“What is solo travel?” you ask.

By definition, solo travel is when an individual travels by themselves, without a significant other or a group of friends. An individual’s solo trip can involve a short trip in the home country or a long trip in a foreign country. An individual can take a solo trip for leisure, business, or bleisure (business and leisure) purposes. Also, an individual would plan a solo trip by themselves and make all of the decisions, such as which activities to participate in. Read on for the psychological benefits of solo travel.

All individuals can do anything, as long as they put their minds to it. That being said, an individual who’s considering — or already embarking on solo travel — can benefit from solo travel in more ways than one. Solo travel’s benefits include, but aren’t limited to, appreciation, bonding by yourself, dining without reservations, freedom, mental health, and well-being, meeting new people, learning and developing new skills, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Solo travel’s benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

The words “solo travel” can spark an immediate reaction from an individual. If your namesake reaction was negative, you can continue reading and change your mindset from boring, lonely, or unsafe to fun, lively, or safe. Whether you’re traveling for a sporting event or a study abroad program, you can give a trip sans group members a chance, as you can get out of your comfort zone and try new products and services, such as food and beverages, on your own. So, if you’ve always wanted to sample the ossobuco in Italy or the detoxifying mud wrap in the United States, you can do so at your own pace. Solo travel’s a great first step for any ambitious individual, and perhaps you, too.

A top ten list would answer individuals’ questions about the potential benefits of solo travel. Here’s a top ten list at a glance. First, a solo traveler would gain a new best friend in complete freedom, as an itinerary isn’t set in stone. Second, a solo traveler would meet new people and potentially make new friends, whether domestically or internationally. Third, a solo traveler can bask in the luxury of indulging in solitude at the spa, hotel room, or hotel bar. Fourth, a solo trip can become selfish in a good way and practice self-care more often, while learning to actively practice unselfish behavior. Fifth, a solo traveler can learn problem-solving and decision-making skills simultaneously. Sixth, a solo traveler can realize that guilt-free resting can lead to a successful recharge. Seventh, immersion can help a solo traveler’s overall language skills. Eighth, a solo traveler can gain a confidence boost. Ninth, a solo traveler can leave their comfort zone and explore unfamiliar territory. And, last but not least, tenth, a solo traveler can achieve a high level of self-discovery.

Psychology can be a complex matter, but the short-term and long-term psychological benefits for solo travelers are a no-brainer. Any solo traveler has more to gain as opposed to lose. Solo travel can cause or worsen a potential solo traveler’s anxiety, but there’s a chance things can improve for the better. A potential solo traveler shouldn’t have a lot of fear from within, as most, if not all, solo travelers can travel solo and make new friends in the process. After all, an individual can find new friends, whether near or far, as long as there’s an attempt to face fears head-on.

By definition, fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. Fear can halt a potential solo traveler’s upcoming trip, but only if the individual allows its effects to unravel. Fear shouldn’t stop a potential solo traveler from taking a trip alone, as an individual’s life is made up of moments, both big and small. Fear’s effects should make a potential solo traveler stronger than before.

Solo travel sounds scary, but in the end, a solo traveler can become humble after traveling to a domestic or international location alone. A solo traveler’s hotel room is literally a peaceful abode, and all decisions are made by choice, not force. A solo traveler might struggle with low self-esteem before embarking on trips solo, but can evolve for the better. For example, an increase in self-esteem, an increased awareness of struggling individuals, and vice versa. Have no fear, as solo travel is here.

Solo travel’s emphasis on the adjective solo isn’t so bad after all. Just because a traveler has a significant other or friend in tow doesn’t mean the traveler’s trip will automatically be improved. Improvement can be achieved by an individual, as long as the individual’s ongoing internal dialogue, also known as a stream of consciousness, remains constant. Any individual’s personality can improve as time goes by, including the existing personalities of solo travelers.