Solo travel has become my sanctuary, my therapy, my escape, and my biggest teacher. I’ve been taking solo trips since I was 25 years old, and doing the math for you, that’s 20 years. Though many people think traveling solo is scary or sad or lonely, I’m going to lay out all of its benefits that I and many of the people who run in the solo travel circle know about it. Whether you are single and not in a relationship, in a relationship, or legally married to someone, there is always the option to do solo travel if you care to travel at all. Having a travel companion can be lovely if it’s the right one, and it doesn’t have to take away from the enjoyment of being on your own. Let’s stop feeling guilty about wanting some alone time and dive into all the benefits of this little thing called solo travel.
8 Benefits of Solo Travel
In my experience in the world of travel in general, people have very strong opinions about traveling solo, especially for women. For some people, it feels like a death sentence. To others, it’s a way to exercise freedom, to get out of their comfort zone, to explore new places and a way of meeting new people. As someone who has traveled with and without people my entire adult life, I can tell you that the benefits of solo travel are immense for me. I do believe that we all have preferences in life and that solo travel is not preferential to everyone, but there are many benefits even if it’s something you do once or twice. I’m a huge advocate for it, as I’ve written several articles on specific and non-specific elements of my solo traveling. Here I’ll talk about very specific benefits you will likely have if and when you decide that a solo trip is going to happen for you. Let’s dive in!
Tea Time in London - Solo Tripping
According to my friend ChatGPT, solo travel means exploring alone for fun, growth, or adventure. I completely agree with that definition. There is another way to travel solo, though, and that’s through group solo travel. I went with my then-husband, so it wasn’t fully solo, but it was rewarding. Even years later, I’m still friends with some women from that trip. Whether you travel completely alone or in a solo group, it’s amazing. When I’m on my own, I always meet interesting and kind people. Sometimes we stay in touch, and sometimes it’s just a lovely moment. Either way, I’m grateful for how solo travel helps me grow.
What are the Benefits of Solo Travel?
I’m definitely a big fan of traveling solo. I’m excited to invite you into this amazing world of solo adventures. Every trip has helped me grow and bloom like a flower after rain. The boldness, confidence, and problem-solving skills came from those experiences. I gained them because I put myself out there and learned along the way. None of it would’ve happened if I had never gone or always traveled with others. Now, I want to share the many benefits I’ve discovered over 20 years of exploring the world, mostly on my own.
Confidence Booster
I wrote an entire article on things to do to boost one’s confidence, and solo travel is one of those items on the list. Because you learn to trust yourself and all of your decisions, you naturally become more confident, which is something that carries with you in all of your life. I’ve been able to be a better human all around because of my solo traveling due to my confidence growing with each trip I take. It’s definitely one of the advantages of solo travel, and it’s a real thing.
Get to Know Yourself
I’ve noticed that many people avoid truly knowing themselves. They hide behind people-pleasing, constant busyness, or work. This keeps them from discovering what they actually enjoy. It also prevents them from understanding who they really are. I find this fascinating because no matter where you go, you’re still you. So why not take the time to know that person better? Solo travel gives you space to connect with yourself in new ways. It’s one of the best ways to strengthen your intuition and self-awareness. Through traveling alone, I’ve learned to know and trust myself more deeply.
You’re in Complete Charge
Imagine waking up whenever you want and eating only if you feel like it. You can spend hours in a museum without anyone rushing you. Or take endless detours just because the next street looks even cuter. That’s the beauty of creating your own schedule on a solo trip. My best advice is to plan only one main thing each day. This leaves plenty of room for spontaneous adventures to unfold. You’ll still have structure but not an exhausting, jam-packed itinerary. That balance keeps your trip fun, flexible, and full of life.
No Obligations
One of my annual traditions is to go to the Christmas markets in Europe over Thanksgiving because I have an estranged relationship (by choice) from my family. I didn’t want to stay home feeling sorry for myself, so I started a new tradition. It’s worked out beautifully and brought so much joy into my life. It even gave me expertise in something I love to share with readers. Pretty entrepreneurial of me, right? Through solo travel, I found freedom from family obligations and holiday sadness. And no, I don’t feel lonely being on my own during these times. I create my own fun and truly enjoy every moment.
Meet New People Along the Way
The number of people I’ve met while traveling solo is incredible. I’ve had so many connections, both brief and lasting, that brightened my life. Thanks to social media, it’s easy to stay in touch after meeting. I’ll never forget the people from my first solo trip to London. I may not remember their names, but I remember the moments. Like the girl in a bar who rolled me an unfiltered cigarette, never again! I was sick all night, but it’s still a funny memory. You can have amazing experiences with strangers and locals alike. You might even meet someone who changes your life forever. Solo travel gives you those unexpected, unforgettable chances.
Broaden Your Mind
You cannot stay the same after any kind of travel. That is my strong opinion. Even if you go back to doing the same things, things have shifted, even if it’s slightly. I had some t-shirts made that say “Travel Cures Ignorance” and I do believe that if you travel enough and see enough of another local culture, you will be transformed in some ways. Whether it’s learning a few language skills that you didn’t know before or eating food that you never knew existed, you will broaden your mind and be a big different than you were before. And change is always a good thing.
Sparks of Creativity
Every time I travel to Paris alone, I come home with a big life or business epiphany. My creativity starts flowing, and everything in my life feels refreshed. Getting out of my usual routine helps me think and create in new ways. I walk, explore, and experience things I’ve never done before. All that movement and novelty sparks inspiration and clarity. Paris has always been my favorite solo travel destination. Though now, with so many friends there, it barely feels solo anymore. Can I? Check out my blog on “Is is safe to go to Paris alone?” for some further insight on my opinion on that. Clearly I think it’s safe - I go all the time!
Gets You out of Your Head
Solo travel is a heightened state of mind. You become extra aware of your surroundings, especially as a woman. Every decision is yours, so you’re always thinking about what’s next. There’s also time to reflect on thoughts you might usually avoid. But it feels different because your environment is fresh and new. It’s healthy to get out of your head and see things clearly. I admit, I tend to ruminate and overthink, but solo travel helps. It gives me perspective and shifts how I view my whole life. That’s one of the best psychological benefits of traveling solo.
Solo Photo Shoot in Montmartre Cemetery
What to Expect When Traveling Alone
I’m not going to tell you something silly like “expect the unexpected” because you can plan for many things when you are traveling alone. You can also plan absolutely nothing. It’s a matter of preference as to how much you want to leave to serendipity and how much you want to pack that schedule. I’m in the former group, so many of my days are left to see what I can get up to. I’ll often reference my Google Maps where I save things in the cities where I visit so I know I have some reference points along my walks or metro rides. There are a few things you may or many not expect, and I’ll lay them out for you based on my own experience.
Decision Fatigue
Because you’re traveling alone, every decision is up to you. On most trips, I eventually hit a wall and feel exhausted. Planning the schedule each day can get overwhelming. Deciding where to eat, what to do, and how to get there takes energy. It can feel like a lot, but it’s also how I grow. I remind myself to take breaks and do nothing for a while. Sometimes I visit a local grocery store, buy tea and bananas, and head back. I curl up in bed and let myself cry from exhaustion or joy. Decision fatigue is real, especially on long or complex trips.
Loneliness May Creep in
It’s normal to feel a bit lonely sometimes when you travel alone. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong, it just means you’re human. If you’re not used to being alone and feel anxious, that’s okay. Remember, you’re safe within yourself, even with that feeling. This is your chance to know yourself better and check in with your emotions. When loneliness creeps in, take a walk or talk to someone nearby. You can also do something that feels comforting and familiar. Sometimes I just watch a movie with a cup of tea and relax. After that, I usually feel completely different. Feeling lonely is part of the journey, and letting it pass helps you feel lighter.
Freedom!
Once you travel alone and feel true freedom, it’s hard to go back. For 20 years, I’ve taken myself on solo trips without anyone’s input. No one told me where to go or what to do, and it felt amazing. That kind of freedom can sometimes feel overwhelming, though. We rarely experience it in our usual routines at home. To balance it, I make small plans during the day for structure. Having something to do keeps me from feeling lost or directionless. Still, the freedom you get from solo travel is unlike anything else.
Unexpected Connections
I’ve met so many amazing people while traveling alone. Some of my closest friends were people I met by chance. I talked to them only because I was alone and fully present. Being open to new connections is one of the best parts of solo travel. Step out of your comfort zone and start a conversation. Talk to the people around you, even just to say hello. You might be surprised by how meaningful those moments can be. Some of my best conversations happened because I was brave enough to connect. That’s one of the greatest gifts of solo travel.
You’re Going to Grow
Like it or not, solo travel will help you grow. You’ll become more empowered, bold, and independent over time. All of that growth is something to celebrate. Your confidence will rise, and your heart will open if you let it. Most solo travelers I meet welcome that kind of growth. Even if you haven’t gone yet, being open to adventure is enough. Believe me, growth will find you once you start exploring. You’ll come back as a stronger, better version of yourself. It’s happened to me many times, and that’s why I keep going.
Recharge the Battery
When you plan your trip, leave space in your schedule to recharge. This doesn’t have to mean staying in your hotel all day. But if reading a book in bed feels right, that’s okay too. We often push ourselves too hard and forget to rest. Let your solo adventure be exciting but also peaceful. Give your mind and heart time to slow down and reset. Recharging looks different for everyone, so find what works for you. Make sure you actually take that time for yourself. You’re in charge of your well-being, and rest is part of the journey.
Croissant in Bed after Decision Fatigue
I Could Go on, but I Won’t
My hope is to inspire you to just go. Go on the solo trip despite your fears or trepidations or worries. Pick a place that feels good to you. A place you want to know better or explore, and see what little miracles happen when you arrive. So many amazing things are waiting for you in the world. Being alone with yourself is something that takes a lot of courage and trust in yourself. It’s not for the faint of heart, believe me. It is for those who want to expand and become greater versions of themselves. Enjoy the ride, the adventure, and also yourself. Then see all the benefits that solo travel can provide. There are so many.
If you liked this blog, you might also like the one I wrote about the best bags to travel with. It'll get that engine running for some solo travel!
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