During the first 19 years of my life, I only traveled abroad once. It was with my family to the most American vacation destination you can think of, Cancun, Mexico. By the time I finished high school, my first year of being enlisted, and the beginning of my Naval Academy career, I felt cooped up and trapped. As summer was approaching, I attempted to get some of my classmates to go to Europe with me, but it ultimately failed. Still wanting to travel, I didn't let it stop me and I eventually planned to go to Europe by myself for 26 days! While there, I quickly learned how glad I was to have ended up traveling by myself and why I would prefer to travel this way from here on out!

1. You will leave your comfort zone.

Everything about this is probably out of your comfort zone, especially if it is your first time abroad. It will push you to do things that you never thought you would do. Jumping off 18 meter-high cliffs or even approaching a group of 5 people outside your hotel bar just to say "Hi" and introduce yourself. Things will begin to be not so awkward and uncomfortable… or at least you will begin to feel comfortable being uncomfortable!!

2. You will gain confidence in yourself.

"We missed the train, but the adventure never begins until something goes wrong." - Casey Neistat

Believe me, something will go wrong! From missing a train or a flight, not having a place to stay, or even losing you’re ID/Passport, but you will get through it. These hardships will show you that you really can get through anything. You will gain confidence that you can in fact take care of yourself when push comes to shove! The perspective you gain when you comeback can truly be liberating. Hell, you just traveled all over the world and got around in places that don’t speak the same language! I think you can handle yourself!

3. You will become Independent(Me time).

Now this can be a good thing or a bad thing. When you get home your friends might say that you don't hang out with them as much anymore or you seem MIA. One thing is for certain though, you will become ever more comfortable being by yourself. The pull to just taking a Saturday away from people and going out by yourself or staying in and read a book is just that much more enjoyable.

4. You make the rules!(and the Budget!)

This is probably one of my favorite parts! I can be as spontaneous as I want. There is no one I have to answer to. There is no one I have to confirm with to decide to take a detour or go on random aimless walks. If you are anything like me, I love to have only a rough outline of places I would like to go, but I see this as less of an itinerary and more of a list of possibilities.

"When nothing is for sure, anything can happen" - Casey Neistat.

5. Meet great new people(if you want).

In my travels I had the great chance to meet nearly 100 some people from all walks of life and every different corner of the world. A few handful of these have become lifelong friends and I still keep in touch with them even though I have not seen them in over two years! Once again, all of these backgrounds will give you a new perspective on life. It’s truly inspiring to hear about the lives of people that live hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away from you.

6. You can truly get lost!

My favorite thing about traveling, getting lost, just became so much more intimate. There is something special about getting lost in a foreign city by yourself. The distractions seem to melt away and you can truly see your surroundings for everything that they are and it is beautiful! Get to the places that tourists don't usually go. Talk to the locals, learn their culture, and maybe if you are lucky, one of them might show you around. If that happens you truly will have an experience you will never forget! Make sure to take pictures, but don't get lost behind your camera!

P.s. You always find the best food when you get lost!

"The views expressed, in 6 Reasons To Travel Solo reflect personal opinions of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Naval Academy, the United States Navy, any federal agency, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.”