5 strong reasons why you should go hiking alone. Find out more in the guest blog post by Luana Krebs, environmental scientist at ETH Zurich. Guest post by Luana Krebs

Everything is more fun together – isn’t it?

Yes, alone everything is twice as boring and only half as much fun. In addition, the most beautiful experiences and memories are worth much more if you can share them with someone. Admittedly, there is basically not much to shake about. So why would you go hiking alone? 5 strong reasons why you should try it anyway.

1. You don’t have to be considerate of anyone

That’s obvious. If you are traveling alone, there is no one who can have a different opinion than you. No one who can talk you into it. Nobody you have to compromise with. Going out on your own and deciding for yourself when and where you want to go is pure freedom. When else in life do you have the opportunity for absolute self-determination?

2. You learn a lot about yourself

Being on the road alone also means that no one can make decisions for you. And admittedly it can be quite overwhelming to be able to decide completely freely. In everyday life we usually do not encounter such situations. Often we don’t have a free choice about what we want to do (or at least think we do). Or we do things because we have always done them that way. Because of this, it can be difficult for us to make decisions and know what we want. However, the more often you have found yourself in such a situation, the easier it will be for you to listen to yourself and the better you will get to know yourself.

3. You can concentrate better on yourself and nature

Sometimes consciously taking time just for yourself is extremely important and in no way makes you a loner. In our time full of distractions and stress, we often no longer have an ear for our own inner voice. It is all the more important to go out into nature from time to time to switch off. If you hike alone, you can concentrate on the here and now and be very aware of your surroundings. Nature and stillness will calm your mind and free your thoughts. This can have a very healing effect on a stressed mind and helps recharge the batteries.

4. You gain self-confidence and self-awareness

At first it is a very strange feeling to be on the road alone. You feel like you’re being watched all the time. What might others think of me? Do you think it’s weird that I’m traveling alone? Or (even worse) maybe they even feel sorry for me because I’m alone? But I can assure you that the more often you are out and about alone, the more normal and natural it feels and the feelings of insecurity will subside. Also, there is nothing strange or sad about being alone. It rather reflects maturity and independence and is therefore something remarkable. Whether hiking, traveling, going to the cinema or eating out, you can easily do everything on your own.

5. The probability of making new contacts is many times higher when you are traveling alone

You are automatically much more open to connecting with other people and other people are more likely to approach you when you are alone. Of course, it doesn’t have to be the goal of a solo hike to get to know someone. But unexpected and enriching encounters can arise. Often you get along with other hikers straight away and you will find that you share the same interests and views. You might even find a new hiking buddy in an acquaintance ☺