It’s been over 3 years since I took the leap, booked a one-way plane ticket, and landed in Southeast Asia. What was supposed to be a one-month solo traveling trip to Bali in 2020, after discovering I had been cheated on, turned into an extended journey that I still haven’t booked a flight home from. Over these years, I’ve learned a ton of valuable lessons about solo traveling and exploring foreign countries. In today’s blog post, I’m sharing 5 key solo travel lessons from my experiences that will hopefully inspire and help you on your own solo adventures, whether abroad or in your home country.
1. Expect Things to Go Wrong
One of the most important solo travel lessons I’ve learned is that no matter how much you plan, things will inevitably go wrong. In every country I’ve visited—Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines—I’ve faced challenges like visa issues, flight delays, and even food poisoning. For example, last November, I was about to board a flight to Vietnam only to find out that my visa had a birthdate error. With my Indonesian visa expiring, I had to think quickly and ended up booking a last-minute flight to Malaysia. This experience taught me that you have to adapt to unexpected situations and that asking for help from friends or locals can make a big difference.
2. Don’t Let Others’ Experiences Define Yours
It’s easy to get caught up in other people’s travel stories and recommendations, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s travel experience is unique. For instance, while many people raved about El Nido in the Philippines, my experience there was less than stellar due to a series of unfortunate events.
This experience taught me that you can’t base your entire trip on someone else’s experiences. What might be a dream destination for one person could be a challenging place for another. Keep an open mind and make your own judgments based on your personal experiences.
3. Home Is What You Make It
A common misconception about solo travel is that it can be lonely or isolating. However, I’ve learned that home is not just a physical place but a feeling you create. During the pandemic, I was told to return to the US, but I found comfort in the connections I had made in Bali.
Whether it’s through friendships with locals or fellow travelers, you can find a sense of home anywhere you go. Solo travel often brings unexpected bonds and friendships that can make you feel welcome and safe wherever you are.
4. You’re More Capable Than You Think
Solo traveling constantly pushes you out of your comfort zone, revealing that you’re capable of handling more than you ever imagined. I went from being anxious about driving in DC traffic to confidently navigating the dangerous Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam.
This experience taught me that solo travel helps you discover your strengths and grow as a person. By facing new challenges, you’ll find that you’re much more resilient and capable than you might have thought.
5. The News Is Often More Negative Than Reality
Often, the media portrays a negative view of places around the world, which can make solo traveling seem intimidating. However, my experience showed me that the news often highlights the bad while overlooking the good.
For example, while my family was worried about the pandemic, I found that my experience in Bali was far more positive than what was reported. Don’t let fear from news stories deter you from exploring the world; instead, seek out balanced information and trust your own judgment.
Ready to Embark on Your Solo Travel Adventure?
These five lessons are just a glimpse into what solo traveling has taught me over the past three years. Whether you’re considering a solo trip across the globe or a local adventure, I hope these insights encourage you to take that leap of faith.
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