In May 2016, I spent one full month in the south of Brazil. I was able to stay with some friends from university but for the most part I travelled alone and spent majority of the time by myself. Although it was a challenge, it was one of the most rewarding experience of my life. That trip resonates with me to this very day and led me to create this piece to share with you.
As most people say, your twenties are the year that shapes you (in terms of you getting to know yourself and what you want out of life). What better time than this for a woman to explore a new journey alone? I’ve listed the very reasons why I believe every young lady should have at least one solo travel experience if possible – even if it’s local. Let’s get into it!
- It teaches you to trust yourself – Let’s be honest. A lot of times we, as women, don’t trust ourselves completely to make the right decision all the times. That’s why we go shopping in groups or pairs more often times than alone. We value that second opinion before buying something we regret a week later. The thing is – this may be always be best. Gradually over time, when we begin to lean on third party opinions and reviews from YouTube, we lose trust in our judgement. Solo travel is the cure to all that self-doubt. Before that trip to Brazil, I barely trusted myself to pick a proper meal. But when I was stuck in an environment where I had to think on my own and fast, it was scary af but also super empowering. After going through that journey, I came out more trusting in myself and my capabilities.
- It expands your self awareness and awareness to others – Anybody else loses track of things easily? I would leave my phone on the desk and 15 minutes later I’m searching the whole house looking for it. It’s not the best example but the point is that I’m not always cognizant of where I put things and even at times my surroundings. When I was traveling solo-solo, I was so much more cognizant of my belongings and environment because I literally had no choice. If I wanted to survive and make it home one day I had to be aware especially in Sao Paolo because pickpocketing was quite common there. Awareness is so essential in its all forms and that experience really heightened my self and environmental awareness.
- It opens yourself to new possibilities – It’s super fun and empowering to control your own day and genuinely make the most of it. Traveling with a group or companion doesn’t allow that because you always have to consider someone else’s opinions and preferences. I had so much fun doing the most random things in Brazil. I took Portuguese lessons, went to the MASP, joined a walking tour and explored a neighboring park all unplanned but appreciated to the fullest. That kind of inner joy is overlooked and unexperienced by most.
- It reduces the fear of being alone or being dependent – Majority of us crave social interaction – even the introverts who hate to admit it. Some of us enjoy the crowds and conversations that comes with it and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. We all need it from time to time. BUT, we also need to be alone sometimes too. There’s something about willingly placing yourself in such a position to be alone and depend on you that is so freeing yet shifting . You start to listen to yourself a lot more when no one else is talking. You start to rely less on the presence of others & ground yourself in your own truth. That type of experience changes your mindset in a powerful way.
Solo travel changes you – but for the better. I personally think we as strong women need that boost and I encourage you to try and take one trip by yourself – whether it be local or international. Take the risk on you and I promise it will pay off.