Everyone who solo travels will tell you the same things- about how they’re never the same, how they’re always ready to travel again. We have some of the craziest and coolest stories that are sometimes hard to believe are actually true. Solo travelling changes you.
Here are some of the ways solo travel changes your brain chemistry.
1. You become fearless.
The beauty of backpacking is things don’t usually go as planned (that’s why you shouldn’t have a fixed plan!). You miss flights and buses, lose your passport, lose your luggage, lose you phone. Before you know it, you’re sleeping on the airport floor, using your one hoodie as a pillow because your flight got cancelled or maybe you’re sleeping outside because check in isn’t till 3pm and it’s currently 6am! After these experiences you really do become fearless. Things not working out as you thought doesn’t really phase you and you find yourself stepping out of your comfort zone much more than you previously did. You meet strangers who become treasured friends and go on adventures with them. You go ziplining and scuba diving together. You party all night long and explore countries together! Things that may have seemed so far removed from your reality become part of your everyday life.
2. You become confident doing things alone.
At home, many of us feel anxiety when it comes to doing things alone. Going to the gym, going to a new restaurant, trying a new activity. It’s interesting because western countries aren’t the most community centred but for some reason, the idea of doing both new and mundane tasks alone makes many young people anxious. Now, this doesn’t magically disappear when you start solo travelling. It’s a gradual change. At first, you feel apprehensive but then you get so used to doing things by yourself and meeting new people that over time, the idea of going somewhere alone or doing something alone doesn’t faze you.
3. You learn to be okay with whatever happens (acceptance).
As mentioned before, backpacking (especially solo) will have its ‘mishaps’. Of course, when they happen, they may take you by surprise. You may feel overwhelmed but over time, you find yourself panicking much less. You simply deal with the problem and move on. Sometimes you lose money and sometimes your luggage gets stolen but it’s always ok in the end. You learn to accept things as they are and enjoy the journey for what it is.
There’s so much beauty in travelling alone, to a foreign country with different beliefs, cultures, and languages. Allow yourself the opportunity to see this beautiful world.
Still not convinced? Read more about why you should solo travel here!
