Ten Reasons Why Women Should Travel Alone

Traveling is awesome. But you know what's even 'awesomer'? Traveling alone. Below are ten reasons why you should. Especially as a woman.

10. Decisions, Decisions

my own

People often say to me, "I could never travel alone like you have. I wouldn't know what to do." Well, guess what? None of us have an internal Lonely Planet that tells us exactly where to go, where to stay, who to talk to and where to avoid. When you are traveling alone, you have to make decisions. All. By. Yourself. Some decisions are small and some are big. But the point is, you have to decide. You can't just stand there scratching your head when a sketchy looking Tuk Tuk driver stops to pick you up after a late night in Thailand. You either get in and hope his looks are deceiving or you wait until the next one. But you have to choose. And, don't be afraid of making the wrong decision. We all will eventually but most of the time, it's not life threatening and it only empowers us to make a better decision next time. It is so rewarding and fulfilling when you learn that you, all by yourself, are capable of making big and small decisions. With practice, every decision comes a little bit easier and the feeling of being able to trust yourself and your instincts, is one of the most rewarding feelings a human can experience. In my opinion, anyway.

9. True Independence

When you decide to take that leap of faith and head out on the road alone, you will discover true independence. You can go where you want, when you want and you don't have to answer to anyone but yourself. I would often find villages or even cities that I would stumble upon and absolutely fall in love. I hadn't originally planned to stay in Hampi, India for one week but I absolutely fell in love with everything this place offered had to offer. So I stayed. For one week. And no one cared.

8. Make New Friends

You'll be shocked at how nice people are. Especially the Australians. They can be obnoxious at times but they are the nicest freaking people on the planet. I am constantly approached when I am eating alone, drinking alone or even just standing alone. People are much less likely to approach you when you have your best friend or significant other at your side. They think you don't need them. But when you wave that invisible flag reading "Talk to me, I'm here alone," the coolest people from all around the world will be more than happy to take you in and make you feel like you're part of the gang.

7. The World Ain't All That Bad

Media often tells us how bad the world is. There are wars going on, bullies in our schools, rapists and murders- the list goes on. I, however, was very pleasantly surprised at the kindness and generosity of the people I met from all over the world. I met people in India that were in severe poverty, but they graciously offered to share with me the little they did have. I once had a beautiful Seder dinner with many Israelis. And at that same table sat Germans, Pakistani's, Brit's, Australian's and me, an American. We all had a prayer for peace around the world and vowed to judge each other as individuals rather than the country we come from.

6. Learn to Self-Entertain

As true as it is that you will make loads of new friends, there will be moments that you will be alone. And sometimes for a long period of time. This is the perfect time to learn to entertain yourself. See how funny you are! Can you make yourself laugh? Maybe there are some issues you have been dealing with. This is the perfect time to get real with yourself and make some decisions about your life. We're not left alone very often in our day-to-day lives. Take the alone time to learn about you and what you really want. Laugh at your own jokes because…no one else is listening.

5. Financial Responsibility

Chances are, you probably would have been saving for this trip for a while. Unless you meet people along the way, you don't have anyone to split costs with when you're alone. But rather than seeing this as negative, think of it as learning how to be financially savvy. I went out for four months on my own and budgeted $1000 per month. Some places were cheaper than others but once that money was gone, I was done. And going home early was certainly not an option. It is very rewarding when you choose exactly how and where you are going to spend that hard earned cash. Because let's face it, you worked hard for it!

4. You're Not That Smart - Yet

When you let the world and the people in it become your mentor, your educator, you will be shocked at the things you will learn. I went to Cambodia having never heard of the killing fields. Such a massive part of history that I was completely oblivious to. I saw the Taj Mahal and thought it was a castle! A CASTLE! Not only will you learn historical facts, different languages etc. but you will learn how to function as an adult member of the world. We have an obligation to this world and traveling alone can help you explore what your specific obligation is.

3. Sex!

Yes! Sex is definitely a reason you should travel alone. Reason one-when you're alone, you usually have your own room (unless you're in a hostel dorm). But when your best friend is in tow, well, let's just say it is not cool to bang with your BFF in the same room. That's not good for anyone. And when you're alone, you're ten times more likely to be approached. It also gives you a mysteriousness about you that men just can't get enough of. And let it be said, international sex is amazing. Not only do you learn new tricks, but there are very few things hotter than a guy whispering things in your ear in a language you don't understand. Hot! Just, keep it wrapped up. No one needs an international disease.

2. Break the Mold

As Americans (being an American, I can only speak for us), we are told to go to college, get a job, get married, have kids and then try and retire before you're unable to walk anymore. That path is all good and well for many people. But if it's not calling you, if that way of life doesn't seem like it's going to make you happy, change it! Don't be afraid to take your life in a different direction. Hater's gonna hate no matter what you do. So, you may as well lead a life that makes you happy, that challenges you, inspires you and thrills you. It's NEVER too late to shake things up a bit.

1. Fall In Love - With Yourself

Let's be real with ourselves. We all (well, unless you're perfect) have things that we want to change or accept about who we are. Some things we can and will have the power to control but some things just need to be accepted so we can move on. Traveling alone can force you to deal with those demons we often hide away. It's true, when you're on this journey, you may fall in love. But try to make your best love story the one where you fall in love with yourself.