Embracing Alone Time: My Solo Travel Adventure
Traveling alone taught me that I am capable of more than I thought. I can be happy even though I am alone, because happiness comes from within.
Sitting in a cozy Bali restaurant, awaiting my flight, alone. Well, actually it’s not my first time traveling alone; I’ve had solo travel experiences in Tokyo & Bangkok. So, actually that was my third time traveling solo. I am quite comfortable during the trip to Bali, because it is my own country and I am totally familiar with the culture and language, but, during this trip I actually got a lot of questions from people who met me during the trip.
They asked “why are you traveling alone? Did you have big problems recently?” or some people also asked “Where are your friends? Why are they not coming with you?”. Even the taxi driver who took me to the airport after my trip asked me a similar question.
Solo travel might seem strange for some people, but for me, it's been a deep journey of self-discovery. it’s more than just a physical journey, it's a mental and emotional exploration. I think at that time I really need to have “me time” after working for the past 2 years in my previous company. It was a very fast-paced company and I barely had “me time”, so I thought a spontaneous trip to Bali was a great Idea.
During my 1-week time, I went to Bedugul Bali, it’s a temple on top of the hill in Bali. It took me two and half hours from my hotel in the Kuta area to the temple. The crazy thing was, I rented a motorcycle and drove myself to Bedugul. After the trip, I realized that 2,5 hours trip was too far! I was exhausted! 😹 but the view was worth the effort!
Solo travel isn't just about exploring new places; it's about discovering your likes and dislikes, offering a chance for self-reflection. With each step taken, the awareness of personal strength and the ability to make decisions for oneself lead to newfound empowerment. But most importantly, you know your own limits and your power.
Based on my experience, I hope someday you can also dedicate your time to yourself, you don’t have to visit some new places, but do something that you like. Try to have a conversation with yourself, limit the distractions, and try to enjoy the journey. You will realize that you’ve done a lot of things and you are capable of accomplishing more, not to impress people, but for your own happiness.
So, the next time someone wonders why I travel alone, I'll smile and share the beauty of solitude – a journey that goes beyond the physical miles, delving into self-awareness and independence.