By Diana Atonya
Millions of people put their travel dreams on the back burner, waiting for perfect conditions that never seem to come. Here’s the reality: the “right time” to travel is a myth, and waiting for it may cost you a lifetime of unforgettable experiences.
If you’re wondering why travel now, this post will challenge common travel timing myths, show you when to start travelling solo, and prove that with proper planning and the right mindset, anytime can be the perfect time to explore the world.
Travel isn’t just about going somewhere new; it’s about becoming someone new. It shifts your mindset, opens your heart, and shapes your soul. You don’t even have to go far. Sometimes, the most profound lessons can be found just a few towns away.
The Myth of Perfect Timing
Let’s debunk some of the biggest travel timing myths: that everything must be “just right” before you can travel.
No debt
Many people put off travelling for years, believing they must wait until they’ve cleared all debts, credit cards, student loans, car payments, etc While this may sound responsible on the surface, it’s one of the most limiting travel timing myths.
Let’s face it. For most people, being 100% debt-free isn’t a short-term goal. Life keeps happening: Bills, responsibilities, emergencies. If you tie them to perfect financial conditions, you risk never achieving your travel dreams.
An open calendar
An open calendar doesn’t mean you’re free of responsibilities. It means you’ve chosen to make room for what matters. What if your time wasn’t filled with obligations, but with experiences that nourish your soul, sunsets in unfamiliar places, quiet mornings on new streets, laughter in languages you don’t yet speak? Pick a date. Make it real.
Travelling solo is boring.
Solo travel is a liberating experience, offering you the freedom to disconnect from the pressures of the real world and reconnect with the natural world and yourself. It’s not about being alone, it’s about being independent and in control. You set your own pace, choose your adventures, and above all, enjoy the privacy and solitude that solo travel brings.
High season is the best season.
Many travelers believe that the best time to travel is during high season. While that might seem logical, waiting for peak season can mean missing out on the real magic of a destination. High season is the busiest season; however, it’s not the best season.. Low seasons are always the best, as there’s no traffic and prices are lower. In Kenya, off-season travel encourages spontaneity, creativity, and a slower pace, allowing you to experience a destination more intimately and intentionally. When the weather is ideal, tourist spots are buzzing, and everything is in full swing and costly.
Nature’s greatest river Mara crossing
The Power of Planning and Mindset
Travel doesn’t have to be a luxury; it can be something you create with the right mindset and a little planning. If you’re dreaming of your first trip, you probably feel both excited and unsure. That’s normal. Here’s how a shift in mindset and a simple plan can take you from dreamer to doer.
Imagine What Travel Could Mean for You
You might not want a fancy resort or a long-haul flight. You could discover just as much joy exploring a nearby town or national park. Travel is a way to take a break, recharge, or see life from a new angle.
Planning Gives You Clarity and Confidence
Start with a list of places you’ve always been curious about. You can explore travel dates, transportation options, and costs using online resources or travel apps. Your plan could help you feel less overwhelmed and more in control. Remember, you don’t have to have every detail figured out. Take it one step at a time and enjoy the journey.
Mindset Shapes the Entire Experience
You may not have a big budget, and that’s perfectly okay. You could choose to see that as a chance to get creative instead of feeling limited. You might also try new experiences, such as staying in hostels, taking road trips, or trying local foods, as part of the adventure. Your attitude can turn even small trips into meaningful memories.
Start Small and Grow With Each Step
You don’t have to travel far or spend a lot to get started. You might take a weekend trip, visit a nearby city, or even do a day trip. You can use each experience to learn what kind of traveler you are. Your confidence could grow with every journey, and soon, planning may start to feel exciting instead of scary.
When to Start Travelling Solo. Anytime you’re Ready to grow.
When you’re ready to meet the most powerful version of yourself, it’s the best way to start travelling solo.
Solo travel is one of the most empowering decisions you can make. It’s not about being fearless, it’s about being willing. You don’t have to wait until you “have it all together.” Solo travel often helps you get it together.
Traveling solo teaches:
Independence
The decision to determine who you are, what you eat, and where you go is entirely yours. It fosters a deep sense of self-reliance and empowers you to trust your judgement.
Confidence
Through solo travel, you embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. You push your boundaries, confront your fears, and emerge with a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. It’s not just about the places you visit, but the person you become along the way. Solo travel is a transformative experience that can inspire and motivate you to grow and evolve.
Self-Discovery
Travel can help you reconnect with yourself, which is an essential aspect of overcoming loneliness. As you explore new places and meet new people, you may also discover new facets of your personality or interests that have been dormant in your routine life. This self-discovery can lead to a greater sense of fulfilment and inner contentment, reducing feelings of isolation.
New Perspectives on Life:
Travel exposes you to different ways of thinking, living, and being. You begin to realize that there is no single “right” way to live. Customs, priorities, and values vary across cultures, and that diversity enriches your understanding of humanity. It is a humbling, eye-opening experience to see how others live. You will also start appreciating home and never take anything for granted.
Adaptability and Openness
Not everything will go according to plan when you travel. Delays, language barriers, and unfamiliar environments teach you to be flexible, patient, and open to learning.
Out of Your Comfort Zone
Travel can also help you overcome loneliness by challenging you to step out of your comfort zone. When you’re in a new place, especially if you’re travelling solo, you’re often pushed to be more outgoing and proactive in seeking social interaction. It can be a powerful antidote to loneliness, as it helps you build confidence in your ability to connect with others and form relationships. The more you engage with the world around you, the more you realize that connections are available everywhere, if you’re willing to reach out.
The Power of Human Connection
Even when language or culture differ, smiles, kindness, and shared experiences are universal. Travel shows you how deeply connected we all are, despite surface-level differences.
Curiosity and Wonder
When Travel reawakens your childlike sense of wonder and curiosity.
Waiting for someone to go with you or for a better time might mean missing your transformational journey.
Challenge the Norm. Travel Doesn’t Have to Wait
We’ve been conditioned to believe that we must “earn” travel after retirement, after a promotion, or once the kids are grown. But life is for living now.
Stop postponing joy, adventure, and exploration, and enjoy life. Travel enriches your perspective, introduces you to new cultures, and inspires personal growth and development. Why wait? Visit travelmoran for more solo travel tips
