May 20, 2023

Who are you really? Most of us are comfortable in our own bubble. Our identity is formed and we don’t have any intention of changing this. I have learned that solo traveling confronts you to answer that question.

Discover yourself

Our work, friends and family, and hobbies play a big role in this bubble. They determine who we are. When someone asks us “Who are you?” We mostly respond with our job title or the connection to our family (a mom, a father, a sister, a brother). But is that all we are? The untethered soul by Micheal A. Singer goes deeper into this question (and might even be too spiritual for some).

I find that when stepping out of your bubble, you get confronted with yourself. If you for example traveling or working/studying abroad for a while, you have to depend solely on yourself. But you also make new friends and discover if they really are part of your “tribe” or not. Being in a place where nobody knows you, opens up a chance to be something else. You get to do whatever you want whenever you want. And on the contrary, you might be too overwhelmed with all this freedom of choice.

Benefits: friendships for life

Now next to soul searching, you also have to create some new experiences. Get out there, meet locals try things. for example, take a class. book a co-working space, go to a concert, or sit in a coffee shop (without your mobile or earphones). However, if you choose to solo travel you still need to stay safe. Because you are here for a good time and a long time (at least until you get home).

The benefits of living like a local are connecting with people on a deeper level. If you commit to that friendship when you’re back home, it can last lifelong. You can even visit each other or plan a trip to a place you both never have been to, so you have an excuse to travel more.

Convinced already?

Here are 5 tips from Jo Franco. She has been traveling solo for a decade now and she also has been documenting her travels on her channel.

Image: Unsplash, by William Navarro