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I do a lot of traveling! Being that it’s often for my job, I end up traveling alone and I have learned to love it. Traveling alone sometimes offers the kind of solitude that really lets you get to know yourself. Who are you when you’re frustrated with airport security and no one you know can judge you? Do you only pack what you can carry, or will you spend the time and money to check your bags?
How does that rough patch of turbulence make you feel? When you’re alone in a group of strangers, there’s a sense of security in the fact that you’ll never see these people again. Who cares what they think of you. What about more than just business trips? Are there benefits to taking solo vacations? Your hotel will likely be more expensive since you’re not splitting the cost, but the freedom to do whatever you want as you think of it sounds appealing. There are no, “I want to go hiking and my partner wants to go shopping,” or “I want seafood and my partner wants Thai,” arguments. If you wake up and decide to go hiking that day, you can do it.
Later if you decide you want to eat your weight in shellfish, you can do that too. When traveling alone, consider sitting at the bar rather than a table: talk to the bartenders and the other people at the bar. There’s value in meeting new people while traveling; in fact, I think that’s one of the biggest reasons to travel. I’ve never had the opportunity to do an extended trip like backpacking through Europe or hiking the Appalachian Trail (although I am currently planning a hike on the AT), but I suppose if I did, I’d choose to do them by myself. Especially on a trip for an extended period of time, one of the biggest reasons to do them is to learn about yourself while being exposed to new cultures. You will meet so many new people hear so many of their stories, that it might not even seem like you’re traveling alone at all. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve taken PLENTY of trips with my partner and with friends—they’re great, and I always have fun. But I value the solitude traveling alone offers. If you feel the wanderlust bug and you have no one to go with—just go. It’ll be ok. In fact, it'll probably be great. Of course, let someone know where you are and how to reach you, but why not take a little solo sabbatical and show some self-love? You’ll vacation in a whole new way.