Why I Enjoy Travelling Alone

"Who did you go with?"

"Aren't you scared to travel on your own?"

"Why don't you travel with your friends?"

Even though solo travel has become increasingly common, people are still captivated and confused by it, especially when it's solo female travel. Every time I tell my friends that I went on a solo trip, they seem to think I'm strange.

Travelling solo started as a choice, simply because I wanted to. But why, you ask? I guess it's associated with how I was brought up. I was raised in a not so typical Asian family, where self-development is prioritised over academic success, hence independence and open-mindedness started at a very young age. I've always loved the idea of living alone that I tried to persuade my parents to send me abroad at the age of 12.

My first solo trip was to Korea back in August 2018 and I've been solo travelling almost every month since then. So here are the top 3 reasons why I love solo travel.

1. The freedom to do whatever I want.

In my opinion, travelling isn't necessarily about visiting all those tourist spots, but to experience the local culture by communicating with the locals, trying out food that the locals recommend, taking my own time to soak up the atmosphere and to get lost in a beautiful country. I live by my own rules, I can wake up anytime I like, wander around the city at my own pace without an itinerary, eat what I like and visit places that appeal to me the most instead of checking off landmarks like a maniac! I don’t have to compromise my plans or miss out on things I want to do. Oh, and I don't have to worry about walking too fast as I'm often told that I walk at a speed of train. I can travel on foot without worrying about others being exhausted and can take as many breaks as I like. Fun fact: the longest walking distance recorded on my health app is 36km when I was in Paris.

2. I can be who I want to be and discover who I really am.

The truth is I'm a rather insecure person although I might not look like it. I have a fear of being judged by others and I tend to worry about what others think of me. I mean let's be real; no matter how close you are to your best friend, there will always be moments where you're putting on a shield, whether it's a 5% translucent shield or 70% translucent shield. For example, holding back your opinions or agreeing to things that you don't certainly agree with. Travelling alone in a country where nobody knows who I am allows me to set myself free, without the need to live up to other people's expectations. I don't feel obligated to behave in a certain way or to do certain things. I feel at ease. I can connect with my inner thoughts and discover who I am. I get a break from reading people's emotions and constantly trying to keep others happy. I can have my own 'selfish' moment where I prioritise my feelings and recharge my energy. When I am alone, I learn about things that make me happy, things that I truly love and enjoy without the influence of others. I acknowledge my weaknesses and strengths. I feel calmer since I have better control of my thoughts and behavior.

3. I can meet new people

One of the most beautiful things about solo travel is meeting new people. Don't be afraid to smile to someone, to greet someone, or to strike up a conversation. You can end up having great conversations and becoming friends. I believe that everybody has something to offer, everybody has different views and beliefs that will broaden our horizons and contribute to our growth. Yes, it can be a little bit daunting to start a conversation at first, but trust me it gets better the more you do it. It has not only improved my communication and networking skill but has also helped me to be more courageous and more willing to step out of my comfort zone. I always choose to sit at the bar whenever it's available. It's a beautiful experience.

Solo travel is amazing, it's something you have to try at least once in your lifetime.