The world is out there, just waiting to be explored. But for many would-be travelers, the mere thought of embarking on a solo trip can be pretty overwhelming. Humans are social creatures by nature, and plenty of Hollywood action films have reinforced the idea that traveling alone is a risky venture. That fear can cause many to stay home, and that’s a shame! Because there are so many advantages to seeing the world by yourself, many of the world’s most seasoned explorers recommend going on a solo adventure at least once in your lifetime.

When it comes to traveling by yourself, there are a few myths in particular that you just shouldn’t believe. Keep reading to learn more, and don’t let these misconceptions keep you from finding your next big adventure.

Myth #1: Traveling on Your Own Is Crazy Expensive

This is absolutely untrue. Don’t believe us? Consider this: one of the most expensive parts of traveling is often the airfare, right?  Well, it’s much easier to find a cheap flight for a party of one. Since you’re going by yourself, you can fly whenever it’s most affordable and don’t need to coordinate with anyone else’s availability. All you have to do is stay on the lookout for cheap international flights and build your travel schedule around them!

Some tips to help you find a cheap flight: Consider traveling on the shoulder seasons, like mid-winter or early fall; fly out on a weekday in the early morning; and opt for a couple extra layovers to get the biggest bang for your buck.

Myth #2: Solo Travelers Have to Deal with All Types of Headaches

Again, travelers in general may have to deal with flight delays, missed connections, and claustrophobic middle seats, but it’s actually easier to deal with these nuisances when you’re traveling alone. It’s much easier to run to the gate when you don’t have two toddlers in tow.

When you are by yourself you can do exactly what you want to do, when you want to do it. This means only seeing things you are interested in and taking each day at your own pace. The options are endless; if you want to opt out of a museum tour that your travel companion wants to take, you can. If you want to sleep all day and party all night, go right ahead. Remember, the goal of travel is not to wear yourself down, it’s to get out and enjoy the world!

Myth #3: “I’ll end up eating in my room all by myself!”

Food is one of the most motivational factors for traveling Millennials. In fact, a 2016 TopDeck Travel survey revealed that 69% of this generation were motivated to travel primarily to try various local foods. Become a people watcher and see how other cultures interact while dining. So don’t let your fear of eating alone stop you from trying international delicacies; get out there, grab a table for one, and watch the world go by.

Myth #4: Traveling Solo Is Unsafe

Fear holds many back from traveling solo. Fear is an emotional reaction to a perceived threat, and that threat may not be real. You will gain confidence when you choose to go abroad, but you must know that traveling alone doesn’t necessarily mean you will be unsafe. Simply do your homework on different locations ahead of time and make sure to be just as cautious abroad as you are at home. Be smart and diligent and you won’t have anything to worry about when traveling by yourself.

It’s now easier than ever to find a cheap flight and head out on a solo adventure.  You just have to open up to all the possibilities,get out there,and start exploring. The world is waiting for you.