The last year of my life has been an interesting one. Packing up, selling everything I own and moving across the world to start a new venture has been an incredible experience. It has also allowed me to do quite a bit of travelling. Most of it completely alone. Not surprisingly, I’ve received a lot of questions from friends and strangers alike curious about solo travel. From safety concerns, itinerary questions to the topic of loneliness – people have a lot of apprehensions. But underneath all the uncertainty lies a pulsating curiosity about what the open road can offer a lone ranger. Here’s why you can – and absolutely should – hit the road on a solo adventure. Develop your intuition Nothing will develop your gut instinct quite like travelling alone. Each person has finely tuned internal radar, that tiny voice inside, that helps steer you in life. Often times it gets drowned out by the noise of daily life. When you travel alone, your intuition not only comes to the foreground, but develops at a rapid rate. From who to trust, what to eat, where to go – you will be amazed at how well your awareness is in tune with the world. Restores your faith in humanity Chances are your social media feed is full of news stories about the horrors that humanity commits daily, from terrorism attacks and impending war on all fronts. Whilst it’s true that there are dangers in the world, the reality is that most of humanity is filled with compassionate, kind, generous people who want the same things from life that you do – safety, prosperity, health and love. When you solo travel, the kindness and generosity of complete strangers will fill your heart with love for humanity. We are all a global family. And this is most evident when you are alone and receive the kindness of strangers. Experience true freedom Travelling brings with it freedom, but none more so than being on the road alone. The ability to change your mind – and your plan – at the drop of a hat is the pinnacle of true independence. You don’t ever have to do anything you don’t really want to because of a travel companion. Your rules, your way. All the damn time! Develop your social skills Whilst being alone is liberating, everyone needs company. Being by yourself means that at some point, you will have to talk to strangers. And chances are, become friends with people you don’t know. The thought of this can be daunting, but in reality there are a lot of solo travellers on the road also looking for someone to chat to. You will develop amazing social skills and learn the power of a smile and a simple greeting. Expand your network To elaborate on the point above, you will make friends. Friends from all around the world. In a few short months I have made friends from the US, Europe, South America, New Zealand, Australia, etc. Not only have I learnt so much about different cultures but I’ve also made valuable contacts that I can visit and stay with when I travel to these parts of the world. Couch surfing, anyone? Broaden your thinking We all have different biases that we’ve inherited from our environments. Traveling and meeting people from all around the world challenges these prejudices. When you are alone, the likelihood of you stepping out of your comfort zone and chatting to different people is a lot higher. You will broaden your thinking and change the way you look at the world. Develop a respect for solitude Society has created this ridiculous culture of fearing solitude. If you eat alone, go to the cinema alone, live alone or travel alone then you must be an outcast, right? Wrong. Some of the most balanced and happy people I know understand the regenerative power of solitude. Being alone is a great way to renew your energy levels and reflect on who you are. Why not experience it on holiday or travelling? Reflect on yourself Studies have shown that we tend to mirror the habits and patterns of those around us. This means that you unconsciously pick up things from your friends, family and partners including opinions and preferences. Being alone – and travelling alone – really allows you to figure out what you like and your place in society as a whole. If you can’t handle your own company, how do you expect others to? Deeper understanding of loneliness
The biggest misconception people have about my journey is that I am lonely. Having spent copious amounts of time alone, here’s what I’ve learnt: being alone and loneliness are not the same things. I have had some of the loneliest moments of my life in crowded rooms, and have felt an overwhelming sense of connection with humanity sharing a taxi with an absolute stranger in silence. Loneliness is not being alone, it’s the sense that you need something or someone to complete your present moment. Loneliness comes from the sense that something is lacking in your life. What solo travel gives you is the absolute certainty that the present moment is all you need. Company is great but the knowledge that you can be completely and blissfully content alone will help you feel more connected with the world – as strange as it sounds. “But it’s just not me…” When I was a child, I was the pickiest eater much to the annoyance of my father. I would take one look at something and without even trying it, decide I didn’t like it. Thank goodness I’ve developed a much more adventurous pallet than 5-year old Lex or my meals would be rather bland. The point is – you won’t know unless you try. Most people limit themselves without trying it out first and discovering if it appeals to them. Don’t let your life become bland because you fear something new. Push yourself, challenge your limits and I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised at who you discover underneath all your fears. Whether it’s a weekend trip alone or a backpacking sabbatical – I challenge you to hit the road solo and discover hidden gems. Not only in the places you will see and the people you will meet, but within yourself.
2 Comments
Dylan
7/14/2017 10:20:58 am
A sense of pride and adoration comes over me as I read your articles. First in having known you and second in your bravery in taking on the unknown.
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AuthorWriter. Dreamer. Lover. Explorer. Teacher. Archives
July 2017
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