Everyone should solo travel
Everyone should solo travel
For my 23rd birthday, I booked a trip to the Dominican Republic by myself to celebrate my 23rd lap around the sun. Everyone thought I was crazy. But honestly? Best decision ever. I had the most incredible time, and now I fully believe that everyone should travel solo at least once in their life.
Here’s what I learned:
Slow travel is the best kind of travel.
There’s something so special about waking up and deciding what you want to do without having to check in with anyone else. No pressure, no plans you secretly don’t want to do—just vibes. I literally did the same thing almost every day. Eat breakfast, sit by the pool, sit on the beach, lunch, lounge somemore, eat, repeat.
And it was amazing.
It’s not as lonely as you’d think.
I thought I’d be in my feels the whole time, especially since it was my first time being by myself on my birthday. But turns out, people are so friendly when you’re solo. You end up talking to strangers more, making connections, and having real convos. I never felt alone or lonely. There was always a bartender or other travelers to talk to you.
Spending time with yourself is powerful.
If you can’t enjoy your own company, how is anyone else supposed to? Solo travel teaches you to romanticize your independence which is something I want to keep in mind as I get older.
The world is not as scary as it seems.
Yes, be smart and safe. But also, there are so many kind, interesting people out there. I learned more Spanish in three days than in three years by forcing the locals to only talk to me in Spanish. I loved learning Dominican slang (Que lo que?!) and things I should do on my next trip to the DR.
Start with an all-inclusive if you’re nervous.
It’s the perfect low-stress launchpad for your first solo trip. Everything’s taken care of, and it gives you the confidence to venture out more. Now, I can’t speak on this too much since I’ve only solo traveled once, but now I’m itching to go somewhere else.o
You are the main character—always.
This trip reminded me that I am the only constant in my life. My happiness, my decisions, all start with me.
And now? I want to do it again. More countries, more solo dates, more growth.
Thank you to Punta Cana for the memories and my first sunburn.
