How did your first solo trip change you as a person??

I wouldn't say my first solo trip changed me as a person--nothing as dramatic as that. I was 26 and traveled to Europe solo. What I did find is that I was more open to everything and met more people traveling alone than I did later when I traveled with friends.

My first solo trip in China did not change me but it did affect an opinion. I had grown quite tired of the Chinese people in general living in the unbelievably materialistic and money-driven province of Guangdong. My trek through small villages and dinners with poor farmers through the countryside presented a wonderful and wholly different side of the Chinese population.

Were it not for that trip, I'm not sure I would have stayed in China.

It taught me how much I had. When I came home, I had to readjust a bit because it felt weird to have the many small luxuries we take for granted at my fingertips again.

And it kindled a sense of adventure in me. A desire to see more of the world.

Aw, loads:

- I'm ready to settle down now (wife, kids, mortgage payments...etc.)
- I'm more comfortable socially
- I enjoy being a leader now
- I'm closer to my mom
- I'm more patriotic
- I'm more internationally aware
- I'm more street smart
- I now believe there's a chance I could make a difference in this world
- I'm happier

And as far as realizations about myself:
- I was driven way too much by ego
- I was unhappy
- I am not a freak
- I was too critical/judgmental of others
- I had a massive wall up

And finally wisdom that I learned for myself:
- You can make yourself happy by making others happy
- Don't constantly compare yourself to others
- Friends fall along a spectrum
- There are lots of different types of leaders

I have gotten everything I expected to get out of this trip and more. If this question was asked in hopes of affirming that traveling solo will change you, I assure you, it absolutely should and will, whether you believe it or not.

I have learned to become more independent person.
ANd i am getting much better at talking to strangers!! And met some great people doing that!!

For me traveling solo is humbling and like mentioned in part of the plot in Paulo Coelho's book "The Zahir" I feel like "Nobody" which is good for me coming from a cushy semi-retired lifestyle since I was 30 back in 84 where I wake up feeling like "God". Though I grew up in a blue collar working class family in the middle of nowhere Midwest, USA I'm a spoiled brat eldest child and grandchild so tend to have a quick temper but when I'm traveling alone I'm free of losing my temper and free of raising my voice. Having shared 90% of my life with women companions ( especially my wife of 27+ years ) being alone is good for me as a person. My inner rage seems diminished and the constant movement keeps my energy level high. Free from distractions and inventing each day I wake up envigorates me to the max. I think traveling solo for younger people will help them feel stronger, more independent, more open minded, less judgemental of people from different cultures, races and age groups.I took off traveling when I was 18 but always had a traveling companion; traveling alone is much different.

Some really interesting stories here!

For me I found that travelling made me more confident in doing the things I wanted to do. I also discovered more about who I was as a person and what my likes and dislikes were.

Nick

I'm far more patient now than I was prior to my trip. I've learned to enjoy the moments in between the mountain peaks, so to speak.

It helped me be more grounded, confident, and self-assured. For 10 years, I was dying to journey to Australia, and with every year I didn't go, I grew more and more apprehensive, with a bit of self-loathing -- I really did feel like a pathetic human being. After finally going, and simply reaching the goal I'd dreamt of for years was incredibly self-satisfying; now, there doesn't seem to be any goal out of my grasp.

I realized I love living in the US, even with its shortcomings and letdowns (what country doesn't have any?)

I never was clinically diagnosed with ADHD, but I feel like I can focus on a given activity longer and plow through.