When you’re young, people think you’re too young to travel solo. If you’re married, people think there’s something seriously wrong with your marriage if you take a solo trip. If you have kids, you get judged about taking any time away from them. And the older you get, the more you start to think your traveling days have passed you by. But it doesn’t have to be that way! There is no “right” or “wrong” time to travel solo, but if you wait for “perfect” timing, it will never come. Here are five reasons why solo travel is possible–and matters–at every stage of life.

You Always Need to Test Yourself

You may feel like your everyday life tests you, but that’s not nearly as fun (or beneficial) as the testing that comes with solo travel. No one is there to do it for you; you have to depend on yourself. Don’t like the word “test?” Take it as a challenge instead. When we challenge ourselves in ways that are so outside the box, we gain confidence and see what we’re made of. Confidence can take you far–even around the world! Testing yourself is one of the most underrated ways to grow. Being tested in life is inevitable. Testing yourself in travel puts you in charge and prepares you for the unexpected.

More here: Confessions of a Solo Female Traveler

You Always Need to Be Comfortable with Yourself

One of the most cringe-worthy things I hear from non-solo travelers is, “But I wouldn’t know what to do by myself.”

You can do anything you want! Many people feel awkward going to a restaurant by themselves. But I’ll admit it: I’m a fun date for myself! Lots of people think it’s “sad” to go places “alone,” but I actually love being able to do my own thing without wondering what a travel partner might or might not want to do. Solo travelers are totally comfortable in their own skin and with their own thoughts. They appreciate the world around them, the people they meet along the way (no, solo travel does not mean you have to be “alone!”), and the experiences they might otherwise not have. If you can’t find a travel partner, or if yours drops out, commit to getting comfortable with yourself instead.

Keep reading: The Epic Side Effects of Solo Travel

Because You Need a Minute

Sometimes people think travel is something you do to run away. But really, sometimes you just need a minute. You need to step out of the normal, every day life you live and have a new experience to put things in perspective. Travel doesn’t have to mean you’re running away, it can mean you’re getting a running start. Whether you need a minute away from your family (it happens!) or your just need a minute by yourself for another reason, it’s okay to take a trip to make that happen. Solo travel is a lot of responsibility (again, no one’s there to do it for you), but it is also incredibly freeing. Solo travel can give you that when it seems like nothing else can.

Read on: How to Take Yourself Out to a Restaurant Solo

Everyone Needs Remember How to Be Independent

Being with others is great. Knowing how to navigate interpersonal relationships is essential. But reminding yourself that you can be independent is just as important. Being independent actually makes me feel less anxious, if you can believe it. You might know in your mind that you are capable, but you still might have doubts. Solo travel puts you into situations where you have to prove your capabilities to yourself, and when you do, it’s the most exhilarating feeling. It’s independence. And when you’ve kind of forgotten what it feels like, it fills you with confidence. Remember that you can be independent, and let solo travel prove it to yourself.

Also helpful: How to Travel Solo with Confidence

Sometimes You Need to Remember Who You Used to Be

When you’re young, travel shows you who you are and surprises you with your own capabilities. As you get older, travel reminds you of who you used to be, what you forgot that you love to do, and how capable you still are. People change, and hopefully that means we improve, but it’s important to remember how we became who we are. Our experiences shape us–travel experiences and otherwise. Traveling solo gives you time to reflect, so that you can be reminded of how far you’ve come. And maybe, just maybe you’ll also remember some things about yourself you’d like to re-implement with more wisdom than you had the first time around.

Read next: The 6 Essential Solo Travel Experiences to Have

Want more? Get all the best info on my dedicated Solo Travel Page!

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