5 Reasons to Travel Solo (and Why You’ll Love It Too)

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.

---

Every year, I go on at least one solo trip. Some people understand why. Most people don’t get it. But for me, it’s essential. I’ve been travelling to amazing solo travel destinations around the world for 10 years now.

If you’re reading this, you are probably curious about solo travel and would like to give it a try. Or perhaps you’re worried about safety as a solo female traveller, or just wondering why on earth anyone would want to travel the world alone.

Whichever camp you sit in, this blog post will give you 5 reasons to travel solo and hopefully give you the nudge you need to embark on a solo adventure of your own.

If you’re thinking of planning your first solo trip, here are 5 reasons why I love to travel solo.

1. It Gives You Time to Think and Time to Just Be

We are all so busy rushing from one appointment to the next and cramming social dates and commitments into our diary, it’s a rare phenomenon when we stop. I know those moments in my life are few and far between.

Even when I stop, I am usually surrounded by people. As an introvert, I need alone time to think and just be! I love nothing more than a holiday or dinner party with friends, but I also need time to myself.

Solo travel allows me to be alone with my thoughts, recalibrate and reset. And this is essential for my mental health and wellbeing.

If you’re an extrovert and get energy from being with people, you may find solo travel more difficult, but it’s not impossible. There are so many ways you can meet people while travelling!

2. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone and Improve Self-Confidence

It’s easy to stay in our comfort zone and coast along in life. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, I personally need a challenge from time to time. Travelling alone allows me to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself.

Landing in a new city presents a unique set of challenges. When travelling solo, you have to find a way to figure things out alone.

Something that might initially seem simple – using public transport to get around a city, often with instructions and signs in a foreign language – can either cripple you with fear or present you with an opportunity to surprise yourself.

When you travel solo, there’s no one there to fall back on if the worst happens. This could fill you with dread, or you could see it as an opportunity to show yourself what you’re made of and learn to problem solve on the spot.

When you successfully figure things out by yourself, your self-confidence grows in leaps and bounds.

3. You Can Put Yourself First

My life often revolves around other people. Keeping everyone in my life happy often feels like a delicate balancing act. And in the process, my own self-care gets left behind.

I love putting other people first, thinking of others and doing good in the world, but with limited hours in the day, I often end up putting myself and my needs last. Ultimately, this is to the detriment of my friends and family.

How can you be everything you need to be if you’re burnt out and exhausted? You absolutely must put your own life jacket on first, before you can help other people.

For me, solo travel is that life jacket. For just a few days, I can wake up when I want to, eat whenever and whatever I want, explore a place in the way that I want and live life on my own schedule without worrying about what other people want to do.

Does that sound self-centred? Perhaps. But I find it necessary to put myself first once in a while, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.

4. You Can Be Spontaneous

I love holidaying with my family and friends. But sometimes, it can be difficult to work around everyone’s schedule and plan a trip that suits everyone’s interests.

You often have to plan weeks in advance to allow everyone to book time off work.

Planning a solo trip, on the other hand, is refreshingly simple. I can book a flight and choose a destination that suits me, and just go. In the past, I have travelled solo to Paris with only one day’s notice. I love the spontaneity and find it keeps life interesting!

5. Travel on Your Own Budget

Ever been on a trip with a friend who is totally broke and can’t afford to eat in that fancy restaurant you had your eye on? Or maybe you’ve been that broke friend and ended up splashing out on luxuries you can’t afford because you’re travelling with someone who’s a little high maintenance.

When you travel alone, you have complete control over your own travel budget. For example, you don’t need to check anyone else’s budget if you fancy splashing out on a luxury hotel. Or if you need to save some money, you can skip the fancy hotel and stay in a hostel, which is a great way to meet new people!

The Downside of Travelling Solo

Of course, as with everything, there are downsides to solo travel. I want to be realistic and honest with you.

There have been times when I wished my friends and family were with me on my epic adventures. I don’t often feel lonely when I’m solo travelling, but there have been occasions when I have wished there was someone to chat to over dinner.

In all honesty, though, the positives of travelling alone outweigh the negatives for me.

Solo travel isn’t for everyone. But if you’re curious about solo travel, consider this the nudge you’ve been waiting for.

Is solo travel something you love? Or are you yet to try it? I’d love to chat with you. Get in touch via the contact form or drop me an email.