Looking for reasons to travel solo? I got 8 of them.
I know this is shocking, but I like to travel solo. Sure my adventures for one initially began out of necessity, but over time they grew to be by choice.
I was no longer traveling by myself because I couldn’t find anyone to go with; I was traveling by myself because I enjoyed the pleasure of my own company.
As a single female in my late twenties, I used to fear being alone. Today, I embrace it.
There is a freedom that comes with being alone.
You have the ability to do whatever you want, whenever you want to do it. The only needs you have to tend to are your own.
Still, many hesitate when booking. They ask questions like, “won’t I be lonely? Will it be weird eating alone? Is it safe?”
The moment you silence your doubts and go anyway, you’ll find your worse fears are unfounded.
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In fact, you’ll discover the same thing as countless solo travelers before you–that traveling solo can transform your life, give you perspective and become instantly addictive.
Here’s why:
1. You meet more locals when you travel solo
While traveling with a friend is nice, you go to breakfast, lunch and dinner with that person.
You sit next to them on public transportation. You talk mostly to them, in your language.
When you travel solo you have the chance to do these activities with new people that you meet along the way.
Instead of relying on a friend as your travel crutch, spend some time in a place you don’t know anyone.
You’ll be surprised at how many meaningful new relationships you make.
2. Strangers are kinder
Unless you picked an awful place to visit, most strangers are jumping over themselves to help a young lady out.
Call it the damsel in distress effect, but I’ve been given complimentary gifts, escorted past lines at attractions and even singled out for serenading.
Not to be old fashioned, but a kind smile and genuine show of interest will get you far in life.
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3. You can travel on your schedule
When you travel solo, you can run on your schedule. Want to take 5 tours in one day? Go for it. Want to sleep in till 12?
Aside from room service, no one will be waking you up.
It’s a glorious thing to do what you want when you want to do it without having to coordinate with anyone else.
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4. Solo lines and reduced waits
One of the greatest revelations I had regarding solo travel was during my first time alone at a theme park.
Previously, I associated these parks with rowdy, screaming kids, long lines, endless walking and general misery by the end of the day. But there is another way!
If you go by yourself you can skip the lines and enter as a solo rider.
You can walk right past the screaming kids.
You can stop as you need to and aren’t obliged to see any section of the park that doesn’t apply to you.
Not to mention, you get served faster.
A lunch order for one comes out more quickly than a lunch order for a family of four. That’s just math.
5. Discover your limits
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only option you have.
I can’t explain how much of a badass you feel like when you’re able to rescue yourself from being lost, figure out how to make do even when you run out of money or survive a solo mountain summit.
When you’re with someone else, it’s easy to give up or rely on someone else to solve the problem.
When you’re alone, it’s all you.
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6. Get your groove back
Are you getting over a bad breakup? Feeling in a funk?
Traveling abroad will shake your life up in the best way. You’re somewhere no one knows you. Everything is new and exciting.
Even if you’re not in Vegas, what happens abroad tends to stay abroad.
There’s a reason Stella went abroad to get her groove back.
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7. Enjoy the (bumpy) ride
No trip is ever perfect, but when you travel solo you learn to appreciate the detours.
Any alteration to your schedule is a chance for adventure, not a mistake for which someone has to take responsibility.
8. Unplug and reflect
Perhaps the best benefit of traveling alone is the ability to truly, 100% escape your daily life. You don’t have to talk to anyone or answer any emails.
You can just be the mysterious visitor for a few days.
You can also reflect more.
We fill so much of our days with talking that sometimes it’s nice to visit a lake or canyon and just sit in silence.
So what are you waiting for? Book your first solo trip today, I promise you won’t regret it.
Till next time, safe travels!
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1, 2 and 5 are my favorites! So so so true! I love learning more about cutltres and myself through travels!
So glad you agree Chloe, solo travel can be really transformative!
What an inspiring post and its really great way to encourage people who wish to travel solo but don’t have the courage to do so.
Thank you Nayna, that was my exact intention! 🙂
Traveling alone sounds like a dream! Being a mom of 2 boys, I barely get a moment alone. Maybe I should take a mom-cation , and go off on my own for a day or weekend to relax and unwind, or the most important….do whatever I want to do. 🙂
The grass is always greener, I’d love to add my own little travel mates to the program one day! But yea I can’t deny doing whatever I want is pretty nice haha 😉
Definitely agree with the ‘getting your groove back’. I think solo travel is great for finding yourself again, especially after a break up.
True! Great way to get some perspective and realize the world does not revolve around a sucky ex haha 🙂
So true about traveling alone. Love the unplug effect. I think it works wonders.
That’s my favorite part haha I purposely avoid comprehensive roaming plans. No thanks!
Solo travel can definitely feel empowering. It can push and challenge you in ways that you never imagined! Even being married I still travel solo sometimes. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Eulanda! You’re my hero, I hope to be able to balance a family with solo time one day, that’s the next big adventure 🙂
There are solo lines at theme parks?!? Where are these theme parks?
🙂 I’m still wary about the discovering limits bit – I’m quite risk averse so even when I’m loosening the restraints, it’s still with a couple safety margins penciled in! But I definitely relate to the other points. Travel is awesome for when you’re starting over – it gives the opportunity for new things to come onto the clean slate, rather than the old things all over again.
Disney and Universal to start! It’s the greatest feeling ever just walking past the crowds like a VIP haha. And agreed, nothing like traveling to reinvigorate you–new cultures, new people, new memories!
I am headed to Istanbul solo this Saturday (unplanned, but it’s happening!) and this is the motivation I needed to pump myself up. I don’t normally travel alone so thanks for this list!
So happy to be of service, and I was going to head to Istanbul this year but switched at the last minute for Marrakech, so excited for you! Many beautiful things to see in one city, not to mention you can span two continents in one day which is awesome haha 🙂
I’m 60 years old and found that being alone is a blessing in disguise. I’ve never felt so free and empowered. I thought I was the only one who felt that way. Wish I had the courage to do it years ago.
It’s funny how our fears stop us from doing things that are actually good for us. I felt the same way when I started, like I’d been missing out in the meantime for no reason. It takes a lot of courage and being at ease with your own company is a place some people never reach. Glad you found me on your journey!
I’m not gonna lie, you’re really selling it!
Traveling alone that’s sound good but it dangerous. I am a traveler and blogger. Many time I try to travel alone but I cannot make it. But after I read this post many think to be changed in my mind. I know that That is very dangerous but I get many confidantes after your read your post. Your 8 tips are very helpful for any traveler. Thanks for sharing your informative post.
Could not agree more Jen. At times I feel a little lazy when I am on solo travels, and I usually have a lot to carry, so that way if I have a companion, I am for some reason a little more assured. I used to do travel solo a while back. Now, I try to have atleast one person, but on the same wavelength as much as possible.
Oh definitely agree that having someone to help carry stuff, and drive on road trips, is one of the main pros of traveling with a buddy! Haha 🙂
Hi Jen,
From last few days, I’m thinking to travel solo. I’m sure you would understand the continuous banging of questions by inner self. I’m able to get rid of some questions while every day there are new ones arising. This write-up has definitely helped me to answer some more questions by giving a better insight.
Thanks for sharing.
Happy to help, and I hope you get to go on your first solo trip soon!
Good for you Jen! Loved this post, and totally agree. Solo travel has a different flavor — and very good!
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For some of us, traveling alone can seem like a daunting idea. Too many fears and questions hold us back. What if we get lost? What if we feel lonely? What if we get bored? These are all negative questions that distract us from the point that traveling solo can bring with it many fruitful and life-enhancing rewards. Traveling alone can open up your eyes not just to new worlds, but also new ways of living. It can be a spiritual experience, and it can be a journey of self-discovery.
Good sound. Obviously solo travelling has a different taste. Travelers who go on solo adventures often talk about how empowered they feel when they return from a trip. They usually come back a new person with a fresh perspective on life.
I am glad to find it. I’ve enjoyed reading the post. I would like to visit the post once more its valuable content. Thanks a lot for this beauty Enjoying article with me. I appreciate it very much!
As per I am Concerned, we should try & face very challenges and difficulties which as resultant provide a crystal shape to over life with different types of experiences.
Madeira this is the one destination my family returns to year after year
a souvenir of my very first trip abroad, the first time I tasted freedom
I feel Freedom and Independence just after reading your post. Relate to every little word, thanks so much!
Hello Jen,
I think once you are out there on the road, you will get to know yourself better. And you are right, traveling exposes you to raw experiences where you get to know the person inside you. I loved the photographs you shared with your article. Your pictures say it all why women should travel solo. Insightful writing!
I always travelling solo. It is great feeling.
Nice. I used to LOVE traveling solo. Then I got married ???????? Sometimes I can still travel myself though (short trips)