According to most traditions traveling is best done with a companion. But traditions are made to be broken or bent, meaning traveling solo can be just as much fun as having someone else come with you.
The thought of going on a trip alone can be daunting to some people, especially women, but as long as a person is aware of his/her surroundings, the experience can be life-changing.
Going somewhere alone means you don’t have to worry about another person. You can focus on what you want to do and where you want to go, instead of fretting that your companions don’t seem to be enjoying themselves as much as you are.
No matter if you want to stay at a luxury resort lounging at a pool the whole time or are more the adventurous type looking to explore the sights and culture of a country, you can do it all. Without planning an itinerary with someone else in mind.
In addition, traveling solo allows you the explore yourself and builds confidence.
“Solo travel can be lonely. Still, by traveling independently you're gathering ingredients for a possible romance and lasting connections, whether on the road or at home. The confidence that comes from creating your own adventure is a powerful force,” said an article on the CNN Travel website.
An article on the Yahoo! website said that traveling alone also allows for the opportunity to meet new people. “Do you just want to have a good time or do you want to get to know the people who are natives of the area? You can have a great time chatting with tourists and locals - it will help you have an even better time and you may get a friend for life,” said the article.
CNBC published an article with the best places to go when traveling alone. They named Ireland as being one of the best places to visit when going without companions, because of “… how friendly the Irish are. It’s very easy to meet people and it’s also very safe.”
On the same list mentioned above is Amsterdam, the Netherlands. According to the article, “Amsterdam is a small, lively city with great history, culture and architecture. Plus, it’s very walkable and there’s a great biking culture, which makes it very easy to get around.”
The number one thing single travelers need to remember is safety. Never tell a stranger where you are staying and try to conceal the fact that you are female traveling solo.
Keep a close eye on belongings.
Make sure you make copies of every document, credit card, traveler’s check, etc., before leaving home.
It is better to be seen as rude than to be seen as a naïve female target easy to take advantage of.
Traveling alone can be fun and a chance of a lifetime as long as precautions are taken.
Souces:
Huether, Katherine. "How to Travel Alone - Benefits of Traveling Solo." Yahoo! Contributor Network. Yahoo!, 02 Mar. 2011. Web. 27 Feb. 2013. http://voices.yahoo.com/how-travel-alone-benefits-traveling-solo-7963448...
Hunter, Marnie. "Five Joys of Traveling Solo." CNN. Cable News Network, 14 Feb. 2012. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/14/travel/solo-travel-benefits
Perman, Cindy. "Best Places To Travel Alone." CNBC.com. NBCUniversal, 08 Feb. 2011. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/41479253/Best_Places_to_Travel_Alone
Reviewed February 27, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith