Go alone to understand yourself better
Trips alone not only bring new experiences but also help many young people learn to listen to themselves, practice proactiveness and find a sense of peace amidst a stressful pace of life.
Le Thi Huyen Trang (20 years old, Hanoi) shared that she always thought that a trip is only truly complete when there is a companion. However, after many times the plan was delayed due to dependence on friends' schedules, Trang decided to try taking a trip alone.
The early days were not as completely easy as imagined. From booking a car, finding a way, choosing a place to eat and stay to the feeling of sitting alone in a strange land, all made her somewhat worried. But those experiences opened up a different perspective on traveling.
When I no longer have anyone by my side to talk to continuously or make decisions for me, I start to observe more, pay attention to the space around me and spend time thinking about myself" - Trang said.
Trang talks about the mornings just sitting in a coffee shop, reading a few pages of books or admiring the flow of people passing by is enough to bring a feeling of relaxation and completeness. Before the question of whether going alone is lonely or not, Trang said that loneliness and being alone are two completely different states. There are times when I still feel lost in the crowd, but there are also trips alone that are very peaceful.
For Trang, traveling alone is not to be separated from everyone but an opportunity to understand what she needs. At the same time, trips also help her become more proactive in planning, preparing contingency plans and handling arising situations.
After each trip, what I receive is not only beautiful photos or new experiences but also more confidence in myself. Young people should try going alone at least once, not to prove anything but to know that they can also enjoy life in their own way" - Trang expressed.
Trips to find your rhythm of life
For Nguyen Thi Quynh Trang (22 years old, Nghe An), traveling alone is a rare time to live slowly amidst the increasingly hurried pace of life for young people.
Studying and working along with continuous connections via phone and social networks makes her always in a busy and exhausted state. Therefore, solo trips become a way to temporarily leave the familiar cycle and spend time for herself.
What Quynh Trang likes most about "solo travel" is the right to self-determination with her own journey. Without needing to adjust according to the group's plan or trying to please everyone, she can freely choose how to experience the trip.
“Initially, my family was worried when I chose to travel alone, especially because of safety concerns. However, I always prepare carefully before each trip such as choosing a reliable accommodation, proactively updating the itinerary with relatives and limiting risky activities” - Trang said.
For her, traveling alone does not mean impulsiveness but the ability to take responsibility for her own decisions.
After many trips, I realized that the most memorable thing is not the places I have been to, but the feeling of maturity after each decision I make. I learn to believe in my abilities, judgment and understand that self-reliance starts from daring to step out of your comfort zone" - Trang expressed.
