7 Reasons Everyone Should Try Solo Backpacking

#1. Self Confidence

The real confidence that comes out of solo traveling is more powerful than any TED talk or podcast on the matter.

Traveling solo forces you to make decisions for yourself and only yourself. It forces you to deal with whatever issue is at hand because at the end of the day the only person who has your back is you!

As a young woman I find it so vitally important to be empowered. Having the experience of traveling in a foreign country by myself has given me the confidence to know I am capable of taking care of myself. Drop me anywhere in the world and I know I would be okay

#2. World Class People

Even though you embark on your trip solo, you won't be solo for long.

The people you meet travelling are truly the best of the best. Travel friends are uniquely special because the bonds you form with them are so quick yet so deep. You will share experiences with them that will stay with you for a lifetime. Trekking a volcano in Guatemala on day 1 of friendship??? That bond just can't be beat. 

#3. The Freedom

There is no better feeling than waking up with no alarm clock, walking outside and deciding, "how do I want to spend my day today?" 

The possibilities are endless and it's such an incredible feeling to know you can literally do whatever you please. Wanna go out and explore? Sit at a cafe and read? Chill at the hostel and drink? Hop on a plane and switch countries? You go Glen Coco. The world is your oyster! 

#4. "Finding Yourself"

Okay this one is such a cliche but I hate to say it...its true! Traveling solo allows you the time and space to really dig deep and discover who you are in a range of different environments and social settings. Backpacking will present you with many challenging situations that help shape your identity or values. You start to realize what is most important to you and what you really couldn't care less about. 

#5. Kind Locals

The locals really make backpacking feel a bit more authentic. If you were to be traveling with a group, you might be staying in hotels or airbnbs and never actually get a chance to make a deeper connection with a local. 

When traveling solo, you have more opportunities to socialize with the local people. They will give you food or a free place to stay. They will give you gas when your motorbike breaks down. They will line up to take pictures with you and they will happily drink with you. Most locals are super friendly and very grateful you are exploring their country. So ask questions and learn about their culture from the best source there is! 

#6. Moments of Solitude

Something I have really come to value is my alone time. I'm a born extrovert who craves socializing, so discovering the joy of being in my own company was pretty big for me.

Since solo traveling is usually not so solo, I normally have to carve out time to actually be on my own. I usually go out and find a beautiful view with my journal and just sit and reflect. 

I also enjoy sitting at a cute cafe with my book or a podcast so I can slow down and watch the world pass by. These moments of calm and peace are so grounding when everything around you seems so chaotic. 

#7. Romance 

Let's be honest, who doesn't want to meet their future bae in a foreign country? I've had my fair share of travel romances and they have been nothing short of amazing. Since your own your own, you have the freedom to run off with the sexy Italian guy you met while sand-boarding in the Moroccan dessert. There is no friend you have to worry about and feel bad for ditching. Obvi us ladies need to be careful out there but I can guarantee the love you find on the road will be unmatched.