Yeah, I get it. Who wants to actually travel alone? The world is a scary place and countless things can go wrong when you’re on your own. But have you stopped to think about what might actually go right? Countless people I know, myself included, have traveled alone and have found an adventure of a lifetime.

Whether it is a weekend trip across the state or you’re planning on studying abroad in a different country for a semester, here are some things you’ll learn about yourself along the way if you choose to go solo:

1. It puts life into perspective

I can’t stress enough how amazing it is to get away from the negativity in life and just go out and explore. Traveling alone allows you to get away from all the little inconsistencies and drama in life and focus on what really matters.

We live in a big world. Who cares what happened last week? There are places to see, people to meet and cultures to appreciate. I promise you that once you travel alone and see more of the world, the little stuff won’t matter nearly as much as it did when you were back in the thick of it.

2. The silence is golden

If you’re on a plane or in a car for an extended period of time, chances are you are disconnecting from social media and the “24/7” news cycle, whether you like it or not. Use this as a primer to take a “social media cleanse” while you travel. Silencing your technology allows you to really listen to the things around you –  an exotic street musician, waves crashing into each other on the beach, or the sounds of a bustling city. Some of my fondest memories while traveling wasn’t the sights, but the sounds. Stop, disconnect from technology and listen to what is around you. You may be surprised and like what you hear.

3. It takes you out of your comfort zone

As a twenty-something woman, it is easy for me to use “I’m scared to travel alone” as an excuse to not take my own adventures. But once you really start to explore on your own, you realize that the world isn’t such a scary place. Getting out of your comfort zone while traveling will reflect in your everyday life – whether it is nailing a presentation, networking like a champ, or landing an interview for your dream job.

Independent travelers need to be confident – let it be a building block in your personal and professional life. Take a chance and do something for yourself by going out of your comfort zone.

4. It will teach you that being alone is OK

We grow up surrounded by the same friends, family and environment for most of our lives. Sometimes it is hard to let that go and just do your own thing. Traveling alone can be difficult for some, but after awhile you’ll realize that it is OK to be completely alone. Revel in the fact that you have the freedom to do anything or to be anyone you choose to be. Once you accept that it is OK to be alone, a lot more possibilities will open up for you.

After all, your friends and family are still cheering you on from the sidelines. It is up to you to learn the difference between being alone and feeling lonely.

5. You’ll learn more about yourself along the way

Traveling alone is about living in the moment. As corny as it sounds, the best epiphanies are made on your own when you are experiencing something you’ll never forget. Every good or bad thing that happens when you travel alone will teach you more about yourself.

In this case, getting lost might actually help you find yourself.

It’s time to take an adventure for yourself – start saving and go to your dream destination. You will have plenty of time to share adventures with the people you love, but don’t forget to try and experience something alone. I promise you that it will be worth it.