Flying Solo: Reasons to Travel Alone

When I was 21, I booked a one-way ticket to New Zealand. I had very little plans, just two goals: reconnect with a dear friend and volunteer with Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF). For nearly six months my time was spent between connecting with my friend (and making new friends), working for organic farms and businesses, and exploring many places throughout the magnificent islands of New Zealand. In the time since this trip I’ve had many other opportunities to travel and explore on my own. I highly recommend the experience; below are my favorite reasons to enjoy solo travel.

Coastal Track — Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

Have a Transformative Experience
Be nothing but yourself. Not everything in life needs to be shared — value your own journey like secret treasure, at least while you’re in the middle of it. You’ll have plenty of time to share your experiences with others when you get home. Being alone in a place that is foreign to you is an excellent time to tune in to your most intimate thoughts and feelings as you reflect on your ideas and aspirations.

Meet New People
Start a genuine conversation with someone at your hotel or a coffee shop. If you’re out of your element, don’t worry, there’s no need to stress about small talk. You‘re likely not starting discussions with the intention of lifelong friendships — but who knows — and you can often get some great perspectives on where to explore, eat, and enjoy your trip. Many cafes and breweries even have communal tables to encourage connections. If your lodging-of-choice is up the alley of a hostel, Airbnb or Couchsurfing, then you might just stay with someone you enjoy connecting with, and end up sharing a meal or keeping in touch.

Communal Coffee Table at Shaky Isles — Auckland, New Zealand

Enjoy Silence and Solitude
For those of us that are accustomed to the business of being plugged-in, quiet can be essential for ultimate relaxation. I’ll be the first to admit that it can be an intimidating adjustment at first, but getting in touch with an absence of demands will ultimately help you connect with the most important thoughts in your mind. There’s a good reason why so many spiritual teachings practice silence, right?

Lobster Roll for One at Lobster Shack — Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Do Different Things
It’s easy to suggest trying new things — whether it’s new to you or not, try to observe yourself doing things differently. When you’re on an adventure alone, the only opinion that matters is yours. Do what you feel like, when you feel like it, and change your mind as often as you like. Go ahead, get a little uncomfortable and challenge yourself. Be spontaneous.

I’ve always been independent and unafraid of taking risks; I realize that booking a one-way ticket isn’t realistic for most people, but here’s the thing: you don’t have to be 8,000 miles from home to enjoy solo travel. You don’t have to go far at all.

There’s nothing quite like getting out of town and reading a book at a brewery while you sip a flight in the middle of the day, hiking through the woods with only the birds, or taking a ferry ride to a quiet little island on a misty day to take in the rocky waves on your own. Try it out for yourself: on your next trip, tack on a day or two to be alone before meeting up with your travel companions. Or, since nobody else’s schedule matters, are you free this weekend? Go for it.