Around the holidays, it’s helpful to talk about how you replenish all of the energy you expend. While it might sound intimidating, we highly encourage you to consider a solo trip. Taking a few days away on your own is not only good for the mind, body and soul—it’s empowering.
Even if you travel for work, gifting yourself a few days away without daily tasks and responsibilities is extremely energizing and will fill your tank back up for all of those social gatherings. Some even go as far as to call their first solo trip a religious experience. When you’re entertaining, you are constantly putting energy into hosting, conversing and worrying about everyone else’s experience. When you travel alone, the only person to worry about is, well, you.
Science also explains why solo travel is something everyone should experience. According to the International Journal of Tourism Research, as well as many other studies, traveling alone induces feelings of control over our own lives and actions. There’s more possibility for reflection and self-discovery. Traveling solo gives you the opportunity to relax without social obligations.
More and more people are experiencing the solo travel trend, with the rate of solo travelers dramatically increasing each year. Enjoy a foodie experience in Mexico City, R&R in Sedona, Arizona or road trip a few hours away. Let your comfort level and sense of adventure determine the best location for you to re-charge. After a few days of solo-time exploring and learning more about yourself, you’ll return full of zest, and quite possibly, interesting conversation for all of those social gatherings.
Mollie Krengel is the founder of adventure-based business Wild Bum. Roy Krengel owns Krengel Dental. They share travel tips and insights in this column, writing with their globetrotting kids Liam (12), Ella (12) and Rafi (8).
