It is great to share an experience and make memories with friends or family but what about travelling alone? I know solo travelling isn't for everyone and it might sound pretty scary to some people, but once you've experienced the benefits of travelling the world on your own, once you've stepped on that plane, you'd surely want to hold on to the amazing feeling. The only thing it takes is some courage and a big amount of wanderlust, cause if you wait for others until they say they want to travel with you, it might take ages and you are giving them the power to hold you back from your dreams. Don't get me wrong, making memories with other people is wonderful, but so is doing it on your own. Here are some reasons why once in your life-even if it's just a few days or to a neighbouring country- you should travel alone.
1. You can do whatever you want whenever you want. We all know how hard it is to make plans as a group. When you travel alone, you don't have to rely on anyone else and you're able to do whatever you feel like that day. You wake up and it's just you; you and your thoughts and dreams. Feeling lazy today? Just chill at the beach! Are you bursting from energy? Try extreme sports or go climb a mountain! Depending on how you feel, you can do whatever your body feels like doing and you don't have to pay attention to anyone else. How great is that? 2. You can learn how to be independent and be in charge Travelling alone can be a great way to learn how to be in charge of everything. You're responsible and along the way, you'll learn how to be independent. You'll always have to know which bus will lead you home and when that bus is coming. Or when that place you'd love to eat is open and what way you have to walk to get there. Your parents or friends won't figure it out for you. This may sound quite harsh to some of you but think about how it will benefit your further life and the choices you're about to make. In the end, it's you who's in charge and travelling solo is a great way to learn how to make the best decisions and to get the most out of it. 3. You can learn how to spend money To buy or not to buy? When you're shopping with your mum and you see a nice sweater, you'll buy it cause she pays for it anyway or when you're with friends, you buy those shoes cause they say you look stunning wearing them. But when you're travelling alone, you aren't that sure anymore if that sweater is really worth your money and don't you already have enough shoes? Yeah, exactly. Travelling alone can help you manage your budget and it makes you think about how to spend your money on things that really matter, like buying souvenirs for your friends and family ;). 4. Make new friends A lot of people travel alone, more than you might think. The only thing you need to do, is start talking to them, because you have more in common than you think. Whether it's a solo traveller or a local, they are always interested in your story. Just start talking to them cause everyone is in for some company sometimes. Who knows, maybe someday you could go out and explore together. I know it takes some courage for some of you but hey, there is a big change you might never see these people again so what does it matter if you don't speak the language perfectly or you're afraid to start the conversation, just go for it, it doesn't cost you any money to say hello and smile. :) 5. It boosts your confidence As I said in number 4, for some it's challenging to go up to someone and start a conversation. I am one of these people. Having a nice talk with someone who seems nice, is just not the first thing that would pop up in my mind. But when I travelled alone, I learned that you don't have to be afraid to speak up. You have a voice that may be heard, you just have to use it. Life isn't about these stupid little things. I mean, so what if that person doesn't talk back or you don't speak the language they speak perfectly? At least, you went up to them and you tried, and next time, you'll try again. Life takes practise, and it's too short to worry about whether to talk to someone or not. Should I ask her to take a picture of me? Should I ask if this bus goes to my destination? Should I ask where this guy is from cause he's clearly not a local? The answer is yes. Just do it! Think about it, what is the worst that can happen? That she says: no I don't have time? That the busdriver says: no that's another bus? That he doesn't speak any language you understand and walks away? These are not the things you'll remember in 10 years. What you WILL remember is that once you were shy and didn't dare to speak up and that now, you feel good in your own skin and have the guts to talk. Just remember, you already had enough confidence to go on a trip on your own, so just go for it! Good things take time and practise makes perfect. 6. Get a new lifestyle, and take it home While you're on your journey, you can take a moment to think about who you truly are and what you want in life. Maybe you had some kind of routine everyday, that you can bring home now. Maybe you went for a run every morning or maybe you started doing yoga. Maybe you decided to eat vegetarian once a week while you're on your trip. Travelling solo gives you the ultimate freedom and you have lots of time to think about what you really want. It gives you opportunities that you don't get at home. Did you enjoy your yoga class? Well maybe you can start doing yoga at home then and you can try to find the perfect balance between your 'holiday life' and your 'daily life'. 7. Discover you comfort zone, and expand it While you travel alone, it is the perfect moment to think about yourself. Who are you, what do you want in your life and where are your limits? Think about this: limits are only those we place on ourself. If you don't want to do something, don't do it. But remember, you might be missing out on a great experience. Remember how you hesitated on whether to travel alone or with a friend and how you eventually decided to go alone. This might be something you never thought you would do but somehow did. Travelling alone is a good way to discover where your comfort zone is and even a more perfect way to step out of it. Do things you normally wouldn't do. Take the jump, cause it's gonna be totally worth it. Just go for it, because you don't want to leave and go back home with an 'I should've-feeling'. I bet you all have somewhere read the quote ' I rather have I should not have done that moments than I should've done that. Well, it's true. Go for it and expand your comfort zone, no one is gonna push you or say you'd better not do it. It's only you and you can decide whether not to or to take the jump. 8. You can relax and clear your mind and spirit. Going on a holiday is supposed to relief you from stress and worries but we all know this isn't always the case. Sometimes all the company gets a little too much and you need some silence and some time alone. Solo travelling provides you from all the time in the world and you only have to give attention to one person - and that's yourself. Relaxing and unwinding from the past few weeks or even months is so much easier on your own. Taking walks on the beach or in a forest can be so relaxing on your own. There is no one beside you who is complaining or gives you negative energy you just don't need- and want - on a holiday. It's the perfect time to clean your head and charge your batteries. I hope these reasons makes you want to travel alone at least once in you life, cause mark my words: it is so worth it. But there is of course a negative side on everything, so is on travelling alone. I could give a couple of reasons like 'there is no one by your side to cheer you up when you're down' but that's not completely true. There are always people that care about you, even though you don't know them. Personally, I won't give up travelling with friends or family cause it's great, but doing it on your own is just as great, so I would say try it, and you'll know what I mean.
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Welcome!Hallo allemaal en welkom op mijn blog! Mijn naam is Lidewij en ik ga voor 3 maanden studeren in Australië. Via deze weg wil ik jullie allemaal op de hoogte houden van mijn avonturen.
Archieven
August 2019
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