“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine
Travelling a few times now, my journey has evolved from travelling in groups to either one other person or solo. With everyone having different schedules, it’s not easy to organise, so the best thing is to not let anyone hold you back. I previously wrote a blog on why we should travel solo, but in this post, I’d like to dive deeper. I want to discuss the number one takeaway that I will forever carry with me, now engraved in me like a tattoo.
The Brain: Our Constant Companion
Before diving deeper, it’s important to understand that the brain is a powerful part of the body, and it plays mind games with us regularly. The funny thing about being human and having this ticking bomb between our ears is that it’s working non-stop, forever wired, whether you’re sleeping or in a coma. Science even proves that the brain functions for 10 minutes after death! This is why it’s crucial to understand how it functions and to use it to our advantage.
Our brains are constantly processing information, making sense of the world around us, and guiding our decisions. When we travel solo, we are exposed to new environments, cultures, and experiences that challenge our usual way of thinking. This forces our brains to adapt, learn, and grow. The more we step out of our comfort zones, the more we expand our mental horizons, enhancing our cognitive flexibility and emotional resilience.
Growing Up in a Melting Pot
I grew up in one of the most well-known cities in the world, London. Although London is a diverse city with several different cultures and religions, the area I specifically grew up in, where my mum still lives, happens to be less diverse, with the majority being Asians and a few black people. Believe me when I tell you that we would rarely see a white person. There was a time in secondary school when we played a game of “who would point out the next white person”! My friends and I probably ventured no more than a 5-mile radius from the house I lived in.
Growing up in this environment shaped my worldview in ways I didn’t fully realise until I started travelling solo. I was surrounded by people who shared similar cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values, which created a sense of familiarity and comfort. However, it also meant that my exposure to different perspectives was limited. Travelling solo changed that dramatically.
Limited by Beliefs
Despite London’s diversity, I grew up close-minded with certain beliefs. These beliefs were passed down from my parents, who were born and raised in North Africa, Sudan. Growing up in an Islamic family, I was taught to always respect my elders, fast for a whole month once a year, pray five times a day, come home before it gets dark, and the list goes on. These beliefs influenced me to hang around with people with the same mindset.
But this could’ve also gone the other way. I could’ve made friends with people who had completely different personalities from my family. The way we grow limits us. This is part of psychology, known as confirmation bias. We see the world and everything around us the way we want to see it. We tend to hang around with people who have similar beliefs to ours. It’s difficult to be friends with people who have a completely different opinion of the world. Think of your top three friends and see if what I’m saying is right or wrong.
Confirmation Bias and Media Consumption
I have a certain political belief, which means I tend to only watch news that aligns with my beliefs. If I were to watch something that contradicts my beliefs, it would completely rock my foundation. I read books that intrigue me and follow those on social media who think like me, reinforcing my beliefs. This isn’t inherently negative or positive; it’s just the way it is. But I’m learning to question whether my beliefs are truly mine or if they are a product of nature and nurture. Is it this way because of how I was raised?
Confirmation bias doesn’t just affect our political views; it influences nearly every aspect of our lives. When we travel solo, we are more likely to encounter people, cultures, and situations that challenge our preconceived notions. This exposure helps us recognise our biases and question our assumptions. By actively seeking out diverse perspectives, we can break free from the echo chambers that limit our growth.
Social Media: An Echo Chamber
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and X (aka Twitter) have algorithms, computers built by people. These platforms create an echo chamber where we only hear our beliefs. For example, Facebook makes money when you’re on Facebook through ads. They provide the information you want because they know what you like and what you clicked on, so they provide similar content.
This echo chamber effect can be detrimental to our personal growth and understanding of the world. When we travel solo, we step outside of our digital echo chambers and immerse ourselves in the real world. We meet people with different backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences, which can help us gain a more balanced and nuanced perspective. By disconnecting from our online bubbles, we open ourselves up to genuine human connections and transformative experiences.
Challenging Our Beliefs
If someone brings up a significant issue that I believe in and it makes me angry, it triggers something within me, showing where I’m stuck. What happens if one of our beliefs goes against what we believe in? Then we look for ways to avoid the negative and see the positive. A popular example is the iPhone vs. Samsung or the PlayStation vs. Xbox debate. We have to prove that our choice is the right one, even if we know we’re wrong! It’s a fragile ego at play. We don’t like being wrong, so we rationalise our choices, especially when they are bad.
Solo travel forces us to confront these challenges head-on. When we are on our own, there is no one else to validate our choices or reinforce our beliefs. We have to rely on our instincts, make decisions independently, and navigate unfamiliar situations. This process helps us develop critical thinking skills, resilience, and self-awareness. By embracing the discomfort of challenging our beliefs, we grow stronger and more adaptable.
The Importance of Openness
Nothing will shake a person more than proving they are wrong. No one wants to be stuck in their ways, unwilling to hear other people’s sides and stories. If we don’t open up to hear other people’s thoughts and opinions, we eventually become old and cynical. I know family members who have been stuck in their ways for a long time, becoming more rigid the longer they live that way.
Travelling solo has taught me the number one lesson: embracing the unknown. When you’re out there on your own, you have to rely on yourself, make decisions, and face challenges without a safety net. This has forced me to step out of my comfort zone, confront my fears, and grow as a person. I’ve learned to adapt to new situations, interact with diverse people, and appreciate different cultures. This experience has broadened my perspective, helping me to question my beliefs and be more open to new ideas.
Embracing the Unknown
The most significant lesson I’ve learned from solo travel is the importance of embracing the unknown. When we travel alone, we are often faced with uncertainty and unpredictability. Whether it’s navigating a new place, trying new foods, or making friends with strangers, solo travel pushes us to embrace new experiences with an open mind.
This openness to the unknown helps us become more adaptable and resilient, better equipped to handle life’s challenges. It encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and try new things, leading to personal growth and self-discovery. Most importantly, it teaches us to embrace change and uncertainty.
Building Self-Confidence
Travelling solo also builds self-confidence. When you navigate a new place on your own, you learn to trust your instincts and make decisions independently. This newfound confidence extends beyond travel and into other areas of your life. You become more self-assured and capable, ready to take on new challenges and pursue your goals with determination.
Connecting with Yourself
One of the most rewarding aspects of solo travel is the opportunity to connect with yourself. Without the distractions of familiar surroundings and company, you have the space and time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. This self-reflection can lead to greater self-awareness and a deeper understanding of your values and priorities.
Forming Meaningful Connections
While solo travel is often seen as a solitary experience, it can also lead to meaningful connections with others. When you travel alone, you are more approachable and open to meeting new people. Whether it’s fellow travellers, locals, or strangers you meet along the way, these interactions can enrich your travel experience and create lasting memories. Staying in Hostels with Hostel World and using Tiqets to join tours has helped me a lot to meet other people.
Conclusion
Travelling solo is more than just an adventure; it’s a journey of self-discovery and growth. It pushes us out of our comfort zones, challenges our beliefs, and helps us understand the world from different perspectives. By travelling solo, I’ve learned to embrace the unknown, question my beliefs, and open myself to new experiences. So, if you’re contemplating a solo trip, remember that it’s not just about the destinations you visit but also about the person you become along the way.
