In a world full of commitments, how often do we stop to consider what we truly want to fill our time with? 

One way, on the rise in recent years, is traveling solo. The sentiment “my time abroad changed me” is common enough to be a cliche, often evoking images of exotic lands, cultural enrichment, and whirlwind romance. The privilege to travel, in any circumstance, is incredibly valuable, but going solo drives you to discern your own priorities and allows you to tailor your experience. 

While destinations and durations vary, travel broadens perspectives and solo travel deepens sense of self, developing skills that enhance personal, academic, and professional prowess. So stop waiting for that trip to make it out of the group chat and just hop on the flight. 

Being alone in a new place and temporarily separated from regular responsibilities can be overwhelming. Lack of input from others forces decisiveness at every moment. Where to eat, what to do, and even what mode of transportation to use are all up to you. 

However, don’t confuse this experience with being confined to an echo chamber of your own thoughts. In fact, it’s a push — maybe a shove — to get out there and meet new people. Even for those with the most robust social networks, it’s beneficial to practice making new connections, especially in an environment that’s a little out of your element. Establishing common ground with others is not only a way to learn about diverse backgrounds and life experiences, but it’s useful for any circumstance where you’re meeting someone new, whether it’s a job interview or your discussion section. Being completely alone intensifies the incentive to just get your foot in the door and go from there. 

The newfound freedom can also allow for greater spontaneity — and even the most type A people among us can benefit from that. Let yourself stroll down the street without a direction in mind. Allow your curiosity to lead. Spy a sign with an arrow and follow it until you stumble across ruins of a Roman temple in Barcelona. Removing the rigidity of constant plans and input from others fosters a purer sense of your own interests. 

Concerns about safety, transportation, language barriers, and decision fatigue are more than valid. But these apprehensions can be mitigated with a little thinking ahead. Plan extra time when navigating new places to avoid stress if you make a wrong turn, learn a few phrases of the local language, and stock up on snacks you can’t find at home to avoid succumbing to hunger-induced brain fog. Most important of all, stay aware of your surroundings at all times. As long as you’re vigilant, the rewards of exploring yourself and the world around you far outweigh the risks. 

Still, realistically, not every moment will go as planned and not everything will fall into place serendipitously. If you’re anything like me, the pressure of constantly making choices — whether significant or imperceptible — alone will weigh on you at times. The absence of someone to lean on in a particularly stressful moment is daunting, but it gives you no other choice but to take it one step at a time until eventually reaching the other side.

Being forced out of your comfort zone and independently facing challenges head-on creates a euphoric sense of achievement and contributes to lasting personal growth. The tangible proof that you are resilient and can push through under pressure lasts far beyond the moment, serving as a reminder of your perseverance in challenging moments long after your travels. 

You’ll get out of a trip whatever you put into it. Of course jetting halfway across the world won’t solve all of your problems, but it will, without a shadow of a doubt, change your perspective on yourself and the world around you.