About 6 months ago I was having dinner with a friend in Los Angeles, telling him how envious I was that he had recently backpacked through Europe. He asked me why I hadn’t gone, or didn’t have anything planned. I found myself making up excuses. I mostly focused on the fact that none of my friends would commit to such a long trip.

He then went on to tell me how he had split off from his friends on that trip to go solo in Ireland, and it was one of the best experiences of his entire adventure. This was the moment I realized that my excuses were the only thing stopping me from traveling, and that it was time I took action on what I really wanted in life.

Here are 5 reasons why I decided to solo travel, and why everyone should at least once in their lives:

1. If you keep waiting for others, you will never see the world

I find myself constantly planning getaways with friends. Sometimes they work out, but more often than not, people cancel or the planning never moves beyond the early stages. I realized I was letting other people control my plans, which prevented me from seeing the world.

If you want to see the Isle of Skye in Scotland or Machu Picchu in Peru, then just go! Stop waiting for someone else to be as serious as you are about these adventures.

2. You can be selfish

One of the worst parts of traveling with others is being pushed around to sites that you have no interest in. Or even worse you end up missing something you're dying to do because no one else wants to go.

When you travel solo, you have the flexibility to do whatever you want and can skip the 10 museums your travel companion couldn't live without seeing.

Last time I was in Paris, I missed my opportunity to go up the Eiffel Tower because I was waiting for people who had slept in. Instead of skipping the items on your bucket list, don’t be afraid to go out and explore on your own.

3. Nothing makes you more independent than relying on yourself

When you're forced to make all of the decisions, you quickly realize how capable you are of anything you put your mind to.

Everything does not always go as planned and there will be times you will be forced to find new accommodations or to change your flight. These experiences will teach you independence and will make you confident in the fact that you can overcome any challenge, even outside of traveling.

4. Meeting new people will be easier

Not only is one person more approachable than two or more, but you will also be willing to talk to more people when you are traveling by yourself.
There will be times when you feel lonely, and these moments will push you to socialize and meet new people wherever you are. Whether it be other travelers or locals, the people you meet will give you experiences you will never forget.
Chances are, you will make some lifelong friends around the globe.

5. You will learn more

Traveling with others that come from a similar background gives you a safety net and while that can feel comforting at times, it doesn’t allow you to fully branch out and experience the culture you are trying to emerge yourself in.

When you can’t always find someone who speaks fluent English, and aren’t surrounded by people who understand every cultural reference you make, you will find yourself changing the way you look at the world.
Surrounding yourself with the unknown is the only way to truly understand and experience the customs of another country.

The opportunities are endless when you don’t let others hold you back. So stop waiting for others to accompany your journey and book a flight to your dream destination. You will never find what the world has waiting for you if you don’t get out and look.