It’s empowering to push yourself out of your comfort zone. I’ve rounded up some solo travel ideas to make the most of your experience. Part 2. Read on to find out what they are!
"The fact that you went somewhere by yourself demonstrates strength."
Things to help enhance your solo travel experience (continued from Part 1: How to Enhance your Solo Travel Experience)
Strike up a conversation with a local
It can feel a bit scary to chat with anyone new, never mind a local in a country where you might not even know the language. If you know a little bit of the language, I have yet to meet anyone who was offended with me trying to speak their native language, despite messing up some (or a lot) of the words. Generally they appreciate the effort and it has sometimes even led to a new friend.
One of the best solo travel ideas is to get to know a place through the eyes of the people who call it home - some of the most life-changing moments happen when you put yourself out there.
Spending time around the locals of whatever country I’m in are some very wonderful experiences. You can learn a lot from reading books, but I’ve learned so much more being there and asking the locals questions personally.
Make a new friend
This one goes hand in hand with the previous suggestion, "Strike up a conversation with a local". By putting myself out there, I've had the most interesting conversations with people local to the area. A lot of times, they're just as curious about where I'm from and the experiences that I've had locally in their hometown as I am about them and suggestions that they may have for me to try.
I've been invited to lunches and dinners with complete stranger's families (at the time) and have left as friends with new stories and experiences all from just striking up a conversation.
"Get to know a place through the eyes of the people who call it home."
Do something to give back
After your adventure, you’ll come home with new memories and possibly new friends. If you've ever been camping or hiking, you may have heard the phrase "Leave no trace".
Instead of leaving no trace, why not give back in some way to the community that you have just experienced. It doesn't even have to be while you're still there. It could be donating to a cause that benefits the area, or something else, but it'll give you another positive connection to the experience you just had.
Treat yourself to something special
Traveling solo has the benefit of being able to set your own schedule and to explore at your own pace and to seek out your own interests. Go ahead and do something special just for you. You took this big leap to step out of your comfort zone. It's not the easiest thing to do, but if you do, it's a truly rewarding experience!
“There is a really wonderful circular relationship between self-esteem and traveling."
I don't remember where I heard this quote, but I wholeheartedly agree with it.
“There is a really wonderful circular relationship between self-esteem and traveling. Traveling in itself is an act of confidence. The fact that you went somewhere by yourself demonstrates strength. If you do something that requires a certain amount of strength or independence, you then see yourself as a stronger and more independent person. Your behavior is reinforcing a positive self-esteem. As your self-esteem grows, you start engaging in more independent, self-serving behaviors.”
So get out there, travel, grow and be the best version of yourself!
For a refresher, keep reading Part 1: How to Enhance your Solo Travel Experience for more information!
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