10 THINGS EVERY TRAVELER LEARNS

Travelling is fun and is one of the most exciting way to break free from the monotonous lifestyle, to learn about new cultures, to meet strangers, try out different cuisines and whole lot of other reasons. Travelling solo is all the more adventurous and rewarding. If you don't believe me ask a person who has gone solo wandering away into the hearts of the world.

1.YOU MEET LOTS OF NEW PEOPLE

Ever noticed that you’re more likely to ask one person for directions than you are to ask a group of people? Solos are more approachable, plain and simple. Lone travellers learn that the benefits of this are twofold: not only will other travellers feel far more comfortable introducing themselves to you, but it’s actually easier for you to strike up conversation with others as well.

1. YOU CAN INTERACT WITH THE LOCALS MORE INTIMATELY

You certainly know that local folks are more open, and definitely more curious, when it’s only you walking into that hole-in-the-wall café, or sampling the pungent flavors of that roadside food stall. From a heartfelt conversation on a rickety train, to suddenly having a network of genial families happy to host you for a night, you know none of these incredible experiences would have been possible if you’d been travelling with others.

3.YOU ARE FREE TO ADVENTURE AS YOU LIKE, NO HASSLE AND NO FRIENDS TO STOP YOU

There is no need to compromise when travelling alone. No need to appease a friend’s unfortunate craving for an overpriced burger and fries, or their incessant complaints about mosquito bites in a jungle where you’re on travel cloud 9. As a lonesome wanderer you travel where you want, when and however you want to – all with a liberating degree of indulgence.

1. YOU LEARN A LOT ABOUT THE PLACES YOU VISIT (IT'S HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND OTHER THINGS)

Travelling solo, you’re more immersed in your surroundings. You notice the unique quirks, and subtle character that truly makes a place what it is. But walk around the same street chatting with an old friend, and your mind is often immersed elsewhere.

1. THERE IS A WONDERFUL FEELING ABOUT GOING TO PLACES NO ONE KNOWS

For some, travelling alone is like a fresh start. Or a temporary escape from the life-baggage you’re forced to lug around back home. That’s not to say you’re a different person when abroad, but you may notice how much that therapeutic anonymity has changed you by the time you return home.

1. YOU GET TO BE ALL BY YOURSELF, AWAY FROM ALL THE WORLDLY COMPLAINS AND PROBLEMS

Time spent alone and unplugged forces you to really reflect on your life back home, your recent experiences on the road and the direction things are headed. Some of those thoughts aren’t always pleasant to deal with, but solo travellers know that even if solitude is a struggle at times, they’re stronger because of it.

1. YOU LEARN TO MAKE BETTER CHOICES IN LIFE

Distance makes you appreciate the people who matter most in your life back home. Especially those you’ve taken for granted. Far away and alone, you’re reminded to make the most of every second with loved ones when you return.

1. DISTANCE TEACHES YOU A LOT TO VALUE YOUR LOVED ONES AND OTHERS IN YOUR LIFE

The same distance can also make you realise that some people in your life aren’t quite as important as you thought they were. Be they a bad influence, a toxic love or a fair-weather friend, it’s not always a welcome realisation. But it’s usually for the best.

1. YOU BECOME MORE CREATIVE

Whether it’s journaling, drawing, philosophising or brainstorming future entrepreneurial endeavours, solo travellers are usually forced to find new expressive ways to amuse themselves when there’s no conversation (or wi-fi). You might have even stumbled upon your vocation.

1. SOMETIMES, IT'S FUN TO LEAVE EVERYTHING BEHIND AND WANDER AWAY

But let’s be honest for a second: very rarely are we ever as intrepid or adventurous as we’d like to imagine ourselves. Still, when you’re the only tourist on that bush bus to nowhere there’s a thrilling fantasy that plays out in your mind as you watch a new world go by out the window – and solo travellers know that feeling is addictive, and stays with you for the rest of your life