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?
More From Planner at Heart
It’s not a surprise that over 3 million people a year visit Maui, proclaimed America’s best island and home of the U.S.’s best beach. With the warm, welcoming aloha spirit of its people, glimpses of Old Hawaii along the undeveloped Road to Hana, mountains, lush valleys, a U.S. National Park, top golf courses, top resorts, and amazing farm-to-table food, it’s seemingly got it all in one small island.
When you think of Hawaii, miles of white sand, crystal clear waters, and palm tree-lined coastline come to mind. Well, that’s what you’ll find on Kāʻanapali Beach, arguably the island’s most popular and beloved beach, first by The Hawaiian Royal Family and later by tourists. With spiritual importance to Hawaiians, it has grabbed ahold of visitor’s hearts and minds for generations.
So whether you’re looking to stretch your vacation dollar with free activities or splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, here are 24 Things to Do in Kāʻanapali Beach and the immediate area.
The Best 24 Things to Do In Kaanapali Beach + West Maui
The Dolomites Italy: What I Learned Spending Last Summer in the Most Beautiful Mountains In The World
The Dolomites are a group of mountains in northeastern Italy, and they rank as some of the most stunning mountain ranges in the world, up there with Patagonia, the Rockies, and the Swiss Alps. It’s not a surprise that UNESCO proclaimed the Dolomites Italy as one of the world’s most attractive mountain landscapes.
The Dolomites in Italy known for their dramatic peaks, picturesque villages, and world-class skiing. The air is clean and crisp, and there is a sense of peace and stillness here that can’t be found in a city.
The Beautiful Bimini Bahamas: 8 Things To Do in This Less Crowded Gem
Do you love the beauty of The Bahamas but don’t love the crowds of New Providence or Paradise Island? Then perhaps it’s time to consider another of the Bahamas’ 16 islands.
Bimini Bahamas is a breathtaking island known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and smaller island feel. With only a few resorts and accommodations, it’s a different vacation vibe.
The Beautiful Bimini Bahamas: 8 Things To Do in This Less Crowded Gem
31 of The Best Things To Do In Puerto Rico to Explore The Island and Culture
Puerto Rico is described as the heart and soul of the Caribbean. Yes, this island boasts 720 miles of coastline with over 300 stunning beaches, but it offers so much more! From one of the world’s very few bioluminescent bays to the lush mountaintops of El Yunque National Forest, plus history and some of the world’s most delicious food, there is small island is big on options.
So whether you want a getaway that’s jam-packed with adventure, or you want to do nothing at all there’s are so many things to do in Puerto Rico. And bonus, no passport is required if you’re traveling from the United States!
31 of The Best Things To Do In Puerto Rico to Explore The Island and Culture
A Local Picks 23 Fun Things to Do in Minneapolis in 2023
As the largest city in Minnesota, there are endless things to do in Minneapolis to make a visit worthwhile. So if you’re trying to please those who like the attractions of a city with those in your family or group who love nature’s beauty, you’ve got a winner with a trip to Minneapolis.
According to their tourism board, “No other American city has a chain of lakes, the mighty Mississippi and 200 miles of walking, biking and cross country ski trails within the city limits, literally steps from the most vibrant arts and music scene outside NYC, the best shopping in the region and museums among the finest in the nation.”
A Local Picks 23 Fun Things to Do in Minneapolis in 2023