essay about travelling alone is a great idea

Why Traveling Alone is a Great Idea: Insights from Solo Adventurers

Ready to embark on an exhilarating journey of self-discovery? Solo travel might just be for you. This post explores the transformative power of traveling alone, through the eyes of seasoned solo adventurers.

I’ll share insights about the unparalleled freedom, life-changing experiences, and invaluable lessons learned on the road. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or just contemplating your first solo trip, this post will open your eyes to the unique allure of solitary exploration.

Benefits of traveling alone

Freedom to make your own decisions.

One of the greatest benefits of traveling alone is the freedom to make your own decisions. When you embark on a solo adventure, you have the power to go wherever you want and do whatever you want, without having to consider anyone else’s preferences or plans.

Whether you want to explore a bustling city or escape to the tranquility of the countryside, the choice is entirely yours. You can stay in a destination for as long as you like, without worrying about affecting someone else’s itinerary.

Plus, you don’t have to wait for anyone to get ready in the mornings, allowing you to make the most of your day and experience the world at your own pace. So, embrace the freedom of solo travel and let your wanderlust guide you to incredible destinations.

Opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth

Traveling alone provides a unique opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. When you venture out on your own, you have the chance to truly get to know yourself better.

You can reflect on your decisions, listen to your gut, and discover what truly makes you, you. Spending time in solitude allows you to embark on an inward journey of self-discovery, where you can uncover your strengths, weaknesses, and passions.

It’s a time to reconnect with yourself, gain a deeper understanding of who you are, and cultivate a sense of self-awareness.

Through this process, you can develop a stronger sense of identity and purpose, leading to personal growth and a greater sense of fulfillment. So, embrace the opportunity to travel alone and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery.

Flexibility in itinerary and schedule

Another advantage of traveling alone is the flexibility it offers in terms of your itinerary and schedule. While it’s important to do some planning for your trip, being spontaneous can lead to incredible experiences, especially when you’re traveling solo.

Meeting other travelers along the way may inspire you to stay in a place for a few extra days or even change your plans altogether.

By building flexibility into your itinerary, you can embrace the freedom to go with the flow and make decisions on the fly.

This flexibility allows you to have heaps of fun, meet great people, and create unforgettable memories. So, don’t be afraid to change your plans and let the spontaneity of solo travel guide you to new and exciting adventures.

Chance to step out of your comfort zone

Traveling alone presents a wonderful opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences.

When you’re on your own in an unfamiliar place, you’re more likely to push yourself to try new things and break free from your usual routines.

Whether it’s trying a new activity, exploring a different neighborhood, or simply taking time to relax and unwind, traveling alone allows you to challenge yourself and discover new aspects of your personality.

Stepping out of your comfort zone can be exhilarating and empowering, and it can lead to personal growth and a greater sense of self-confidence.

So, embrace the unknown and let solo travel take you on a journey of self-discovery and adventure.

Increased self-confidence and independence

Traveling alone has a profound impact on your self-confidence and independence. When you’re on your own in a new place, you have to rely on yourself to navigate unfamiliar surroundings and make decisions.

This forces you to be resourceful and find solutions to problems, such as getting lost or booking transportation.

Successfully overcoming these challenges can give you a tremendous confidence boost and a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, traveling solo allows you to shape your experience exactly how you want it.

Whether you want to socialize and meet new people or spend hours alone with a book, you have the freedom to do so without judgment.

This independence and the ability to make your own decisions can greatly enhance your self-confidence and empower you in all areas of life.

Exploring new cultures and meeting new people

Immersion in local customs and traditions.

When you travel alone, you have the unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the local customs and traditions of the places you visit.

Without the distractions of companionship, you can fully engage with the local culture and truly experience the authenticity of your destination.

From participating in traditional ceremonies and festivals to trying local cuisine and learning about ancient customs, solo travel allows you to connect with the local community on a deeper level.

By immersing yourself in the local way of life, you gain a greater understanding and appreciation for different cultures, broadening your perspective and enriching your travel experience.

So, embrace the chance to immerse yourself in local customs and traditions, and let solo travel open your eyes to the beauty and diversity of the world.

Opportunity to make meaningful connections

Traveling alone not only allows you to explore new cultures but also provides an incredible opportunity to make meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.

When you’re on your own, you’re more approachable and open to meeting new people. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with a fellow traveler at a local cafe or joining a group tour, solo travel creates the perfect environment for forming genuine connections.

These connections can lead to lifelong friendships, cultural exchanges, and even collaborations on future adventures.

By stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities and the chance to create lasting memories with like-minded individuals.

So, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make meaningful connections while traveling alone. You never know who you might meet and the impact they may have on your life.

Experiencing different perspectives and ways of life

Traveling alone provides a unique opportunity to experience different perspectives and ways of life. When you venture out on your own, you are more likely to engage with locals and immerse yourself in the local culture.

By interacting with people from different backgrounds and experiencing their way of life, you gain a deeper understanding of the world and broaden your own perspective.

Whether it’s learning about traditional customs, trying new foods, or participating in local traditions, solo travel allows you to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace the diversity of the world.

Through these experiences, you not only gain knowledge but also develop empathy and a greater appreciation for different cultures.

So, embrace the chance to experience different perspectives and ways of life while traveling alone, and let it enrich your journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

These connections can lead to lifelong friendships, cultural exchanges, and even collaborations on future adventures. By stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities and the chance to create lasting memories with like-minded individuals.

Enhancing problem-solving and decision-making skills

Taking full responsibility for your travel experience.

When you travel alone, you are solely responsible for your travel experience. This means making all the decisions, from choosing your destination to planning your itinerary and handling any unexpected situations that may arise.

Taking full responsibility for your travel experience enhances your problem-solving and decision-making skills. It requires you to think critically, adapt to new environments, and find creative solutions to challenges along the way.

By navigating through unfamiliar territories and relying on your own judgment, you develop a sense of resourcefulness and resilience that can be applied to various aspects of your life.

This newfound confidence and ability to take charge not only enrich your solo travel experience but also empower you both personally and professionally.

So, embrace the opportunity to take full responsibility for your travel experience and watch as your problem-solving and decision-making skills flourish.

Learning to adapt to unexpected situations

Traveling alone provides a unique opportunity to learn how to adapt to unexpected situations.

When you’re on your own in a foreign country, you don’t have the luxury of relying on others to solve problems for you. Instead, you have to think on your feet and come up with creative solutions to navigate through unfamiliar territory.

Whether it’s dealing with a missed flight, getting lost in a new city, or facing a language barrier, solo travel teaches you how to stay calm, think critically, and find your way out of challenging situations.

These experiences not only enhance your problem-solving and decision-making skills but also build your resilience and resourcefulness.

So, embrace the unexpected and let solo travel teach you the valuable skill of adaptability.

Developing resourcefulness and resilience

Traveling alone requires you to be resourceful and resilient. Without the support of others, you must rely on your own problem-solving skills to navigate through unfamiliar situations.

From finding your way around a new city to dealing with unexpected challenges, solo travel pushes you to think creatively and find solutions on your own.

This process of problem-solving and adapting to new environments helps you develop a sense of resourcefulness and resilience that can be applied to various aspects of your life.

By embracing the challenges of solo travel, you not only enhance your problem-solving and decision-making skills but also build the confidence to overcome obstacles in other areas of your life.

So, embrace the opportunity to develop resourcefulness and resilience through solo travel and watch as these skills positively impact your personal and professional growth.

Gaining a sense of accomplishment and empowerment

Traveling alone allows you to gain a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. When you embark on a solo journey, every decision and action is solely your own.

From planning your itinerary to navigating through unfamiliar places, you take full responsibility for your travel experience.

This sense of control and independence can be incredibly empowering, boosting your self-confidence and self-esteem.

As you successfully navigate through challenges and overcome obstacles on your own, you develop a sense of accomplishment that can translate into other areas of your life.

So, embrace the opportunity to travel alone and experience the empowering feeling of achieving your goals and taking charge of your own journey.

Embracing solitude and self-reflection

Time for introspection and self-care.

Traveling alone provides valuable time for introspection and self-care. When you are on your own, you have the freedom to focus on yourself and your needs without any distractions.

This dedicated time allows you to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and goals, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself.

Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or simply enjoying moments of solitude, solo travel provides the perfect environment for self-reflection and self-care.

It gives you the opportunity to disconnect from the daily stressors of life and recharge your mind and body.

By embracing this time for introspection and self-care, you can enhance your self-awareness, cultivate mindfulness, and foster a greater sense of well-being.

So, take advantage of the solitude that comes with traveling alone and use it as a time for personal growth and rejuvenation.

Opportunity to disconnect from daily stressors

Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or simply enjoying moments of solitude, solo travel provides the perfect environment for self-reflection and self-care. It gives you the opportunity to disconnect from the daily stressors of life and recharge your mind and body.

Recharging and rejuvenating your mind and body

This dedicated time allows you to reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and goals, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or simply enjoying moments of solitude, solo travel provides the perfect environment for self-reflection and self-care.

It gives you the opportunity to disconnect from the daily stressors of life and recharge your mind and body. By embracing this time for introspection and self-care, you can enhance your self-awareness, cultivate mindfulness, and foster a greater sense of well-being.

Traveling alone offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the daily stressors of life. Without the distractions of work, relationships, and responsibilities, you can fully immerse yourself in the present moment and focus on your own well-being.

Whether it’s exploring a new destination, indulging in self-care activities, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet, solo travel allows you to escape the pressures of everyday life and recharge your mind and body.

By disconnecting from the daily stressors, you can reduce anxiety, improve mental clarity, and restore your overall sense of balance and harmony. So, take this chance to step away from the hustle and bustle and prioritize your own self-care during your solo adventures.

Deepening self-awareness and mindfulness

Additionally, it increases self-confidence and independence, allows for the exploration of new cultures and the meeting of new people, and enhances problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Moreover, it provides a space for embracing solitude and self-reflection, recharging and rejuvenating the mind and body, and deepening self-awareness and mindfulness.

So, if you’re looking for a transformative and empowering experience, consider embarking on a solo travel adventure and unlock the countless benefits it has to offer.

Why travelling alone is better?

Advantages of solo travel include it broadens your horizons, forces you out of your comfort zone, gives you the opportunity to meet new people, and creates new memories.

What does Traveling alone say about a person?

Solo travellers will usually be equipped with a degree of self-confidence. But this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be an outgoing, extrovert personality: many solo travellers enjoy the solitude of their own company without the need to make lifelong friends with everyone they meet.

What does travelling alone teach you?

New experiences can give you more confidence and make you more creative. Travelling alone can challenge you in different ways, allowing you to develop into a well-rounded individual. One of the best things about travelling solo is that you make your own decisions on where to go, what to do, and what to eat.

Why traveling is a great idea?

Travel takes us out of our comfort zones and inspires us to see, taste and try new things. It constantly challenges us, not only to adapt to and explore new surroundings, but also to engage with different people, to embrace adventures as they come and to share new and meaningful experiences with friends and loved ones.

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Traveling Alone – Shed Your Fears and Feel Empowered

Traveling alone can be scary at first but the rewards far outweigh the intimidation. With good planning, research, and a journaling technique, ace your solo adventure, reflect on it, and share it with others. 

But most importantly, you can grow. Because when you travel alone, you challenge yourself. And when you challenge yourself, you learn about your limits, and abilities, and learn how to push them. And that is one of the ways we grow and break through personal challenges.

In this post, I will discuss the benefits of solo travel and the adversities you can face when you travel alone.

Why You Should Travel Alone at Least Once In Your Life

Most people think that people who travel alone are crazy. If not for the safety concerns, for the solidarity. After all, great memories are meant to be shared right? 

Well, yes they are. But much like hiking or fishing alone, there’s a special purpose to solo travel. And that purpose is to better oneself by learning more about who you are when you’re with yourself.

Imagine a breathtaking landscape—the sound of its nature, the feel of its air, the smell of its earth. It’s just you and that place. Now imagine it with other people. These two experiences aren’t the same. So why not have them both? 

When we travel alone we have the freedom to go where the wind takes us, and that’s where true adventure lies. Apart from adventure, being alone in exciting new places is empowering.

Think about telling someone that you just returned home from Paris with your family. You likely did the standard tourist gig of museums, restaurants, shopping, and historical places. You kept to yourselves, had to keep everyone happy, and didn’t go off the beaten path.

Now think about telling someone that you just returned from Paris from a solo trip. Immediately their eyebrows raise because that’s not only impressive but interesting. And it’s interesting because no one could possibly anticipate the adventure you had.

And that’s empowering. When we travel alone we get a sense of pride that we can conquer so much more. Maybe it’s a project or work. Or maybe it’s a new chapter in life or grief. 

There’s an incredible sense of self-worth, growth, pride, and empowerment that comes to use when we travel alone.

The Hurdles and Rewards of Traveling Alone

When people think of travel, their minds are often filled with images of full moon parties in the Asian tropics, backpacking through the medieval streets of Europe, or going on an adventure trek through exotic jungles.

But solo travel is so much more than these romanticized adventures. 

Solo travel is about getting out of your comfort zone, exploring new things, and gaining a better understanding of yourself and the world around you. It builds character and confidence, and leaves you cultured with a deeper understanding of just how small we all are on this grand design we call “Earth.”

Getting out of your comfort zone can be intimidating. There are times when a traveler must go at it alone, and in doing so, they will walk into a world unraveled from the familiar.

Taking a drive on the opposite side of the road , for example, is terrifying! But there is beauty in this. Around every corner lies excitement, exploration, and real culture, but only if the traveler can overcome the hurdles that come with traveling alone.

The Rewards of Solo Traveling

Traveling alone is a completely separate experience from traveling with someone you know. Exploring new lands with a group is an experience in and of itself.

The way a traveler takes in their surroundings changes when they’re with a travel partner. Go at it alone they have no option but to experience it themselves, in a manner that cannot be colored by anyone else other than the locals they are experiencing it with.

Dropping the other members of a group also means that the traveler operates on their own time and pace. No longer are they waiting for the slowest member of the group to get things rolling, or being rushed to a museum or tourist spot by a well-meaning guide because they had to keep a schedule.

By going at it alone, the traveler can truly savor the sights, sounds, and experiences offered by their destination. Likewise, they also have the ability to skip things that are of no interest to them simply.

What are some of the hurdles?

The feeling of aloneness is often a source of woe to solo travelers because it forces them to face their fears, both internally and externally. Humans are, by nature, social creatures, so when the concept of a social support structure is removed from the equation, it triggers a quasi-fight or flight response.

In this sense, a flight response would be to remove themselves from a particular situation (e. g. leave that area, go back to somewhere familiar, go home).

The fight response is tackling the problem head-on, enduring the pains but also enjoying the rewards of doing something correctly. For decades now, lone voyagers would seek social solace in places like dorms or hostels. Here, they would find fellow journeymen and others seeking a reprieve from the road.

The world has never been closer thanks to technology. These days, if a traveler has a stable WiFi connection they can chat, call, or even carry on a video conversation with friends and relatives overseas on the other side of the globe.

Some purists believe that this constant connectivity is ruining the travel experience. There may be some truth to this, but for the vast majority of vagabonds, the internet represents an emergency parachute that they can use to save their trip as much as their sanity.

But the whole idea begins with respect. As a traveler, it is imperative that you treat locals and fellow travelers alike with respect as well as demand some yourself.

Using one’s common sense is also high on the list, as well as keeping yourself informed of any hostile activities in the area. If the government and tourist websites say that you should avoid a city, town, or area at night, do not proceed to walk down there in the dark with jewelry displayed.

Travelers should also travel with confidence, or at least with an air of trust. Crime exists in all parts of the world , and just like in the animal kingdom they are attracted to creatures that look like and act like prey.

It is not to say that a traveler should be unfriendly, but it does mean that they walk, talk, and act with strength. Predators are not prone to attack prey that looks like they are more than willing to put up a fight.

You should understand ways to avoid being a target of crime when traveling , especially when you’re alone.

Traveling alone reveals truths about a person that they may not be comfortable with. But breaking down that barrier gives an opportunity to see the world at their speed, truly savor experiences and make a lasting connection to people and places.

You can mentally profit from the experience as well as financially (if you decide to publish essays on your adventures) all while creating incredible memories as part of your legacy.

While traveling alone will test a person’s will as well as their cunning, intellect, and ability to overcome hardship nothing will empower a human more. So, what are you waiting for? 

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Christa Thompson is the Founder and Chief Editor of The Fairytale Traveler. She started traveling the world in 2003 when she attended a summer abroad study at the University of Cambridge in England. Since then, her wanderlust has been fierce. Her three passions in life are her son, traveling, and being creative. The Fairytale Traveler brand gives Christa the opportunity to do all of these things and to live intentionally every day. "It's never too late to believe in what you love and to pursue your dreams." -Christa Thompson

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Why travelling alone is the best impulse decision I ever made

Approximately 35,000 feet in the air and headed 3,000 miles away from home, I was ready to immerse myself into idiosyncratic Portland, Oregon culture for the five days with nothing more than a backpack full of clothes. Even though this was a seemingly elementary trip, my brain kept wrestling over and over with this errant decision to pick a place on the U.S. map and book a flight. I had never been to the west coast and had certainly never traveled by myself. But I was desperate to make a change in my life.

At the time (two-years-ago), I was living in a cyclical panic of late twenties depression fueled by zero money , no upward job mobility and a recurring internal alarm whenever a person would walk too close to me or I would wind up in a room without a quick escape. My anxiety was becoming a massive structure that I couldn’t scale (or treat due to the job situation ), and I was finding it hard to really see the positives in the world around me. It was truly exhausting trying to navigate these symptoms that kept me from much at all — nonetheless travel. In the most self-actualizing of efforts, I decided that I needed to live like another person for a few days. Cue the solo travel.

Travelling Solo: An Exercise in Self-Confidence

I did a quick search for travel-friendly cities and landed on Portland, Oregon. The decision shot a nervous pang throughout my body even though it was very much the perfect city to escape to: public transit, cool art, food trucks. Still, my anxiety wouldn’t let me forget that I was going to be alone across the country while having to navigate my anxiety in a brand new setting with known triggers (meeting new people, eating alone , not being in full control). My finger slowly made its way to the track-pad on my computer; repeatedly telling myself this was a way to stand at the precipice of my fears and acknowledge them. Click. Booked . Done.

Alone Time Why you should be spending more time alone

“There is a really wonderful circular relationship between self-esteem and traveling. Traveling in itself is an act of confidence. The fact that you went somewhere by yourself demonstrates strength,” says licensed psychologist Dr. Chloe Carmichael Peet . “If you do something that requires a certain amount of strength or independence, you then see yourself as a stronger and more independent person. Your behavior is reinforcing a positive self-esteem. As your self-esteem grows, you start engaging in more independent, self-serving behaviors.”

Truthfully, I couldn’t pinpoint where the travel antidote came from. Images of happy women taking charge of their lives stamped an impression into my brain of the person I wanted to be, but felt I couldn’t — a woman who can pick up and go and feel confident in all of her decisions. I am, perhaps, the Diane Lane or Julia Roberts of the modern millennial woman — except without a closet full of tans and taupes to pass through metal detectors on my introspective journey.

Finding the Power in Being Alone

Previously, the idea of me getting on a plane and flying anywhere seemed far away from any agency I’d allow myself to have. Cool girls with bottomless bank accounts take weekend solo trips — certainly not me: a person forever amidst an adult acne breakout with mmmaaaayyyybbbbeeeee $200 to her name at any given time. Plus, there is the inherent risks of traveling by yourself. There is no one to hold you accountable for missteps, help you map out each destination, gut check you if you happen to stray into an unsavory bar or whisk you away to the restroom to tell you the guy you’ve been chatting with has murdery vibes. You are the only line of defense against the elements.

That first time, I sat in the airport Dunkin Donuts for one full hour before I could peel myself away from the terminal and make my way to my Airbnb. Walking outside would mean I’d leave the safety of my bacon, egg and cheese to immerse myself in the surroundings of the pacific-northwest. I felt more alone than I ever have in my entire life — almost as if everyone in that airport could tell I was cowering behind my breakfast sandwich in fear. “Many people feel uncomfortable being alone in general, and especially in public. They may feel that others are judging them and they tend to overestimate how much they stick out to others and how unusual it is to be by yourself,” says licensed psychologist Dr. Margot Levin .

The ability to be okay with being by yourself, to not need constant stimulation and company, is extremely empowering.

But I did it, and did it well. I made my way to every touristy spot, chatted with the locals, made out with a cute guy at a bar and even got a sizeable tattoo on the back of my arm. Levin’s statement echoes through that first experience, and I came out on the other side enfranchised. “The ability to be okay with being by yourself, to not need constant stimulation and company, is extremely empowering. It opens up choices for you that are not contingent on what others want and it enables you to be out in the world with others and then be with yourself to reflect, to regroup and to feel replenished.”

When I got back from Portland, I felt such a relief from my anxiousness. The things that bothered me prior were a blip on my mental radar — pushing myself out of my comfort zone so much that I had no choice but to compartmentalize that tension and move forward with keeping myself fed, housed and safe so far away from my home.

Six solo trips under my fastened seat belt later and the noticeable difference in my confidence, self-esteem and decision-making has sparked this incredibly positive change — all from a simple decision to hop on a plane alone. After Portland came Kansas, Utah, Wisconsin, Texas and Chicago. Each one solo, each one with its own challenges, but each one a deeply personal learning experience of how I handle myself when I’m not in the comfort of my Brooklyn apartment.

I felt confident and in control of my every step — something I wasn’t used to back in New York where my schedule, anxiety and lack of self-worth dictated my every move.

Every solo dining experience became easier and talking to people became less horrific and more routine. I felt confident and in control of my every step — something I wasn’t used to back in New York where my schedule, anxiety and lack of self-worth dictated my every move. I walked through the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry like a pro and chatted up the bartender at a bar in East Portland; forever thinking, who am I? I was living this inconspicuous life where no one knew who I was, which made it easier for me to put my needs first and relax. Now, past stresses like direction seeking, unaccompanied dinners and asking guys out on dates don’t even register in my brain as something to worry about.

Of course, you don’t have to be on a personal self-help journey like I was. Solo travel in general is exhilarating ! I find that one of the best parts is being incognito at all times. Anonymity is a powerful tool when you’re in a brand new city. “When going through challenges related to loneliness or anxiety it can be helpful to stay mindful of the growth opportunities from solo travel. We are out of our comfort zone but have the safety of anonymity,” says clinical psychologist Dr. Jon Belford . Yes, I do still feel that overwhelming rush while opening the door to a restaurant I’ve never been in to have sets of eyes turn in my direction to wonder who’s this new person? But, being an outsider is a back pocket secret when you start to feel vanquished. Basically, know one knows who you are, so live and breathe in that experience.

Your Solo Travel Toolkit

Start small: Jumping on a plane across the country is not everyone’s idea of a self-help experience. Catapulting yourself into a vastly different region might lead to more anxiety. If that's the case, but you also want to find a way to integrate travel into you life, I always suggest taking incrementally long bike rides or day trips. I did this in preparation of the introspection and decision-making that comes with being by yourself for long periods of time. Hopping on a bus or train and heading to a different part of town helps the initial push.

Remember why you're there: Another reminder is to remember why you’re there so that you don’t lose focus of your main objective. For me, it’s a way to get rid of negative personal feelings by strengthening my relationship to myself. Others may need a creative boost that a new place can provide. In either case, Peet recommends assigning words of purpose to your travel so that you stay focused on your original mission. “It can be helpful to think of three words as a theme for your trip. Maybe your words for a trip are: resilience, adventure and relaxation. You can always remind yourself that this trip is all about you and your practice with those three words. That way, if you’re not getting a lot of friendly connections, you can still find a way to feel good about the experience,” says Peet .

Know it will get easier: My last solo trip landed me in Chicago where I sprung from the airport, dashed to the closest train and felt thrilled to explore an entirely new city on my own — no more hiding in Dunkin' Donuts. Once I got to my hotel, I itched to drag myself along every single street even though it had started pouring rain. I bought show tickets, made my way to Wicker Park and visited all the best brunch places around the loop. It is, now, less of a task to break myself out of my comfort zone and more of a new individual tradition. Sometimes I get nervous when I enter a new bar or have to eat by myself, but I’m then reminded of that one act of personal grit by the broken woman I was two years ago. She was nervous but did it; so I can do it. And I promise, you can do it, too.

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Travelling Alone or in a Group Essay

Which option is better: traveling by yourself or with friends? This essay answers the question! It focuses on the benefits and drawbacks of solo travel.

Introduction

• Pros & Cons of Solo Travel

Different people have different opinions regarding their travel arrangements. Whereas there are individuals who prefer to travel alone, on the other hand, others are more comfortable travelling in a group. Regardless of the option arrived at there are various advantages and disadvantages associated with either of the two options.

There is need therefore to explore whether it is better to travel alone or with a tour group. The essay shall endeavor to compare and contrast travelling alone with travelling in a group and uncover the benefits and drawbacks associated with both of these two forms of travelling.

Travelling Alone or in a Group: Pros & Cons

Traveling in a group allows one to meet new friends and exchange experiences. This helps to add fun to travelling because of the many new ideas that the individual members of the group comes with. In addition, diversity in terms of the experiences of the travelers enables one to appreciate their unique cultural heritage.

On the other hand, travelling in a group denies one the chance of being alone because you are always surrounded by other people. As such, one cannot avoid annoying travelers and you have to learn how to deal with them. In contrast, traveling alone gives one the freedom to explore new experiences without restrictions. As such, can do what pleases him/her without fear that others will criticize him/her.

Travelling in a group also limits one’s chances of meeting new people because it is far much easier to approach an individual as opposed to a group. Travelling alone enables one to become flexible in terms of for example how you spend your day, or what you eat. However, there is the danger of boredom and you have no one to share your experiences with.

Travelling in a group is also beneficial in that it allows you to lower your cost of travelling. This is because there is the possibility of sharing such facilities as the guest room, splitting food and drinks bills, and travelling costs as well. For example, it is much cheaper for a group of 5 travelers to split the traveling cost of hiring a cab, as opposed o a single traveler who would be expected to pay a similar amount for the same distance.

On the other hand, travelling in a group could result in an issue of conflict when it comes to the issue of offsetting bills. For example, some members of the group may decline to pay the stipulated amount of money because in their opinion, they have not incurred the costs that they are expected to foot. In addition, travelling in a group also denies one the flexibility of choosing for example where to stay or what to eat because you have to reach a compromise with the rest of the group.

Travelling in a group therefore puts one in danger of falling prey to a “herd” mentality whereby one ends up agreeing with the wishes of the majority as opposed to saying exactly what you want. On the other hand, travelling alone gives one the needed freedom to choose what he/she wants.

Moreover, traveling in a group allows one to enhance his/her communication and personal relations. Consequently, one gets to learn how best to get along with others, and this ensures that throughout the trip, you are never lost for company. In contrast, there are individuals who do not generally get along well with others and as such, they prefer to remain alone. They are therefore better off traveling alone to avoid straining their communication and personal relations.

Whether one is traveling alone or in a group, there are various advantages and disadvantages associated with each of the two travel arrangements. Regardless of the choice that an individual traveler makes, one should always ensure that they settle on the option that will result in the most fulfilling experience.

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IvyPanda. (2023, October 28). Travelling Alone or in a Group Essay. https://ivypanda.com/essays/travel-alone-with-a-tour-group/

"Travelling Alone or in a Group Essay." IvyPanda , 28 Oct. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/travel-alone-with-a-tour-group/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'Travelling Alone or in a Group Essay'. 28 October.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Travelling Alone or in a Group Essay." October 28, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/travel-alone-with-a-tour-group/.

1. IvyPanda . "Travelling Alone or in a Group Essay." October 28, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/travel-alone-with-a-tour-group/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Travelling Alone or in a Group Essay." October 28, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/travel-alone-with-a-tour-group/.

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Why Travelling Alone Is a Great Idea

I’m a very social creature, to the point where a day without any human interaction can seem unbelievably hard to get through. So, naturally, travelling alone seemed like a foreign, stressful concept to me, until I tried it and ended up learning a lot about myself and the world around me.

Once again, my Erasmus plays a major role in this story, because this is when it all started, this is when I discovered the beauty of travelling alone. I now know that I don’t always like it but I often need it and so, this is why and how I decided to make it part of my life.

The first time I travelled alone, it was February. I had just left my city, my country and my old life, heading towards the great adventure of Erasmus. While planning this escape from my reality, I decided to make the most out of that first journey, so before I reached my final destination, I made a stop in Prague. It was early in the afternoon, the ground was covered in snow and I was shaking with excitement as I stepped out of the hostel to discover the Czech capital for the first time. I admit it felt strange to be alone. I needed someone to share my excitement with but soon enough I found out that when you travel alone, it’s written all over your face. At least that’s the case for me. It had never been easier to start conversations with complete strangers and, soon enough, I found myself chatting with a lovely Canadian girl I met in the Old Town square and spending my evenings in the kitchen of the hostel, hanging out with a fellow guest from Russia.

There’s something beautiful about spending time with people you have just met, knowing you’ll probably never see them again. So that day, I enjoyed my walk with the Canadian girl and when we parted ways, I got lost in the streets of the city in a way that I had never gotten lost when I’ve been with somebody. I wouldn’t normally notice the architecture of the buildings the way I did that day, I wouldn’t notice the people walking by, living their normal lives, I wouldn’t stand in the middle of the square, soaking up the world around me.

If I’m being honest, soon enough, my social side emerged and it took a while until my next solo trip. I planned a few trips with friends and truly enjoyed those experiences, but I found myself needing to do things at my own pace. I made a promise to myself: the next time I catch a bus to go somewhere, I’ll do it alone.

It didn’t take me long to fulfill that promise. One early morning, I hopped on a bus and travelled to Krakow. I recall feeling terrified that it would be too lonely for me, after spending months of travelling with groups of friends. I was surprised to find out that those three days I took to be alone, helped me relax, find my peace of mind, and enjoy this wonderful city the way I felt suited me best.

Being someone who likes being around people, I would've never guessed how refreshing and inspirational it would be for me to travel and spend some time with me, myself and I as my only company, how it would help me feel better in my own skin and more confident when talking to a stranger.  

Travelling alone means you get to plan the exact course of your trip the way you want it, it means you get to do things at your own pace… but, in my experience, it means you find a piece of yourself every time you do it.  

Your own big adventure is out there. All you have to do is take the next step.

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9 Reasons Why To Travel Alone & Why Solo Travel is Important

• April 11, 2021 April 11, 2021

Before you totally fall in love with solo travelling let me answer some of your inner questions and doubts. One of the most frequently asked queries is: why to even bother travelling solo? Let me quickly convince you by listing here 9 solid reasons why to travel alone. Read why solo travel is important and why you should explore the world on your own at least once in your life. 

UPDATED: 11th April 2021

Playing with the idea of going abroad alone but lacking the courage or motivation? Everyone has to start somewhere to learn how to become a lone wolf! To make your new path as easy as possible, I put together 9 reasons why to travel alone and why solo travel is important. Enjoy it and let me know in the comments below what is your personal reason to travel the world unaccompanied.

NOTE: These are 9 reasons why to travel alone which I gathered myself. This is not a close list. You can find another 10, 100 or even 1000 more reasons to travel solo. It is also fine to travel alone without any single reason. Just do whatever your heart desires!

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1, You Own Your Own Time

The aim of solo travel is not getting away from all the people in your life. The goal is to own your own time. Literally. Some of you might have possibly experienced travelling with companions who for one reason or another keep on wasting your precious time.

As a lone-wolf wandering around you decide where to go, when, as well as who – if anyone – to go with.

You get to wake up when you want, you taste the type of local specialities if and when you feel like it, the way that you want and no one tries to persuade you to do the opposite.

You are the king or the queen with the final decision over every single moment of your journey. Nobody steals your time, nobody changes your plans, nobody strikes activities in your schedule. The time is fully yours. 

2, Nobody Tells You What to Do

Everyone is familiar with this scenario: you’ve spent the entire previous day with planning and scheduling every single castle, church, park, ruin, hill and tree you want to see.

Or the opposite, you’ve decided to be spontaneous and just go with the flow of your feelings. Everything is perfect until the ‘other person’ comes and spoils it all by demanding to do things a different way. 

When you travel alone, nobody tells you what to do and how your trips shall look like. Moreover, nobody gets hurt and offended because nobody’s expectations endure.  

The person you travel with influences your trip in such a tremendous way! The most important thing is to understand that the influence is completely well-earned because he or she can also express opinions on things and adjust the schedules and plans.

That is the deal of travelling with somebody – we are talking about finding a consensus. And you can be dealing with bursts of both-sided happiness, but as well one-sided frustrations and dissatisfaction. Unless of course, you get out on your own.

3, You Experience Your Own Pure Feelings

Why is travelling solo that important? Because you can finally experience your own pure feelings! When you travel solo, you usually feel and experience more than because there are no distractions or setback around. 

Nobody influences your feelings with their emotions or opinions. There is only you, the place, the gorgeous land around and the atmosphere. No filter in between, pure reality only.

You can fully breathe in the vibes of the place, to feel it deep in your veins, body and mind. Because there is just one and only perception – yours. 

When travelling alone, you can enjoy the place in much deeper ways as when going with others. You can focus just on the pure experience without any outside influence or interference. You can enjoy the moment to the fullest and the moment is all yours.

4, Travelling Alone Helps You to Discover Your Deepest Alter Egos

Why to travel solo? Because you can start again with a clean slate, right after you find out everything about your deepest alter egos.

Nothing in life is more important than getting to know yourself. Realising your weaknesses and fears and accepting them is an essential part of growing as a person. You can’t find happiness in life without loving yourself and you can’t love yourself until you truly get to know yourself!

When traveling alone you are exposed to doubts and dreads, challenges and life missions that you wouldn’t normally encounter. You are out there alone! 

This is the best experience how to cope with yourself and how to find out who you really are. You can learn to forgive your sins and put the mistakes and bad paths you’ve been down behind you.

RECOMMENDED => What Travelling Alone Teaches You 

5, When You Travel Alone the World Looks Different

Every single person on Earth perceives reality differently.  When you travel with others your experiences and opinions are inevitably influenced by these people.

While this isn’t always necessarily a bad thing, it can be a detriment to your own perception. Especially if you are unfortunate enough to be surrounded by negative people.

When in the company of others, the places, the streets around, the food you eat, the people you meet and the atmosphere are never the same as when you are relying on your own senses and feelings only.

 If you want to get the real feel for a place then go on your own. Travelling alone is important to encounter the world in its purest way.  The way only you see it! 

6, Travelling Solo Inspires You to Be More Creative

Inspiration is everywhere and great ideas usually wait for the best momentum to come. There can’t be a better moment than the one when you are alone surrounded by nature.

Have you ever heard about famous writers, photographers or other artists and their deepest passion in solitude? I bet you did! Hemingway loved to praise the power of loneliness too.

Thoreau, Orwell, Twain and more writers just locked themselves in remote cabins to get the genious sentences out. (If you’re interested to read more about solitude and writers, see this blogpost about loneliness ). 

Loneliness itself is not a reason why to travel solo but being alone abroad is definitely one of the most effective ways on how to boost your concentration, inspiration and creativity.

Solo travel is important when you need to clear your head, think about your life or finally kick up those creative motions inside of you! It is incredibly inspiring mostly for people who love writing – check out how long are the pieces I wrote during my solo travel trips (example: San Sebastian guide ). 

7, You’re Pushed to Get to Know New People

There are at last two types of solo travellers. Those introvert ones who travel solo to experience the world alone, uninfluenced by others. They like being alone in general. 

The more extroverted solo travellers wander alone because they don’t need any companion on their trips. They usually make friends effortlessly and even if they travel solo, they are never lonely. 

I consider myself being the introvert solo traveller.  I do travel alone to explore the world alone because I want to do whatever I like to do. Also, I do not need to meet anybody on my travels.

Why would you want to meet some weird strangers if you’ve decided to go solo? Here comes the unravelling. Meeting locals or other travellers is part of the solo travel experience.

It is a great way how to overcome your shyness, your communication blockers or how to listen to sorts of crazy stories of random people. And this kind of stories will become unforgettable. 

Travelling alone is important for both introverts and extroverts. Solo travel helps to improve social skills of naturally closed natures. (And do not you lie to yourself, we all need social skills.) It also feeds the curiosity and human touch cravings of extroverts who need to make friends around the world!

Meet new people on your solo travels, listen to their stories, get inspired and inspire them! Expand your horizons to the maximum.

8, When Travelling Solo You Avoid Frustrations and Disappointments

This is another great reason why to travel solo! To avoid hurting other peoples’ feelings by failing to reach their expectations, avoid disappointed faces or broken promises. 

When exploring the world solo you cannot be disappointed or disappoint anyone else. You always reach and get what you want because there is never anyone in your way.

I know this may sound incredible selfish, and it goes against all the ‘sharing is caring’ philosophies. But is sharing a frustration caring as well?

We all need some time alone. We need to kick our energies back, to relax, to have a break from the overwhelming world of relationships and families where you really have to follow some rules to respect the ones you respect and love.

That is why travelling alone is important. You don’t have to do it always, and you don’t need to travel through seven seas and oceans. You can try to disappear only for a couple of days to find your inner peace and balance. 

It is not only me talking, science proves it too.

As published on Forbes : ‘being alone can help you build mental strength, and it increases empathy’.

Don’t we all deserve some time without people commenting on your actions? Without people moaning because they had a different travel idea in their head? 

Why frustrate people and get frustrated yourself when you can easily avoid this aggravation? How? Going there on your own!

9, Your Self-esteem & Self-confidence Will Grow to Its Healthiest Limit

Defeat your doubts and grasp hold of the fearless savage living within you. One of the best ways to boost your self-esteem and self-confidence is by travelling, exploring, getting know the unknown and trying new and undiscovered things.

Prove to yourself that you’re better that you’ve ever thought. Show yourself and others you are fearless and independent!

As previously mentioned, one of the reasons to travel solo is to know more about yourself. Self-knowledge goes together with self-esteem and self-confidence.

The more you experience on your own, the wiser and braver you are. These are one of the attributes for a healthy self-love. 

Solo travelling is a great way to trust yourself, to spend some quality time with the only person who never leaves you – yourself again!  You’ll start believing in your abilities, you will learn how to rely on your guts and will grow as much as you afford yourself to grow. 

All these will result in a healthily self-confident individual. Who will thrive from such a happy self-esteemed individual? Basically, everybody around you!

It is not a secret that healthy self-esteem improves relationships, productivity at work and helps ourselves to relax. (Source: mayoclinic )

This is Why Solo Travel is Important

Yes, travelling solo has plenty of benefits.

Travelling alone can be important only for a particular phase of your life. It can also be your never-ending treat. Whatever makes you happier and whatever brings you joy and self empowerment.

It is totally fine to travel solo to forget a painful breakup, to save yourself from a toxic relationship, to think about restructuring your life.  It is normal to travel alone only because your friends or a partner don’t have time to do it.

Try travelling alone it at least once in life. You can start with a small local trip. It can change your thinking and possibly give you one of the best stories of your life to tell to your grandparents before a good night sleep.

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Why Travelling Alone is a Great Idea: Discover the Benefits of Solo Adventures

Travelling alone can be a daunting experience, but it can also be one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself. It's an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, discover new things about yourself, and gain a newfound sense of independence. While it may seem scary at first, solo travel can be an incredibly enriching experience that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

One of the biggest benefits of solo travel is the freedom it provides. You have complete control over your itinerary, allowing you to explore new places at your own pace and on your own terms. You don't have to worry about compromising with others or missing out on something you really want to do. Instead, you can focus on the things that interest you most and create a trip that is truly tailored to your interests and needs.

Travelling alone also provides an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. Whether it's striking up a conversation with a fellow traveler at a hostel or joining a local tour group, solo travel forces you out of your shell and encourages you to be more open and sociable. It's a chance to connect with people from all walks of life and learn about new cultures and perspectives.

Key Takeaways

• Solo travel provides freedom and independence to explore new places on your own terms.
• It's an opportunity to meet new people and make new friends from all over the world.
• While it can be scary at first, solo travel can be an incredibly enriching experience that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

The Benefits of Solo Travel

Traveling alone can be a life-changing experience that offers many benefits. Here are some of the advantages of embarking on a solo trip:

Ultimate Freedom

One of the most significant advantages of traveling alone is the ultimate freedom it provides. You can create your own itinerary, choose your own destinations, and set your own pace. You don't have to worry about pleasing anyone else or compromising on your travel plans. You can eat, sleep, and explore whenever and wherever you want, without any restrictions.

Empowerment

Solo travel can be empowering, as it forces you to step out of your comfort zone and take control of your own journey. You'll learn how to make decisions on your own, navigate new places, and overcome challenges. This can boost your self-confidence and help you grow as a person.

Traveling alone also provides an opportunity for reflection and self-discovery. You can take the time to reflect on your life, your goals, and your dreams. You can disconnect from the distractions of everyday life and focus on your own thoughts and feelings. This can be a great way to gain clarity and inspiration.

Overall, solo travel is not without its cons, such as feelings of loneliness or anxiety, but the pros outweigh the cons. It can be an approachable way to travel, especially for women, and it provides opportunities for new connections, new experiences, and personal growth. Plus, it can be budget-friendly, as you have full control over your own schedule and expenses. So, if you're looking for an adventure and want to explore the world on your own terms, consider taking a solo trip.

Meeting New People

One of the most exciting aspects of solo travel is the opportunity to meet new people and make connections. Here are some ways to connect with locals and fellow travelers:

Approachable Locals

Approaching locals can be intimidating, especially if you're in a foreign country and don't speak the language. However, many locals are friendly and welcoming to travelers. Here are some tips for approaching locals:

• Smile and make eye contact: A smile can go a long way in breaking the ice and making a connection with someone.
• Learn a few phrases in the local language: Even if you only know a few words, locals appreciate the effort and it can help you communicate better.
• Ask for recommendations: Locals are often happy to share their favorite spots and give insider tips.

Connections

Solo travel can be a great way to connect with other travelers and make new friends. Here are some ways to meet other travelers:

• Stay in hostels: Hostels are a great place to meet other solo travelers. Many hostels organize social events and activities.
• Join a group tour: Group tours are a great way to meet other travelers with similar interests. You can also connect with locals through the tour.
• Attend events and activities: Check out local events and activities, such as festivals, concerts, and classes. These are great opportunities to meet new people and have fun.

Meeting new people can be a great way to build confidence and make new friends while solo traveling. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and make connections with locals and fellow travelers.

Planning Your Solo Trip

Traveling alone can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it requires some careful planning to ensure that your trip goes smoothly. Here are some tips for planning your solo trip:

One of the benefits of traveling alone is that you have complete control over your itinerary. You can go where you want, when you want, and stay as long as you want. However, it's still important to have a rough plan in place to ensure that you make the most of your time.

Start by researching your destination and making a list of the sights and activities that interest you. Consider how long you'll need to see each attraction and factor in travel time between them. Don't forget to leave some time for relaxation and spontaneity.

Once you have a rough itinerary in place, make sure to share it with someone back home, just in case of an emergency. You can also consider using a travel app to keep track of your plans and reservations.

Traveling alone can be more expensive than traveling with a companion, as you'll be responsible for all the costs yourself. However, there are also ways to save money and stretch your budget.

Start by setting a realistic budget for your trip, including transportation, accommodation, food, and activities. Make sure to research the cost of living in your destination, as prices can vary widely.

Consider staying in hostels or using Airbnb to save money on accommodation. You can also save money on food by cooking your own meals or eating street food.

Finally, don't forget to budget for unexpected expenses and emergencies. It's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case things don't go as planned.

While solo travel can be a great adventure, it's important to be aware of the risks involved. Make sure to research your destination and be aware of any safety concerns.

Consider taking a self-defense class before you go, and always trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to leave the situation.

It's also a good idea to make copies of your passport and other important documents, and to keep them in a safe place. Finally, make sure to purchase travel insurance to protect yourself in case of an emergency.

Planning a solo trip requires some extra effort, but it can be a great way to see the world on your own terms. With some careful planning and a sense of adventure, you can have the trip of a lifetime.

Dealing with Loneliness and Anxiety

Travelling alone can be a fantastic and rewarding experience, but it can also come with its challenges. One of the most common challenges is dealing with loneliness and anxiety. Here are some tips on how to cope with these feelings while travelling solo.

Coping Mechanisms

It's important to have coping mechanisms in place before embarking on a solo trip. Some effective coping mechanisms include:

• Self-care : Take care of your physical and emotional needs. Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, and practice self-compassion.
• Stay connected : Stay in touch with friends and family back home. Use social media, messaging apps, or video calls to stay connected.
• Meet people : Join a tour group, attend events, or stay in a hostel to meet other travelers. Engage in conversations and be open to making new friends.
• Meditation : Practice meditation or mindfulness to help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
• Seek professional help : If your feelings of loneliness or anxiety persist, consider seeking professional help. Many countries have mental health resources available for travelers.

Being Alone

Being alone doesn't have to be a negative experience. Here are some ways to embrace being alone:

• Enjoy your own company : Take time to enjoy your own company. Read a book, listen to music, or write in a journal.
• Explore solo : Embrace the freedom of solo travel and explore at your own pace. Visit museums, parks, or cafes that interest you.
• Try new things : Use your solo trip as an opportunity to try new things. Take a cooking class, learn a new language, or try an adventure sport.
• Reflect : Take time to reflect on your experiences. Write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal or simply take time to reflect on your journey so far.

Remember, it's normal to feel lonely or anxious while travelling alone. But with the right coping mechanisms and mindset, you can turn these feelings into positive experiences and make the most of your solo trip.

The Downsides of Solo Travel

Travelling alone can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it's not without its downsides. In this section, we'll discuss some of the disadvantages and risks of travelling solo.

Disadvantages

One of the biggest disadvantages of travelling alone is the potential for loneliness. Without a companion to share experiences with, it can be easy to feel isolated and disconnected from the world around you. This is especially true if you're travelling for an extended period of time. However, there are ways to combat loneliness, such as staying in hostels or attending group tours.

Another disadvantage of solo travel is the lack of a safety net. When you're travelling with a companion, you have someone to watch your back and help you out if something goes wrong. When you're travelling alone, you're responsible for everything, from navigating unfamiliar cities to dealing with unexpected emergencies. This can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you're on your first solo trip.

Travelling alone also comes with certain risks. For example, solo travellers are often seen as easy targets for thieves and scammers. Without a companion to watch your back, you need to be extra vigilant about your personal safety and belongings. It's also important to research the safety of your destination before you go, and take precautions such as avoiding dangerous areas and staying in well-lit, populated areas at night.

Another risk of solo travel is the potential for accidents or illnesses. When you're travelling alone, there's no one to help you if you get sick or injured. It's important to have a plan in place for dealing with medical emergencies, such as knowing where the nearest hospital is and having appropriate travel insurance.

Overall, while there are certainly risks and disadvantages to travelling alone, many people find that the benefits outweigh the negatives. By being aware of the potential downsides and taking steps to mitigate them, you can have a safe and enjoyable solo travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of solo travel.

Solo travel can be a life-changing experience that can help you discover new things about yourself and the world around you. It allows you to have complete control over your itinerary, and you can go wherever you want, whenever you want. You can also get to know the locals and immerse yourself in the culture of the place you're visiting.

How can traveling alone enhance personal growth?

Traveling alone can help you develop independence, self-reliance, and problem-solving skills. It can also help you step out of your comfort zone and face your fears, which can be empowering. You can also learn to appreciate your own company and become more self-aware.

What are the advantages of traveling solo?

Traveling solo can be more affordable than traveling with others, as you can save money by staying in hostels or budget accommodations and eating street food. You can also avoid conflicts and disagreements that can arise when traveling with others. Additionally, solo travel can be a great way to recharge and escape from the stresses of everyday life.

What are some tips for safe solo travel?

Some tips for safe solo travel include researching your destination beforehand, avoiding dangerous areas, staying aware of your surroundings, and trusting your instincts. You can also keep your valuables safe by using a money belt or keeping them in a secure location. It's also a good idea to let someone know your itinerary and check in with them regularly.

How can solo travel improve confidence?

Solo travel can help you build confidence by forcing you to rely on yourself and make decisions on your own. You can also develop social skills by meeting new people and stepping out of your comfort zone. Additionally, overcoming challenges and obstacles can give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem.

What are the psychological benefits of traveling alone?

Traveling alone can have many psychological benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, improving mood, and increasing creativity. It can also help you gain a new perspective on life and appreciate the things you have. Overall, solo travel can be a transformative experience that can help you grow as a person.

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Solo travel for women is about freedom, in every sense of the word

Solo travel is on the rise, especially among women, but Rosita Boland has always found it the most adventurous and rewarding way to see the world

For years, decades in fact, I’ve puzzled over the knee-jerk response most people have when I tell them I (mostly) travel alone.

“You’re so brave.”

Why is it that a woman travelling alone, as I have often done for months at a time, is perceived to be “brave”, whereas men who travel alone are entirely unremarkable? Besides, in my case at least, it’s not true. You are only brave or courageous when you are afraid of something but still do it anyway. I have never been afraid of travelling alone. It doesn’t mean that there aren’t things along the way that cause me deep fear, such as overloaded buses with bald tyres on mountain roads with sheer drops, but being by myself out in the world has never scared me.

The chief joy of travelling alone is the simple act of just doing it: crossing that invisible border in your head before you ever leave home, by deciding you want to see the world anyway, even if it means doing it by yourself. What’s the alternative if you don’t happen to have a partner at certain times in your life but still long to travel, as I do? Stay at home and never go anywhere? Deny yourself all those incredible experiences you will definitely have, in addition to the more difficult ones, which you will also definitely have? It’s that prospect, the one of self-imposed stasis, that has always incited true fear. Travel has always been far too important to me to sit around waiting for a partner in crime to come along and join me.

The first time I travelled alone was by default, when I was 19. I was due to go Interrailing with a friend at the end of the summer. She was an au pair in Germany at the time, and announced by letter two days before my departure that she would be ditching me halfway through the month, at Vienna. She had made a more-exotic new friend, Freya, a fellow au pair, who had invited her to Finland. It was too late by then to rope in another friend, so it was either go home after Vienna, or keep going by myself. I kept going. I got on trains by myself, checked into hostels by myself, found my way around by myself. It was weird, initially, and then I got so subsumed by the atmospheric glory of Venice and the exhilaration of the overnight trains that I stopped fretting about travelling alone without even noticing.

When I got back to Ireland after that trip, I felt proud of myself. I had done something I had assumed would be hard and not much fun, and it had turned out to be not hard at all and mostly astounding. My one souvenir was a necklace of colourful gold-infused glass beads I bought at a tiny shop in Murano, from an Italian woman I somehow communicated with in my dire French. She explained her son sourced the beads, and she strung them. I survived on bread and bananas for two days after buying them, so tight was my budget.

Years later, while browsing at a London market, I came upon a stall run by an Italian couple selling Venetian-sourced items. The man spotted the beads, which I wore coiled around my wrist as a bracelet. He asked to examine them and, thrillingly, pointed out six beads that were more than 100 years old. I still have those precious, storied beads; evidence of my first solo adventures.

That was three decades ago, and since then I have travelled all over the world, usually alone. I’ve carried the same rucksack I have had since the age of 25: a modest 45-litre-capacity one, that is now more or less knackered, but I cannot bear to replace it. It has become as familiar to me as a carapace. It’s small and light enough, even when full, to walk for miles with but large enough for all the essentials.

Travel to me is about freedom, in every sense that the horizons of that immense and beautiful word suggests. Hence the small rucksack that I don’t have to depend on anyone else to carry. I don’t like carrying anything valuable and until I had an iPad, never did.

I got an iPad in 2015 and so now I also have a camera by default, though I still don’t take many pictures. In 2007, I went travelling overland through Argentina to Ushuaia, at the tip of South America, so that I could buy a (relatively) cheap last-minute ticket to Antarctica. Although Antarctica was in fact the seventh continent I would visit, I did not have a single photograph of anywhere I had been before that.

On that journey out to the fantastical ice I was the only tourist on our ship not to have a camera and, 12 years on, I still don’t regret my lack of pictures from the White Continent. Everyone wants different things from their travels; I have never wanted to be distracted from living in the moment. Not taking photographs didn’t begin as a conscious decision when I went away for the first time on an extended trip – a year in Australia, in 1987 – but it has become one over the ensuing decades.

Mobile phones, the internet and social media did not exist when I first went travelling. I still do what I did then, which is to keep a diary. I never post anything on social media when I’m travelling; I want to feel far away, not to know my thoughts are popping up in real time on screens at the other side of the world.

The greatest gift of solo travel has been those I’ve met along the way. I may have set off alone each time but I’ve encountered many people who became important to me: other travellers, whom I would never have met had I stayed at home; people who changed the course of my life. I met my ex-fiance in Kathmandu and a long-term partner in Palenque, Mexico. I met lifelong friends in Australia, Poland, Hungary, Turkey, India, Indonesia and many other places.

When you’re travelling alone, you have to make an effort to talk to other people. I have always loved this part of travel. (Or rather, loved it until everyone started looking at their screens instead.) You might know from guidebooks what you can expect to see but you can never know who you will meet. In Bali, halfway through my last extended period of travel (six months), I saw a sign outside a cafe that read, “We have wifi so you don’t have to talk to each other”. It was one of the most depressing things I’d ever seen. But I kept on talking to people anyway.

Rosita Boland is senior features writer at The Irish Times. Her book Elsewhere: One Woman, One Rucksack, One Lifetime of Travel ( Doubleday Ireland , £14.99) is published on 30 May 2019. To order a copy for £13.19, including UK p&p, visit The Guardian Bookshop or call 0330 333 6846

Browse The Guardian’s selection of self-guided and escorted holidays designed for solo travellers on the Guardian Holidays website

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The Pros and Cons of Solo Travel

Solo travel is something everyone should try at some point in their life. There's no better way to get to know who you are as a person than by spending time with yourself away from the distractions of life.

Solo travel, couple travel, and travel with friends all have their pros and cons and it can be tough to know which will suit you best. This article outlines the advantages and disadvantages of hitting the road on your own for the first time .

Personal Growth and Setting Your Own Schedule

One benefit of solo travel is that it forces you to become independent, make decisions, and step out of your comfort zone on a regular basis—something you wouldn't necessarily do if you weren't traveling alone.

When you travel solo, you have nobody to rely on but yourself, and that pushes you to learn how to function in the world. It's sink-or-swim time! If something goes wrong , it's down to you to figure out how to get out of the situation.

Another great benefit to solo travel is not having to compromise on your travels. You can wake up whenever you want, eat whatever you want, decide to have a lazy day, or choose to go on a 12-hour hike. When you're traveling solo, you can be selfish and change your mind every few days and not have to consult anybody else.

Meeting People and Building Confidence

One of the biggest benefits of solo travel is how easy it is to meet people on the road . All you need to do is wander into a hostel common room and within minutes, someone will strike up a conversation with you—it really is that easy!

You'll also find that when traveling solo, you're much more approachable than when you're in a couple or a group. A lot of travelers will assume that if you're already in a group, you don't want to be disturbed, and will turn to the solo traveler almost every time.

Solo travel can be helpful for your mental state, too. Solo travel builds confidence as you navigate an unfamiliar city, converse with strangers and figure out how to get from one place to another. Your social skills will also improve as you meet more and more people and get used to introducing yourself and making conversation.

Freedom and Time for Reflection

Another item in the "pro" column for solo travel is that is can be a time for reflection and solitude and can help bring peace to your mind. You'll get to know yourself better than you ever have before, learn what truly makes you happy and what you need to work on to improve as a person. It can often be challenging to face these truths but learning to overcome them is all part of the process of growing.

You can spend time working on a hobby, reading books in coffee shops around town, hiking every day, or simply sitting and meditating. When you're on your own, you can do whatever you want without having to worry about anyone else. That freedom is incredibly liberating. 

Avoiding Loneliness

One downside of traveling alone for long periods of time with no constant in your life is that it can be draining, and you may struggle with issues of loneliness. Not having someone to share all those amazing experiences with can be disheartening and lead to depression. Homesickness is something every long-term traveler deals with, and the effects can be amplified when you're alone.

Higher Costs

For budget-minded travelers, another downside is that traveling alone nearly always works out to be much more expensive than traveling as a couple. As a couple, you can share meals, stay in private rooms and split many of your expenses. You'll also often find that for private tours you'll be charged a lot more if you plan on taking it alone. There's no doubt about it: solo travel supplements suck. 

As a solo traveler, you'll have to pay a single room supplement if you're going to be in private rooms, you have to stay in Airbnb apartments without having someone to split the costs. In some parts of the world, like South Korea, meals are served family-style so you'll even have to pay more to eat alone in a restaurant or rely on fast food. It makes sense that businesses would charge more money for one person, but it certainly does punish solo travelers for something they can't control. Time to start making friends and sharing rooms so you can split the cost!

Safety Considerations

While solo travel isn't unsafe , it's definitely less safe than traveling with other people, making the safety issue a "con" of traveling alone. You're more vulnerable when you're on your own because you only have you looking after you. When you're in a group, you'll have other people to look out for scams, to steer you away from danger, and make you less likely to get lost. 

So while this shouldn't make you avoid solo travel, you should take extra precautions in order to keep yourself safe. Things, like being cautious when out alone after dark, researching unsafe neighborhoods before you arrive, and not getting too drunk when out with hostel friends, are all things that will improve your safety levels on the road. 

Missing the Human Connection

When you travel all the way to Sydney and stand in front of the Sydney Opera House , sometimes it's a little underwhelming. You don't have somebody to turn to and discuss how incredible it looks and how amazing it feels to be living your travel dream. Instead, you snap a few photos, you sit and look at it in awe and silence, and then you leave. Solo travel is one of the best things you can do for yourself, but it sometimes it's a little underwhelming when you don't have someone you love to share it with. 

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How to Rock Your First Solo Trip Overseas

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Last Updated: January 23, 2024

20 Key Benefits of Travelling Alone [Solo Travel Benefits]

Want to find out about the endless benefits of travelling alone? Here are 25 compelling solo travel benefits to inspire you to take that long-awaited solo trip!

Danny Newman

Wondering about the benefits of travelling alone? I hope this post helps!

Deciding to travel the world by yourself isn’t easy.

It’s like learning to ride a bike. Or asking for a promotion.

…Or leaning in for a first kiss!

You know lots of people do it.

And you know a lot of good could come from it if you can muster enough courage to pull the trigger.

So, on one hand, it’s an exciting prospect.

But it’s daunting too.

It’s a risk! The outcome’s uncertain. It requires a leap of faith.

Your ancient brain serves its protective purpose, honing in on the many negative events that may lurk around the corner; the “ what ifs? ”

It’s easy to lose sight of the many benefits of travelling alone in the process!

Does this sound at all familiar?

Are you umming and ahhing over the decision to take a solo trip?

Well, I thought I’d try to help out by highlighting the endless benefits of solo travel .

Read on if you’re looking for a final “push”, or a fresh dose of inspiration, to book those tickets and have an adventure!

Why travel alone? Keep reading to find out!

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20 Benefits of Travelling Alone

Here we go, then: a big long list of solo travel advantages!

With any luck, they’ll help you decide once and for all whether (or not) to embark on that long-awaited solo adventure.

1. You’re In Total Control

Travelling in a group can quickly get complicated. Why?

Because different people means different ideas, opinions, values, interests, lifestyles, and budgets!

It demands compromise and a willingness to make sacrifices, which is a hard thing when you’re on the trip of a lifetime.

Solo travel is a thousand times simpler.

It’s just you, right?

That means you decide what to do, where to go, when to eat, and when to rest. With no-one else to think about, you’re free to choose how you spend the day.

2. You Get Lonely, But Not Too Lonely

A degree of loneliness and homesickness go with the territory of solo travel.

It’s natural, right?

You’re alone on the other side of the world, surrounded by strangers, and far from the comfort of home!

It’d be weird if you didn’t feel lonely, nor find yourself pining for home sometimes.

Likewise, there are sure to be plenty moments when you feel out of your comfort zone, tired, and/or a little overwhelmed.

As they say, though, “this too shall pass”.

However bad it may get on the road, 99.9% of the time your mood soon improves, or the problem resolves itself, or you find a way to overcome it.

Self-sufficiency is a core component of travelling solo. It’s also one of its biggest benefits!

3. You Become Self-Sufficient

One of the biggest perks of travelling alone is that it teaches you to be fend for yourself

After all, there’s nobody to hold your hand!

There’s no shoulder to lean on; no friends or partners to use as a crutch.

It’s hard at times. But it’s empowering always .

In other words, if you’re looking to become a more independent person, then you won’t find many better ways to do it than travelling solo.

4. You Become More Self-Confident

Why travel alone?

Because you can’t help but grow in confidence as well.

I mean, going on a trip alone involves problem-solving, doing things by and for yourself, speaking to strangers, navigating trials and tribulations, and so on.

You realize what you’re capable of.

You realize you may have been holding yourself back.

And you realize you don’t need anyone’s help overcoming adversity.

Newfound self-confidence is a natural by-product of all of the above!

Travelling by yourself gives you space, time, and an opportunity to unwind.

5. You Have Time and Silence

We live in a hectic world that celebrates hard work and long hours.

It’s so busy and intense that it can be rare, in everyday life, to have much time or space to yourself! We’re always rushing around doing one thing or another.

This predicament flips on its head when you go travelling by yourself though.

Suddenly, you can be alone 24/7, with no time constraints other than self-imposed ones! It’s an opportunity to step back; to have space to breathe and reflect.

Stress levels wash away.

And self-reflection and fresh perspective on life kick in.

6. You Learn About Yourself

Discovering new things about yourself is another guaranteed outcome of travelling alone.

Think about it.

Not only do you have space to reflect, but you’re also doing things and meeting people that effectively hold a mirror up to yourself.

At a basic level, you might realize that you like a certain type of foreign food, or enjoy a warmer/colder climate.

At a more significant level, you may learn that you don’t cope well in stressful situations.

…Or that you’ve been in the habit of relying on others to make your decisions.

…Or that you’re not as worldly as you once thought.

…Or that seeing impoverished people makes you hurt so much inside that you want to commit your life to making a difference somehow.

Ultimately, you become a more integrated, well-rounded, and self-aware person.

One of the greatest solo travel benefits I can think of is that it sheds light on who you want to be and how to want to live.

7. You Realize Who You Want to Be

One of the greatest benefits of travelling alone in my own life was that I learned who I wanted to be .

Until I took that initial big trip, I’d always struggled with the notion of who I was.

I’d felt conflicted, anchorless, and adrift between different personalities- like a chameleon, simply adapting who I was to align with whatever social environment I found myself in (or whoever I was talking to in it).

Travelling taught me new ways of life.

I realized I loved being on the road. I realized I enjoyed the vagabond, dirt-bag, budget-backpacker lifestyle.

I wasn’t necessarily that person back then.

But I felt an affinity with it, which has guided me ever since.

8. You Get to Say “No”

It’s harder to say “no” when you’re travelling with other people.

You like them and want them to like you back.

There’s also a sense of peer pressure. You want to be accepted by the group.

So, if someone has an idea you don’t really want to do, you may say “yes” to it nonetheless.

Maybe you’re tired and just want to chill.

Or maybe you want to explore and they want to stay at the hostel watching Netflix.

Whatever the case, you end up doing something you don’t really wanna! A sense of resentment may eventually begin to rise as a result.

This issue fades into non-existence when you’re travelling solo.

Sure, there will be people you meet along the way who ask you to do something with them. Yet there’s less pressure to say “yes” because you don’t really know them.

As I said before, you’re in control, which means you decide your schedule.

By the same token, learning to say “no” is basically the same as learning to respect yourself and your own personal wants/needs.

So, as you start saying “no” to opportunities on the road, you may gain the crucial realization that your opinion matters too ! That what you want to do is fair and reasonable and that you’re well within your rights to go ahead and bloody do it!

Top tip, though: Don’t take this too far! Sometimes, saying “yes” to things you may not normally do is a sure-fire way to have an adventure, learn things about yourself, and experience the true beauty (and life-changing potential) of travel.

Should I travel alone? Absolutely! Especially if some of these solo travel benefits speak to you.

9. You Become Comfortable In Your Own Company

Humans are social animals.

But it’s important to have time alone and feel comfortable by yourself as well.

After all, time alone is time to reflect, re-energize, look inward, think your thoughts, and check yourself (…before you wreck yourself).

So, assuming you take the opportunity to be alone, another benefit of solo travel is that you come away feeling happier in your own skin; content in your own company.

You no longer need other people to entertain or distract you.

10. You Gain Perspective

Travelling by yourself means you’re less likely to see the world through other peoples’ eyes.

Once again, it’s often just you and the new lands and cultures you’re exploring.

It’s like taking the filter off an Instagram photo and seeing the raw file for once.

The cloak lifts and you’re no longer swayed by someone else’s ideals or opinions.

You’re left to make your own mind up.

Or maybe you meet and start travelling with someone from a completely different background. They’re so distinct from your friends at home that they reshape your attitudes and give you a fresh lens through which to see and think about the world.

Whatever happens, solo travel can change everything.

Having escaped the bubble of home, you may start thinking, feeling, and acting like a totally different person.

Or, as the classic travel cliché goes, you may “find yourself”.

Another of the main perks of travelling alone is that you can begin to realize what you want from life.

11. You Realize What You Want From Life

Realizing who you are (and/or who you want to be) is one step away from recognizing what you want from life.

Solo travel could help you settle on a career path or change.

It might reveal which course to take at university.

Or it may give you a brilliant business idea.

Ultimately, you can end up with newfound clarity on your next steps in life.

12. You Become More Resourceful

A couple of years ago I took a campervan around Australia.

The van (AKA “Max”) was 20 years old, falling apart at the seams…and I loved it .

But it (he) was a pain in the butt as well.

Among other things, the A/C would stop working when it was 40 degrees Celsius outside. It’d overheat. The various fluid levels in the engine were always running low.

The fuses would blow.

And there was no insulation, so I had to sleep with the door open to cool things down, which let copious amounts of bugs in throughout the night.

All told, that van was stressful and frustrating!

But it taught me heaps about vehicles (including the benefit of spending a little extra to get a higher-quality one!).

I learned how to change the fuses, figured out how to suspend a mosquito net from the door to keep out the insects, and how to tell (without actually checking them) when the engine levels needed topping up before it was too late.

Ultimately, travelling alone in that van forced me to be resourceful .

Going on a trip alone is a recipe for improving your language skills!

13. You Improve Your Language Skills

What do you do when you’re travelling solo and get lost somewhere they don’t speak English?

Or when you can’t read the menu at a restaurant?

Or need directions to a pharmacy?

Or have to ask if a hotel has a room for the night? And, if so, how much it’ll cost?

You speak to the locals!

Which, in turn, forces you to try and learn some of their language.

14. You Make New Friends

Solo travel’s actually a misleading idea.

I remember going to Thailand on a “solo trip” a few years ago.

I think I was alone for about 2 days in the entire three weeks I was there!

Within an hour of arriving, I’d met someone and spent the rest of the day with them.

I then met a group of other “solo travellers”, with whom I quickly formed a bond, and we ended up travelling around the rest of the country together!

Sure, you don’t have to do it that way; I’ve encountered plenty of solo travellers who do stick to themselves throughout the majority of their trip.

But you’re always meeting cool people. And, oftentimes, you get on so well that you don’t want to go your separate ways. You become travel buddies, make memories together, and forge strong friendships that last far longer than the trip itself.

For me, one of the primary benefits of travelling solo is the unparalleled feeling of freedom it gives you.

15. You Feel Liberated

Another of the main benefits of travelling alone is how liberating it is.

Remember the complete control you have over your time?

Well, it isn’t just helpful from a practical perspective.

It affects how you feel as well.

You have a sense of what it means to be free. You feel light and hopeful, as if the road ahead is saturated with possibility.

Likewise, you’re unburdened of responsibility. It’s just you and the road and however you choose to spend your time.

16. You Can Blend In More Easily

It’s hard to blend into a crowd when you’re travelling in a group.

In fact, you usually stand out like a sore thumb- especially if you’re all from a different ethnic background to the locals, wearing different clothes, staring at tourist maps, and squealing in excitement!

And that’s bad news if:

a) You don’t want to draw attention to yourself, or

b) There are some bad eggs in the vicinity who are up to no good.

Avoiding unwanted attention is much easier when you’re alone though.

You can remain on the periphery, get lost in the crowd, and observe the local way of life without anybody noticing you.

Improved decision-making might be one of the less expected benefits of solo travel you’d have to look forward to!

17. You Become Better at Decision-Making

Travelling alone is basically one long exercise in decision-making.

When to wake up.

What to eat.

Where to eat.

What to visit.

How to get there.

What to do when you get there.

When to travel to your next destination.

…The list goes on.

I can’t lie, it definitely gets old! After all, making plans is tiring.

Sometimes, all you want is for someone else to take charge and tell you where to be, what to do, and at what time.

But it gets easier. And you end up being a far more decisive person overall.

18. You do New and Unexpected Things

Group travel is (or should be) democratic.

Solo travel is a total dictatorship.

In other words, there’s nobody to hold you back from doing whatever you want!

And, if you’re up for a dose of adventure, this can lead you into all sorts of crazy activities and down unexpected avenues.

You might decide to eat local “delicacies” that are more than a little nauseating.

You may choose to drive down that random ass dirt road you come across.

Maybe you want to jump off a giant cliff into the water below.

Or stay in a homestead with a local family and see how they live for a while.

Whatever the case, a core benefit of solo travel is that you can experience new and unanticipated things…simply because you don’t have to consult anyone else on them first!

Another advantage of solo travel is that you have nobody else’s budget to worry about!

19. You Don’t Quarrel Over Cash

I actually really enjoy group travel too.

However, it’s never ideal when different people have different budgets.

When one person has much more money than the other, it can create unhelpful tension around what you do and how you do it.

Tod wants to go on the sunset cruise.

But, as much as he wants to do it, Tom can’t afford it.

Tod wants to go out for dinner every night.

But, as much as he’d like to do it, Tom has to cook for himself.

Tod wants a break from hostels and would like to rent an Airbnb for a few nights.

But Tom’s bank balance is already being stretched by the hostel stays.

Unless Tod’s happy to pay for them both (and Tom’s happy for him to do so), these conflicting wishes could, over time, cause arguments.

Travel alone, though, and you only have yourself to worry about.

20. You’re More Likely to Engage with the Locals (and Their Culture)

One of the joys of travel is experiencing and immersing yourself in new cultures; meeting the locals and learning about their way of life.

Yet I, for one, always find this harder to do in a group.

Like I hinted at in the point about learning the language, there’s just less incentive to engage with local people you meet along the way.

I mean, you’re in a group already, which makes it easier to problem solve, make decisions, and find answers without looking outward. You spend your days with each other too, meaning there’s less reason to reach out and befriend fellow travellers in hostels, bars, and so on.

In a group, you’re like a closed book.

Go solo, and through force of circumstance, you’re totally open.

Remember these Benefits of Travelling Solo

The thought of hitting the road alone and travelling the world without your friends or family can definitely be intimidating.

But it shouldn’t put you off!

As we’ve seen, there are so many benefits of travelling alone that they far outweigh the cons. From the freedom to the self-discovery, embarking on a solo adventure will always be worth whatever struggles you encounter along the way.

If you’ve been undecided about taking the plunge, then I hope the benefits of solo travel in this post have helped you make up your mind!

Do you have any questions, thoughts, or concerns about the process?

Drop a comment below and I can do my best to help!

20 Pros And Cons Of Traveling Alone

By Anna Dykeman. This guide to solo travel advantages and disadvantages contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

When deciding whether to travel solo or with a group, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of traveling alone .

The desire to travel solo is particularly prominent among women, who are increasingly interested in experiencing new cultures and meeting new people without waiting on their friends or family.

Remember that time when your friend or significant other backed out of a trip at the last minute, so you ended up missing out, too? Well, when you travel solo, you can go anywhere at any time without needing to wait for anyone.

Still on the fence about whether you should take the leap and venture out on your first solo trip? Check out some pros and cons of traveling alone that may make it easier for you to decide. These are based on my own experiences traveling the world solo.

Additionally, you’ll see why so many people recommend solo travel, while also understanding how to realistically prepare for potential setbacks.

Quick tip: When traveling solo, it’s smart to pack travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves .

Table of Contents

Travel Solo With Confidence [Free Course]

But first, before we discuss the pros and cons of solo travel , I invite you to grab a seat in Jessie’s  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears (like flying alone for the first time ) and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect solo trip
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve  grabbed your seat , read on to dive into our solo female travel guide .

The truth is, there are so many different solo travel pros and cons . Whether someone wants to make a case for why you shouldn’t travel alone or chooses to focus on the numerous advantages of traveling alone, they easily can.

Ultimately, though, it’s up to you to decide what is right for you, which this list can help you do.

That being said, please stick around until the end, where I give my opinion on what it’s like traveling alone as a woman (or man).

Spoiler: It’s pretty darn empowering, which leads us perfectly into…

#1 Pro – Finding Empowerment In Traveling Alone

Many people find empowerment in traveling alone — which is one of the biggest benefits of traveling solo . It gives you a sense of control and independence, which can be empowering in and of itself. 

One of the major points for women who travel alone is to get out of their comfort zone and into the unknown.

(Real talk: is that maybe what’s scaring you and you’re unsure how to address it? )

A solo travel trip is a one-of-a-kind lifetime experience that you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.

Consider this:

What do you have to lose by stepping outside of your comfort zone?

Worst case scenario, you won’t enjoy it and will continue to travel with others.

Best case scenario, you’ll develop solo-travel-fever ( yes, I totally made that up ) and won’t be able to get enough of the growth, opportunities, and empowerment you’ll experience.

#1 Con – The Increased Risks of Traveling Alone

One of the major cons of solo traveling and why many are scared to travel alone , is that it increases your chances of being in dangerous situations.

If something goes wrong, you’ll be on your own and may not have anyone to help you — so be prepared for the unexpected when traveling solo and arm yourself with some travel safety tips and potentially even some travel safety gear .

On a recent trip to Puerto Rico , I was exploring San Juan’s famous Old Town on my own when I realized my phone was about to die (which is what inevitably happens when you spend hours using Google Maps and snapping travel photos).

As my unfortunate luck would have it, I was also in a shadier section of the city and it was getting dark.

Thinking on me feet, I decided to quickly look up my hotel name and address as well as how to ask for directions in Spanish and the actual map directions so I would have a general idea of how to get back.

After getting lost twice and asking for directions three times, I finally made it back to my hotel — where I prompty kissed the floor (not really, but I wanted to!) and recharged my phone before heading back out to explore.

It was a scary situation that I had to navigate fully on my own, though luckily everything ended up okay.

By the way, if you’re searching for a portable battery bank click here to see the one I use . It has a cute paw that shows you how much energy is left in the battery bank. I recommend always carrying one of these in your bag so you never end up in the situation I just described.

#2 Pro – Flexibility With Travel Plans

Is traveling alone fun ? Absolutely — and you get to choose exactly how to have fun, too.

Another one of the major pros of traveling alone is having the ultimate freedom to explore destinations at your own pace without worrying about someone else’s schedule. This can lead to an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience that is 100% designed by and for you.

Remember last time you traveled with someone else? Your heart was set on visiting that one specific location; however, you had to compromise and didn’t end up going.

As a single traveler, you have the freedom to choose your own itinerary and really maximize your time on the road.

Despite the joy of spending time with family and friends when traveling, wouldn’t it be nice to have the freedom to go anywhere you want, whenever you want? No compromises, no arguments, no when’s and buts. I know that for me this is a major advantage of traveling solo.

Are you a business owner who wants to get back into traveling for more work-life balance? Check out my article on how to plan your time around doing both . Because, yes, you can have your cake and eat it too!

#2 Con – It Can Get Lonely

Traveling alone has both pros and cons, but one of the biggest cons of traveling solo is the feeling of loneliness .

Especially when going away for more than a weekend, you miss your loved ones. This may be particularly depressing if you’re in a new and unfamiliar setting — possibly even in a new country.

This may also be a significant factor for introverted travelers who have a hard time making friends or talking to strangers. If this is the case, consider joining travel Facebook groups, Meetup groups , or CouchSurfing forums — all of which can help you reach out to other women who live in that area or who are traveling there to meet up.

For many, this is probably the most impactful con when considering the pros and cons of traveling solo.

#3 Pro – Meeting New People

Worried about making friends while traveling solo ?

One huge pro when it comes to solo travel is that you have the opportunity to meet new people from all over the world.

Whether you’re looking for new friends, to interact with locals , or to find someone to share your experiences with, traveling alone gives you the chance to make connections with people from all walks of life.

And who knows? Maybe you will meet a new travel bestie, discover new business or employment opportunities, or even find love on the road !

#3 Con – Travel Expenses Can Be Higher

“ Why is it more expensive to travel alone? ” is a question many solo travelers wonder as they frustratingly find themselves paying yet another solo supplement or shelling out the cash for a hotel room with nobody to split costs with.

One of the major cons of traveling solo is that you have to budget for your own expenses .

A great benefit of traveling in a group or with another person is that you get to share costs. Expenses can quickly add up depending on your chosen destination and activities — which is definitely a disadvantage of traveling alone.

When traveling on your own, this may mean that you have to spend a bit more on food and lodging; but, on the plus side, it also means that you’re in charge of your own travel plans and can make the most of your time and money — making it possible to either spend more or less on activities or choose locations where your dollar stretches further.

#4 Pro – A Healthy Tech Break

For better or for worse, our phones are truly the remote controls of our lives. And after the last few years of endless Zoom calls and virtual workplaces, we have moved even further into the digital age than ever before.

On the one hand, it’s great that we can connect with people from all over the world virtually and instantaneously.

But on the other hand, it can be challenging to take a break from our screens and disconnect from reality.

This all being said, when considering technology use while weighing the various traveling alone pros and cons , this really may be an overall pro in your life.

When traveling solo, you have more opportunities to disconnect from technology and simply relax in your surroundings — whether you’re taking a long walk in nature, exploring your destination, doing a new activity, or just reading a book in your room.

Traveling on your own can take away the temptation of being on your laptop, phone, and social media, especially as you won’t have a travel partner constantly posting on Instagram or asking you to co-star in their TikToks.

I recently went on a solo trip to Stockholm — which, by the way, was absolutely gorgeous — and I made it a point not to post any travel photos or videos while I was there.

Instead, I waited until I was back home to look through all of the photos I had taken to carefully choose specific pictures I wanted to share on social media.

If you’ve never tried this, let me tell you that it’s pretty humbling to realize how dependent we are on social media, feeling the need to share everything right away instead of fully enjoying our experiences. 

I highly recommend that you maximize the benfits of solo travel by taking a tech break to truly immerse yourself in your trip.

#4 Con – No One To Share These Experiences With

While one of the primary benefits of traveling alone is that you don’t have to think about anybody else’s schedule or demands, you also miss out on sharing any memorable experiences.

Those exciting and unbelievable “Hey, check this out!” moments become reduced to a photo that will be emailed later.

So, while solo travel offers extensive freedom, it can also make it challenging to have such experiences without someone to share them with.

This one is linked to the biggest disadvantage of the pros and cons of traveling alone, which is being lonely.

At this point, you may need to consider how imperitive it is to share these moments with someone or if they’ll still have value to you if you experience them on your own.

On the flip side, traveling in a group also means enduring all of the disadvantages of traveling with others in exchange for these moments.

#5 Pro – Change Your Perspective Of The World

When you travel by yourself, you have the unique chance to experience the world from an entirely different perspective than you would otherwise.

Seeing how wealthy nations live may help you develop sympathy and empathy for individuals in less fortunate countries who may be suffering from poverty or who lack access to basic necessities.

On the contrary, seeing how people in rich countries live can make you want more from life. This form of travel may help you extend your viewpoint and better understand the world around you.

Moreover, beliefs and ideas that seemed strange when in your home country may make more sense, or at least become more understandable, once you hear them from the source.

Basically, when you learn about other people’s lives you may find yourself changing your own values and priorities.

#5 Con – You Come Back A Different Person

As noted in the previous point, when we travel a part of us changes, whether it’s your thought process, views, values, or even priorities. 

So, it’s not only that your perspective will change, but so will you. 

When looking at the various solo travel advantages and disadvantages , it can be hard to distinguish whether something is truly positive or negative. After all, this may also be a pro.

You may have learned new information that you can share with others, but you may also have changed in ways you are not totally comfortable with.

This is a valuable experience that may transform your life for the better. Still, it’s crucial to be aware of the possible implications before beginning this adventure.

This is especially important if you live in a culture with strictly-defined values; yet, your values may have changed as a result of seeing and experiencing something new.

#6 Pro – Solo Travel Can Help You Discover Your Purpose

This is a big one — especially for me.

Traveling can help you find your purpose in life. It can show you what you’re meant to do and how you can best use your time and energy.

You may also find yourself changing your priorities due to this journey, which means that you have adjusted your views on who should be and shouldn’t be in your life.

Personally, it showed me that my life’s purpose involves so much more than just working and living for my career.

It can even happen that you lose a little touch with reality and redesign your whole life. If you can go on your own somewhere else, who says you can’t do anything else you put your mind to?

Becoming so absorbed in a specific experience, culture, or country may just help you find purpose in your life, career, or relationship again.

And isn’t this what makes life worth living for; the experiences that change you?

#6 Con – Limited Space & Carry-Ons

While you divvy up who brings what when traveling with others, taveling alone means that you need to be more mindful of your packing and storage.

You also need to be prepared for situations where you can’t bring everything with you. This also includes hostels, small airlines, or even losing your big suitcase and being left with just your carry-on.

It’s happened to me before when my flight was canceled last minute, which caused my suitcase to be delayed as it was already packed on the original plane. Because I was traveling solo, I didn’t have anyone to borrow clothing or toiletries from.

Luckily, I had all my essentials packed in my carry-on ; therefore, waiting two days for my large suitcase to be returned wasn’t as catastrophic as I thought.

To help you plan for this, check out this article sharing my travel must-have’s — including a giant backpack that will fit under every airline seat (yes, Spirit and Southwest included).

I highly recommend that when traveling solo you pack two-to-three days worth of basics in your carry-on so that you’re always prepared.

#7 Pro – Get To Know Yourself Better & Reflect

Getting lost in your own thoughts or emotions while traveling alone is a common occurrence.

This might take you down routes you would never have imagined feasible if you weren’t accompanied by another person.

By being open-minded and exploring different interests, you may find new passions and hobbies you’d otherwise never explored or tried.

This is because you have more time to think about your ideas and emotions when you travel alone, as well as more opportunities for self-reflection and development.

Think: of out of sight, out of mind.

This can also mean processing past experiences and feelings, current issues, and maybe even tricky decisions about the future with a free mind.

Consider journaling, which is a great way to both process and appreciate your solo trip. Bonus: you can grab this free printable travel journal with 65 prompts !

#7 Con – Increased Anxiety & Overwhelming Moments

Traveling as a whole may help you feel more peaceful and relieve built-up tension; however, traveling alone in an unknown place can also raise your anxiety levels.

It is also possible to have periods of feeling overwhelmed or as if you are unable to do many tasks on your own.

Honestly, this is one of the reasons I generally stay out of grocery stores and instead opt to have them delivered.

As you can imagine, not every destination offers grocery delivery. When this is the case, I seek out open-air places like farmer’s markets, which don’t make me feel anxious.

The lesson: if you know you’ll be taken out of your comfort zone, consider creating alternative plans or learning coping mechanisms for these moments before you leave home. Just know yo may need to test and tweak your approach to find what works best for you.

Here is something else to remember:

Fear and excitement are both arousal emotions. Keep this in mind when traveling solo and stepping out of your comfort zone. When your palms start sweating, you can do an “anxiety reappraisal” and swap that “I’m so anxious!” with “I’m so excited!”

#8 Pro – Become A Pro In Problem Solving

One of the great benefits of traveling alone is that you get to learn how to solve problems on your own.

In fact, solo travel allows you to truly see just what you are capable of — because when forced to solve a problem or navigate a situation, you’ll have no choice but to figure it out yourself.

This may come especially in handy when you are back home and can suddenly get around without Google Maps, communicate with others who speak a different language, or keep everyone calm when something unexpected derails your plans.

Going back to my story above where I said my phone died while I was exploring San Juan solo, while it was an uncomfortable situation, I ultimately learned to depend on myself and formulate a plan.

Here are 2 problem-solving skills that I learned, specifically from this situation:

Communication

I’m not fluent in Spanish, but this scenario forced me to quickly memorize a few sentences on how to go back to my hotel. This is something I will likely not forget either — panic is a great teacher, ha.

You’ll have to learn to read maps if you don’t already know how. It’s one thing to rely on Google Maps for directions, but what if you, like me, find yourself in a position where your phone dies? All you’ll have left is the map provided by the hotel, which you need to be able to read — S, yes, always take those, even if you think you won’t need it.

#8 Con – Language Barriers

One of the biggest challenges and disadvantages when traveling solo is that you may not be able to communicate with locals.

This can be a problem if you are trying to authentically experience a culture — but can’t express yourself or understand other others when they share things with you.

For example, during a solo trip to Mexico I wanted to see the Maya ruins. Unfortunately, I couldn’t speak Spanish and didn’t know how to get there. Thankfully, some people were willing to help me out, and we went together.

While I was grateful for them, you can’t always assume you’re going to meet other helpful travelers. Instead, it’s wise to empower yourself to make things happen.

My strategy for this is to make sure I always have a working phone so that I can use a translator app (like iTranslate Translator) or even just Google how to say something.

Pro tip: Google Fi and T-Mobile both offer excellent unlimited cell phones plans for abroad, though you can also purchase a local SIM card in your destination.

#9 Pro – Gaining New Independence

One of the great things about traveling solo is that you gain a level of independence and freedom as you become fully reliant on yourself. Don’t be surprised if this also gives you a huge confidence boost ( another advantage of solo travel !).

Additionally, this allows you to discover a new part of yourself without feeling any guilt from others that may question your decisions.

Right now, you have possibly gotten so used to spending all of your time with your partner, roommate, or parents that you have forgotten how to be independent; but, going on a solo trip can help you remember.

Here is a personal story:

When I first started traveling solo, I was in a relationship where I was more codependent than I’d like to admit.

But, solo travel helped to strength my confidence and self-worth as I began to take on new challenges and everything else the world threw at me, all on my own.

This may seem like a far-fetched aspiration, but the experiences you gain exploring the world solo will change you and make you realize your full potential.

Honestly, out of all the traveling alone advantages and disadvantages on this list, this is probably my favorite pro.

#9 Con – Photography Is A Challenge

One of the biggest challenges that solo travelers face is getting great photos that they’re actually in.

It’s not easy to take great photos without someone else to help you out. This is even more complicated when you don’t know the language well enough to ask others for help and you haven’t brought a tripod (which can be annoying to travel with).

On the plus side, if you don’t mind not being in all of the photos, are okay with taking selfies, or are a master at self-portraits, this won’t be an issue.

And, in all honesty, this con really isn’t a huge deal and shouldn’t be the reason you miss out on a potentially life-changing solo trip.

#10 Pro – Work Through Your Fears & Challenge Yourself

One of the great things about traveling solo is that you have the freedom to explore your fears.

When you’re traveling by yourself, you can be more daring and take on new challenges that would be too risky or uncomfortable to try with someone else around, or that they wouldn’t be interested in trying.

This can lead to unique experiences and mental and physical growth.

Personally, I doubt I would have taken on one of my wildest travel adventures to date, rapelling down a 250-foot cliff in Puerto Rico, if I hadn’t been solo without friends to talk me out of it. Instead, I was able to focus on what I wanted to get out of my trip.

#10 Con – Culture Shock 

One of the biggest challenges that solo travelers face is culture shock , which occurs when you’re in a new place without any familiar landmarks or people.

For some it’s exciting , while for others it’s frightening.

Culture shock can be especially difficult to handle when you’re not used to the local language or the way of life — or when it’s your first time traveling alone and experiencing unease on the road.

Luckily, there are ways to help combat culture shock, the most important of which is researching the culture, customs, beliefs, and local area of the place you’re visiting so you know what to expect.

You should also look up local scams and issues to be aware of so you can avoid them, as well as how to behave so you don’t receive negative attention.

Here is another tip:

Accept that culture shock is a thing and welcome it as something that comes along with traveling solo to a new place.

Realize that with the discomfort comes chances to learn and experience new things, and that as you explore the destination and become familiar with it the negative feelings will go away.

Final Thoughts On The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Traveling Alone

While traveling alone can be intimidating and even scary, it may just be the best thing that has ever happened to you.

As you read above, there are many pros and cons of traveling alone to consider; however, with this knowledge, you can make the most of your single travel experience and enjoy yourself to the most extent possible.

As you can see, if you know what the potential challenges are ahead of time, you can plan accordingly and find a solution to them.

For instance, whenever I find myself interested in going to a place that is viewed as unsafe for women, I put additional effort into my research; I hunt for blogs or even Facebook groups led by women who have been there and can share their first-hand experiences.

Now, this whole idea of traveling solo may still be giving you anxiety. And you may be wondering:

What’s the worst thing that could happen if I choose not to embark on a solo trip?

Let me tell you: restlessness.

The likelihood is that you will develop an intense desire to try new things on a regular basis. Perhaps this is already your justification for wanting to go on a solo trip? 

If this is the case, I highly recommend heading out on a solo travel adventure and seeing just how incredible it can be.

Because remember: you can always book a flight home early if you truly hate it; but, if you never try in the first place, you might always wonder what could have been.

Is It Safe To Travel Alone As A Woman?

Absolutely! As long as you research your destination and keep everyday safety tips in mind — like never leaving your drink unattended at a bar, not walking alone in areas that aren’t well-lit at night, and keeping valuables hidden (or better yet, in the hotel room safe) — you can absolutely have a safe and fun trip as a solo female.

Not only that, but as you now know, there are many benefits to traveling alone . You truly can have ultimate freedom over your itinerary while growing your relationship with yourself and becoming a more confident and independent person.

This isn’t to say that there are no dangers of traveling alone; however, as you can see from reading the countless solo female travel blogs that exist online — including this one — traveling alone is a common activity and most trips are enjoyed without any safety issues.

Travel Insurance For Solo Travel

This all being said, you should still prepare for issues to arise, just in case! This is why it’s wise to get travel insurance before embarking on a solo trip.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Advantages and Disadvantages of Traveling Alone FAQs

Q) what are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling alone.

Some of the advantages of traveling alone include the flexibility to do exactly what you want, meeting new people, and becoming more independent and empowered. Some of the disadvantages of traveling alone include higher travel expenses (since there’s no one to split them with) and loneliness.

Q) Is traveling alone enjoyable?

Absolutely. Traveling alone can be just as enjoyable, if not more so, than traveling in a group or with friends. When you travel alone, you get to do and see what you want, when you want. What’s better than that?

Q) Is it risky to travel alone?

Not necessarily. While there are some added risks of traveling alone, as detailed above, solo travel itself is not risky. Just be sure to take some common sense precautions and do research in advance.

Bonus Solo Travel Benefits Resources:

14 Benefits Of Traveling Alone + Tips To Make It Happen

An Open Letter From The Father of A Female Solo Traveler

An Open Letter From The Mother Of A Female Solo Traveler

Black Solo Female Travel: An Eye-Opening & Empowering Guide

Tips For Convincing Loved Ones To Let You Travel Solo

How To Travel Solo Successfully: 31+ Important Tips

What pros and cons of traveling alone would you add to this list?

About The Author

Anna Dykeman is a traveler, blogger, and entrepreneur who can’t keep herself still. She’s always on the move, whether working hard on a new passion project or exploring a new city as a part-time digital nomad. Dare to keep up? Check out The Tatted Nomad for everything digital nomad, social media marketing, and travel (and to see her latest addition, Novah, her service dog and travel companion).

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Nice post. Solo travel can be rewarding, and I have enjoyed it at times, however I prefer a mixed solo/shared travel.

Travelling alone can be one of the most liberating experiences of your life. It completely changes your outlook on everything you do when you travel on your own.

It is a great experience to travel alone, it is a good moment of reflection and to find oneself, you just have to be encouraged.

Very informative. Alone time can lead to self-discovery and personal growth as you navigate unfamiliar situations on your own.

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What It's Really Like to Travel Alone in the Era of Social Media

My wanderlust started with a Billy Joel song. Yes, some might say it's stupid to visit a city just because of a catchy tune. (They'd also probably say that it's stupid that I fell in love with said song, "Vienna," after seeing the movie 13 Going on 30 , and I'd have to agree with them on that.) But that's how I made my way to Austria--solo--with only good ol' Billy for a travel buddy.

In college, I took part in a spring work/study program in London, and while I loved the U.K. and my job working for a health website, what excited me most was the opportunity to travel. I spent my weekends sipping sangria in Barcelona with my roommates and admiring Edinburgh accompanied by friends, but no one wanted to stay and explore Europe more extensively after our 16 weeks were up. Except me.

So, I decided to go alone. I wanted to see more of France, more of Italy, and, most importantly, I wanted to see Vienna.

I didn't set out wanting to travel by myself. It's something that young women are discouraged from doing: My own mother was desperate to talk me out of the idea. "It's dangerous for girls to travel by themselves," she'd warn me every time we spoke. I insisted that I knew women my age who'd done it (which was a bit of a stretch: I knew of girls who'd traveled alone), and that I'd be fine. My friends back home were skeptical, too. "Wait, no one's going with you?" they'd ask. No doubt they wondered who would be taking my Instagrams. (God bless the selfie.)

But after convincing them that just because I'm a Millennial woman does not mean I have to be constantly surrounded by a crew, I had to make myself believe it. The night before my departure, I was terrified. While everyone else was flying back to the States, I'd be on the Chunnel to Paris to start my two week trip alone. The thought was crippling. I've always been a person who recharges with alone time, but this suddenly seemed like too much to take on, especially in unfamiliar places.

I was forced to remind myself of my somewhat cheesy screensaver quote: "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone." I sucked it up. I wanted this badly enough to outweigh both the safety risk and the potential of FOMO.

The journey was, in a word, liberating. While I was nervous that my first meal alone would be pretty damn awkward, I wasn't tempted by the idea of eating takeout in my hostel bunk bed, either. So I faced the fear. I slipped on the flowy (albeit a tad wrinkly) LBD, channeled my inner Cool French Girl, and stepped out into the cool spring air of the Montmartre quarter. I was going to dinner.

It ended up being one of my most memorable dining experiences of my life. I savored the otherworldly steak frites for which Le Relais de l'Entrecôte is famous, observed the elegant Parisian women adorned in their Saturday evening pearls, and even ordered in the language of love. I enjoyed my glass of cabernet and devoured a plate of the most mouthwatering profiteroles in the entire City of Light without fear of judgment. No one knew me; I didn't know anyone.

This freedom ended up being one of the most indulgent aspects of my trip, and for once, that didn't mean feeling guilty. I spent hours riding on a vaporetto in Venice; I decided not to climb the Duomo in Florence because it just seemed like too many stairs; I read for hours in the lush gardens of the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. (The trip wasn't without its uncomfortable moments, of course. A couples' wine tour in Tuscany was a mistake, for sure.)

I spent the final hours of my trip wandering around the gorgeous, pastel façade-lined streets of Vienna. 15 minutes prior to leaving, I pulled out my iPod and listened to "Vienna." After the familiar piano trills, Billy's familiar voice flooded in: "Slow down you crazy child," he sang. "You're so ambitious for a juvenile." I began to cry—partially from exhaustion, perhaps, but mostly because the moment felt intensely profound. Here I was, in a city I'd always escaped to in my mind through a song, closing out the most incredible experience of my life. A little crazy, a little ambitious. All me.

Related: How to Travel Like a Chanel Girl

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Why Traveling Alone is a Great Idea

Table of Contents

Collaborative post

Travelling with one or more friends or family members is significantly different from travelling alone. Travelling alone can be incredibly rewarding. It entails some challenges, but these challenges can make you stronger and teach you to be more responsible.

The more you travel alone, the more responsible you become. You can meet new people, get out of your comfort zone, learn how to deal with problems by yourself, and, most importantly, if you are an introvert, you will take a break from people and all the fuss.

If you or someone you know is considering travelling alone, staying safe is essential. Here is what you should know to protect yourself:

• Regularly call or text your friends or family.
• Always let people know where you are and where you are going.
• If you use Airbnb, Couchsurfing , or otherwise plan to meet people you do not know offline, check information about them on Nuwber .

This advice will keep you safer while travelling alone. It especially must be taken into consideration if you are a woman.

Much of adult life is about compromise, finding friends, and spending time with family. One can quickly get tired of constantly being surrounded by people. Travelling alone allows you to branch off on your own for an unforgettable adventure.

Let’s take a look at the benefits of travelling alone in a little more detail so that you can decide whether this way of seeing the world fits with your values and lifestyle.

Going wherever you like

When you travel alone, you do not have to compromise on your destination.

If you want to take in all the major german post-modern art galleries or tour war memorials in sleepy french villages, you do not have to balance your interests with those of your fellow travellers.

You can indulge yourself in an experience that is custom-made for you.  

Travelling at your own pace

You do not need to worry about being called a slowcoach if you like to take your time while travelling. Nobody will tell you to slow down, hurry up, go to another place, or do anything else you might not like.

Your opinion matters. You should go at speeds that are comfortable for your body and mind.

Being more spontaneous

When you do not have to consider the needs of others, you can make decisions more quickly. You will not have to worry about others being upset if you change your plan or dramatically alter your itinerary.

Take in another site with a detour along your journey. Spend an additional night in a location you adore just because the weather is great. You do not need to discuss anything with your companions and get their approval.

Travelling alone means you can make the most of invitations or unexpected opportunities, such as unanticipated public events or spectacles that were not in travel guides. Some might consider this freedom the heart of what it means to travel and explore.

If you travel by yourself, you can follow your instincts in a way that can make your journey unique. And this can allow you to make connections you would not have made otherwise. Whether you want to read a book, run, or take a nap, you can please yourself at a whim at any time of the day or night.

Solo travel is cost-effective

Many people enjoy travelling alone because it can be far more cost-effective than travelling en masse.

If you are alone, you only have to pay for yourself, which means you will typically pay significantly less for food, travel, and accommodation.

Observing more

If you are travelling solo, the chances are good that you will spend less time talking with a companion. This may give you more opportunities to notice things going on around you. Rather than conversing with your fellow travellers, you can enjoy more quiet moments in piece listening to music or taking in the area you are travelling through.

You will notice that travelling alone is also a great way to meet interesting people, especially from backgrounds and cultures different from yours.

Talking with people you meet around the world can enrich your travelling experience and help you learn more about others, the world, and yourself.

Can have a more personal experience

The time you spend alone will offer you opportunities to have more personal experiences. There will typically be time to reflect on all you see and hear, without having any of it filtered by the opinions or viewpoints of others. It is okay to be selfish and have some moments that are all about you!

When you travel, keep a journal where you will write down what you find important. Journaling can help you collect your thoughts. Writing down your emotions can improve your observation skills and appreciation of all you do.

You can look back at it weeks, months, and years later to bring the memories back into sharp focus. Leave it to a travel journal to show you how much you have changed.

Boosting self-confidence and self-reliance

When you travel solo, you have to solve all the problems by yourself. Some may consider this a disadvantage. However, the long-term rewards of self-reliance far outweigh the temporary “disadvantage” of having to do things yourself. By the end of a solo journey, you will look back and understand that it was you who made it without any help or guidance.

Making your own decisions and overcoming challenges may seem daunting at first. You will fail. A lot. But at the end of the experience, you will still be here, and you will have learned a lot in terms of decision-making, time-management, and problem-solving skills that will not only impress other travellers but also help you take charge of your life.

There is nothing wrong with travelling with a friend or in a group, but it is worth trying solo travel once in a while. Travelling alone is an entirely different way to see the world. It can give you a great perspective on new places, other people, and yourself.

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Blog of the week | 16 September 2013

9 reasons why solo travel is great.

Our featured blogger, Finola, reveals why she loves travelling on her own. And why you will too...

To me, really travelling solo is not when you latch on to a group or another person – although this inevitably happens when travelling alone – but rather when you travel and experience things solely by yourself, whether that be climbing a mountain, watching the sun set or crossing borders.

For many people the idea of true solo travel is a real challenge because we’re not used to our own company. It can make us uncomfortable; bring about too much thinking time; make you face yourself and your fears alone. But wow, once you step beyond that, there are a whole host of reasons why you should give solo travelling a go. At least once.

1. You can go where you want, when you want

This is probably one of the biggest reasons people like to travel solo: not to have any restrictions on one’s route, destination or timescale. If you truly stick to solo travel then sure, it can work, but moments when you meet up with others quickly brings in the need for some compromise. It’s about balancing your needs, I guess. After a lot of time travelling alone, I’m now looking forward to doing some travelling with others again. But it’s on my terms. If I get along with some people, then great, we’ll travel together. If not, I’m happier by myself.

2. You can really be in the moment

When you travel with others, you spend a considerable amount of time looking at them and listening to them. When you’re by yourself, you have no distractions and can really enter into the moment and fully observe the sounds, smells, sights and other people’s social interactions. I really experienced this when I was in Plaza Foch in Quito after I’d been tipped off about a flash mob dance. I heard excited chatter and the music suddenly kick-in, I saw people prickling in anticipation, I watched smiles spread across faces, and I felt the surge of the crowd. Would I have been so fully in the moment if I was with others? I don’t think I could have been.

3. It’s a better way to meet other people

Think about it. There’s a small group of friends or a couple at the next table. They look like they’re close and having loads of fun. How likely are you to join them? Or there’s a solo traveller propped up at the bar leafing through a guide, occasionally looking up and chatting to the barman. More approachable? The majority of us do want to share time and space with people. That person is probably more open to meeting others, to chatting to strangers. So yes, travelling by yourself makes it easier for others to approach you, and easier for you to approach others. Is anyone sitting here? So where are you heading? Easy peasy.

4. It’s easier to arrange things last minute

Whether that be tours, bus tickets or hostel rooms. When there’s just you to think about, you can be totally flexible and fit in with whatever is available. It can also mean cheaper deals.

5. Your self-confidence will improve

You learn to put yourself out there. In Raglan, New Zealand I was walking home from a night out with some friends when I heard some music and spotted a little gathering on the beach so I wandered over and crashed the party. They didn’t mind at all. I met some lovely people. I never saw them again but it didn’t matter. It was a fun night. In Byron Bay I invited myself along to some surfing sessions with someone I hitched with, he introduced me to some of his friends and as a result my time spent there was even more social and local. Grab opportunities and don’t be shy. It’s key. And it then becomes natural to talk to strangers and access things you might never have otherwise come across.

6.  You’re less likely to be put off of doing random stuff

I know for sure that if I had been travelling with some friends, particularly male friends, the idea of belly dancing would have been met with an absolute ‘no’. Because I was travelling alone, when the opportunity arose, I just went for it without being persuaded otherwise by anyone else. I felt a bit silly, of course, but had such fun too.

7. You feel an immense sense of achievement

When I left South America for the first time, I thought ‘yep, I got on a plane by myself, turned up in Quito with little idea of what I was going to do and managed to safely survive over three months of crazy bus journeys and random experiences’. Not everything was solo, but a lot of the big stuff was and I managed it alone just fine. It felt great. On a smaller scale, climbing up to the Virgin Mary statue in Baños, Ecuador after a weakening bout of parasites also felt like an achievement. Had other people been there to gee me along, it would have undoubtedly felt different. In a bad physical state, my mental strength pushed me onwards and upwards. And again, it felt good. I guess it’s the sense of not needing to rely on others.

8. It gives you the space to think and deal with your chatter

Find me someone who doesn’t have the odd niggle, self-doubt or emotional baggage to sift through. I want to know their secret. Most of us have some stuff that we push to the deepest recesses of our mind while we’re busy getting on with normal life, but every now and then something triggers a thought or a memory and we realise that there’s some unfinished business. Time by yourself can give you the breathing space to confront some of that crap. It’s not like it’s a good thing to keep lugging it around through life. (Too much time lost in your thoughts, however, might just drive you mad.) I remember one moment walking along a section of the Inca Trail in Peru where I went on ahead of the group to give myself that space. The beauty of the place and the physical action of walking all helped me to process some stuff. And I could let it go. Result.

9. It’s great catch up time

Time travelling alone is the perfect opportunity to do whatever it is that you’ve been putting off forever. When I’m travelling by myself I feast on books and movies that I’ve been meaning to get around to in ages. I write in my diary, update my blog and put together articles. And sometimes I write letters.

A few reasons why travelling solo isn’t always sweet

There is no one special to share and remember those moments with, no one to care for you when you’re sick, hitchhiking is more dangerous, going to the toilet with your backpack is a bit of a chore and, particularly as a female, you may get approached by some right weirdos.

Overall, I love to share experiences with other people and I can get pretty flat when I’m too isolated. But equally, I value moments by myself. It keeps me sane, helps me to feel balanced, gives me space to think about and question what’s important to me and whether I’m on the right path.

At some point in your life, if you haven’t already, give it a go.

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My first experience travelling alone

T ravelling alone for the first time raises a lot of questions. However, there is no age to travel alone for the first or the tenth time. For a short or a long stay. My first experience travelling solo was in 2012. I was 22 years old.

How I ended up traveling alone 

In 2012, I was in Vancouver, Canada, for a Working Holiday Visa (WHV). I really wanted to travel around the USA and Canada! I won’t lie, I had never imagined doing this trip alone, with no one to share it with. The idea of traveling alone made me feel anxious, I was not very confident in myself and I almost deflated a few weeks before departure … I, of course, looked for travel mates but there was no one who had the same availabilities or the same desires, as me. So, what could I do?

One day, I browsed several forums on the Internet and surprisingly I read many testimonials of people who had traveled alone and who really liked it. The next day I talked about this “idea” to my Canadian friends and their reaction made me realise that “traveling alone is great” and not that “unusual”…  Their reactions and their encouragments convinced me; I can do it too !

The organisation

So, I started drawing the route of a three-weeks roadtrip on the West Coast of the United States.  I decided to plan everything that could be planned: transportation, housing, visits, number of days and budget.

I spent hours and hours to read and check everything I could find on the internet, in travel guides and on blogs.

Booking transport was the simplest part: planes, trains, buses. The approach is not very different from group or duo travel trips as prices are the same. I only made sure to not arrive at destination during the night

Regarding housing , it’s a little different compared to group travels. I decided to sleep in mixed dorms in youth hostels. Usually, there are hostels everywhere and it’s easy to meet people (depending on the place). Beds are cheaper compared to single rooms in hotels.

However, to choose my hostels, I paid attention to two aspects:

• Reviews of travelers that mentionned that “the hostel is perfect for solo travelers”, often because it means that it is easy to meet other (solo) travelers, because they have common meeting room and group activities;
• The location of the hostel: to make sure that the hostel is not located in a creepy area and is not difficult to access

This careful planning was to reassure me, of course, but also to reassure my family who was more than 10,000km from me …

My first solo experience

While boarding the plane, the headphones on my head, I felt an excitement rise in me. I was about to realize a dream and I had the audacity to go alone!

It was a mixture of pride, recognition and admiration … for myself.

Is it surprising? Surely. It is not every day that one admires oneself and that one is proud of oneself. As soon as I landed at the San Francisco airport I realized: I’ll have to fend for myself in this jungle. No, I was not afraid, I took advantage of every moment. The question that teased me the most, before the departure, was: Am I really going to be alone? Strangely, this first solo trip also has the first trip during which I met a lot of people: travelers of all ages, all styles, all origins. I have rarely been alone, even when I was desperate to sit quietly and read a book.

I am not saying that I have never felt alone not been afraid. Of course, there were times when I imagined how it would have been different with my friends, my family or my boyfriend. And then, there were those moments where I had mixed feelings , for example when I got lost when I returned from an afternoon to Venice Beach to find my hostel, or the day when a (unknown) man proposed me in front of everyone on the Wall of Fame in Los Angeles, or even that moment when I travelled on a night bus for 12 hours next to a man who was talking to me in Spanish and who prevented me from sleeping (…) and so on …

As many moments as souvenirs

This trip gave me immense joy and the doubts and fears that I had had before the departure had all of a sudden disappeared. Throughout my stay, I only felt a huge positive energy!

It was a very well-planned trip but it was still the most unexpected and surprising journey I ever had ! No matter how hard we try to plan the itinerary, the number of nights and the visits, we will always live unexpected experiences every day.

I do now understand what a “rich and unforgettable experience” is. Because, for the first time, I had a Rich. Unforgettable. Experience

So if you’re looking for an answer to the question “Should I go?”, let me tell you: Go for it !

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16 Comments

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Your Experience is too good. Your first alone travel is awesome. I am a traveling lover and this is very informative for me. Thanks for sharing your experience travelling alone.

Solo trip is a wonderful thing. Have been to London alone and it was such an amazing experience. Thanks for sharing this experience.

Traveling alone allowed me to fully immerse myself in the beauty of different cultures, savoring the flavors of local cuisine, and embracing the warmth of strangers who soon became friends. It’s in these moments of solitude that I found the space to reflect, grow, and connect with the world in a profound way.

I read your blog post about your first experience traveling alone, and I must say it’s a beautifully written and engaging account of your journey. Your storytelling captures the essence of the excitement, apprehension, and self-discovery that often comes with solo travel.

Your vivid descriptions, like “a solo traveler, a lone adventurer,” and “the world was my oyster,” make the reader feel like they are right there with you, embarking on this thrilling adventure.

I particularly appreciated how you shared not only the highlights but also the challenges you encountered during your trip. It’s refreshing to see your honesty about moments of doubt and the eventual triumph of self-assuredness. This authenticity makes your journey relatable to anyone considering solo travel.

Thank you for your article) Beautiful photos!

Oh yes, I understand your situation 😁. I travel alone too, and the first trips caused doubts and excitement. I thought, “God, how can it be, I’m flying to another country where people live in a completely different way, breathe different air, see different food and speak a different language?” How will I live there? It turned out to be quite simple and people everywhere are the same and their everyday life, traditions and culture are also similar in many ways. You just need a little time to learn their peculiarities and get used to them. now I’m flying to another country and I realize that I just need to find a normal hotel, understand what kind of nearby places are suitable for working with a laptop and find a couple of good convenience stores where I can buy cookies 😂. I wish you good travels!

great article. great experience

Your sharing blog is great and i really like it. I am a traveling lover and this is very informative for me.

WOW THAT WAS REALLY GOOD.💜👍

Amazing! Very well written and filled with useful information and inspiration information, Thanks for sharing your experience travelling alone.

Your Experience is too good. Your first alone travel is awesome. I’ve enjoyed reading the post. It is very supportive and useful post. I would like to visit the post once more its valuable content. Thanks for sharing this so interesting post! I really want to be thankful for the way you have put it here.

Hi Johan, thank you very much for your positive and nice comment ! I am very glad that you find my experience inspiring and valuable… I am looking forward to sharing more about my travel experiences and feelings 🙂

I love solo travelling, at first i was sceptical doing it. But good research for the place, activities to do and accommodation is they key safe solo travelling and added bonus meeting amazing people along the journey.

Traveling solo can be very liberating. I constantly switch between going with friends and going solo and absolutely love both. Glad you were able to get over those tiny fears and do this trip. It will remain as a special one for you for life.

The US is one of the easiest and best places for solo travel! I don’t travel alone but do travel with just my 6 year old and have for years all over the world. It’s definitely a fun experience knowing you can navigate foreign lands without the help of others!

Great account of what it is like travelling alone. My first solo trip I made the mistake of staying in cheap hotels (it was in Africa) rather than hostels so I got quite lonely. I still loved it though. But once I started staying in hostels, as you point out, you are never alone. I now love travelling solo and prefer it as it forces you to meet new people as opposed to staying with your friends the whole trip.

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Narrative Essay About Travelling

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Published: Mar 13, 2024

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Personal growth through travel, cultural understanding and empathy, global interconnectedness.

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