I’m going to jump on the bandwagon here because I rarely do that. I’m writing this week’s blog post as a list. The ever-popular “5 reasons why (insert subject here)”. Because 1) it’s fun, and 2) everyone loves a list of something. It’s click-bait and I’m not ashamed to flaunt it. And I’ll say it now – every female should travel solo!
So why am I writing a post that seems to have nothing to do with the Pacific Northwest? Oh, contrare! The PNW is a playground for solo travel! Female solo travel, in particular. Solo travel in Washington and Oregon is so – much – FUN!!!
In many parts of the world, it is still considered unusual or even bad form for a woman to be traveling completely alone. But that is slowly changing. Oregon, Washington, and yes, British Columbia are very progressive states/provinces and it’s normal to see a woman alone in any public place.
Thank goodness for me! Here are five reasons why every woman should take that solo trip:
It Is Becoming More Commonplace
We are a population (most of us) where our motto is “live and let live”. We don’t judge people who are different than us. We accept them! We may not necessarily agree with their style of living, their occupation, their view of the world. But that will not stop us from having a meaningful conversation with them and welcoming them to our tribe. A woman on her own here is part of that tribe, and people do not think twice about seeing a female alone in a restaurant. It’s beautiful.
It Enables You to Become Independent
On this trip, you are the captain of your own ship. You and you alone get to decide when to go, where to go, and how to go. There is no compromising with a travel partner. You can come and go as you please. Does that sound a little frightening? Well, it should. Even if you are perfectly happy in your own company, there is something strangely exciting and scary about having that kind of responsibility. Traveling solo means you are forced to fend for yourself, to be completely independent in an unfamiliar environment. You have to keep your wits about you at all times. Liberating, isn’t it?
It Brings You Closer to Yourself
Having to make all decisions on your own gets you in touch with the real you. How are you going to spend your time? Where are you going to go, what are your interests? How do you best communicate with the outside world when traveling to a place where you know no one? Who are you drawn to? All of these questions and more are answered pretty quickly when you are thrown head first into a new environment by yourself. Who knows? You may even discover your true passion. Embrace that.
You Will Meet New People
When we travel with others, we’re sort of in our own bubble – we tend to not interact as much with others and instead converse mostly with each other. But when faced on our own, we’re much more inclined to strike up a conversation with the locals or with other travelers. Not to say we don’t do that otherwise, but when alone the opportunities increase dramatically. And who knows, you may make a lifelong friend in the process!
You Will Grow as a Person
This is kind of a combination of reasons 2 and 3, but it bears repeating. Traveling alone expands your horizons, get you out of your comfort zone and in touch with your true self. You are flying on the magic carpet of oneness, by the seat of your pants, doing only what YOU want to do and taking no prisoners. I believe that EVERYONE should do at least one solo trip in their lifetime. Whether it’s for two days the next town over or two years traveling the world. GO FOR IT.
1 Comment
Went backpacking by myself when I was in college. Really eye opening!