From experience, I know that the first time traveling alone can be exciting; you don’t know what to expect, and you are completely reliant on yourself. At the same time, it is a highly educational experience. Not only is the moment of boarding the plane alone thrilling, but so are all the preparations for the journey. The moment of booking tickets, planning the itinerary, and packing – how do you move from place to place? What is the season? What should you absolutely not forget to bring? What vaccinations do you need? Do you need a visa? These are all questions you need to answer before your trip.
Furthermore, it’s useful to delve into the culture of the country, understanding their values and norms, clothing requirements, and dominant religions. In temples in Thailand, for instance, both shoulders and knees must be covered, or you won’t be allowed in.
Traveling alone is tremendously beneficial for self-development. Besides learning to be independent, you undergo social growth. You meet people from all over the world, but to do so, you must take the initiative. It’s crucial to be open and not be afraid to take the first step. Most people are open to this. I’ve been to Asia twice, and many people there often travel alone. Additionally, try to connect with the local population, especially if you want to learn more about the country. In Bali, I stayed in a guesthouse, having my own room but living on the same property as the guesthouse family. This way, you get closer to the local population. I ate with them multiple times and had many conversations. Even if you don’t speak their language, there are various ways to communicate; with gestures, you can get quite far. Personally, I find eating with the local population as much of a highlight as visiting tourist attractions. Locals often show you much more than the general tours you can book.
Another advantage of traveling alone is that you can do exactly what you feel like doing. The only person you have to consider is yourself. However, this can also be a challenge, especially if you find it difficult to make choices. One last tip I want to give is not to plan your entire trip in detail beforehand. It’s good to make a list of the places you want to visit and what each place has to offer, but I would advise against a tight travel schedule for a long journey. Only if you are going away for 2 to 3 weeks would I recommend it. For a longer journey, be open, as this is how you end up in the most delightful places. I have traveled alone twice now, and each time I met new people. I traveled with some for a few days, and I visited places I hadn’t considered beforehand. During your journey, try to be flexible; you never know who you might meet!
