10 Reasons to Travel Solo

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Solo Trip to California

Many people don’t feel comfortable traveling solo.   Usually the fears of being lonely, unsafe, and vulnerable are factors.   Some of the reasons to embark upon a solo trip are:

  1. You can go where you want.  Sometimes it’s difficult to agree upon a destination.  If your companion prefers all-inclusive beach resorts, and you yearn for an exotic spot in India, someone will be disappointed.
  2. You can do what you want.   Whether you’re traveling with an elderly parent, a child or a couch potato, when traveling with others, activity preferences are frequently dissimilar.
  3. You can eat where you want.  Some palettes tend to be very liberal and experimental and others lean towards meat and potatoes.
  4. You don’t have to listen to others complain.  If your traveling companion wants his eggs cooked to perfection and detests long lines at attractions, you’re bound to hear complaints.
  5. It’s easier to meet people.  If you tend to speak to strangers and enjoy meeting locals, then solo travel is magic.
  6. There’s no one snoring in your ear or making a mess in the bathroom.  We all have quirks and/or traits that others find irritating, but when on your own, you avoid these irritations.
  7. You can travel and walk at your speed.  Constantly adjusting your pace to match someone else’s is no fun.
  8. You can sleep late or get up early.  An early bird and a night owl traveling together don’t mix.
  9. You can travel last minute.  Some of the best deals can be found when your plans are flexible.
  10. The feeling of accomplishment you gain during and after a solo trip is very rewarding.

Start out small by going out to eat by yourself, followed by a weekend trip to build up your confidence!

311 thoughts on “10 Reasons to Travel Solo”

  1. Pingback: I Want To Be Like Her When I Grow Up « A Beloved Journey

  2. Hi! I have a similar entry post that discussed how people reacted towards my big solo travel revelation. I’m 25, and i’m hoping I can get to finish travelling Southeast Asia this year (by November). If there’s one thing I couldn’t agree more on your post, it has got to be # 10. That self-satisfaction you get and the feeling that you can just about do a lot more! Congratulations! =)

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  3. I quite agree with the advantages and thanks for a super list that would make us decide whether to travel alone or travel in a group. Traveling in a group is more fun but I’d say sometimes we need to travel alone to have our own time only for ourselves.

    I’d like to add few other advantages from my experience :
    1) When I travel alone, it avails me lots of time to think. The busy life we lead, provides us very little opportunity to do the private-thinking. Traveling alone creates a pile of free hours and hence time for private thinking. You’ll be finding yourself thinking topics you have always over-looked, ignored or feared to focus.

    2) You’ll have better chance to observe. When you have companion, you’ll spend a considerable amount of time taking to him/her. On the contrary, you would be earnest spectator, observer alone.

    3) You’ll meet people and they would be interested to make a move forward to have a chat with you. When you are in a group, people of different customs, will observe you but would hesitate to talk. But finding you alone, lots of people would be interested to make a conversation.

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  4. Thanks for the inspiration… I often say that I don’t’ want to go alone but always end up alone and I have the BEST time! I think I should get back to that.. Next stop.. ITALY!!!

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  5. First of all, may I just say – WOW! You’re 50?? You don’t look a day over 30!!

    And thank you so much – you are an inspiration to all us single ladies out there who love to travel! I want to travel the world with my 2 Pomeranians. I think it can be done. And when I do it, I can blog about it too! They’re like my kids, & I can’t stand the thought of leaving them behind. I’ve heard of a woman who traveled the world alone with her big dog – I’ll take 2, they’re small! 🙂

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    • Hi Lisa – Thanks so much for the sweet compliment. I’ve often thought there were people out there that want to travel with their pets…possible travel business idea! Have a great summer! ~Sherry~

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  6. I totally agree with you! I have travelled all over by myself and have seen more, learnt more and done more! I’ve met different people and tasted different foods without the worry of a companion who wanted something else. Can’t wait to pick up my camera and do something again. By the way, thanks for mentioning India in your first point! You can read some of my travel episodes on my blog!

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  7. Pingback: RE-BLOG: 10 Reasons to Travel Solo (via Fabulous at Fifty) | Unna's Travels

  8. Pingback: Let’s Get Pressed | I Blog, Therefore I Am

  9. I have been hitchhiking the United States for most of 15 years. 99.9 percent of the time, I hitchhike alone. I think it is a good idea for a woman to hitchhike with someone else. I think it is difficult for two men to hitchhike together (I think I did it twice).

    Hitchhiking/traveling alone has a lot of advantages. You are more flexible, you can wander off without someone getting all bent out of shape because they have different plans.

    You have a very nice blog.

    “Hitchhiking Stories”
    http://tim-shey.blogspot.com/p/hitchhiking-stories.html

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  10. There is something quite significant about traveling alone. Backpacking without a companion is one of the most contemplative and rewarding experiences I’ve ever encountered. There is something about the isolation that evokes both joy and sorrow.

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    • I’ve never heard it described that way…but you’re right. I once hiked in the White Mountains of New Hampshire by myself…7am on a 1 1/2 mile trek each way on a trail called “Lonesome Lake”. It was lonesome..I didn’t encounter anyone. It was the first time I had hiked by myself.

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  11. I so agree with that–I get the same objection when I talk about using public transportation instead of driving. I haven’t compared those stats, but I’d guess the advantage goes with public transit.

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  12. Up until last year I wouldn’t even consider travelling alone.
    I had to fly out to Toronto on my own and meet my fiance at the airport. Granted its not going on holiday completely alone, but I know what you mean by the feeling of accomplishment you get from doing it. Personally I had a horrible experience being stopped by customs because I was incredibly nervous, but that wont put me off flying to Toronto again! It is such a beautiful city, and quite soon I hope to move over there.

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  13. That’s pretty true but safety is another problem. I remember that last year there was a Hong Kong girl traveled alone was outraped in a hostel or hotel…

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    • If you look at the statistics…there’s a much higher probability of being hurt while driving your car than any other activity. We can’t “not” live life because we’re afraid of this or that. Using common sense is the best defense!

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  14. Oh my you are an inspiration to me. For the past year I have thought about travelling on my own and then find ways and reasons not to do it. There is that underlying fear of something will go wrong or fear that the family will be pissed that mom is exploring the world on her own (of course no one has said this). But it seems so liberating!!!

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  17. I feel like it would be super lonely to travel alone… You get to some awesome exciting place and you want to tell someone about it… but you’re alone… That seems like it would dull the excitement…?

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  18. Ahh could not agree more! I just got back from Istanbul last night and had the most incredible experiences while solo. I just started up a photoblog before I left and am pretty neew in the blogging world. I stumbled upon yours today and love it. Could you tell me what youthink of mine so far and maybe some tips on creating an online identity? http://autumnstory.wordpress.com/

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    • Hello – I love your photos…very artistic. I don’t have time right now (getting ready for two more back to back trips) – but in late Aug. I can chat. Please recontact with me then – in the meantime – have fun! ~Sherry~

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  20. You seem like my kinda gal for the reasons you mentioned – I always thought I am just intolerant! However, I have never travelled alone so I think you’re really brave there. Have you ever been to Cape Town, South Africa? There is so much to do and the people are so friendly, I am sure you’d love it!

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    • I haven’t been there yet…you’re the 4th person to mention it and actually I was going to go back in 2010 to stay with some people I had met in Europe last year, but the timing didn’t work out. Perhaps that will be next on the list!

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  24. I really love your post about traveling solo. And I couldn’t agree more with the points you’ve listed before especially the last one. Last month I went to Paris alone and it was my first time traveling alone abroad. It was an interesting experience and I made new friends too 🙂 Like you said “The feeling of accomplishment you gain during and after a solo trip is very rewarding.” — That’s exactly how I felt when I got home 🙂

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  26. I so agree with this! (= I love to travel but I usually have companions with me. I tried to travel alone once. I got hopelessly lost for a whole morning but no one was ragging me about it, and I did enjoy the unexpected detour. It was fun. I should do it more often. People should do it more often! (=

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  27. You are too good. I always feel these things when I travel with others. Yes. It is glad to co operate with other’s in tastes various things like walking, absorbing a place beauty, fitness. But when we are doing the solo. It is very interesting that we feel like we are exploring our great planet.

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  28. Great Post, I’ve travelled solo in the past also and had great fun for all the reasons you’ve outlined, You should also try travelling with a organized group of strangers. This has the best of both worlds, some days you can go off on your own and enjoy the solo end of travelling and other days join the group.

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  29. Great post! I’m trying to get my parents to get me plane tickets to somewhere (preferably with a beach) for my graduation present. I recently broke up with my boyfriend and surprisingly, I’ve been enjoying being single and going places alone!!

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  30. Nice post! I’ve always traveled with someone else and have to say that I’ve went through all that. Like pesawaterbang, I’m always looking for the courage to travel solo. Congrats on being freshly pressed.

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  33. I have to agree. Traveling solo is enjoyable. When I vacation I just want to relax, go out to eat and recharge my batteries. When I travel with others I come home tired.

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  34. Travel alone may bring loneliness to us,but sometimes we have to travel alone.
    So when travelling,we are looking at the outside,but also maturating our inner world.

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  35. I love traveling alone. It’s really the only way you can guarantee to do what you want. There are times when I’m with a companion and I start itching to get away. One time, I got separated from my companion in a huge crowd and I intentionally took my time getting back to the hotel because I was so antsy to be alone. I’m rather a loner to begin with, so traveling with other people can be very difficult.

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  37. THIS IS A BRILLIANT POST! really well said, I totally agree, I quite like traveling alone (up to the point where you need a partner in crime to have some drunken times (drinking alone is not fun!) hehe but yeah, you can go where you want do what you wan’t listed to your ipod while walking , i really enjoy that 🙂 Subscribed!

    http://vasare.wordpress.com/

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  38. Great points. And this is not just for travelling far, it’s true even for walk in the more familiar places, especially point 6. I think I tend to walk with longer and faster pace, and having to think of not leaving them behind, or let them look around first.
    The more anti-social reason is that I’m not good with keeping up a talk. When things get quiet, it’s easier to start worrying if they enjoyed the trip or just forcing themself to follow. It’s better to go alone then because the trip would become more enjoyable alone.

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  39. Oh, yes, I travel solo (at 32 yo) for every reason you listed. I’ve only travelled with a friend once and it reinforced reasons 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. But then I’m a bit of a hermit on home soil too. 🙂

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  42. Inspirational. You’ve been to some amazing places! Love to just go out on daytrips on my own, much more fun. And if I was single (and didn’t have cats, and could find the time… oh well), I would definitely travel alone too. It really does empower you. Strange how some people think you can’t do that or even that it’s sad to go alone (I once went to a wedding on my own, the grooms mother hugged me and told me I was so brave! What???). I love that you just go for it!

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  45. Recently went on a solo trip in Florence, Italy. It felt so liberating to be walking around (and yes getting lost) all on my own. I usually don’t use maps, except when absolutely necessary. It’s so much fun just finding unexpected things around the corner.

    I’m very new here. Recent blogger so at the moment I just have one post. You’re blog is an inspiration.

    Cheers!
    http://bittenby1littletravelbug.wordpress.com/

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  46. Sometimes “me time” is the most important time. 🙂 I noticed your picture was in California! If you are near San Francisco, La Esmeralda is in for just this weekend and you should go see it. I actually saw it today: http://wp.me/p1DjYf-1M
    Just thought you might be interested in seeing something historic and exciting!

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  47. Traveling solo is pretty great though sometimes I travel to places where no one speaks my language and there are not any other travelers. After days or even weeks without speaking to anybody I start to get a feeling like I’m the only one in the world. Which is VERY strange feeling to get when surrounded by LOTS of people all the time.

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  48. I enjoyed reading your post and agree with each reason listed. I prefer traveling solo as well. you never have to check with someone else. If you don’t mind walking a lot, it can be a problem with others who don’t like walking a lot. If you aren’t always afraid to get out and explore a place, it can be a problem for those who are more fearful or think that a lot places or things are dangerous. also, as you mentioned, your interests just may not match up and that will be a big problem. You can do whatever you want whenever you want and not have to worry about whether someone else is tired or not interested. Some people end u missing out on a lot of things they’d like to do because they’re afraid to them alone whether it’s traveling to a foreign land or just going to the mall. Many people think traveling solo or going anywhere, even in everyday life, is dangerous. However, I tend to not let others who have this opinion affect me whether I’m out and about in my own country or another.

    Congratulations for being freshly pressed and for being one more person not afraid to get out and experiencing more of this beautiful world we live in!!!

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    • You’re right…people miss out on so much waiting on others. I would love to find someone that I could really click with while traveling, but if not…I have me to travel with. Thanks for your comment!

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  49. Right on! Solo travel infiltrated my spirit when I was 21 and was abruptly left adrift by a girlfriend who found love on our four month European adventure and dumped me for the blonde English bloke. I discovered the utter joy of my own company over the next three months and on and off for the past three decades. Your top 10 reasons are ones that resonate with me.

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  50. By the end of this year, I’ll be leaving a job, a country, and a career, and I’m planning on going around the world on my own for most of next year. Thanks for your great article!

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