This Is The Reward Of Traveling Solo

Comfort. Familiarity. Safe.

As human beings we tend to settle for that which is familiar to us. We order the same sandwich from Subway, stare at the same tree outside our window at work everyday, and often live by the same daily routine. We want the same sights, sounds, tastes, and commute. If we want to do something we decide who will accompany us, because we fear being alone.

What is so scary about doing something alone? Is it the fear we might grow or learn something?

We opt for normal and regular and often pass up magical and extraordinary. We crave safe. In a world so big we shrink back into the comfort of our surroundings and miss exciting and new eye opening sights, places, and opportunities beyond our kitchen windows and white picket fences.

If living life by routine and comfort in a familiar place makes you happy, then do that. If your adventurous spirit calls you to unfamiliar territory, follow it.

Do not be afraid to try something new. New can be trying a new sandwich rather than your usual, following a new road off the beaten path, or maybe traveling solo to another state or country.
You will not gain the same benefits traveling with others as you do traveling solo.

Traveling alone forces you to open your eyes to new experiences, face your fears head on, talk to people, and shows you what you are capable of. It also gives you a boost of confidence, and allows you to rely on yourself.

I urge you to take a chance, make a new trail of footsteps, and open your eyes, ears, and heart to unknown and uncharted territory where you will gain knowledge, growth, and discover new parts of yourself.

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”

Since my early 20s I have studied Spanish in Guatemala, traveled to Panama, picked up and moved to Clarksville, TN where I knew not one soul, and then ventured to Nashville. If there’s one question that is asked it is this one: “How can you live/travel/move to XVY by yourself where you do not know anyone? Isn’t it scary? That is so exciting, but I could never do that.”

My answer? Yes you can do that. It is a choice. Yes, it’s scary. Unsure. Uncomfortable. Hard. But it is also rewarding, eye-opening, and inspiring once you take a step outside your boundaries.

How did I travel to Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, The Dominican Republic, for two weeks? I packed a suitcase and went. I ate meals, swam, and went to places by myself, made my own schedule, and went on executions and sightseeing. I also met amazing people, made new friends, tried new food and drinks, saw amazing places, experienced culture, and made beautiful, captivating memories that would last a lifetime. Out of all the places I’ve been, it was truly hard to leave the Dominican. It was truly an eye-opening and life changing experience.

Life is short and we aren’t promised tomorrow. And although I have a Master’s degree, some things in life can only be learned by experience.

Some opportunities only come once. Seize them.

My advice: Always be hungry for more in life. Do not settle. Discover. Try. Travel. See. Move. Step out. You only regret the opportunities you don’t take in life.

I see so many people rushing through life, settling for comfort, or looking out the window daydreaming. We tend to forget that the world is a novel and there is more to a book than just the first page.