Traveling is one of the best ways to unwind and relax this summer. Now that travel restrictions are lessened, more and more people are going to top tourist destinations in the Philippines. Exploring different places should be one of your goals. After all, experiencing different cultures and places is an essential part of life.
Most of the time, people travel with a group or with their special someone. Even travel packages nowadays usually offer a lesser price if you travel with other people. What people don’t realize is that there are benefits to traveling alone as well. Traveling alone does not mean you are lonely nor does it have to be.
Yes, solo backpacking can be terrifying for some because they might get lost in their destination. Other people are thinking that something wrong might happen to them. In this article, you will know the benefits and tips when traveling alone.
Benefits of Solo Backpacking
Solo Traveling Gets You to Know Yourself
Traveling alone will have you decide for yourself because there are choices that you will have to make. Where should you go? Where should you stay? No one will tell you what is right or wrong during this journey. And of course, you will have to overcome fears as their destinations only daredevils would love or places that are less traveled.
These experiences will make you know yourself more. It will tell you about your decision-making skills, social skills, and sometimes, even survival instincts. And most importantly, traveling alone gets you the opportunity to just be spontaneous and follow your heart. Traveling alone is like being a kid who wants to see the world. Now, it is a possibility.
Meeting New People
Of course, there is a huge possibility for you to meet new people when traveling, especially when you’re all alone. You do not know the type of people you will meet at your next travel destination. They could be your next friend, business partner, colleague, or even your special someone.
The best part of traveling alone is that you are forced to talk to strangers because no one is going to do it for you. You will also be exposed to different cultures once you travel alone. In a sense, you will have a better understanding of how people live and get ideas from them. The locals you will meet can also point you to the best destinations and restaurants in the area.
There is Less Planning for Lone Travelers
You have to consider the people you’re traveling with if you travel with a group. You cannot go to a specific place alone because you might mess up the group’s itinerary and have them waiting for you. And if you’re with your family, they might worry because you are traveling alone in a strange place.
Even before traveling, you need to plan ahead on where you and your companions are going and at what time you should be at your hotel. When you travel alone, you don’t need to have an itinerary for your travel. You can go wherever you want and just be spontaneous. When traveling alone, you call the shots without any worries.
Traveling Alone is More Cost-efficient
You don’t have to be a smart person before figuring out that traveling alone costs less than traveling with friends and family. Traveling alone means fewer flight tickets, fewer meals, and less accommodation. These needs alone can cost much when traveling. Traveling alone gives you the privilege of spending for only one person, you.
So, what can you do with all your extra money? You can spend it all on yourself. You can book one five-star hotel room instead of thinking about the number of beds a hotel has. You can have a full-course meal instead of thinking about how you and your companions can eat together. Traveling alone is one of the best ways to not fill guilty while being selfish.
You will Love Yourself more
Getting the chance to spend a few days with yourself can make you love yourself more. You will realize that you should appreciate yourself more and you don’t need anyone to be happy. You will also be prouder of yourself because traveling will make you realize that you can live independently.
If you are heartbroken or at loss, traveling alone is one of the best opportunities for you to soul search. You cannot have this luxury when traveling with other people because most of the time, you are on a constant schedule.
Tips when Traveling Alone
If you are planning to travel alone, you should first let your family and friends know where you are going. This eliminates the element of worry and they can be sure that you are safe.
And speaking of safety, you should know nearby hospitals, police stations, and other facilities in the place you are about to travel. You should save their numbers in case of an emergency. Knowing even just a little about the languages spoken in the area can also be a lifesaver.
Your valuables are important and you only need to bring things that you need. Put your phone, cash, credit cards, and IDs in a separate bag within your line of sight. Don’t forget to store extra money in safe places.
Another tip that you should know is to never trust anyone. Reckless behaviors can get you in a lot of trouble when traveling alone. If someone asks if you are traveling alone, lie. Tell them that you are with your friends or you’re going to a relative’s house.
When drinking in a bar, it is better if you drink responsibly and keep your drinks within your sight. And yes, you should meet people at your destination, but you should never travel anywhere alone with a stranger.
How to Enjoy Traveling Alone
As long as you follow the tips above, the rest of your travel is yours to enjoy. The best way to enjoy traveling alone is by not being afraid to have new experiences. Once you get to your destination, you should take photos and videos for your friends and family to see.
Traveling alone is fun, but let’s not demonize traveling with other people. Each has its has own benefit and you want to know yourself more, you should pack your bags and have an adventure of a lifetime.
