Why You Should Travel Alone

Maybe you’ve heard someone go on and on about their life-changing solo trip abroad, or you’ve always talked about traveling to Japan but you’re getting frustrated by your friends who are never ready to actually book the trip.

More and more women have been embarking on solo adventures than ever before, and with good reason. With Google reporting a 131% increase in searches for “solo female travel”, you can’t help but wonder what all the hype is about. Even with the rapid rise and growth of it, however, solo travel brings up concerns of safety, loneliness, and even boredom.

The thought of solo travel seems intimidating, scary even. Anxious thoughts about being in a foreign country completely on your own are bound to happen, but getting over it is the first step to seeing the world and gaining an entirely new perspective. After all, research reveals that the secret to happiness is spending money on experiences, not things. Investing in a solo trip is investing in your future self.

Confidence & Empowerment

Having no one else to rely on is equal parts terrifying and empowering. By making all your own decisions, you become a more confident and assertive person. You will learn how capable you truly are, even if it's a little challenging at first. There’s nothing like the satisfaction you’ll get from overcoming an obstacle and knowing you did it all on your own.

Independence

Solo travel gives you freedom that’s hard to achieve while traveling in groups. Trips with friends, although fun, can be frustrating when everyone has their own different bucket list items to check off. You can set your own schedule, see and do exactly what you want, and no one can stop you or try to change your mind. No waiting on others, no silly arguments, and no questions asked.

Self Discovery

What you learn about yourself on a solo trip might surprise you. Spending time in solitude forces you to get to know more about your own personality, likes, and dislikes. Step outside of your comfort zone and do something you would never do at home. Use this time as a chance to explore any passions or interests you’ve always had but never dedicated time to. Chances are that by the end of your trip, you’ll know yourself better than ever and have a fresh new perspective on life.

New Connections

You might come back from a solo trip with new friends that you couldn’t imagine your life without before. You might also share incredible memories with people that you’ll never see or talk to again, and that’s okay! Being out alone forces you to socialize when you normally might not, and you’ll meet people from all kinds of backgrounds.

...But how will I make friends?

Nowadays, there are plenty of apps and websites that offer opportunities to connect with other solo travelers. Niche Facebook groups are also an amazing resource to coordinate meetups, get recommendations, and ask questions. Staying in a hostel is probably your best bet for both financial and social purposes. Hostels often have open spaces meant for guests to socialize and even host events. If you’re not feeling the whole college freshmen dorm vibe that most hostels have, consider booking a private room for those moments when you need to retreat to your own space.

Okay, you’ve convinced me, but I’m still worried about safety concerns.

Especially as women, it’s not unusual to feel vulnerable while traveling alone. Doing your research before arriving is one of the most important parts of solo travel. Read up on common scams and petty crimes and always have the local emergency contact number on hand. Don’t draw attention to yourself by wearing flashy jewelry and know when it’s okay to lie. Keeping in contact and sharing your itinerary with friends or family back home is also a smart idea. While you obviously want to have fun, make sure you know your limits. Even if you make a great connection with someone you just met, remember that they’re still a stranger and not to overshare information that could endanger your safety (like what hostel you're staying at). Be aware of your surroundings, do research before you leave, and use common sense and the same precautions you use at home and you’ll be just fine.

The world is just too big to have to be waiting around on other people to plan your next adventure. Maybe you’ll go on your first solo trip and realize you absolutely hate it, but at least you tried!