Solo Travelers’ Revelations: 10 Things That Surprised People the Most About Vacationing By Themselves
Someone recently shared, “I have surprisingly found that I enjoy waking up early enough to see the sunrise in every country I visit. I usually love to sleep in as late as possible, but not while I travel solo.” “What is one of the things that surprised you most about yourself while traveling solo?” Here are the top-voted admissions.
10. Having A Moderate Sense Of Direction
“What surprised me the most was my ability not to get lost and find my way around on foot. When I went to India for five weeks, I was worried I’d struggle to get about and find places, but it wasn’t a problem at all,” replied one.
9. Enjoying An Afternoon Nap
“As most of my holidays/travels are for photography, getting up for sunrise is the norm. However, what I do love is the afternoon nap after lunch and then back out for sunset,” another confessed.
8. Indulge In the Local Candy
One admitted, “I will buy whatever local candy I can at the equivalent of a Target in the country I’m visiting and love it.”
“For me, it is always trying a brand of chocolate made in that country,” a second confessed. “The experience and memory of the chocolate is a mental souvenir for yourself.
7. Strike Up A Conversation With Random People
“I enjoy conversing with random people, having intense conversations, then saying goodbye and never seeing them again. I’m an introvert, but I enjoy this way of socializing,” someone shared.
“How easy it is to socialize in places where you don’t know anyone,” replied one. “Exactly. There are no long-term stakes. It’s like summer camp for adults,” another agreed.
6. It’s Ok To Be By Yourself
“I like being alone, and it’s not just me being anti-social. If I vibe with someone, that’s great, but I won’t actively go out and seek people to hang out with, especially when my plans can be very scattered,” one replied.
“I was surprised by how much work I must do to be alone. Usually, I am around people all the time in travels, so I have to make efforts to have alone time,” said another.
5. You Never Feel Alone and It’s Safer Than People Think
One person said, “It amazes me how little I feel alone. I’ve been traveling solo for the last 3.5 years and rarely feel lonely. Instead, I find that traveling solo is engaging.”
“You are more open to meeting new, fun, interesting people who can eventually become long-lasting friends. Also, there are tons of safe places to travel and before stepping out of my bubble, the world was a scarier place. “
4. Learned To Rediscover Themselves
“Wherever you go, there you are! Traveling solo is a giant mirror for me. It shows me certain parts of myself that may not be seen in my normal day-to-day life. It also helps me dispel myths and delusions I have about myself, as well as insecurities and limited thinking,” another stated.
3. You Can Have Fun All By Yourself
“I thought my first solo trip would be horrible and boring. Instead, I had the most fun I’ve ever had once I got used to it. Now my wife gets upset when I want to go on a trip alone,” someone confessed.
“I often surprise myself at how cool and easy-going my personality is without others. I think that’s why I love solo traveling. Sometimes I have to remind myself who I am,” another admitted.
“It helped me realize how much I enjoy being alone. Being captain of my destiny and just deciding for myself what to do, when, and where. It’s made me a lousy travel companion, but I can live with it,” a third person shared.
2. Walking Is Not Bad At All
I walk so much. I usually hate walking and will take the car, metro, Uber, etc., whenever possible in the U.S. I flat out refuse to go hiking, but not when I hit the road internationally. Walking abroad is an enjoyable experience,” one answered.
Another agreed, “Right? So I’ll often walk across entire cities when traveling multiple times a day. Because at least they are exciting and different from home. But like surprisingly, even in the hottest temperatures, or in the rain, cold, and lugging my backpack.”
1. Constantly Asked To Take Other’s Photo
“There’s something about me that compels strangers to ask me to take their photo,” someone confessed. “Happens to me constantly. People hand me expensive phones and cameras like I’m their dad. Maybe I look like their dad,” another person joked.
What else do you think should be on this Reddit picks list of things that surprised people the most about solo traveling?
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