I’m honestly surprised to have to explain this, but apparently some people are still scared of solo travel. Especially young people. Not that there’s anything wrong with being a bit fearful, but it blows my mind that people are so wary of traveling alone. Not that I’d suggest you travel to a war zone alone, but to another country where they speak your language? Do it. If all the Instagram #travel photos aren’t enough, here are five reasons to solo travel in your 20s!

1. To get to know yourself

There are so many things about ourselves we have yet to discover in our 20s. Most of us have been too busy working or studying to truly figure those things out. Or, like me, you may realize that you spent college trying to fit in rather than trying to figure out who you were. Go on a trip. See what you like, what you don’t. Find out what intrigues you, what challenges you and what scares the absolute shit out of you. Each trip will teach you something new.

2. Nurture your independence

I am a super independent person; I’ve been trying to plan my life and do things by myself since I can remember. That said, there is nothing like being in a foreign place, alone, having to figure things out without the help of your family or Google. You might test your outdoor skills, your navigational skills or your communication skills, but you’ll hone some skills no matter what. I can guarantee you’ll feel much stronger and more self-sufficient when it’s over!

3. It’s the truest way to immerse yourself in another culture

When we travel, we bring ‘home’ and our ‘home’ selves with us, no matter what. Whether it’s mannerisms or the way we talk, we can’t avoid home. That said, when you travel with people from your ‘home’ life, that culture is a little harder to escape, so it’s harder to immerse yourself in the place you’re traveling to. So leave it all behind and completely give yourself to the place you’re visiting!

4. Try new things

Unless you’re that super outgoing person, there’s a chance you’re not always going to try new things when traveling in a group. You may get shy, you may have to compromise with the group’s decisions, or you may choose to go with the flow, not making any decisions at all. When traveling alone, something else happens. As the only decision-maker, you become an ultra-confident you and are more inclined to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. 

5. To disconnect

Traveling alone is the only way to truly separate yourself from your life and disconnect from it. Bringing someone else along on your travels brings that home baggage, even if you’re both trying to disconnect. Do it on your own, shut everything else out and just be. 

There are so many more reasons to solo travel – at any age – but I really feel like it’s an important thing for everyone to do in their 20s. I know my solo travels have informed the way I am and the way I think about almost everything!

So. When’s your next adventure?

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