What My First Solo Trip Has Taught Me

I was 28 years old when I took my first solo trip. I made the decision to travel alone after reflecting on my achievements throughout 2015 – which were quite boring. Thailand was my first solo destination. When people asked if I was afraid about going on my trip alone, I told them that whenever we do something for the first time, it’s natural to feel scared and nervous. However, I was determined to continue because I knew that if I didn’t start, I wouldn’t go anywhere.

For those of you who are still wondering, “Is it okay to travel solo?” Here’s what my first solo trip taught me:

1. You eventually will meet other travelers.

Going on a trip alone doesn’t always mean you’ll be lonely. In fact, you’ll probably end up meeting some cool people along the way and making friendships that could last a lifetime. When you’re by yourself, you’re more likely to chat up strangers and have conversations that you wouldn’t normally have if you were traveling with friends. These interactions can lead to some of the best moments of your trip, as you learn about different cultures, perspectives, and lifestyles.

And the best part is, the people you meet while traveling solo often become long-term buddies, even after you get back home. You’ll share experiences that only the two of you have had, and you’ll be able to reminisce about the places you visited and the crazy adventures you had. In some cases, solo travelers even get together in other parts of the world, continuing their journeys together or just hanging out.

So don’t be afraid to travel solo – it’s an amazing way to connect with others and make friendships that you’ll cherish forever.

2. You must take action to get what you want.

If you have a dream or goal that you want to accomplish, simply wishing for it to happen won’t make it a reality. In order to turn your aspirations into something tangible, you must take action. It’s easy to get lost in the realm of imagination and visualize all the amazing things you could do, but without taking that first step towards making it a reality, your dream will remain just that – a dream. The space between your current reality and your desired outcome is filled with actions you must take to bridge the gap. So, don’t let your dreams remain a distant fantasy; take action and make them a reality.

3. Travelling is not as expensive as you think.

Many people assume that traveling is an expensive luxury that only the wealthy can afford. However, the truth is that traveling can be much more affordable than you may think. You don’t have to be wealthy to explore the world and have amazing experiences. There are a variety of budget-friendly options available for transportation, accommodations, and activities that can help make your trip more affordable.

Additionally, traveling doesn’t necessarily mean staying at luxurious hotels or eating at expensive restaurants. In fact, some of the most memorable experiences come from immersing yourself in local culture and enjoying simple, authentic experiences. Whether it’s trying new foods, attending local festivals, or exploring hidden gems off the beaten path, there are many ways to make your travels affordable and unforgettable. So, don’t let the misconception that travel is only for the wealthy stop you from exploring the world – with some research, planning, and an open mind, anyone can travel well.

4. Be around people who have the same passion as you.

The people we surround ourselves with have a great impact on our lives, and this is especially true when it comes to pursuing our passions. Being around individuals who share the same goals and interests as us can be incredibly motivating and inspiring. When we connect with others who are on the same mission as us, we can learn from each other, share our experiences, and push each other to strive for greater success.

Whether you’re interested in pursuing a hobby, starting a business, or making a difference in the world, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can make all the difference. These people can become your support system, providing you with the encouragement and guidance you need to achieve your goals. So, seek out communities and groups of people who share your passion and mission, and don’t be afraid to connect with others who are on the same path as you. Together, you can achieve great things.

5. Don’t let someone’s negativity stop you.

In life, there will always be people who doubt you, criticize you, or try to bring you down. However, it’s important not to let their negativity hold you back from pursuing your dreams and aspirations. Your time is too valuable to be distracted by negative people who don’t support you or your goals.

Instead, surround yourself with positive, uplifting individuals who encourage and inspire you. These people can help you stay motivated, focused, and optimistic about your future. Remember, you are the only one who has control over your life and your choices. Don’t let anyone else’s negativity dictate your path or discourage you from pursuing your dreams.

You deserve to live a fulfilling, meaningful life, and you have the power to make that happen. So, don’t let anyone else’s negativity stop you from achieving your goals and living your best life. Keep pushing forward, stay focused on your vision, and surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.

6. You’re never too old to start.

No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to start pursuing your dreams and making positive changes in your life. Age is just a number, and it shouldn’t hold you back from achieving your goals or living the life you want.

In fact, many successful individuals didn’t find their calling until later in life. They took the time to explore their interests, try new things, and follow their passions, no matter their age. And it’s never too late to do the same for yourself.

So, whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond, it’s never too late to take action and make the rest of your life the very best of your life. You have the power to make positive changes, pursue your passions, and achieve your dreams, no matter how old you are. Don’t let age hold you back from living your best life – embrace every moment and make it count.

7. You need to know another language, especially English.

In today’s globalized world, being proficient in more than one language can be a major advantage, both personally and professionally. While there are many languages spoken around the world, English has become the global language of communication, business, and travel. Therefore, it’s essential to have at least a basic understanding of English, even if it’s not your first language.

As the famous quote goes, “One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” By learning another language, you expand your opportunities and increase your potential for success. So, whether you’re learning English as a second language or considering picking up another language entirely, take the leap and invest in your language skills. The benefits are sure to be worth it.

8. Learn how to adapt. Open yourself to new experiences.

When you’re in a new place, it’s important to be open to new experiences and learn how to adapt to your surroundings. Remember that the culture, customs, and ways of life may be different from what you’re used to, and that’s okay. Embrace the differences and try to understand and appreciate the local way of life.

As the quote goes, “When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable, it is designed to make its own people comfortable.” This means that you may encounter situations that are outside of your comfort zone, but it’s important to remain respectful and adaptable.

By opening yourself up to new experiences and ways of life, you can gain a deeper understanding of the world around you and grow as an individual. So, the next time you’re in a new place, embrace the differences and learn how to adapt. It may just lead to some of the most memorable experiences of your life.

9. Don’t waste your money on things that get you nowhere.

In today’s consumer-driven society, it’s easy to fall into the trap of materialism and focus on accumulating possessions rather than experiences. However, true happiness and fulfillment come from the memories and experiences we create, not the things we own.

As the quote goes, “Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.” Instead of spending your hard-earned money on material possessions that may bring temporary pleasure, invest in experiences that will create lasting memories and enrich your life.

Travel, try new foods, learn a new skill, or spend time with loved ones. These experiences will stay with you long after the excitement of a new purchase has faded. So, don’t waste your money on things that get you nowhere. Invest in experiences that will bring you joy, growth, and fulfillment.

10. Travel addiction is a real thing. You can’t stop once you start.

Traveling can be an incredibly addictive experience. Once you’ve been bitten by the travel bug, it’s hard to shake off that desire to explore new places and have new experiences.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get when you arrive at a place you’ve never been before. The excitement of discovering something new, the thrill of adventure, and the sense of freedom that comes with being on the road can be incredibly intoxicating.

As many seasoned travelers will attest, travel addiction is a real thing. Once you start, it’s hard to stop. The more you explore, the more you want to see and do. The world is a vast and wondrous place, and there’s always something new to discover.

So, if you find yourself yearning for adventure and new experiences, don’t be afraid to answer that call. Embrace the addictive nature of travel and let it take you on a journey of a lifetime. You never know where it might lead you.