Do you flinch at the idea of eating or traveling alone? Does it make you nervous?

Well I’m here to tell you that conquering those nerves will be the best thing for you.

Why?

Because getting out of your comfort zone is how you grow and learn new things about yourself.

I’ve gone on two solo trips. Once to Seville, Spain and once to Krakow, Poland. They were the two most peaceful trips of my life.

Let me paint you a picture.

You wake up on your own time in silence. Nobody is taking too long in the bathroom with the hair dryer. Just you and those luxurious white hotel sheets. You order a humble but tasty breakfast of rich coffee and a chocolate buttery croissant. Each is savored while overlooking the beautiful views of the city.

Then you start your day. You do what YOU want to do. No arguing with the group about which restaurant to eat at or which landmark to hit first.

Bliss right?

Then you learn to depend on yourself. It’s up to you and you alone to make sure you navigate the metro correctly, you get the tickets on time, you gather up the confidence to ask a local to take your picture.

I’ve been to Seville plenty of times before with friends, but it wasn’t until I went alone that I actually saw Seville. I went to the Setas de Sevilla, enjoyed sightseeing and then spent a whole day at AIRE Ancient Baths. I couldn’t find anybody to go with, and if I had waited for someone I would’ve never experienced it.

Traveling solo also helped me make friends and meet new and interesting people. In Poland I went to an amazing pierogi restaurant called Pierogarnia Krakowiacy . I was seated alone when a couple came in with no place to sit, I invited them to join me. They were living in Italy, but originally from California, same as I. Experiences like that really make you see how small our world can be.

Solo travel built my confidence and boosted my self-esteem. I returned from each solo trip happy with what I accomplished and pleased I was able to do what I wanted. I wasn’t as stressed out, no drama with the travel group (because sometimes people clash on trips, it happens.)

We all have that one thing or place we want to see that our friends don’t. And that’s ok, it gives us a reason to go explore on our own. So don’t wait. Book that trip now.

Solo travel tips:

Map out the locations you plan to see so you don’t wander too far.

Carry a portable phone charger.

Take guided tours to meet new people (most walking tours are free).

Download destinations offline on google maps in case you lose Wi-Fi.

Carry a crossbody sling bag or fanny pack. Solo travelers can be more vulnerable to pickpocketing.

Try to learn the language or some words to get you by.

Ask families or older people to take your pictures if you’re nervous about handing a stranger your phone. Or get a tripod.

Stay in larger, more crowded areas, don’t get lost in an alley. (Speaking from experience).

Opt to stay in a hotel by touristy areas and always lock your doors and windows.

If planning a solo trip seems like a daunting challenge, I highly recommend using a travel specialist. I’m using this one for my upcoming trip to Antarctica!