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I have always loved to travel. And when I was younger, I wasn’t afraid to travel by myself. Of course, then when I got into my 30’s I got married, and traveled with my husband. Now that I’m divorced, I have been traveling mainly with a close group of girlfriends. But I’ve started getting back into solo travel. There are just so many places I want to visit and explore while I’m still at an age where I can do that freely. More women in their middle ages are choosing to travel the world on their own. They’ve found that solo travel has some definite benefits.
Here are some of the best reasons to try solo travel:
Self-discovery
Midlife is often a time when people begin to shed all of the old social conditioning and begin to reconnect with their authentic selves. Solo travel allows you to spend time alone with your thoughts. This helps you get to know and understand yourself better. It provides an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth.
Independence and freedom
When you travel alone, you have the freedom to make all the decisions without compromising on your preferences. You can choose your itinerary, activities, and pace without considering others. This is probably the biggest reason why I am beginning to travel solo again. I absolutely love traveling with my friends! We always have an amazing time! But there are so many limitations on where we can go, what we can do, and when we can travel that I would like a little more freedom to travel when it’s best for me. And I get to choose where I want to go and participate in the experiences that are most important to me.
Flexibility
Solo travelers can be more adaptable to changing plans and spontaneous decisions. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want, without the need for group consensus. Being flexible can be beneficial. Often, some cruises cost much less if you travel at the last minute. And often being flexible can offer experiences that you would not get to experience if you were with a group.
Increased confidence
One thing that has always given me a confidence boost is doing things on my own that I’ve never done before. Traveling solo is definitely one thing that you can do that can help increase your confidence. Navigating a new destination on your own, making decisions, and solving problems independently all help to make you feel more confident. Overcoming challenges solo can be empowering.
Cultural immersion
When you travel by yourself, it often encourages you to interact with locals and fellow travelers. You may be more open to meeting new people and experiencing local culture in a deeper and more meaningful way.
Personal responsibility
When traveling solo, there is no one else there to take care of your basic needs. Traveling alone means taking responsibility for your own safety, well-being, and belongings. This can be a valuable lesson in personal responsibility and self-reliance. It is important to educate yourself about traveling solo. There are plenty of resources available out there that can help. Look to YouTube for other midlife solo travelers. There are several who have shared some great content to help you know exactly what to do to keep yourself and your belongings safe.
Freedom to connect
When you’re alone, you’re more approachable to others. This can lead to meaningful connections with fellow travelers and locals. The time spent together with great conversation may just help create new friendships. Even in my daily life, I regularly talk to strangers. I’ve had some really beautiful exchanges through the years with people I don’t know. Now you have the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world!
Spontaneity
This one is big for me. While having a loose itinerary is great, sometimes you discover a place to visit that wasn’t originally on your itinerary…but that interests you more than what you already had planned. If you’re with a group, it isn’t always easy to switch gears and go a different direction. Without the need to coordinate with others, solo travelers can be more spontaneous in their decision-making. This can lead to unexpected and memorable experiences.
Personalized experience
I love my friends…I really do. But sometimes there are things I want to do that they just don’t want to do. Or vice versa. For my 50th birthday, we went to Walt Disney World. We had a blast! But I really wanted to go to the new Galaxy’s Edge Star Wars themed land in Hollywood Studios. One of my friends had promised her husband that they would go together first, which is completely understandable. But that meant I had to change the plans for what I really wanted to do to accommodate her. When you travel on your own your trip is entirely tailored to your interests and desires. Whether you’re into history, adventure, or relaxation, you have the freedom to create an itinerary that suits you perfectly.
Overcoming fears
I will be the first to admit that for a long time, I wouldn’t go places on my own. I wasn’t one who would go and see a movie by myself. Or go to a restaurant or travel. I drove from South Carolina to Michigan a few times to visit family and friends. I’ve always loved to travel. And while I do have a group of girlfriends who like to do a girls’ trip now and again, they are all so busy that it can be hard to find the time. So I decided that I wanted to start learning to travel by myself. Solo travel can help you face and conquer fears, whether they are related to navigating new places, trying new activities, or meeting new people. It can be a powerful way to step outside your comfort zone. And that’s exactly what I’m doing. The good news is that there is a growing number of singles in midlife who are doing the same thing! So you will most likely run into other similar travelers along the way.
Flexibility in budgeting
This is another thing that works well for me. Some of my friends like staying at higher-end hotels, and I tend to be more cost-conscious. When I travel with them, I know I will be paying more. But traveling alone allows you to manage your budget more effectively. You have control over expenses, and you can choose accommodations, transportation, and dining options that suit your financial situation.
Personal reflection time
I enjoy my own company. And I love to have time to just sit with myself regularly. Solo travel provides plenty of time for introspection and contemplation. Whether you’re sitting on a beach, hiking in the mountains, or exploring a city, you have the opportunity to reflect on your life, goals, and aspirations.
While solo travel offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider personal preferences and comfort levels. Some people thrive on solo adventures, while others prefer the companionship of friends or family. Ultimately, the best reasons to travel solo depend on your individual goals and desires.
Life is too short, so do what makes you happy! If traveling is one of the things you’ve always wanted to do, then it’s okay to travel solo! You’ve got this!