When people think of solo trips the Eat, Pray, Love experience comes to mind. The chance that someone like Javier Bardem will whisk you away in Bali is a little far fetched. But the self discovery part isn't. Traveling alone still has a bad rep, especially when you’re a woman. People still associate it with loneliness. While that unfortunately happens at times, the benefits of when you travel alone trumps that feeling of loneliness.

I love my friends and love traveling with  them. But it is great to go through cities, museums, and sites at your own pace. That is the benefit of traveling alone— you’re on your own schedule. That museum about 16th century dutch painters that one of your friends might have being dying to see if they were with you doesn’t tickle your fancy, SKIP IT.

A nice stroll in the park with a packed lunch and a good book is more up your alley, then you can do it without compromise. Compromise, the main word when you travel with people. Always making sure each of your needs are met even when it takes away from your wants. With  solo travel that word can go away until your next group trip.

Speaking of group trips. When I’m on them I get exclusive about my squad and  just want to hang out with only them. Talking about all the things we are experiencing and gabbing about that cute local we saw. Instead of just gabbing about that cute local, you can go up and talk to him. When you’re by yourself you tend to take a little more social risks. I have met the greatest people (who I’m still friends with) merely by having a conversation with them in hostels or on the streets. If they are a solo traveler like yourself and you feel like talking about your experiences then go for it! Seriously, go for it! You have nothing to lose and if it gets awkward you can always peace out without having to see them again.

Of course, I want to emphasize that safety is always key when it comes to solo traveling! Know your area, keep valuable items in a safe place, and have someone know your whereabouts at all times. After you figure that out you get really good at taking care of yourself. It builds trust and confidence in your abilities. You can plan and plan but there will always be something that goes wrong. As a solo traveller the solution is on you, no one else. Once I was stranded in a country by myself where I didn’t know the language. Was it scary? YES. Did I freak out? A little but once I got a hold of myself there was this switch that turned on where I had to figure out how I was going to get out. When I was able mime my way back on another flight to my destination, there was this sense of accomplishment. Like, yeah, I’m badass, I just got myself out of Colombia!

One of the biggest benefits of solo traveling is- FOOD TO YOURSELF

 Just kidding (even though that is pretty great). But to be real, the biggest benefit is enjoying your own company. When I look back at the trips where I was by myself there was this sense of peace that comes  with it. Uninterrupted by someone yelling for a group photo. There is you and that moment. We live in a world where there is at least 3 ways to contact you. Disconnecting and taking in your present moment is rare and beautiful.

So I suggest next time when you’re thinking about who to take on that trip you have been  wanderlusting over, maybe consider just taking yourself.