Listen, we're as wary (and weary) of the whole Eat, Pray, Love fantasy as any good New York cynic, but travelling really is good for the soul...or something. With summer Fridays approaching, now's the time to plan even a mere weekend trip away, or if you're feeling adventurous, a week or two abroad. Here's the thing, though: book it alone. Sure traveling could be stressful, but so could cooking when there are too many cooks in the kitchen. Jet setting solo, on the other hand, is way less of a mess and totally freeing. There are even tons of benefits. Click through for some of our favorites. 

[Photo via @garypeppergirl]