Travelling solo can seem like a daunting thing, especially to those who haven’t done it before, so why on Earth would you do it? I see so many people asking ‘Why should I travel solo? How is it better than travelling in a group?’
Well, I’m going to try and answer those questions today. Be sure to let me know in the comments if you have any other reasons why others should try solo travelling!
Be sure to check out my blog post on travelling with anxiety if this is also hindering you!
Freedom
Travelling solo gives you a chance to experience freedom at it’s finest. There is no one there to say ‘you can’t go there’ or ‘why are you doing that?’ You make the decisions and there is a thrill that comes with the responsibility.
I do recommend listening to other people’s opinions, as they may offer some invaluable advice, but don’t let them hinder you from doing you have always wanted to do (as long as it’s safe of course!).
Opportunity to Meet New People
I have always found that when travelling with family or friends, you don’t always put yourself out there to new people.
When I spent 6 weeks in South Africa, I made so many friends! Many of which I still speak with today. I think if I went with one of my friends, I would have felt like I didn’t have to put myself out there as much.
It’s Cheaper
Travelling solo gives you the opportunity to spend your budget where you think it is most needed. If you would rather have flashy accommodation and free activities, then you can! This links back to what I was saying about freedom.
It is cheaper to travel alone than with a family or friends, that much is obvious. So you could either not spend the money you would save by not travelling in a group, or possibly extend your trip if you want to.
Self Learning
While you experience new places and meet new people, you also learn so much about yourself. You learn about how you handle a variety of situations, which makes you more confident in yourself and your abilities, and you learn your true likes and dislikes without the interference of other people.
I definitely wouldn’t be as confident or passionate about what I do if it wasn’t for my trips that I went solo. I know that I’ll be fine if I miss my stop on the bus or the train, because I’ve done it before; I know I’ll manage if I get lost in the middle of a big city at night because I have overcome that hurdle before.
If none of the other advantages persuade you, I really think this should be the one.
Takes You Out of Your Comfort Zone
When you travel alone, you’ll have feelings of nervousness and discomfort which is completely normal! By pushing yourself to do this, you’re taking yourself out of your comfort zone and building up your confidence.
You can do this further by staying in hostels, instead of hotels, and exploring new cultures by yourself and truly getting the most out of your travels.
You Can Sleep as Much as You Like
When you’re travelling with other people, especially large groups of people, you have the responsibility to get up and get on with the day. However, when you are travelling solo, you don’t have to abide by other people’s timelines.
If you’re jet lagged and want to sleep until noon then do it! If you want to spend your chill time reading then nothing is stopping you. You can do what you want! No distractions and no responsibilities.
It’ll Improve Your Language Skills
Referring back to the point about making more friends, when you travel solo, you’re exposing yourself to more opportunities to speak the local language. You can interact with members of staff and shop owners and tour guides! All of these things can benefit you learning the language.
I do recommend learning the language basics before you go, but maybe you’ll come back fluent!
You Embrace the Solitude
This doesn’t just include the time you spend abroad, this also includes the journey there. The plane or train journey can give you the opportunity to learn more about yourself and will help you to embrace solitude.
Silence is a beautiful thing, and everyone needs some time to themselves at some point.
You Become More Grateful For Those in Your Life
I’m sure you have heard the phrase ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ and this certainly applies with travelling solo! While abroad, you’re certain to miss home (check out my post on dealing with homesickness) but that just makes you more grateful for everyone when you go back.
I have a huge appreciation for my family, and I wouldn’t be able to do my travels without them. I miss them greatly when I am away for weeks, or months, at a time but it makes my homecoming a lot sweeter.
You Can Stop At Any Time
The last advantage I have for you is probably one of the most important. If you want to come home, then you can! You don’t have to consult anyone, or get permission, just hop on the next flight home and you’ll be back in no time.
There has been a couple of journeys where I have wanted to come home, but I was so close to the end that I knew I would have regretted it, so don’t travel home on a whim, but it is important to know that this is an option.
I hope you have found these advantages to be persuasive!
If you do decide to travel solo, then check out my tips on travelling solo for more information!
I have thought about this before, I hope someday I’m brave enough to try it!
I have always wanted to take a solo trip, but nerves have always gotten the better of me. I hope one day i’ll be able to pluck up enough courage!
I’ve only travelled within the US solo, but I definitely enjoy it! I love the freedom of not having to worry about other’s food limitations and preferences, and I don’t get annoyed by those that want a lazier day than I do. One of my favorite experiences likely would not have happened had I had others with me!
This is a great perspective. I LOVE meeting new people whenever I’m out and about, and I’m pretty comfortable interacting with random people during my travels. It has resulted in some lifelong friends!
I absolutely LOVE travelling solo ! I learn so much about myself.
Great point. Sometimes traveling solo is the only way. However I do prefer traveling with my partner I feel good and excited to travel alone as well
I’ve definitely considered travelling alone. It seems like such a freeing thing. But I also really want someone to share those experiences with. It can be a great way to get closer to someone.
Oh wow! Okay I would have never believed that there were 10 reasons why traveling alone could be beneficial. The first thing I thought about when I saw reasons to travel alone was the fact that in most cases when traveling with friends you need to sync up your holidays which can be a big inconvenience. I like traveling alone as it is adventurous.
Even though I like to travel with my children…I enjoy to travel alone too!
Great read! I am also a huge fan of solo trips. My husband and I always go on a yearly trip together and solo trips! I think it’s healthy to be alone, have quality “you” time, and really indulge in your favorite things during solo trips! We always feel so stress free and ready to share our stories/adventures with each other afterwards.
it’s part of my bucket list. to travel solo. i am still curious what it feels like to get lost and explore a foreign place. <3
I have not had any time alone in many years. And once in a while I think I would love to go to a hotel for a couple of days to just have some me-time. I have never thought of actually travelling alone, though. I can see that it could be really fun and different. I like your list of benefits and think they would be good for the soul to get a bit of time alone like that.
I like the idea of travelling solo as you have the full freedom to do what you want but I enjoy more in travelling with family yet travelling solo is sometimes very necessary for our mind relaxation because sometimes we want to live alone and spend quality time only with ourselves.
Solo travel is the activity of spending alone, agreed with you the solo travel is more advantages for enjoying freedom and taking with your soul. Freedom means what to eat, what to drink, where and when to go…… Love to read very informative article.
I would love to have the courage to travel by myself but I’m so anxious. I’d be scared of something going wrong and having no one to help me out. I understand it could be so freeing for me and really help my anxiety, but after this pandemic I just feel like I’m less likely to go anywhere alone or even with someone.
I’ve been dreaming of traveling solo, though I’ve already done this for work before. Driving for 4 hours and crossing via a boat to another area and driving around again. So happy to have the Waze app that helped me go around. I wanna do a solo-travel for pleasure. It’s not other people that’s stopping me from doing so, but my own fears. This post is enlightening and encouraging!
I adore travelling solo! I love not having to answer to anyone. I can eat what I want, go where I want, etc. Sleeping alone isn’t bad either! Plus, it is so nice to come home refreshed to the ones you love.
I travelled solo for a little while and it was *so much fun*. i definitely think it pushes you out of your comfort zone and I made some fabulous friends out of it xx
I like traveling solo to conferences. That way I have the hotel all to myself
I think that traveling solo is a great experience. I didn’t got to do ot that much.
I’ve never done this but haven’t traveled as often as I’d like to begin with, let alone by myself. I see the value in it though, thanks for sharing!
Yes, I think this is important! I’d like to do this more often. I don’t mind being alone. Sometimes I prefer it!