It took me 48 years to solo travel as a woman. And the moment I did, I wondered why it took me so long.
Every woman should travel solo at least once in her life. It’s a liberating, empowering experience that takes you out of your comfort zone and into your empowerment.
I concluded that the reason why I hadn’t done it sooner came down to two things:
– my internalized fears of doing something so incredibly independent
– my belief that I needed someone else to be able to have a good time
So, when I found myself single for my upcoming 48th birthday, I decided on two things:
1) I would travel solo
2) I would spend my birthday alone
I booked a flight and a cute Airbnb studio to NYC, one of my favorite cities in the world and my first home after coming from the Dominican Republic as a child.
The trip changed my life. And since then, I have traveled both nationally and internationally on my own.
And just like it took me much too long to do so, I’ve met many women who have never traveled on their own.
11 Reasons Why Women Should Travel Solo
1) Self-Discovery
Traveling solo lets you learn more about yourself, your likes, dislikes, and how you react in different situations.
It’s a journey of introspection and self-realization when you rely solely on yourself to plan, do, and process what events or activities you do during the trip.
You may discover strengths you never knew you had and previously hidden interests. And you may also find yourself overcoming previously limited beliefs about yourself.
2) Freedom
You can do what you want, when and how you want.
It’s a liberating experience to not accommodate anyone else’s preferences or schedules.
You can explore and experience things at your own pace and choice without compromising for others.
You can if you decide to stay an extra day in a city you love or change your destination entirely.
3) Confidence Building
There’s something badass about navigating new places and situations independently.
Managing unfamiliar languages, customs, and routes feels like an accomplishment that raises your self-esteem and makes you more confident in other areas.
4) Self-Sufficiency
You learn to rely on yourself, which makes you more independent and self-reliant.
Traveling solo can be a transformative experience, teaching you how to expand your problem-solving and decision-making skills outside your comfort zone.
In a world where women are primarily raised to partner in order to be complete, the experience of being entirely responsible for yourself can be very empowering.
5) Peace and Solitude
One of my favorite reasons for solo traveling is quiet time and relaxation away from the distractions and demands of daily life.
You can focus on your thoughts, feelings, and the beauty around you.
While it may initially feel scary to purposely choose your own company, solitude can offer an excellent opportunity for reflection and emotional growth.
6) Decision-Making Powers
You get to make all the decisions. It’s all you.
Every choice, from which landmarks to visit to where to eat, is yours.
If you are in a leadership position for your work, you may think, “But I want someone to finally make the decisions!”
And I get it, but remember that it’s not you making decisions for your team or others. It’s you making the best decisions for yourself, without anyone having an opinion on what you do or not do. That’s empowering.
7) Cultural Immersion
When you’re alone, immersing yourself in the culture and interacting with locals is easier, leading to more fascinating interactions between you and those living in the area than you would have if you were not the one leading the experience.
8) Personal and Spiritual Growth
My first solo trip changed my life.
The time on my own, outside my comfort zone, gave me plenty of opportunities to reflect, meditate, observe, and process my thoughts.
Confronting and overcoming challenges leads to personal growth. As you face your internal dialogues and discomforts, you build resilience and adaptability, better equipped to handle life’s ups and downs.
9) Mindfulness
Traveling solo forces you to be present in the moment and fully experience your surroundings.
You become more aware of the sights, sounds, and smells around you, allowing for a deeper connection to the places you visit and the memories you create.
Since you’re not distracted by someone else, you are most present where you are and in your actions.
10) Overcoming Fears
The first time you begin to plan your first solo trip, you’re likely to have fears creep up within you.
Will I be ok?
What if this happens or that happens?
What if I don’t like it?
What if I learn I don’t like my own company?
Solo travel pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you overcome fears and anxieties.
Push forward, and question your own internalized fears. As you conquer challenges, you may find you’re more courageous and daring than you previously thought.
And you return from the trip with all that new power and self-confidence.
11) Uninterrupted Relaxation
If you want to spend the whole day reading a book by the beach or resting, there’s no one to stop you.
You can indulge in self-care and rejuvenation without worrying about others’ expectations.
Should I go on a Solo Trip as a Woman?
Yes! In traveling solo, you become the hero of your story.
Solo travel makes you the protagonist of your adventure, creating a unique story that’s all yours to tell.
As you write your narrative, you’ll be delighted knowing that your experiences are solely yours to cherish and share.
Yes, as a human, you need other humans. Still, as women, we are often taught to focus on caring and nurturing others, to be givers.
Taking the time away from your regular responsibilities, comfort zones, and demands of life to indulge in your desires, wants, and needs is a beautiful way to reset and return to yourself.
So, what will be your first solo trip?
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