Solo Travel

While taking vacations with family and friends is a wonderful thing, sometimes you just need some alone time. Or, they aren’t able to join you to your dream destination. So, should you cancel your trip? Of course not. The answer: solo traveling.

While it’s called solo travel, you’re never really alone. You’re bound to meet many wonderful people on your unique journeys through various countries. Be it your tour guide, your hostel roommates, or just a friendly local or two.

But what entails solo traveling exactly? And where do you start the process? Stick around to find out more about being a solo adventurer, whether you’re hoping for a tranquil escape or an exciting singles ski holiday.

Who Is Solo Travel for?

Everyone! There really is no age limit or personality type for those who can travel on their own. Whether you’re looking for vacations for over 50 singles or you’re a female solo traveler, there is a way for you to see the globe. 

Solo Female Travelers

Did you know that women are more likely to travel alone than men? The independence to do whatever they want when they want is the main selling point for many female travelers.

Of course, not every country is safe to do so (regardless of gender), but there are many wonderful and safe places you can visit if you’re a woman. Some of the safest places in the world include Japan, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, and New Zealand.

Solo Travelers of All Ages

When you think of solo traveling, you may picture a young person fresh out of school or college, but you’d be amazed at the range of single sightseers.

Many companies offer singles holidays for people over 40, meaning these trips are in high demand. Take the time to join a cooking class, intriguing workshop, or tour group while traveling. It’s never too late (or early) to learn.

Solo Travelling for All Price Brackets

Many aspiring solo travelers often put off their trips because they worry about the financial burden it may bring. 

Yes, going on an all-inclusive vacation for singles 50+ is a great way to spend retirement. But your trips don’t have to be a costly affair.

You can easily backpack through Asia for a fraction of the cost of Europe if you plan right. Some people even get jobs along the way and become digital nomads to support themselves while they continue to travel. So, it’s not impossible.

Slow Travellers

The type of break you seek on your solo travels isn’t limited. Some people prefer to take short breaks of only a few days or weeks in a different country. Others prefer to take a slower approach. 

‘Slow travel’, as this is often referred to, is when travelers take a few months (sometimes even years) to live like a local. This gives them enough time to soak up a place’s essence. Some even take jobs in different countries to really get a feel of the authentic culture, people, and foods.

Why Do People Solo Travel?

If you’re still unsure if traveling alone is for you, take a look at a few reasons some people (including me) have taken a solo trip. 

Freedom

The number one reason some people choose to travel this way is the unbridled freedom that comes with it. This might be the only time you’ll have to be completely selfish and self-indulgent.

On your own, you can book last-minute flights on a dime, visit that niche museum, or eat Italian food every night if you want to. All without the possibility of inconveniencing the group or disrupting their schedules.

On a solo trip, your time is yours, and you can do whatever you’d like.

Meeting People

Many tourists travel solo to meet new people and possibly learn new languages. There’s no better way to improve yourself than diving in head-first, right?

This might sound daunting to introverts at first, but stepping out of your comfort zone is a great way to grow. And, as a solo traveler, you’re more approachable to locals than if you were to travel as a couple or a group of friends.

If going up to strangers sounds intimidating, join a singles travel group to meet other solo travelers like you.

Rest

As with any vacation, rest is the main objective. For many, that is best done on their own. Studies reflect that taking a break away from high-stress environments is good for your mental well-being.

Of course, if you’d like to look after your physical well-being, there are also a few solo spa breaks available all over the world. Escape to Bali and stay in a 5-star jungle resort, or visit Turkey to soak in their healing “hammams” and Turkish baths.

Improved Problem-Solving Skills

Any traveler can tell you about a time one of their trips went totally awry. That includes solo travelers. But, they will also tell you (usually with a smile) that it was a great and possibly funny experience they learned from.

As a solo traveller, you’ll only have yourself to rely on, which in turn will help your decision-making, problem-solving skills, and your self-confidence. I mean, if you can survive getting lost in New York City’s subway network, you can overcome that work presentation in a breeze.

It’s Cheaper

Let’s be honest: vacationing can be very expensive at times, especially if you’re going in a large group or as a whole family. But, traveling on your own cuts down the costs in a tremendous way. 

If you are more of a luxury traveller, naturally, getting a 5-star hotel room is oftentimes much cheaper for a solo traveler than what it would have cost for two people. The same goes for any activity, flight, or meal. Naturally, it will be much cheaper because you only have to pay for one.

Some travelers don’t even go the luxury route and prefer backpacking instead. And, while hostels are a great way to save money, you can save even more by staying on your own.

In other words, you have endless opportunities when traveling alone, and there won’t be a moment when you feel ‘alone.’