Should You Take A Solo Trip? - Even If You Have A Spouse?
Whether you're traveling in the US or doing international travel, I think everyone should do some solo traveling from time to time.
I'm not saying you should get rid of your spouse forever. Maybe you should, but that's not for me to decide. Anyway, that's a question I'm not qualified to answer.
I'm saying both of you should take a solo trip once a year. At least, do it one time and see how you like it.
Advantages of traveling solo
- You'll meet a lot of interesting people as a solo traveler. There are two big reasons for this. First, you'll naturally talk to strangers more when you're by yourself. The second reason is that strangers will come up to you and talk to you more often when you're by yourself.
- Solo travel will boost your confidence.
- You'll learn how to rely on yourself.
- You'll be free to do and see the things you want to see. You'll be amazed at the freedom solo traveling gives you. It's a feeling you can't describe. You have to experience it.
- You'll be more relaxed and feel less stress.
What about international travel?
If you're thinking about doing international travel, maybe you're thinking that there's comfort and safety when two people are traveling. Maybe there is, but there are a lot of restraints and limitations put on you when you're traveling with someone. Don't let the fear of traveling alone stop you from doing solo international traveling. I've traveled all over the world and never felt unsafe.
Where are some of the scariest places in the world you can think of traveling to? How about these places?
- Central China
(Floating down a river and crawling through caves) - Jungles of Uganda and Rwanda in Central Africa
(Sleeping in a tent) - Nicaragua
- Saudi Arabia
The one time I was scared
I remember feeling uneasy when I was driving a rental car in NYC, and I was about to run out of gas. I took a wrong turn looking for a gas station and ended up in Harlem at 1:00 o'clock in the morning. I probably wasn't in any danger. Maybe it was all in my head, but I felt uneasy, to say the least.
If you're an RVer, maybe you're already traveling solo. I've been traveling full-time as a solo RV traveler for over ten years now.
If you're not RVing yet, but you're thinking about it, and you're concerned (and maybe a little scared) because you will be a solo RVer. The simple answer is don't worry about it.
I used to be surprised at how many solo RVers I would meet in campgrounds and in boondocking areas, but now I take it for granted. And surprisingly, I think there are more solo female travelers and men.
I've been doing solo traveling now for over ten years, so maybe I'm biased--of course, I am, but that doesn't mean I'm wrong.
Traveling solo is not dangerous or lonely. If you've never tried it, I think you'll find it to be a whole new world full of freedom and adventure that you've never experienced before.
Don't let fear keep you from experiencing solo travel
I agree that since I'm an old man, I don't have to worry about somebody grabbing me and running off with me. If they did, I'm sure they would bring me back when it got daylight.
And by all means, don't worry about being lonely when you travel solo. The world is full of friendly and interesting people dying to meet you.
When some people think about traveling as solo travelers, they worry about whether they'll be lonely, and a picture like the one below comes to mind.
Is this your idea of a solo traveler?
Use your imagination and think about the adventures and freedoms the solo travelers in the pictures below must be experiencing. You can't duplicate these feelings when you're traveling with someone.
Bottom line: Traveling with a spouse or friend can be enjoyable, and I'm not saying you should become a solo traveler. I am saying you should give it a try at least one time. For most people, I think they should consider making it a goal of going on a solo trip at least one time a year.
What do you think? Have you done any solo traveling? Let me know in the Discussion Forum.