Originally published on Relish Growth.
This post will share five reasons why female solo travel should be your priority in 2022.
I just got back from my final trip before Christmas, and it just occurred to me that I’ve taken 12 solo trips this year. Even though they’re all domestic trips because of COVID restrictions, it’s honestly so much better than not going anywhere, and I’m incredibly grateful for all these new experiences.
I know how sad I felt in 2020 for being unable to travel due to the lockdown, but I’m glad I can rectify that.
It also got me thinking about how much I’ve changed in the last six months of prioritizing travel;
- I’ve become even more confident in myself.
- I’ve become even more knowledgeable and picked up new interests, improving my personality. There’s nothing worse than someone who is bland with zero opinions about anything.
- I can prioritise my side hustles which have help fund my travel.
- My travel planning, organization, and navigation skills have also improved.
- Not forgetting my travel writing and photography skills. Travelling intentionally to document your trip through words and pictures is a skill. I’m glad I’ve been able to work on that this year.
Off the top of my head, these are some of the ways travel has impacted my life as a woman in 2021. Still, I see women afraid to take that solo trip by themselves. I see women who have no life outside their family and friends, and it’s so sad because there’s so much you discover about yourself when travelling solo.
With that being said, if you want to take control, change your situation, or you’re still wondering about the benefits of female solo travel, this post is for you.
Here Are Five Reasons Why Female Solo Travel Should Be A Priority For You
One of the most common reasons why many women don’t travel is a lack of funds which is a valid reason. But when it comes to prioritizing travel, you must find the funds.
If it means starting a side hustle like I do or cutting down on certain expenses like expensive manicures, fast fashion hauls, and pricey hair extensions, then you have to do all it takes.
Instead of cutting out these expenses completely, you can find cheaper alternatives for the period you need to save to travel. Whatever you must do, make sure there’s a dedicated fund for travel. That is the only way you’ll be motivated to travel frequently.
Let’s get right into it!
It helps you become even more independent.
Being fully independent means different things to different people depending on your background. But ultimately, we can agree that it means making firm decisions by yourself without interference.
When you have to travel to a foreign place alone, you’ll need to make various degrees of decisions that will affect you.
So, over time travelling solo will help you think better for yourself, which will, in turn, allow you to become even more independent. This renewed sense of self will also spill into other areas of your life.
You’ll be forced to pick up new interests.
Earlier in the year, I found myself in a career rut. I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to take. All I knew was that I wanted to spend my late twenties travelling the world. While I’m not sure what field I want to go into next, I’m not so worried.
As I’m sure I will find myself again during my travels. So, if you’re currently at a crossroads in your life and you’re sure what direction to go, take a break and go on an extended trip(s). You never know what new interests you’ll pick that will shape your next life phase.
Here are 5 Tips For The First-Time Solo Female Traveller
You’ll learn even more about yourself and how to deal with people.
If you’re travelling on a budget, chances are you’ll stay in a few hostels. This is where you’ll meet strangers from all works of life. Depending on the length of your trips, you’ll need to tolerate them and deal with their shortcomings.
If you’re someone with a horrible attitude that doesn’t know how to live with others, you’ll be forced to learn. Yes, you might have a few unpleasant experiences here and there, but that will only make you stronger. So, use your trips to learn more about your strengths and weakness and how you can take proactive measures to become a better person.
You’ll gain new experiences which will help prevent you from settling for a mediocre partner.
Yes, travel is great for learning about new cultures and gaining new experiences. But no one ever mentions how it increases the quality of life, thereby improving your standards.
I haven’t even travelled that much, but I already know I don’t want to settle for a partner who isn’t well travelled or is at least enthusiastic about travel. The fact that you’re already taking solo trips takes you a few steps ahead of them.
So, you don’t want to meet someone or believe travel is a waste of time and will kill your passion for travel. Being well-travelled will help you eliminate mediocre prospects.
It helps to replenish your idea bank.
Granted, the most significant benefit of female solo travel is gaining new experiences. But we don’t talk about your brain being replenished with new ideas. A lot of successful businesswomen have gotten their ideas during their travels.
So, if you plan to start and run a successful business in the future, solo travel is a way to prepare. Don’t forget to write down any new ideas during your trips.
It helps you overcome your biggest fears.
We all have different fears to varying degrees. It can be flying anxiety, being alone or simply sleeping outside your home.
A lot of times, these fears hold us back from our potential. If there are certain fears that you can overcome by travelling alone, I suggest you get to them. You have no idea the kind of freedom that is waiting for you on the other side.
Finally,
In 2022, don’t let any friend or sibling hold you back from solo travel. It can be scary, but you’ll never want to stop once you get past that first trip. Travelling alone is possibly the most liberating and rewarding thing you can do for yourself as a woman.
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