I remember the first time I truly traveled alone. It wasn’t a grand, planned adventure, but more of a necessity. My friends had to cancel last minute, and I was faced with a choice: ditch the trip or go solo. Hesitantly, I chose the latter. What followed was an experience that reshaped my understanding of myself and the world around me. It was uncomfortable at first, a little awkward even, but it quickly became one of the most liberating things I’ve ever done.
Many of us dream of exploring new places, but the thought of doing it alone can feel daunting. We imagine loneliness, missed opportunities, or simply not knowing what to do. But what if I told you that traveling solo isn’t just about seeing new sights, it’s about unlocking a deeper level of self-discovery and confidence? It’s about learning to rely on yourself, to navigate the unexpected, and to truly connect with the world on your own terms.
This is a lesson my friend Matt, also known as Nomadic Matt, has mastered over years of traveling to over 100 countries. He’s a New York Times bestselling author and a true expert in navigating the world independently. In a recent conversation, he shared some profound insights into why solo travel is a superpower, and how it can transform your life in ways you never imagined.
Why Solo Travel is Your Ultimate Self-Development Tool
When you travel with others, there’s a natural tendency to lean on each other. Someone else might handle the navigation, another might pick the restaurants, and you might just go along for the ride. But when you’re on your own, all those decisions fall squarely on your shoulders. This isn’t a burden; it’s an opportunity.
Matt puts it simply: “When you’re on your own, you only have yourself to count on.” This forces you to step up. You have to figure out how to get from point A to point B, decide where to eat, and make all the choices. This constant decision-making, even for seemingly small things, builds an incredible amount of confidence. You learn what you like and dislike, and you become more attuned to your own needs and desires. It’s a trial-and-error process that refines your understanding of yourself.
Think about it: how often do we go on autopilot in our daily lives? We drive the same routes, follow the same routines, and often let others take the lead. Solo travel shatters that autopilot. Every interaction, every new street, every meal becomes an active choice. This heightened awareness and constant engagement with your surroundings makes you more present and more capable.
Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone (Even if You’re an Introvert)
For many, the biggest hurdle to solo travel is the fear of loneliness or not being able to connect with people. As an introvert myself, I can certainly relate to that feeling. But Matt, who also identifies as introverted, shared a powerful truth: “You don’t have a choice, unless you wanna go spend three weeks never talking to somebody, you have to start striking up a conversation.”
This isn’t about becoming an extrovert overnight. It’s about building a new kind of social muscle. When you’re traveling solo, the stakes are lower. You’re likely never going to see these people again, so the pressure to impress or be perfect is gone. This freedom allows you to be more authentic and open. Matt suggests a few simple ways to meet people:
- Shared Group Activities: Think bar crawls, food tours, walking tours, or even finding local sports leagues (like pickleball or volleyball, as Matt’s friends do). These activities provide a built-in common interest, making conversations flow naturally.
- Hostel Bars: Even if you prefer not to stay in a hostel, their bars are often vibrant social hubs where travelers gather. It’s a low-pressure environment to strike up a chat.
- Meetup.com: If you have a specific interest, like jazz music, search for local meetups. You’ll find like-minded individuals and an instant topic of conversation. As Matt says, “You at least have something you can talk about.” This initial common ground can quickly lead to deeper connections.
These aren’t just tips for travelers; they’re life lessons. Learning to initiate conversations, even when it feels uncomfortable, is a skill that serves you well in every aspect of life. It builds resilience and expands your social circle in unexpected ways.
The Art of “One Day, One Thing”
One of the most common pitfalls for remote workers or entrepreneurs who travel is trying to juggle work and sightseeing simultaneously. Matt has a strong, counterintuitive piece of advice: “Don’t do it.” He explains that one will always suffer. If you try to work in the mornings and sightsee in the afternoons, you’ll constantly feel stressed, either about work you’re not doing or sights you’re missing.
His solution is simple yet profound: dedicate entire days. “You have to be like, this is the workday and this is a travel day. You can only do one thing at one time.” This means if you’re in Paris for a week, you might dedicate three days entirely to work and four days entirely to exploring. Or, if you have the luxury, extend your trip. As Matt points out, if you can work remotely, you can work anywhere. So why not go for a month? This allows you to truly immerse yourself in the rhythm of the city, find local coffee shops, and experience life like a local, without the constant pressure of splitting your attention.
This “one day, one thing” philosophy isn’t just for travel; it’s a powerful principle for productivity in general. Multitasking, as Matt reminds us, is a myth. Our brains aren’t designed for it. By focusing on one task or one experience at a time, whether it’s a work project or exploring a new neighborhood, you achieve deeper engagement and greater satisfaction.
Uncovering Local Gems: Beyond the Tourist Traps
When you’re traveling solo, you have the freedom to deviate from the well-trodden path. You’re not beholden to anyone else’s itinerary, which opens up a world of authentic experiences. Matt shared a brilliant hack for finding these hidden gems: the local tourism board.
While most people skip it, he sees it as an “underrated resource.” The staff are locals whose job it is to help you have a good time. Instead of asking “What should I do?” (which will get you the usual tourist spots), ask “What do you do?” This simple shift in questioning can lead you to local markets, hidden restaurants, and unique experiences that most tourists never discover.
Another powerful strategy is to leverage local food or travel bloggers and Instagram accounts. As Matt explains, “Every city has their own version of that.” These feeds are curated for locals, offering insights into new restaurant openings, cool events, and offbeat attractions. It’s the “who, not how” principle in action: instead of trying to figure it all out yourself, find the people who already have the answers.
The Unseen Benefits: Reading People and Building Resilience
Beyond the practical skills, solo travel cultivates a deeper understanding of human nature. Matt notes that you “get better at reading people” because you’re exposed to more facial expressions and diverse situations. This heightened awareness helps you discern intentions and navigate social dynamics with greater ease.
It also builds incredible resilience. When things go wrong—and they will—you’re the one who has to solve the problem. This might mean navigating a language barrier, finding an alternative route, or simply dealing with unexpected delays. Each challenge overcome strengthens your ability to adapt and problem-solve, making you more confident in your capacity to handle whatever life throws your way.
Your Next Adventure Starts Now
Solo travel isn’t just for the adventurous few; it’s for anyone ready to embrace personal growth and discover their own strength. It’s about shedding the expectations of others and truly listening to your own inner compass. Whether it’s a weekend trip to a nearby city or a month-long journey across a continent, the lessons you learn about yourself will be invaluable.
So, what’s holding you back? Perhaps it’s time to book that ticket, pack that bag, and embark on an adventure that will not only show you the world, but also show you the incredible person you are becoming.
