I want to travel alone.

When I decided 10 years ago that I wanted to travel alone, many people didn’t understand why. To travel alone was a personal decision at the time and one that I will never regret.

Should I travel alone or with a friend?

Before you embark on a journey with a friend, you should ask yourself: “How well do I know this person?”. It is a known fact that traveling can ruin a friendship.  On the flip side of the coin, it can also strengthen a relationship or friendship.

travel alone and love it – advantages of solo travel.

There are many advantages to travelling solo. I guess if I start writing them all down, I might bore you. Let me focus on the ones that are most important to me.

1. It is a unique and rewarding experience.

Each travel experience is unique and rewarding. When I look back at my previous trips, I always feel a sense of accomplishment. I did it and it feels good.

2. Flexibility.

You only have yourself to answer to. Do what you want and when you want. If you feel like staying in and a read a book then so be it. Maybe you feel like hopping on a bus and exploring a city close by. You never have to feel bad or that you have offended someone.

3. Learn to laugh at yourself.

I have made so many mistakes on my travel journeys. I got lost and lost in translation, even missed a flight and got stranded next to the road. Yet, I never forgot how to laugh at myself. Sometimes I would sit in a place and start giggling, just thinking about it all.

4. Every woman should travel alone once in her life.

This is something that I feel very strong about. So often we get caught up in motherhood or being a wife or girlfriend, that we often delay taking a trip. We as woman forget to do things for ourselves. Take a weekend break and crawl up with a book. Go on a hike. Alone time is me time.

5. Meeting new people.

Traveling alone is the ideal opportunity to meet new people. One of the reasons many people decide to travel alone is to make new friends. When you travel alone you become more approachable to other people. Nobody likes walking up to group of strangers and to interrupt or to introduce yourself. Groups always look busy.

However, solo travellers don`t look busy and for this reason people like to approach them and have a conversation. I have encountered this on many of my travels and have actually stayed in touch with some people. It really is a thrill to meet new people and to make friends.

6. The possibility of romance on the road.

Yes, don`t tell me it didn’t cross your mind. If you are single and available then there is always the possibility that you might meet your future husband or wife on a trip. Look what happened to me! I met Andrey when I came backpacking to South America.

7. An inner travelling journey.

Travelling solo makes you look inward. I always find that my inner voice speaks to me when I am alone in nature. Take some time and listen to that voice. Nine times out of ten it wants to tell you something.

8. Personal development and independence.

Travelling alone is great for personal development. It makes you independent. I am often amazed to hear how scared people are of taking a solo trip. They don`t have any confidence in their own abilities. Alone travel has taught me to be more independent and I have grown a tremendous amount on a personal level.

9. Something to put on your resume.

Did you know that many employers are looking for a person that is well travelled? Indeed it is something that you can put on your resume. Solo travelling is not always easy and you need to rely on your own instincts, plan, compromise, be flexible and display people skills. Something that will not be overlooked when applying for a new job.

10. Make friends on Facebook and Twitter jealous when posting photos.

I often call Facebook a voyeur sport. People look at every move you make and every step you take. Make them jealous and show them what they are missing out on.

11. Life-long memories.

There is no doubt in my mind that you will make life-long memories. I know I have and I often look fondly at my photos and recall great memories. Every trip tells a story and goes along with a sense of accomplishment.

Remember, you are the captain of your own destiny. Get hold of a world map, gather travel guides from your local travel agency, join travel forums and speak to like-minded travelers. Start planning a trip, buy that ticket and make your first solo trip.