Sitting in a bustling little restaurant in a First Nation’s
village on Washington’s west coast, I couldn’t help but notice the people
eating lunch around me. An elderly couple sat in the booth in front of me,
completely avoiding each other the entire time. A younger couple sat at a table
beside me, staring at their phones, never looking or speaking to one other.
Behind me sat a trashy looking family with a couple of rambunctious children
that refused to sit still. I was glad to be alone.
A few times a year, I embark upon a solo adventure for a
number of reasons. Yes, at times it feels a little strange, especially when I
roll up to a campsite in a campground packed with people and zero privacy. I’ve
never seen another female camping by herself and often wonder why this is, but I
always come back feeling recharged and ready to conquer the world. Here are the reasons why
sometimes I travel alone:
I love a great, stimulating conversation. Who doesn’t? But sometimes I get so wrapped up in conversation that I don’t pay attention to my surroundings, which can be frustrating when I’m exploring a new place I’ve travelled hundreds of miles to see. When I travel alone I’m not distracted by conversation, which allows me to soak in every moment of my surroundings and truly get a feel for a place. It gives me the space to think and contemplate all the thoughts whirling through my head instead of listening to a friend talk about nothing.
I’ve been lucky when it comes to finding travel companions who are on the same page for trip planning, but there are still many times that I have to remind myself it’s not just about me. When I travel alone, I can go to bed and read a book whenever I want, stop every two minutes to take a photo, turn right instead of left, listen to my favourite music in the car or eat whatever and whenever I please. There’s a certain kind of freedom about being on your own schedule when you’re on the road.
I was pretty nervous the first time I hopped onto a big airplane by myself and flew to the other side of the world. Who wouldn’t be? The first few days in Myanmar were daunting every time I stepped outside of my hotel room, but eventually I grew more comfortable with my new surroundings and discovered a confidence I never knew I had. I know many people who don’t travel anywhere simply because they don’t have anyone to go with, but that shouldn’t hold you back from doing something you really want to do. Every time I go somewhere alone, whether it’s near or far, I come back feeling stronger, like I can tackle any challenge put in front of me. If you wait for others you’ll never go anywhere.
It’s interesting to see how you’ll react when plopped into a foreign country that doesn’t speak English and is the complete opposite of your home. The only person you can really depend on is yourself, which is a scary thought for some people, but it gives you courage and insight about what makes you tick. Even wandering into the back country and sleeping in my tent for the night makes me learn new things about myself — like I’m much more courageous than I thought! Stepping outside of my comfort zone alone has also made me fiercely independent, which is something I am truly grateful to have in my mid thirties.
