Solo travel can be an intimidating idea for many people, especially for women who have been taught to always be cautious and avoid potentially dangerous situations. However, I can confidently say that traveling solo has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and has allowed me to learn so much about myself and the world around me.

As a woman who has traveled solo to over 20 countries, I can tell you that it’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Here are a few reasons why solo travel is so important:

1. You learn to rely on yourself

When you travel with a group, it’s easy to rely on others to make decisions and take care of things. But when you’re traveling solo, you have to rely on yourself to figure things out. This might sound daunting at first, but it’s actually incredibly empowering. You’ll learn that you’re capable of so much more than you ever thought possible, and that you can handle whatever comes your way.

2. You meet amazing people

One of the best things about traveling solo is that you’re forced to interact with people you might not have met otherwise. When you’re traveling with friends or family, it’s easy to stick together and not branch out. But when you’re on your own, you have to make an effort to meet people, whether it’s fellow travelers or locals. And trust me, some of the most interesting people I’ve met while traveling have been those I’ve met on my own.

3. You learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable

Traveling solo means stepping outside of your comfort zone. You might be in a new place where you don’t know anyone, or where the culture is vastly different from your own. But that’s where the growth happens. When you push yourself out of your comfort zone, you’ll learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. And that’s a skill that will serve you well long after your travels are over.

4 You get to do what you want, when you want

When you’re traveling solo, you have complete control over your itinerary. Want to spend an entire day exploring a museum? Go for it. Want to spend a lazy afternoon people-watching in a park? You can do that too. When you’re not beholden to anyone else’s schedule or preferences, you can really take the time to do the things that interest you.

5. You learn to appreciate your own company

Finally, solo travel allows you to spend time with the most important person in your life: yourself. When you’re on your own, you’ll have plenty of time to think, reflect, and just be. And that’s a valuable experience in a world that’s always go-go-go.

Of course, there are some downsides to solo travel. It can be lonely at times, and there are certainly some safety concerns to keep in mind. But overall, I believe that the benefits far outweigh the risks. So if you’re considering traveling solo, my advice is to go for it. You might just learn more about yourself and the world than you ever thought possible.