Thursday, September 3, 2015

6 Reasons Why Traveling Solo is Awesome!





I love traveling. I have an extreme case of wanderlust and this summer will most likely be my last three-month-long summer for a long long while, so naturally I decided to hop on a plane to the States and travel a bit and with it, I learned quite a few things....

1. It's not the destination but the journey that matters most

One of the most exciting things about traveling is the journey. I absolutely loved coming off the airport in JFK after a 9 hour flight with a 2 hour delay and having no idea where I was. Okay, thats a lie - but it made things more interesting and fun. You see that police officer with the baton, he's going to tell you some complicated train route to get you into the centre of Manhattan with, "the best view". If you travel alone you can make these quick decisions to take a $2.75 subway or a megabus for five hours, without having to worry about what anyone else things. You enjoy the journey because having to worry about if your friend/boyfriend/girlfriend/family is having an o.k time is scary. I know numerous people who if I travelled with them and said "megabus" they would flee and disown me. I would rather hop on that random circulator bus to get to my hotel for $1 than spend $25 on a grumpy taxi driver. It's all those little journeys you make by yourself that make you more independent and overall, learn and see so much more!

2. Sometimes it's not where we travel, but who we travel with.

But Caroline, you said traveling alone? Well sometimes you are traveling alone but you aren't really. I went to NYC alone but stayed with my friend who very kindly took me in for a week. Although she was working during the day, I was introduced to some of her lovely and amazing friends. Not only that but you meet some great people on the way too. Sitting on the bus you end up meeting a mum and daughter who have weirdly just come back from Switzerland, or you meet people solo travelers in bars. You meet so many wonderful people (don't get me wrong, stranger danger (there are some weirdos)) and that too is part of your journey.

3. You get to make the call

Whether it be; hotel, ground transportation, air transportation, museum, gallery or where to have lunch, you get to make the decisions. Sure you can sometimes look a little sad and lonely in that Pizzeria in Washington, but on the bright side, that cute waiter has just spoken to you - friend! *insert thumbs up*. If you don't feel like going to that space museum your boyfriend really wanted you to go to, or the Sephora your girlfriend has been dying to go to, you don't have to. It's your call.

4. Space!

Now it may seem totally sad and lonely, but think about the joys of not having to share that bathroom, or that double bed. That's all for you! You have that alone time, that space and not having to stress about your boyfriend's/girlfriend's socks on the floor. Even more importantly, you know what towel is yours - all of them!

5. Upgrade

What's this? An upgrade to a hotel suite? For me, thank you! Hotels and Airlines have said that they are more likely to give an upgrade to a solo traveller than couples/families. Trust me, there's nothing better than dancing around your hotel suite at 4am to Beyonce and not having to care about someone looking at you strangely.

6. Me, Myself and I

I loved this quote "as you travel solo, being totally responsible for yourself, it's inevetaible that you discover just how capable you are". I've learned so much from being alone and away. It teaches you that you don't always need someone with you and that you can enjoy your own company. I've learned that I can organize flights, transportation, hotels, entertainment and hundreds of other things because I am capable. I don't need to rely on anyone to get things done or to be happy - solivagant.

"It's better to see something once, than to hear about it a thousand times"
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4 comments

  1. I love this post. I'm looking into going travelling and I'm pretty sure I will be going at it alone as all of my friends are in settled jobs. It's a bit of a scary thought to go about it on your own, but this post has been really helpful!
    Love Lauren xx

    www.laurenshh.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you! I really hope you have amazing & safe travels! Oh and of course, don't forget to blog about it too ;) xx

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  2. What a great post! I have just been to London for a few days on my own and I loved it. Your words are sooo true! I enjoyed doing what I wanted & when I wanted to do it so much. As much as I love travelling with friends and family it's sooo relaxing not to comprise with anyone and just do your thing. xo

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    1. Thank you! And thank you for all your comments on my blog it means a lot! I love traveling alone now - it's a lot more fun than people think! xx

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