As much as I get told I’m confident, I often don’t see myself as such because I never used to be. However, confidence is not a fixed characteristic, and mine has undoubtedly improved. Naturally, I am more confident in some areas than others, but generally speaking, I attribute my growth in confidence to my solo travels. So, how can solo travel build confidence?
What is confidence?
Confidence is defined as “the feeling of self-assurance arising from an appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities”. It’s that unwavering feeling of “yes, I can”. In short, believing in ourselves. Yet the irony is that the best way to gain confidence is to do what we’re afraid to do. At this time, however, there is likely to be more fear-belief than self-belief, but confidence means believing that you’re going to be okay regardless of the obstacles you may have to overcome.
Confidence increases well-being, whereas low confidence can affect the relationships we tolerate or allow us to miss opportunities, such as seeing the world because we don’t believe we’re up to the challenge. We vibrate with a specific frequency, and our vibration is a reflection of our inner narrative. This frequency attracts situations and people in our lives.
When we are confident, our self-esteem has been raised higher and thus we vibrate on a higher frequency, shifting our reality to be open to an abundant life.
How do we build confidence?
Stepping out of your zone of comfort
One of the best ways to build confidence is by stepping out of our comfort zone. For example, when we have the confidence to go out and try new things and activities that light us up, it improves self-esteem, confidence, and mental health and generally opens us up to more in life.
For instance, I was scared of taking my first solo trip to Egypt, but it was so transformative that I wanted to start a solo female travel blog. I had no idea where to start. I couldn’t write, wasn’t tech-savvy, and the thought of putting myself out there terrified me. However, solo travel has given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone, try new things, and be bad at something new.
When we step out of our comfort zone and travel to new countries alone, it impacts positively on our day-to-day life. We live a fuller life and take more risks, which in turn brings more opportunities. Our mindset shifts to “Well, if I can do that, then I can do this”, and there’s an acceleration of growth.
We have to have the confidence to unlearn self-limiting beliefs, which at times can mean being uncomfortable, but let’s not forget that comfort will kill more dreams than failure ever will.
We all have different levels of confidence, and each time we step out of our comfort zone, the level increases. Building confidence happens gradually, and stepping out of your comfort zone can start with small steps. If you’re not ready for a solo trip abroad, have a spa day, go out for a meal or explore another city of your native country. Gradually, you can take on bigger challenges, such as a city break abroad, trying an adventurous activity or travelling to a place where you don’t speak the language or where the culture is very different.
Communicate with confidence
Solo travel can also help us to communicate more confidently. Meeting new people and adapting to different cultures increases our social skills. While travelling solo, we may have to put ourselves out there and often find ourselves in situations where we need to interact with new people. Whether asking for directions or on excursions and sometimes in different languages, all can make us a more adaptable and effective communicator. Effective communication assists us in our general day-to-day, such as in a professional capacity in the workplace.
It makes you believe in yourself
Solo travel can build confidence because the more we travel solo, the more we believe in ourselves. Facing new situations and making decisions on our own makes us feel good about ourselves and boosts confidence. Each trip reinforces our belief in ourselves and our abilities, making us raise the bar and increase confidence every step of the way. The more challenging the trip, the more transformative it is.
Solo travel builds connection with ourself and others
Solo travel builds confidence because being on our own in the world builds a better knowledge of self. When we have a strong sense of self and show up authentically, we glow and are magnetic. Our authentic connection to self builds a meaningful connection with others, whether on our solo travels or in day-to-day life.
While travelling solo, people generally approach you more because it’s not seen to be intruding. Many people approach me as solo travel has made me more open. Without the comfort of familiar faces, you might find yourself more open to striking up conversations with locals or fellow travellers and creating a natural opportunity to meet new people. These interactions can lead to lasting friendships and a deeper understanding of the places you visit. When you’re susceptible to new experiences, connections tend to follow.
A journey to self-confidence – empowerment through travel
Solo travel is both an inward and outward journey and can be a powerful tool for personal growth.
Stepping out of our comfort zone while travelling can hugely impact our day-to-day lives. When we navigate new places, make decisions, and solve problems independently, we become more confident, proactive and open to new things. We gain confidence in handling challenges and embracing change.
Each new challenge we navigate, whether figuring out transportation or communicating in a different language, quietly strengthens our belief in our abilities. While on our solo travels, we build confidence instinctively. Before you know it, your confidence will have increased tenfold without you even realising how far you’ve come.
