The thought of travelling solo to another city or even country may fill some people with dread. I won’t lie guys, I felt the same once upon a time. Before, I wouldn’t even entertain the notion of travelling on my own to a city I had zero knowledge of. I would always have little worries about whether I would like the place. Sometimes I would worry about there being a travel issue eg train cancellation or car trouble. Sometimes I’d worry that being alone would really not help my mental health. However, I’ve learned that travelling on my own has such huge benefits for me.
I love the feeling that travelling solo gives me. It gives me that bit of independence, it betters my decision skills, and it allows me to explore new cities and meet new people. Most importantly, it gives me a sense of freedom.
Taking the first step into booking that trip on your own is scary, especially if it’s something that is completely out of your comfort zone. It may make you feel lonely, I thought it would be like that for me. It’s hard to take that first step of stepping out into a new city where you don’t know anyone or anything about the area. But once I made that first step, it boosted my confidence to another level.
I won’t lie guys, there are little snags when it comes to travelling solo. The costs are the major issue. Well, I wouldn’t say major, but it can be a little problem. As you’re not sharing the costs with someone else, a solo trip can be one hell of an expensive trip. However, if you budget and save enough, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. One thing I do months before a solo trip is put aside a small amount of money every month to help pay for things like travel, food etc.
Also travelling solo can make you feel lonely. Not being able to talk to people close to you often can have an effect on your mood and your willingness to do things. One thing I have learned is keeping in touch with family and friends can help with loneliness. Whether it’s something as simple as a text, phone call or tagging them in a meme on social media. Just hearing that friendly and familiar voice can make the world of difference.
As I said though, travelling solo really benefits me and the positives certainly outweigh the negatives. I like to try and think positively when travelling solo. Sometimes it’s not always possible for someone with anxiety like myself, but thinking positively allows me to enjoy the trip more.
One tip I would give when travelling on your own for the first time is to travel somewhere closer to home. It could be a night stay in a hotel in the next city nearest to where you live. That’ll give you the chance to see how you like your own company and how you perceive travelling on your own. If you enjoy it (hurrah!), then when you can afford to, book somewhere where you would really like to stay.
Usually, my solo trips are to Liverpool, a three-hour arduous car journey – but always worth it when you get views like this. Liverpool has become my comfort blanket when it comes to travelling solo. Liverpool has given me such confidence and I always feel comfortable being there and I don’t feel like too much of an outsider. To be fair, scousers are some of the friendliest people in the world and make me feel so welcome.
To sum up, travelling on my own has benefitted me in so many ways. I love how good it has made me feel. I love the confidence it’s given me. It’s brought me such happiness and joy throughout the years. I cannot wait to plan, book and go on some more trips by myself.
So, what’s next on my travel list?
I’m hoping to head back to Liverpool again before the end of the year. I would also love to visit the Cotswolds as it’s been on my travel hit list for years!
