The Solo Traveler
When asked about what advice he would give people, Jackie Chan quotes: "Travel. Your money will return. Your time won't."
I remember seeing that quote and I couldn't agree more. If I wanted to travel, if I wanted to see the world, it was going to be up to me. If I waited for other people to join in or even for the future husband, I would never do these things. It was going to have to be up to me and I could start today.
I have always rather loved the idea of traveling. I have been to two different countries and to many different cities. The experience of adventure and seeing new things is very exciting to me. I really hope to have a special companion one day who will accompany me and find true joy in adventure as much as I do. But until that day comes, I'm not going to compromise my adventurous spirit.
I greatly love my family and the opportunity to visit them. But for the first time in my life, I had a space for vacation, and I wanted to take advantage of it. I wanted to take advantage of it for myself for the first time in my life. I feel this passion of adventure and travel is something that my mom just never truly understood. I know there is so much more to see and I don't want to miss it. So I planned my vacation, just for me and just with myself. And, let me tell you, it was one amazing adventure.
Why Traveling Alone is Amazing
I took my first solo trip to Nashville this past winter. Why Nashville, you ask? My response to you is: Why not? I’ve never been and I heard it was Music City. I'd probably go there someday, so why not today?
This was going to be an adventure. This was going to be my first time traveling and navigating a whole trip and city all on my own. And you know what, I was ecstatic about it! You know who wasn’t so ecstatic about it? My parents. Yes, I may be 27 years old, but the thought of their youngest daughter venturing off to the big city all on her own was a little concerning for them. But not at all for me. Here are a few reasons for why traveling alone is absolutely amazing.
(1) You can plan the entire trip for yourself.
I planned out my entire trip according to what I wanted to do. I booked an AirBnB in Franklin, TN, but it was also far enough in the woods to feel like the coziest retreat. I would recommend this AirBnB to everyone. It was that nice of a place. It felt like a getaway. A cozy retreat with a cozy bed, cozy fireplace, and don’t even get me started on the Jacuzzi tub. Yes, you heard me right. I would have stayed longer just for that one thing. I had a few squirrels accompany me on my stay. Not such a big deal. Just consider me Snow White, friend of all woodland creatures.
(2) The solo traveler gains confidence
A huge plus was how it was a drive to get anywhere. I navigated myself around the city and did I ever build my confidence. I tried some amazing foods and walked into some really stylish downtowns. I found myself renewed and restored. Honestly, I found myself period.
I fully believe that it is important for every woman to go on a vacation by themselves (even if it is a mini one). It may not even have to be a vacation. I just think it is really important for women to learn to travel on their own. It builds a ton of confidence in a person. I also think it draws in some independence for women. It’s a really important thing for a person to access.
I think there is a stigma around women going anywhere alone, and I think that stigma needs to be dropped immediately. Women are strong and powerful and brave and can do just about anything they want. I wanted to do this for myself but I also needed to prove to myself that I was able to do it. I don’t have a sense of direction at all. I yelled at my GPS more than once. But even with that, I found myself navigating the city and getting to different cities.
"There are places I want to go, people to see, experiences to have, and food to try — and only so much time to accomplish it all."
(3) The Solo traveler has adaptability.
It can be scary to travel alone. But I think it is ultimately worth it. I don't want to go through my whole life and regret what I was too scared to try. Also, solo traveling gives you ultimate freedom. You get to choose the places and the time of getting up and going to bed. If you want to go somewhere or stay in for the night. You have the grand opportunity to discover what you like and don't like. What you fear and don't fear. Such as dining alone. Photo shoots. Skydiving. Hammocking. You do you; because you deserve it.
There is also plenty of room for personal growth. In another situation, you would be more dependent on the group or another person. But every choice is up to you, and there is a sense of growth within that. It's empowering, enjoyable, and a wonderful experience.
(4) Traveling is a form of self care
Traveling is a great form of self development and self care. I strongly recommend it for all of us. It changes the way you see the world. It can be one of the most fun forms of self-care. Whether it is done alone or with your favorite people on the planet.
Why is it a good idea to travel alone? It grows empowerment and independence. It allows you to create your own schedule and do things the way you want to. It's a brave endeavor. According to Forbes: "Even if you’re not fully prepared, stepping out of your comfort zone by traveling somewhere alone will help you gain confidence to take on the world (1)." Self-discovery is a huge benefit in regard to traveling alone. You have a chance toward adventure and meaningful opportunities.
All that I'm trying to say is traveling alone is important and shouldn't be intimidating. It should be freeing and we all need to take advantage of it. Because, like it or not, Jackie Chan got it right. The one thing that will return is money, but our time will not return. Time is a precious commodity for all of us. But it is the one thing we won't get back. We must steward our time well. This means that we need to give ourselves time, rest, and vacation. We need to give time to the friends who mean the most to us. And, most importantly, we need to give time to ourselves. We need it.