Traveling alone doesn't mean you're a total loner; it's actually quite the opposite! It means that you feel totally comfortable with yourself and enjoy adventure.
I've traveled to many countries alone over the last decade and had a blast.. some of the travels where for personal development and others were simply because schedules could not sync up. Instead of waiting around for others, just go for it.
Why Traveling Alone is Awesome…
You're completely immersed in the culture: You're more likely to have an authentic experience. I love staying in this 150-year old villa but for some, it's an acquired taste. I've grown accustom to crouching under the doorways, climbing a ladder to go to bed, and removing snails from the bathroom... I feel like I'm living like the locals.
You're forced to step out side your comfort zone all the time: You will feel empowered. It can be as simple as attempting to speak the language to hopping on a bus that you're not quite sure will get you to the right destination.
Instead of getting anxiety about being lost it turns into an adventure: You're fears will fade away. I can't even begin to tell you how many times I've been lost while traveling but seriously, after a while you let go of the fears and embrace the moment.
You meet more people: When you're not in a group more people are likely to come up and say hello. No, I'm not talking about super creepy guys but, the amazing locals that will soon become lifelong friends.
You don't have to wait for anyone: Love this one! You don't have to schedule a trip at a certain time to fit everyone's schedule. You don't have to wait for a friend to finish getting ready.
You can do anything you want! If I want to stay up until 4am, so what! If I want to go for a hike in the middle of the day.. why not.
Every morning since I have arrived in Crete I start the day with Greek coffee and it's amazing! That's quite a compliment coming from a Seattlite, the birthplace of coffee in the U.S. (and Starbucks).
Why is Greek coffee so much better? Well, it's all in the preparation which creates a higher concentration of more protective compounds than your average cup of joe.