Comments on: Why I Travel Solo

By: Combating 2.5 Million Years Of Evolution – How To Prevent Your Paleolithic Brain From Scaring You Out Of Travel: Part 2 | foXnoMad

Tue, 24 May 2011 06:01:57 +0000

[...] people who travel for leisure will tell you they found the experience to be enjoyable, enlightening, fun…without any regrets. You might not like [...]

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 07:35:33 +0000

I too enjoy the freedom of traveling solo. Having said that I am an extrovert so meet people quite easily. Yet when I choose to have my quiet moments I can without having to consider another persons needs. This may sound selfish, but making time for yourself is also a significant component of travel.

By: Traveling The Blogosphere - February 2010 | Taking off Travel blog

Traveling The Blogosphere - February 2010 | Taking off Travel blog — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:54:14 +0000

[...] Solo Traveler Blog has a guest post from one of my favorite travel people, Andy Hayes on Why I Travel Solo. There are some great reasons for traveling alone, including: when I travel I like to soak up the [...]

By: Andy Hayes

Andy Hayes — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:44:45 +0000

Thanks for the comments everyone.

Joanna, hell yes sometimes even travelling with a companion requires a healthy dose of courage!

By: Julie

Julie — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:15:14 +0000

Hi Andy!

Thanks for the insight and I couldn’t agree with you more! Travelling alone can be rewarding, especially when reach a goal that you’d been trying to achieve.

I also got the funny looks from acquintances about travelling alone. But really, how else can you do what you want, at your own pace?

At the same time though, it can be tough especially if you’re travelling for long periods of time. For me, it sometimes felt like you’d meet great people and get to know each other for a few days, only to part ways a few days later and have to do it all over again at the next hostel. It’s tiring and at those moments is when you start craving a good friend to chat with.

I don’t regret it and would certainly travel alone again. It allows for much needed personal reflection and probably let me meet some people that I likely wouldn’t have otherwise. But I now know my limits and how to travel both alone and with a buddy.

Cheers!

By: JoAnna

JoAnna — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:14:55 +0000

I see most people point out number 4 as being the thing that draws them most to solo travel. Honestly, it’s what pushes me away from it. But when I travel solo, I find it to be exhilarating because I am uncomfortable. Nonetheless, it takes a healthy bout of courage to get going on my own.

By: Gray

Gray — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:20:33 +0000

Nice, Andy. Those are all great reasons. I, too, like the last one. I think it’s the uncomfortable part that keeps a lot of people from traveling solo, but really, it’s one of the best things about it. It really forces us to step outside our comfort zones. The feeling of empowerment you get once you’ve successfully accomplished something that terrifies you is awesome.

By: annie

annie — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:03:26 +0000

Four for four! I really agree on each point. I started traveling solo right after September 11th and have tackled just about every one of my life fears so far. The ability to make my own choices without consulting with fellow travelers (always a chore!) is wonderful. Best of all, being able to be QUIET and observe, learn, interact, absorb…priceless.

By: Andi

Andi — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:14:10 +0000

Like the name!

I couldn’t agree with you more!!! I just returned from a solo-trip to Brasil and you can’t imagine the reactions I got from people when I told them that I was traveling alone (especially since I’m a female). Everyone thought I was just plain crazy! But, I had the most extraordinary adventure AND you really are never alone when you’re traveling. You’re constantly meeting people.

By: Mara

Mara — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:14:50 +0000

I enjoy the freedom of deciding when and where to go!