Travel the world by yourself
From an early age, we're taught that the buddy system is an essential part of going anywhere. Sticking with a buddy ensures you get to your destination safely and have at least one other person with you in case something goes awry. My problem, was wanting to travel somewhere that no one else I knew wanted to go, so I chose to fly solo. I decided to go with a study abroad travel tour, so I wouldn't be completely stranded. I didn't know German all too well, but I knew how to read a map and how to keep my belongings safe, and at the end of the day, that's really all I needed. I enjoyed my time traveling immensely, and I'll sum it up by telling you the perks I've found of traveling alone. Be responsible: Traveling alone has definitely been an exercise in responsibility for me. I traveled with some girls who were staying at the same hostel as me, and they taught me what not to do as a solo traveler. We went out exploring after our already-paid for activities, and I seemed to be the only one who knew how to get back to the hostel without the use of Google maps. They also did not keep track of their passports or room keys, and, as a result, relied on me to let them back into the room. As a solo traveler, I was constantly aware of where my passport, phone, and room key were. I knew I had to be accountable for myself, so I was always prepared in any situation. I was proud of myself for planning ahead, and as a result, I did not have the same snafus that the group I was with had. Embrace your freedom: When you travel alone, you call the shots. You don't have to wait for anyone to leave the bathroom or go anywhere you don't want to, and you can spend all the time you want at places you want to go. I had a blast going to the Munich Olympic Stadium by myself and taking a rooftop tour.