The Epic Photo Series That’ll Convince You To Travel Solo

Newsflash, people: You don’t need to travel with a partner in order to travel well.

Yes, safety is a concern in certain locations, and it’s often pleasant to have someone to share the scenery with. But never underestimate the glory of traveling solo, because you’ll learn things you can’t learn any other way. 

Tomasz Furmanek can attest to this firsthand: The IT worker and photographer has spent about three years documenting Norway’s picture-perfect fjords from the seat of his sea kayak, often completely alone. Many of the spots he captures are reachable only by ferry or boat. And while kayaking in a group is recommended for beginners, Furmanek says there’s nothing like the buzz of going on his own.

“Being alone in the fjords … forces me to be more aware of my surroundings, as I have to depend on myself,” he told The Huffington Post. “The uncertainty of nature … makes us stronger both mentally and physically.”

And in nature’s quieter moments, it also makes us incredibly calm: