The BEST way to travel...

Is solo.

Is alone.

Is unaccompanied.

Is by oneself.

Those words above probably scare you. I totally get it because I know the thought of traveling solo sounds absolutely petrifying. Who would ever want to be alone in a foreign country? Who will take all my pictures? (Yes, I know you are thinking about your Instagram feed.) Who would want to fly on an airplane for several hours and have no one to talk to? Traveling solo comes with so many questions and a lot of unknowns BUT... I am here to change that WHO into YOU and tell you why traveling solo is the absolute best way to go.

5 Reasons Traveling Solo is the BEST way to Travel:

1) You will learn how to be independent.

independent:

-adjective

-free from outside control

-not depending on another's authority.

When you travel into the unknown, such as a new city or a new country, you will be challenged. But with a challenge, comes a lesson. Traveling alone will teach you one of life hardest lessons: how to become independent. Being independent can sometimes be a hard trait to acquire for people my age. Independence comes with anything being done alone... but stepping off a plane into a foreign country where you do not know a soul will not only test your independence, but also teach you. You will learn how to do literally everything by yourself. Simple things such as catching a taxi, asking for directions, and even asking someone to take your picture are all simple lessons that can teach you how to be that strong independent woman that don't need no man. (AKA me)

2) You will meet a plentiful amount of new people.

Traveling alone is a beautiful thing because you will meet so many beautiful people! When you travel with someone whom you are comfortable with, you won't be forced to step out of your comfort zone. You will most likely be bound to that person and spend each and every travel minute with them. While there is nothing wrong with that, image how many new people you could meet if you actually focused on meeting them. One of my favorite things EVER is getting to know someone for the first time... and what better way to do that then over a cup of banana gelato while sitting along side a cliff in Santorini?! Traveling will bring you so many amazing people from all over the world whom all have one thing in common... that being wanderlust. I love talking to new people, tourist (like me) or locals, about all of their travels and where their journey has taken them so far. Meeting new people from all over the world is a great way to gain travel inspiration.

3) You will be on your own schedule.

Tell me this doesn't sound like a perfect trip:

- You wake up when you want.

- You go out to eat where you want.

- You do the activities you want.

Need I say more?

Travel alone so you can make the most out of your trip.

When you travel with friends or family, there is a chance that things could get messy... meaning arguments over what to do and when to do it. When you travel alone, there is no such thing as a clock. You are literally on your own schedule! Want to watch the sunset in a vineyard? Go for it. Want to eat an endless amount of Swiss chocolate in your hotel room? Go for it. The world is YOURS to explore (or eat)!

4) You will prove to yourself (and others) so much.

The amount of pride I feel while telling people I've traveled to seven countries (so far) alone is unmeasurable. Their facial expression is always the same, as well as their response... "You travel alone?!"

Yes, I set off on these adventures not knowing anyone but because of that Iv'e been able to prove to myself (and others) so much. I've shown that I can be independent, I can make friends, I can find my way around a foreign country, I can try new foods, I can experience new cultures, and I can make new memories all while traveling solo.

5) You will have time to self reflect.

There is just something about flying home from a solo trip... you are sitting in your airplane seat, looking out the window, having a total Drake moment.... Just kidding, kind of.

After a solo trip, you will be flying home with more memories, more friends, and more inspiration.

After every solo trip I take, I always take time to reflect. I reflect on the memories made (good and bad) and the lessons learned. This could be me writing in my journal, looking at photos, or telling my close family and friends all about my experiences. Self reflection after solo travel will help you to become more familiar with your emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and passions. I know for a fact that the passion I have for travel grows stronger and stronger after every trip... solo or not. The vision that I have for my future becomes a little clearer after each plane ride I take...

If you can't get yourself to travel alone then I suggest starting small. Go the beach alone. Go to a cafe alone. Work on being alone... because there is nothing more dangerous than someone who has the confidence and power to be independent!

When you travel, you will find your true self. If you want to dig even deeper...travel alone.

Whats stopping you?