An independent traveler tends to spend a lot of time alone in new places. There are endless benefits to the nomadic professional lifestyle, and people of all ages and in all careers can pursue it. Of course, independent travelers also face additional challenges that don’t always pop up when you’re traveling in a group.
Learning to be an independent traveler, and to live outside of your home country might be difficult at first. No matter how independent you are, it’s an experience that pushes you outside your comfort zone. That being said, many remote professionals spend their entire lives traveling the world independently...and keep in mind that independent travel is very different than being alone.
Global nomads and solo travelers frequently become part of a close-knit community that spans the globe. Wherever you go, you’ll never be alone! If your independent travel is part of a remote work lifestyle, you’ll likely meet fellow workers in cafes, hostels, and coworking spaces.
All that to say, the solo part of independent travel usually turns out to be a small concern. The logistics can be a bit trickier if you’re traveling alone. Traveling independently often requires planning a little further in advance than you might otherwise do, and being precise about details.
As a solo traveler, it’s even more important to speak a bit of the local language when you travel. On your own, you’ll be forced to work a little harder to learn. Think of it as an incredible opportunity to develop fluency in a new language in the heart of a new community! As a bonus, the more you learn, the more people you’ll meet, and the more you’ll enjoy the place you’re in, making you feel more like a local and giving you a more authentic experience. Most cities have language exchanges and meetup events, which are great ways to practice and make friends.
There’s just no denying the incredible amount of personal growth that occurs when you travel alone. You may set new goals, learn new skills, or learn new things about yourself. Most independent travelers discover they develop a new mindset from their experiences, becoming more resilient, emotionally intelligent, and thoughtful. Solo travel pushes many out of their comfort zone, enabling them to gain confidence by the day. Even if you aren’t prepared to drop everything and become a global nomad where you travel the world on your own year-round, one independent trip is enough to reap the benefits. Consider planning a trip alone outside your home country, and watch how you thrive when put to the test!
The more you travel, the more friends you’ll make. Don’t worry if you don’t know anyone when you set out. Solo travelers are everywhere, and if you’re traveling alone too, you’ll quickly meet them. You’ll inevitably run into other solo travelers in airports, museums, on hikes, or on the train to your next destination. As you meet fellow travelers and get to know them, you'll find yourself making great connections with like-minded people and developing strong friendships based on an exhilarating shared experience.
Traveling alone gives you flexibility that isn’t possible when you travel in a group. You set your own schedule and can change your mind and plans on a whim. Last-minute weekend trip with some new friends? Not a problem - you don’t have to coordinate with anyone else’s wishes. You’ll never be waiting around for someone else to get ready, and if you’re ever late, you’ll have only yourself to blame. This increased flexibility means you can plan carefully, but change your mind whenever the mood strikes. You can take your trips at a slower pace to immerse yourself in the country you're in and the culture without worrying if you'll get to do everything everyone wants to. Your experience is entirely down to you!
Traveling on your own can be more cost-effective compared to traveling with friends and family. As you're alone on the journey, you don't need to pay for extra beds or rooms in hotels and hostels, you can decide when and where you want to eat or go during the day, so you never have to budget for surprise evening meals out if you don't want to, and you don't even need to pay for a group guided tour! It's much easier to budget for your trip as a single traveler, as there should be fewer unexpected things to pay for. However, you should budget and plan a loose schedule before you go to ensure you're getting the best bang for your buck!