feel the fear and do it anyway.
• Ian –  To be more confident in myself. I still remember my first solo trip and the dilemma about where to eat – could I go into a restaurant and ask for a table for one? When I took the plunge, I discovered it’s fine to be solo. Restaurant staff spend a bit more time talking with you, and you can find out where to go and see around the region easier. Driving abroad, as a solo, means you can go where you want, when you want, and spend as much/little time there as you wish
• Dani – When there’s so much more out there, there is really no good reason to wait any longer for a better time to go do it. Waiting for whatever is missing out.
• Manish – I’m much more capable than I thought I was.
• Gwen – I am resourceful, powerful and I can do it.
• Kristeen – That I can do anything I want to
• Nadia – To be sure of what I want and what I don´t want in my life, to say “no” when it´s necessary, to enjoy myself, to allow myself to do what I please.
• John – That if I haven’t had enough sleep, I don’t care who painted that damn altarpiece.
• Maria -That I don’t miss my job all!!
• Robert – That I like company. Even when younger I wound up hooking up with someone for company.
• Andrea – That I am happiest when my travel involves a mix of city and nature. I do love to explore historical cities but I can’t get enough of being out of a city, in nature and especially close to animals in their natural habitats, on land or in the ocean
• Connie – That even though you might be traveling solo, you don’t have to feel lonely if you just have the courage to talk to people and make new friends
• Steven – That people are fun, in small doses.
• Louise – People have a knack of stuffing up my trips.
• Sylvie – That everything is simple and that we often over-think instead of just living the moment. Road trips in my own company with a good playlist are my favorite kind! Letting the road take me and stopping by when I feel like it. Freedom.
• N.m.- I’m a lot tougher than I thought and I enjoy being by myself
• Senora – I’ve learned that I’m smarter and stronger than I thought and that unless I’m on fire or missing a limb, nothing is a crisis….I can handle it!!
• Myrna – I have learned that I don’t need to wait ’til someone is available to go on a trip; I can go by myself and actually prefer it. I think about the last two trips I took with others and there was always the feeling of having to accommodate others. On my own I come see and do what I want when I want.
• Maureen – Being grateful for the experiences, adventures, and stories that my travels have brought into my life. I believe if you embrace solo travel with as much wonder on the inside as the outside you will return home with a renewed sense of self. Every trip is an adventure, and a challenge that gives me a sense of accomplishment, pride and empowerment. Where next is the question.

What more can be said. I agree with all of the above. Thanks everyone! 🙂