There's something inherently rewarding about traveling by yourself, beyond all of the obvious reasons. The people that you meet and experiences you have when you put yourself out there on a limb are like nothing you would ever imagine if you were in a group of friends. I find that almost everywhere I go, people are genuine and more accepting when I am by myself. Almost instantly a bond can be formed from a mutual understanding of desire to see the world for what it is, and truly experience a place. So often you see people traveling in large groups of friends, bringing along the comforts of the familar with them. These people miss the entire essence of traveling due to the fact that they merely "see" a place, rather then experience a it and get to know its culture. When traveling alone, it becomes clear to other people that you aren't trying to hide who you are. Instead you make yourself vulnerable in a way that is respected by everyone. I find that complete strangers are willing to go out of their way to be friendly and hospitable soely due to this fact alone. It becomes possible to truly take in your surroundings and enjoy exactly what it is you set out to achieve in the first place. A sort of self empowerment is with you at all times, as if anything is possible and nothing will stop you. You can go where you want, when you want, without having to compromise anything. You could be heading in one direction for awhile, meet some interesting people, and suddenly decided to turn around go right back where you came from. It is this freedom that provides inner peace and tranquility which makes traveling to new places so special. Key to the idea of traveling alone is being open to anything, willing to try new things and take risks, for in the end the pay off is unforgettable . Just take a look at the photo above of this desolate lineup in New Zealand. By getting to know some locals in an unfamilar area, I was able to enjoy this bliss with only a few other people for an afternoon of complete bliss.
