Through the eyes of Shay...

Traveling solo is becoming more common. When exploring new ground on your own, you get to see the world in another light. Being alone miles away from home can be intimidating; however, the experiences and memories that will be created will be rewarding.

Here are five benefits of traveling solo:

Social Skills

When you're traveling with friends, you tend to stay within your group and socializing with the others can become more difficult. When you're alone, you become vulnerable and crave human interaction. What better way to do so than to socialize with locals. Examine how they interact with one another and engage yourself in deep conversations with them. Interacting with several unfamiliar people a day can be a way of gaining more confidence in yourself. Who knows, you might make a new friend and even learn something new.

Broaden Knowledge on Culture

What is exploring a new country without familiarizing yourself with their culture, customs, and activities? Explore every aspect much as possible to gain the full experience as to what the country has to offer. Brace yourself to try and connect with locals even if they cannot speak fluent English.

Learning a new language can be exciting.

Experience New Things

Because you are traveling alone, you are in full control of scheduling your own day. You can plan where to go and the time you wish to do so. For example, take a trip into the wild and hike until you can't hike any more or try a dish that you have never tasted before. Getting out of your comfort zone can be fun. These new memories will last a lifetime.

Appreciate New Things

Life can be overwhelming with routines and hectic work schedules. With such a busy lifestyle, we don't have the luxury where time is endless.It is difficult to try something new and we tend to forget the little things in life. When traveling on your own, you can stop in the middle of your adventure, take deep breathes and appreciate that moment or the beautiful scenery.

Learn About Yourself

As mentioned, traveling to an unknown country can be intimidating. When you're on your own, you tend to listen to your gut feeling and tend to follow your heart. You explore new places and try new and authentic food that you never had the opportunity to try back at home. It can be a test to see how adventurous you can be and eventually you will learn what you like and what you don't.