Ever caught yourself daydreaming about a solo trip—then talking yourself out of it? Maybe you’re worried it’ll feel lonely or unsafe, or you’re simply asking, is solo travel even worth it?
I felt the same way until I finally booked a ticket and went on my first solo adventure. That single decision changed my outlook on travel—and on myself.
In this guide, we’ll get real about what traveling solo actually involves.
We’ll cover the awesome benefits of travelling solo, address the challenges honestly, and help you decide if it’s right for you.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Others to Travel
Life is short.
Seriously short.
Why miss out on seeing the places that spark your imagination just because your friends are busy or you don’t have a partner to go to Paris with?
You absolutely shouldn’t!
You deserve to eat delicious pasta in Tuscany or stand under that massive New York City skyline.
Sure, maybe you pictured sharing that moment with someone else.
That’s totally understandable!
But please don’t let not having someone to go with stop you from doing something you’ve always wanted to do.
Here’s a little secret: even if you do have people you could travel with, trying solo travel is still an incredible experience.
It’s not just about needing a travel partner; it’s about experiencing travel in a uniquely transformative way.
The Amazing Benefits of Solo Travel
When you travel solo, you open yourself up to some truly amazing benefits.
Some are obvious if you think about it, like getting to call all the shots.
Others might surprise you and show up when you least expect them – perhaps right in the middle of your trip or even after you get back home.
Ultimate Freedom and Flexibility
This is the crown jewel of solo travel and for good reason!
When you travel solo, you get to do whatever you want, whenever you want.
It’s your trip, and you make the rules.
Research from the University at Buffalo suggests that those who actively embrace solitude in a positive light demonstrate stronger emotional control and decreased feelings of burnout.
Developing comfort in spending time alone nurtures independence and the capacity to adapt emotionally, qualities that solo travel can help foster through immersive, self-guided experiences.
Control Your Schedule
Want to sleep in until noon? Go for it!
Feel like getting up at dawn to see the sunrise before the crowds arrive? You can do that too.
If you’re an early bird, you don’t have to worry about waking anyone else up.
If you’re a night owl, you can come back to your room as late as you want without disturbing anyone.
Your time is completely yours to manage.
Eat Exactly What You Want
Hungry right now? Go eat!
Not feeling breakfast? Skip it!
Want ice cream for dinner? No one’s there to judge!
Finding a restaurant where everyone agrees can be a nightmare when traveling in groups.
When you’re solo, you only choose what appeals to you.
You can dive deep into street food or stick to familiar cuisines – the choice is entirely yours with zero compromises.
Choose Your Activities Freely
That museum everyone says you “must visit” but doesn’t interest you?
Skip it without guilt!
You can spend extra time at a fascinating art exhibit or completely change your plans last-minute if something better comes along.
You can simply people-watch in a café for hours if that’s what brings you joy.
Every activity is based solely on your interests and mood.
Go at Your Own Pace
No more waiting to round everybody up or feeling rushed through something you’re enjoying.
If you find something fascinating, you can take all the time you want to explore it without feeling any guilt.
If you don’t enjoy shopping, you never have to follow someone else around a mall.
Everything moves at exactly your speed, no faster and no slower.
Building Confidence Through Solo Travel
Not much will build your confidence like traveling by yourself.
Solo travel pushes you outside your comfort zone in the best possible way.
Even basic activities like navigating to your hotel from the airport alone can make you feel incredibly capable.
These might seem like small accomplishments, but they add up quickly to create a powerful sense of self-reliance.
When you’re solo, you’re the one who figures things out.
You learn to navigate train systems, ask for directions in foreign languages, and solve unexpected problems.
Facing these challenges and relying on your own skills to handle them builds an unshakeable confidence.
You’ll return home with a powerful feeling that you can handle just about anything life throws at you.
Opportunities for New Connections
This might sound contradictory to being alone, but solo travel actually opens up more opportunities to meet people!
When you don’t have a travel buddy right there, your focus shifts outward rather than just toward your companion.
You become more approachable to others when you’re by yourself.
Starting conversations with locals or other travelers becomes easier because you already have something in common – you’re both exploring!
People often become curious about solo travelers, especially women traveling alone.
There’s a certain air of mystery and confidence that draws others to you.
These spontaneous connections can lead to lifelong friendships or at least memorable shared experiences.
Can Solo Travel Be Lonely?
Yes, loneliness can sometimes creep in during solo travel.
This isn’t just something that happens on long backpacking trips.
It can happen even during a short weekend getaway.
Loneliness often strikes during moments typically shared with others – like watching a beautiful sunset or having a special meal.
To combat this, stay connected with friends back home through video calls or group chats.
You don’t need to completely disconnect from your support system just because you’re traveling alone.
Join free walking tours or stay in social hostels (even in private rooms) to meet other travelers.
Hostelworld offers many solo-friendly accommodation options with social common areas.
Higher Costs for Solo Travelers
One of the biggest disadvantages of traveling alone is the cost of accommodation.
When traveling with someone, you split the room price.
But hotels and rentals don’t offer significant discounts just because only one person is staying there.
This “single supplement” can make solo travel more expensive per person than traveling with companions.
Consider alternatives like Airbnb for potentially cheaper options than traditional hotels.
Hostels with private rooms offer another good balance between privacy and cost.
The Photo Dilemma
Most travelers want photos of themselves in the amazing places they visit.
Getting good pictures that show both you and the impressive background can be challenging when traveling alone.
Selfies only capture so much, and selfie sticks have their limitations.
Using a tripod with self-timer works but can sometimes make you nervous about someone stealing your camera.
Asking strangers to take your photo is an option, but results vary widely depending on their photography skills.
For some travelers, this photo challenge is a genuine drawback of solo travel.
Limited Food Sampling
Food lovers face a unique frustration when traveling solo.
You can’t order multiple dishes and share them, which is one of the joys of traveling with others!
Wanting to try half the menu in Italy but only being able to eat one or two courses feels genuinely disappointing.
While you could over-order, wasting food isn’t ideal.
Look for food tours or cooking classes where you can taste multiple dishes in one experience.
Planning Everything Yourself
On a solo trip, all the planning falls on your shoulders.
There’s no one to share the research burden or handle different aspects of the trip planning.
Every detail – from transportation to accommodation to activities – is your responsibility.
This can feel overwhelming if you don’t enjoy trip planning or if you’re visiting a complex destination.
Travel guides and planning apps can help make this organization more manageable.
Safety Considerations
Being in an unfamiliar place can feel more intimidating when you’re alone.
This concern is especially relevant for women traveling solo.
You need to be more vigilant about your surroundings and make smart choices about where and when to go places.
Always ensure someone knows where you’re staying and check in regularly with friends or family back home.
Share your location and itinerary with trusted contacts before departing.
Most importantly, trust your instincts when something doesn’t feel right.
Bad situations can unfortunately happen anywhere, but staying alert significantly reduces your risks.
Don’t let safety concerns stop you from exploring, but do take reasonable precautions.
Is Solo Trip a Good Idea for a Girl?
Absolutely! Women can have incredible, transformative experiences traveling solo.
Many female travelers report feeling empowered and confident after completing solo journeys.
The world is generally safer than media coverage might suggest, but smart precautions are still important.
Research your destinations carefully, focusing on women’s safety ratings and cultural attitudes.
Trust your instincts about people and situations.
Stay in well-reviewed accommodations in safe neighborhoods.
Dress appropriately for local cultural norms to avoid unwanted attention.
Project confidence even when feeling uncertain.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Consider joining women-only tours or staying in female-only hostel dorms for added comfort.
Connect with other female travelers through apps like Tourlina designed specifically for women traveling solo.
The rewards of solo female travel – increased confidence, independence, and self-knowledge – far outweigh the challenges.
How Do You Know If Solo Travel Is for You?
Solo travel isn’t ideal for everyone.
Here are some signs it might be perfect for you:
- You enjoy your own company and can entertain yourself
- You feel frustrated when trips with others involve compromising on your interests
- You’re curious about how you’d handle challenges independently
- You want to focus entirely on your own travel experience without worrying about others
- You’re comfortable making decisions without consulting someone else
- You value flexibility and spontaneity in your adventures
- You want to discover aspects of yourself that only emerge when you’re on your own
If those points resonate with you, solo travel might be an excellent fit!
Start with a short weekend trip to somewhere relatively nearby.
This “test trip” gives you a taste of solo travel without a major commitment.
Pay attention to how you feel during this experience.
Did you enjoy the freedom?
Were you comfortable dining alone?
Did you miss having someone to share experiences with?
Your reactions will tell you if longer solo adventures might be right for you.
Does Solo Travel Change You?
Solo travel can profoundly transform how you see yourself and the world.
It reveals strengths you never knew you had.
You discover your ability to navigate challenges, adapt to unexpected situations, and connect with people across cultural and language barriers.
Your confidence grows with each problem solved independently.
Your perspective shifts as you experience different cultures and ways of living.
Priorities often become clearer when you spend time alone in new environments.
You may discover new passions or interests you never explored at home.
Your tolerance for uncertainty increases, making you more adaptable in all areas of life.
Many solo travelers report feeling more self-assured and independent after their journeys.
This personal growth continues long after you return home.
Do You Get Bored Solo Travelling?
Boredom during solo travel is rare but possible.
Without someone else to entertain you, you become responsible for your own enjoyment.
This actually leads to more authentic experiences as you follow your curiosity.
Most solo travelers find themselves too busy exploring, meeting people, and trying new things to feel bored.
When quieter moments come, they become opportunities for reflection rather than boredom.
To prevent potential boredom:
- Plan activities that genuinely interest you, not just tourist obligations
- Stay in social accommodations where meeting others happens naturally
- Join day tours or classes to connect with like-minded travelers
- Bring books or podcasts for downtime
- Allow yourself to wander without specific plans sometimes
- Try journaling about your experiences to process them more deeply
Solo travel teaches you to enjoy your own company in new ways.
Is Solo Travel Good for Introverts?
Solo travel can be paradise for introverts!
You control exactly how much social interaction you have each day.
There’s no pressure to be “on” socially when you need quiet time.
You can process experiences at your own pace without needing to discuss everything immediately.
You choose when to seek company and when to enjoy solitude.
You never need to compromise on your social energy limits.
Introverts often return from solo trips feeling energized rather than depleted.
The independence of solo travel perfectly matches many introverts’ desire for autonomy.
You can fully immerse yourself in observations without conversation interrupting your thoughts.
Just be prepared to occasionally step outside your comfort zone to ask for directions or assistance.
What Does Travelling Alone Teach You?
- Self-Reliance – Handle challenges solo, trust your judgment, and grow confident.
- Adaptability – Adjust quickly when plans change or things go wrong.
- Cultural Awareness – Immerse in local life and appreciate different perspectives.
- Communication Skills – Connect creatively, even with language barriers.
- Independence – Make decisions without needing approval.
- Comfort with Solitude – Enjoy your own company and find peace alone.
What to Know Before Solo Travel: Essential Prep Tips
- Research Thoroughly – Learn local culture, scams, safe areas, and transport. Check recent solo traveler reviews.
- Pack Smart – Travel light, bring a doorstop, money belt, and portable charger.
- Plan First Night – Arrive in daylight, pre-book airport transfer, stay in a safe, central spot.
- Stay Connected – Get a local SIM or plan, share your itinerary, set check-in times.
- Prep Financially – Alert your bank, carry multiple payment options, budget wisely, keep emergency cash.
- Trust Instincts – Leave if something feels off. Safety over politeness.
- Use Tech Wisely – Download offline maps, solo travel apps, and safety/location-sharing tools.
Is It Worth Doing a Solo Trip? The Final Verdict
Looking at everything we’ve discussed – the freedom, confidence-building, deeper experiences, new connections, and practical perks, along with the challenges of occasional loneliness, higher costs, photo difficulties, and safety considerations – what’s the verdict?
Is solo travel worth it?
The answer is a resounding YES!
The challenges are real but manageable with proper preparation.
The benefits are transformative and long-lasting.
Solo travel isn’t about being fearless – it’s about doing it despite the fear and discovering your own capability.
The personal growth, deep connections with places and people, and newfound self-reliance stay with you long after you return home.
Don’t let the lack of a travel buddy stop you from seeing the world.
Life is short, and those places sparking your imagination are waiting.
Solo travel gives you a unique perspective, boosts your confidence tremendously, and creates incredible memories that are entirely your own.
Yes, there will be moments when you wish someone was there to share something amazing.
Yes, you’ll face challenges along the way.
What excites you most about the idea of solo travel? What concerns do you have?
Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!