The joys of traveling solo

Travel is more than just a pleasure – it’s a way to revitalize, recalibrate, and expand your mind. And as much fun as seeing the world with other people can be, there’s also plenty of reasons why traveling by yourself is often the better choice. Let’s take a look at a few of those reasons…

The more people that go on a trip, the more planning that’s involved. When you travel solo, on the other hand, you don’t have to worry about making sure that everyone is happy with the itinerary – you only have to worry about yourself, and making time for what you want to do.

Traveling can be expensive, and the more people you bring along the more expensive it is. One of the best things about traveling solo is that when you’re only budgeting for one, you can afford to do more things and visit more places.

Most of us don’t really get to spend much quality time with ourselves. When we’re not with family, friends, or coworkers, we’re worrying about bills and running errands. A solo trip – even if it’s just for the weekend – gives you a chance to unwind and spend some time alone with the person who matters most: yourself.

Is there some place you’ve always wanted to visit, or something you’ve always wanted to do? A solo vacation is the perfect chance to check off boxes on your personal “to do” list, without worrying about having to fit it into someone else’s schedule.

As fun as traveling with friends or family can be, it’s hard to be spontaneous on a trip with a group of people. When you’re traveling by yourself though, you can change your plans as much as you want, at any time, to fit your current mood and enjoy new experiences as you encounter them.

Another great thing about the freedom that comes with traveling solo is the freedom to meet new people. Leaving friends and family at home removes the biggest barrier to getting to really spend time with people you encounter on your travels.

Perhaps the best reason to travel solo is to prove to yourself that you can do it. Make your own plans, follow through on them, and enjoy yourself for a day, a weekend, or a week all by yourself, and you’ll know you can do just about anything you set your mind to.

Since 1965, Papillon has taken travelers from around the world on helicopter sightseeing tours of the Grand Canyon, one of the seven great natural wonders of the world. For more info or to book your trip, visit www.papillon.com.