To many, the sound of traveling alone may have anxiety written all over it. If we're being honest, I had never thought I'd ever travel by myself. I never had the desire to experience something by myself. Why go alone when you could go with others? Whether it be friends, family, co-workers on a business trip, I never thought I'd ever desire to venture off by myself.

But the day did come when the opportunity presented itself and I was all over it. In my opinion, everyone needs to experience traveling alone. I found it to be very empowering and rewarding. I've always looked at people who sit at restaurants by themselves and thought aww they're all by themselves! That's so sad! At first I thought I'd look like that, but it wasn't like that at all!

Here's what it was like:

I'm awesome company for myself. I was able to do everything I wanted and nothing I didn't want to. I had the ultimate freedom. I could be selfish. I didn't have to worry about my choices making someone else unhappy. I made the plans yet had no strict schedule. I became a better traveler. I got out of my comfort zone and did things that I wouldn't usually do. I was friendly with strangers. I was given perspective as to what's important. I got to know myself.

If you've ever thought about traveling alone, I'd highly recommend it. If you've decided that you're going to break out of your comfort zone, into the unknown, and take on the world, I've put together a list of 10 safe places to venture alone.