8 Reasons Why You Should Travel Solo At Least Once

If you haven’t traveled alone, you should give it a try. I've traveled to Malaysia by myself, hiked alone in the mountains and I’ve been alone at a cabin in the middle of nowhere for one week.
The first time I was on a plane alone I was 17 and I felt like I owned the world. You won’t believe how amazing it is before you try it.I decided to sum up the most important reasons why you should travel alone.

At one point, on my trip to Malaysia, I found myself in a big city in need of a taxi. I didn’t have cash and the few ATM machines I could find didn’t work. I asked around for a bank, but no one could speak English, not even the police. I was hot, thirsty, hungry and frustrated. Hours went by and I was just walking alone in this huge city. I had no phone signal, no money and nowhere to go.
When I stumbled upon a dead body in a back alley, I had enough.

After sitting down and cursing the entire country for a minute, I spotted a bank worker inside a closed bank. I desperately knocked the window and she helped me withdraw some money.

In spite of these painful hours of my stay, I enjoyed Malaysia and it was super cool to discover a country all by myself. I met some interesting people and I enjoyed the sun there. I didn’t miss Norway at all.
If you have a family and it’s hard to get away, try going to the neighboring city and get a hotel for just one night. Explore both the city and who you are when you’re alone.

Don’t get me wrong, I do think that great experiences are better when shared. The best times in my life has been while traveling with friends. But I also think you should travel alone and enjoy the following benefits at least once. Go on an adventure!

1. You learn about yourself 

I learned that I was more independent than I thought I was. I also got to know more about my strong and weak sides. Two of my many weaknesses: I’m very worried and I’m grumpy until I’ve had food in the morning. My strength: I never give up.
(Unless it is getting through a Bachelor of Business and Economics. I gave up, I quit and it’s been the best choice I’ve ever done because I became a journalist instead.)

2. It’s out of your comfort zone (most likely) 

At least it was for me. If something scares you or is uncomfortable, you have more reason to do it. I found that I grow every time I do something I don’t want to or something I dread. 

3. You’ll get know other people 

Traveling alone is a great way to make new friends and acquaintances. I guess you're a bit more approachable when alone, instead of in a big group. Also you'll be more open to talking to people when your BFF is M.I.A. 

4. Freedom 

You’ll feel free when you travel alone. Free like the bird, it can’t be explained, only experienced.

5. Planning the trip is easier 

Well, you're the whole travel group, the trip planner and the guide. You basically decide everything. When I travel with friends, I agree to join events or to go see sights that I didn’t really want to go to. (Although that has sometimes turned out to be super fun, like a spring break concert in Jamaica.) I can spend as much time as I want in each restaurant and I am free to lay in bed one entire day with a book just because I want to.  

6. Confidence

I believe more in myself after traveling alone. I'm now less afraid and more confident that I could do anything I want to. 

7. Time alone 

Although I’m super outgoing and social, I’m actually an introvert. I loved spending time alone when I traveled solo. 

8. Flexibility 

You don’t have to consider anyone else’s opinion if you rapidly change your plans. This is great for a spontaneous person like me.

I decided to end all my posts with a song, so here is my second song to y’all:
Imagine Dragons

Susanne