Photo: Cartagena, Colombia. 2016.

I’m an introvert. It’s the way I feel, not the things I have, that contribute to who I am. Therefore, spending time exploring on my own is an opportunity for me to connect with myself, internally. On top of that, I just don’t enjoy compromising. If you’re also an introvert, you may agree that traveling alone is one of the best things you can do for your soul. Even if you are an extrovert, traveling solo is worth doing at least once in life. One simple reason is because I know that my interests will never completely match those of others – so bascially, I’m selfish with my time. I enjoy living freely, with no limits and no obligations. I can decide each day whether I want to go to the beach or for a simple walk. I can hike for hours, or have a lazy day by the pool. I can go out, be social and meet new people, or sit in silence. I can wander around different neighborhoods, or play it safe and ride a tour bus. I can explore the world’s famous wonders, or the not-so-famous wonders that don’t receive enough attention. There’s so much beauty in the world, and I plan to see as much as I possibly can in my lifetime.

“Not all who wander are lost.” We call ourselves “Wanderlusts”! We are people who are less interested in collecting things, and more interested in collecting experiences.

There’s so much freedom in travleling solo. Part of that freedom is looking forward to all of the minor and major things I’ll learn about myself. When I’m alone, I tend to show even more gratitude for simple pleasures. A great example is participating in random conversations with strangers. In those moments, I’m allowing myself to be open to possibilities, and share with another the love of life and all of its randomness. I may be alone, but I am far from lonely. I’d like to think that I take time to enjoy my own company, before I expect others to. In moments of solitude, I’m embracing who I am, and the many factors that make me unique. Sometimes, in large groups – people hold back their authenticity. If I first learn to be authentic in solitude, that should encourage me to be authentic around others. I view it as building character. I’m gaining a greater perspective on my life and life itself. Each day, I’m becoming even more conscious of my purpose. It forces a person to become connected with what their heart desires. Similar to the way an artist’s spirit moves them to share their pieces of work. There’s a level of comfort you develop with your thoughts and your feelings, that allow you to openly and honestly share those sentiments with others, without worrying about being judged.

Traveling solo encourages me to exist in a world where my heart and mind are always open to give and receive. I’m continuously understanding how to ride the wave and go in the direction where the wind calls my name. The flow tends to lead me toward a hot sun, with a cool breeze, on a sandy beach near a palm tree, sipping a yummy cocktail and indulging in tasty food, after I write a short piece of literature, while listening to a really smooth r&b playlist. Or strolling through neighborhoods, stopping for a cup of coffee at a random cafe, speaking to strangers in various languages, taking many photos (and quite often, selfies), volunteering for a few hours and finding a peaceful place to sit in a park by a lake. “The flow” is me listening to my intuition; honoring my desires. That’s selflove. So, if you wonder why I wander, it’s because it’s one of the most freeing feelings in the world! 

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