Solo Travel in Your 20s – Why it’s a Must-Try

Solo Travel in Your 20s – Why it’s a Must-Try

If you’re reading this and in your 20s, you’re likely craving a little freedom and solo travel might just be what you’re looking for. According to Booking.com Travel Predictions 2024, solo travel is trending across all ages, even among the busiest groups. So, what’s stopping you from making your own solo adventure happen?

Thankfully, your 20s is the perfect time to embrace solo travel without major responsibilities, such as kids or aging parents, holding you back. Sure, your budget might be tight, but that just means discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations that are affordable and offer unique memories. Additionally, being in your physical prime and being adventurous enough to be open to new experiences makes this the ideal stage for immersive experiences – from jungle trekking to exploring new cultures.

Before life starts piling on those responsibilities, here are three reasons why solo trips should be at the top of your must-try list!

Get comfortable being alone

Being alone is often misunderstood as anti-social behaviour or being an outcast in social settings. But the truth is, being alone is neither; there’s power in solitude. In fact, embracing solo travel lets you disconnect from the noise of social media and constant interaction, allowing you to build a deeper connection with yourself. It’s not about avoiding people, but about discovering the freedom and growth that comes from spending time at your own terms.

For extroverts, this can be a rare chance for you to slow down, self-reflect and recharge; for introverts, it’s an opportunity to boost creativity and re-energise in peaceful surroundings.

A taste of independence

Your early 20s is usually when you begin to spread your wings and embrace independence. While soaring rental prices might make moving out challenging, solo travel offers a more budget-friendly way to get a taste of freedom on your own terms. This journey not only teaches you how to make decisions on your own, but also how to navigate the outcomes – however good or bad. Will you indulge in the vibrant energy of a city like New York, or try something more adventurous like glamping in a safari or trekking in the mountains? Solo travel puts you in the driver’s seat, offering a true sense of autonomy and adventure.

And, beyond independence, solo travel also gives you the rare chance to be the main character in your own story. Without the influencer or expectations from other people, you’re free to reveal sides of yourself you didn’t even know existed. You could be dripping with charisma within you as you win the hearts of locals or realise that you’re a pretty dope photographer. These “life souvenirs” you take home will leave you changed in the best way possible!

See the world

Yes, the world truly is your oyster! Once you realise how there’s more to the globe beyond Marina Bay Sands, City Hall and Outram Park, it’s hard to look back again. The diversity you encounter, the communities you’ll get to connect with, and the cultures you’ll experience will all broaden your perspective in ways you may not have imagined.

In its literal sense, travelling provides an escape from life’s mundaneness by offering an experience that cannot be replicated. There’s also a sense of progression and accomplishment from travelling as you first start by setting aside cash to travel by taking on a part-time role to the satisfaction of finding yourself in a foreign land.

Before Travelling Solo

Though solo travels are an extremely liberating experience, it’s important to practise good preparation and planning just like any other trip. Choosing your country of choice is crucial as there are key aspects to consider such as how safe it is and whether it’s solo travel friendly in the first place.

Thankfully there are numerous vlogs and blogs on solo travel that you can set as a benchmark for your own experience. Do also ensure that your family and friends are aware of this trip and always keep in contact with them throughout the trip. For subsequent trips, it’s good practice to apply for a credit card miles such as the StanChart Journey Credit Card which allows you to earn miles as you spend.