When I informed my friends that I am travelling solo for my next journey, they told me:
You are going to get bored!
Its not safe!
Are you mad?
You would feel lonely.
But I did not mind their comments and was excited about the trip. As the time neared for the trip I started to feel scared whether any of the things my friends said would ever happen to me but I took the leap of faith and travelled solo.
This is what I have learned when I came out of my comfort zone and explored alone.
1) You are never alone:
There are many solo travellers making their way across globe who are in the same boat as you. They too want companionship. Meeting people from different backgrounds opens our minds, expands our world, and can inspire us a lot. I too have met solo travellers from Scotland and U.S. during my trip.
2) More easier to approach other people:
When you are alone it makes you an easy target for other travellers to approach. Also bear in mind that being a solo traveller automatically makes you an interesting person with a story to tell anyone you meet, so capitalize on that. I was having breakfast at my Backpackers hostel in Manali and out of the blue a German man come asks if I'd like to join them for a trek.
3) Lots of time to introspect:
You have lot of "ME" time as everyone puts it and makes it easy for you to understand more about yourself better. Even if you're not the type of person who goes off the grid when traveling, being alone on the road will give you the opportunity to reflect on life and enjoy your own company. I realized I want to be a traveller than a 9-5 working class person which I would never have realized if I hadn't got the "ME" time.
4) Mindset to handle uncertainty better:
Uncertainties are common thing when you travel and dealing with them not only increases your judgment skills on your trip but also for your everyday life.
5) You can be Independent:
You can do anything you want to do since its only you and no one else to rethink the decision. You can be as adventurous as you crave to. You can choose to hang out at the main tourist spots or go completely off the beaten path.
6) You would more satisfied:
When you make yourself the sole arbiter of what to do on vacation, you remove the risk of disappointment and you keep things drama-free, which is a good way to keep your trip feeling both relaxing and satisfying.
At the end of the day, nothing happened like my friends warned! I am still safe and have had lot of wonderful memories. I have started to appreciate myself more and live more independently.
Its time for you own SOLO journey!