I have travelled alone a lot in my life, especially in the last five years. There is no more freedom one can experience in life. I recommend for everyone to try it at least once. And I recommend to don't stop it even if you marry or have kids. You need to be alone for a while to better understand your choices and your life.
Mateus, absolutely, I encourage people to try solo travel at least once in their lives, even if it’s a trip in their home state or country. Sometimes, you can’t find anyone who can go with you on a trip, so you choose not to go, but you’re really missing an amazing opportunity!
I had to learn to be a solo traveler as well because I just didn't have people to travel with and I didn't want to be held back. There are certain things that would be better with a partner- like splitting a hotel room and having someone to watch your bags while you go to the bathroom - but mostly I like having my own agenda.
When I do travel with people, it's about 50/50 on if we are compatible or not. Traveling together is a very unique experience and not all people are good fits.
Elizabeth, I 100% agree with everything you said. It was, I either go alone, or I don’t go at all. Right now, I’m traveling with a friend who is really compatible with my travel style and I’m remembering how nice it can be to have someone to watch your things, decompress with. But I have traveled with people who made me remember why I value solo travel in the first place. We were definitely not compatible, and it put a damper on the trip.
yes i’ve had both those things happen recently, the good and the bad companion. sharing a space with a dififult companion is soooo hard because there’s no escape
I think there are many people that enjoy traveling alone. Whether it is a choice or it was forced, it is difficult to say. But there is definitely a correlation between being an expat (i.e. having experienced moving to a new place and all the challenges that go with it), and feeling comfortable traveling alone.
And as you also explained, alone does not necessarily mean lonely.
A profound look at the psyche of solo travel. I throughly enjoyed this. You made a bold choice in going to Slovakia and responded with courage to the unexpected events of being there alone. I think most people with the travel bug (me included) can relate to feeling stuck when not moving. A thoughtful read. Bravo, Ashleigh!
So true, Ashleigh, better to be alone than in bad company. And also, a beautiful soliloquy on life in general.
Thank you Jeanine, that means a lot 😌
Many people don’t know how to be alone and content in themselves. It’s a gift when you can enjoy solitude!
Megan, I agree! I definitely enjoy finding the right balance between solitude and company :)
Alone but never really alone, when they ask me but you are going/went there alone? I answer no I will meet/met a lot of people!
Flavio, absolutely, I tell people, you’re only as alone as you want to be when solo traveling. Met so many great people over the years!
She sounds like a wise woman :)
Lizzie, five years later and I still can’t believe we crossed paths!
It's pretty incredible!
I have travelled alone a lot in my life, especially in the last five years. There is no more freedom one can experience in life. I recommend for everyone to try it at least once. And I recommend to don't stop it even if you marry or have kids. You need to be alone for a while to better understand your choices and your life.
Mateus, absolutely, I encourage people to try solo travel at least once in their lives, even if it’s a trip in their home state or country. Sometimes, you can’t find anyone who can go with you on a trip, so you choose not to go, but you’re really missing an amazing opportunity!
This is so spot on! Loved reading it as I resonated with it a lot
Thank you, Alisa! I’m glad it resonated with you 😊
I had to learn to be a solo traveler as well because I just didn't have people to travel with and I didn't want to be held back. There are certain things that would be better with a partner- like splitting a hotel room and having someone to watch your bags while you go to the bathroom - but mostly I like having my own agenda.
When I do travel with people, it's about 50/50 on if we are compatible or not. Traveling together is a very unique experience and not all people are good fits.
Elizabeth, I 100% agree with everything you said. It was, I either go alone, or I don’t go at all. Right now, I’m traveling with a friend who is really compatible with my travel style and I’m remembering how nice it can be to have someone to watch your things, decompress with. But I have traveled with people who made me remember why I value solo travel in the first place. We were definitely not compatible, and it put a damper on the trip.
yes i’ve had both those things happen recently, the good and the bad companion. sharing a space with a dififult companion is soooo hard because there’s no escape
Lovely read so inspirational. Have a great day from one traveling introvert to another.
Thank you, Aggie, that’s so kind. Hope you have a lovely day, too 😌
I used to love traveling alone!
It can be so freeing!
I think there are many people that enjoy traveling alone. Whether it is a choice or it was forced, it is difficult to say. But there is definitely a correlation between being an expat (i.e. having experienced moving to a new place and all the challenges that go with it), and feeling comfortable traveling alone.
And as you also explained, alone does not necessarily mean lonely.
“Alone does not necessarily mean lonely.” I love that 😌
And, I definitely agree moving to other countries helps prepare you for solo travel.
A profound look at the psyche of solo travel. I throughly enjoyed this. You made a bold choice in going to Slovakia and responded with courage to the unexpected events of being there alone. I think most people with the travel bug (me included) can relate to feeling stuck when not moving. A thoughtful read. Bravo, Ashleigh!
Thank you as always for your encouraging words, Dan! Really appreciate you 😌
I appreciate you too! Keep up the excellent writing Ashleigh.
I just wrapped up 35 days on the Camino de Santiago Frances Way. I loved the solitude of walking and getting lost in the scenery and my own thoughts.
Holly, that’s incredible! I really enjoyed my time on the Camino del Norte and Primitivo. Would love to walk the Frances route one day. 😌