Meeting Local
When traveling solo, I meet people from all over the world. When I traveled to Martinique, I met locals as well as foreigners. I met students studying abroad from Sweden and Switzerland. I also met Haitians that bounced back and forth to work in Martinique. In Morocco, I met locals but also people from Cameroon, England and fellow Americans. While out and about, I just naturally meet people and we can talk about many things from politics to their lives in their countries.
Making My Own Itinerary
I can decide what I want to do. I can take an AirBnb tour or simply travel around with the locals. I can decide which sites I want to visit on my own time.
Changing Plans on a Dime without Consulting Others
However, I can also change my plans on a dime. While I was in Martinique, I had plans to go to Jardin de Balata and some other sites. After meeting a local Martiniquaise woman, I was able to travel to St. Pierre and visit a black sand beach. Altering plans at the last minute allowed me to see Des Salines with the Swedish students and do other things that I wouldn’t have been able to do if I was traveling with a group of people.
Treating Myself to Meals at Different Restaurants
I love to try new cuisines when I travel. Being by myself means I get to pick new places and frequent different restaurants. I can try as many bakeries, shops, or restaurants as I like.
Wandering Aimlessly
Sometimes I like to metaphorically “get lost” and wander aimlessly; traveling as a way of discovery. I’ve wandered through markets, piers, and medinas. I love to stroll in beautiful neighborhoods, parks, or beaches. I’m open to going to many different places and seeing many different things as a way of discovering things I may not have anticipated.
Traveling solo is for the open-minded and has many perks. It’s not something that has to be scary or daunting and can be very fulfilling and invigorating, no matter how one chooses to spend their time.