I was born an extrovert. Those who are close to me know how true this is: my instinct to introduce myself to everyone and my nonstop chatter with those around me. While ordering a coffee one time in the Denver airport, I introduced myself to the barista and eventually discovered that we had a mutual friend. One of my best friends who was with me asked, "Kerri, have you ever met a stranger in your life?" So then, my love for solo travel may seem somewhat contradictory. But as I see it, my extrovertedness is what makes traveling alone possible and so so enjoyable. As my parents wouldn't hesitate to point out, there's obviously limits to solo travel (especially as a woman) in regards to safety. But, as Dr. Seuss explained, it's a matter of using the "brains in our head" to make good decisions!
I've found that I'm happiest when there's a compromise between solo travel and group experiences. As a study abroad student, I'm not claiming to be a completely independent traveler, seeing as how I have spent the last two weekends surrounded by friends from all over the world, with a couple days in the middle of exploring by myself (and classes of course 😉 ) And, this coming weekend, I'm headed to Santiago, Chile for bit of solo adventuring! Here are the top reasons why I encourage everyone to travel alone at least once in her life!
1.) Master of itinerary 💁🏻
Maybe this is the most obvious of the benefits of solo travel and it's definitely one of the most tangible! You can wake up in the morning and decide where you want to go and what you want to do. But I think my favorite part is that you choose where, when and what you want to eat! You want to sign up for a last-minute tour? Go for it. You want to leave a museum early? You're out. You want to try three different empanada joints instead of going to an actual restaurant? No problem. It's your chance to indulge in what makes YOU happy!
2.) Personal growth 💪🏼
For me, solo travel has been one of the most intense tests of confidence and independence in my life. It's obvious that traveling through an unknown land in a foreign culture by yourself never fails to be daunting. You learn to ask for help along the way and, in the end, it's so rewarding in that it allows you to discover how capable you really are. Picking up on Chilean slang from locals at the market, navigating through the streets of Valparaíso with a REAL paper map...how could solo travel not change a person?
3.) Conversation 💬
Wait a second. How can one of the benefits of traveling alone be conversation? It may seem somewhat contrary, but I'm not referring to chatting with a travel companion or close friend, but instead making small talk with strangers, locals, and other travelers. People traveling alone seem to spark curiosity and concern from others, for good reason! I think it's the sense that, if you're alone, they won't be interrupting anything if they ask to sit with you at breakfast or tag along on your sightseeing for the day! And this conversation is what makes an authentic experience!
4.) Authenticity and immersion 👀
Authenticity and immersion goes hand-in-hand with the conversation that comes with solo travel. Someone perusing a local artisan or fresh food market is much less likely to be perceived as a tourist than someone in a big group. Not only are you treated less like a tourist, but you're forced to immerse yourself completely in the host culture. This is one of the most popular reasons that students study abroad: the hope to be completely immersed in the language, the people and all aspects of the culture. Alone, you're forced to start up conversation in Spanish with those you meet instead of chatting in English with your friends. Even this can be uncomfortable, it makes for a much more memorable experience!
5.) Global friendships 🌎
Personally, this is one of my favorite parts of living in another country by myself -- the global friendships I have made! There's Idri from Albania, Pol from Israel, Camille from France, Victoria from Germany, David from Colombia, Nikola from Denmark, Renata from Sweden, Noah from Switzerland, Franci from Italy, Sarah from Canada, Eva from Iceland, Alize from Belgium, so many from Argentina and Chile...I think you get the point. Having these friends from all over the world has changed my perspective in ways I never knew possible. US global relations become more personal rather than political and disasters abroad aren't simply news flashes, but reminders to check in on my friends. And plus, how cool is it that I could go so many places in the world and just dial up a friend to get a local's suggestions and a free place to stay?
6.) Reflection and recognition 🤔
Lastly, exploring alone 6,000 miles away from home makes the saying "You don't know what you have until it's gone" hit a lot closer to home. While traveling solo has so many benefits, it also makes me miss the adventurous spirits and companionship of my siblings, parents, boyfriend, best friends, and cousins. Often, I find myself longing for a conversation in English, someone who understands my crazy sense of humor, or simply an adventure partner! But that's yet another benefit of solo travel: time to reflect and recognize how lucky we are and amazing this life is! And, like I said, it's a matter of balancing solo travel and group experiences!
Love from Chile,
Kerri 💕
 |
| A happy medium between solo exploration and... |
 |
| Group adventuring! |
No comments:
Post a Comment