5 Reasons Why You Should Solo Travel

March 9, 2019 New York, NY, USA

5 Reasons Why You Should Solo Travel

Been hesitant to travel solo? Here are five reasons why you should  travel on your own at least once in your lifetime!

5 Reasons to Solo Travel.
I'm a huge advocate for solo traveling, it's something I recommend everyone to try at least once in their lives. It refreshes, it challenges, it’s an adventure, an opportunity to expand your horizons, to discover stuff about yourself and the world you never knew. I think it's so inspiring seeing solo travelers of all ages nowadays. You'll find people in their 80s solo traveling to teenagers embarking on this kind of travel. I also enjoy seeing more people of color and women solo traveling all around the world. There was once a period of time where you only heard of men backpacking or solo traveling but times are changing and you see more representation across the globe taking these kinds of trips.

I understand its fun and a sense of comfort to share a special trip and new experiences with friends, a partner, or family, there’s an intriguing case for travel alone from time to time. Solo travel can work for anyone, whether you’re single, in a relationship, extroverted, or introverted, and here are five good reasons why you should try it.

No More Holding Back.
Let’s you really want to travel to a specific destination but your family or friends either don’t want to go, can’t afford it or don’t have the same vacation time as you. These were the reasons how I got into solo traveling in the first place. I think this is one of the top reasons so many people don't travel by themselves because other people don't want to join in. People just postpone trips thinking they will just go in the future or with a significant other or when a friend is available. But sometimes that trip that they really want to go on will never happen. Solo travel just makes it possible for you to go the destinations you want to go without having someone holding you back.

You're in Control.
When you’re solo traveling you have complete control of what YOU want to do. When it comes to the destination, accommodation, activities, and how long you’re staying there. You’re ultimately the the deciding factor for all these things. If you traveled with family before, usually it's your parents that had the say on what you were doing during these trips. Or if you traveled with friends maybe you had to comprise on certain aspects of the trip things it was activities or accommodation.

Half the fun of travel is in the planning process. No arguments, no compromises, no worrying when your by yourself. When you’re alone you truly get to do and choose freely on things that matter to you! You are not obliged to entertain anyone but yourself.  If you want to waste the day sitting at an outdoor bar drinking mojitos instead of sightseeing, going on snorkeling tour, or indulging in delicious cuisine in different restaurants, you won’t have to answer to anyone!

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone.
Travel in general pushes you out of your comfort zone but when you're solo traveling it magnifies that. Let’s think about it for a second, do you know anyone in your friend group or family that has ever solo traveled anywhere? If the answer is no. That clearly shows you right there that many people don’t take that step to get our of their comfort zones. If you answered yes to the question, you probably just know a handful of people who have done it.

Personally, when I first solo traveled no one in my inner circle of family or friends ever did it. I was essentially the first one to do it. Everyone thought I was literally crazy for doing a trip like this and even doubted that was I was actually going to through with it. I even had people tell me it's not a good idea, it's not safe, share scary stories they had found on the internet, and to even go as far as to tell me to cancel my trip.

I believe it's super important if you never left your town, state or let alone country to go out explore new places, learn about new cultures, meet new people, and experience a different lifestyle. Even if it's something out of the norm for people around you to comprehend, getting out of your comfort zone is a good thing even if it seems scary!

Self Confidence + The Journey.
Another reason to solo travel is I think it’s so liberating, transformative, and empowering whether it's your journey or for your self confidence. As I mentioned before not a lot of people go out and solo travel. When you do it you feel a sense of empowerment knowing you did it all alone and it was was possible. We all put limiting beliefs in our mind thinking you can never do something  or it's not possible for you do a particular thing. Once you push through those limiting beliefs and you actually accomplish that goal it feels awesome. 

Knowing you navigated your way on your own in a different county, planned everything out and not needing to depend on someone is so liberating! When you encompass the solo traveling journey it can be so transformative in many ways such as:
  • Getting to know yourself a little bit better. When you're alone is all a  learning experience. I think nowadays many people don't know how to enjoy their own company and being able to do that is so awesome.
  • Seeing and experiencing another way of life. Travel lets you see how other people around the world live. If you grew up just knowing one way of life, you'll be so surprised how others grow up, their mindset, and how they choose to live life.
  • Connecting with people you didn't think you were going to connect with. Being open minded and open hearted will lead you to connect with so many people from all walks of life during your trip.
  • Changing your perspective on your views and own life. Some trips just really make an impact on you and make you see things a little bit different and maybe want to change.
  • Reflecting on your lifestyle and appreciating what you have. Sometimes traveling makes you stop taking things for granted in your own life and be thankful for what you have.
  • Makes you want to work a little bit more. After your first trip maybe that experience has open your mind and you want experience more of the world. That can push you to work a little bit more so you're able to go out an travel more!

Mindset.
If you grew up in the United Sates but this can also apply to other countries as well, we have this state of mind of just work, work, work and when you retire you can enjoy the luxury of traveling. Well heres the thing, life is short. You don't know what will happen tomorrow, let alone in the future. Nowadays travel is more accessible than ever and if you have the time and money, why not travel now?  

If you’re like me whose travel bucket list just seems to increase over time waiting till you retire maybe impossible to even experience half of the places you want to see. You’ll be amazed where you can travel to on a budget. I understand everyone has different priorities in their lives but if you’re reading this post, it’s because travel is something your interested in. I personally value experiences more than material things and travel is important to me. So if travel is important to you, make it happen! Solo traveling is a great way to experience the places you want to see and not have to put it off till your retire. If you want to check out my post on how to safe while solo traveling (click here) to read more. So whats holding you back? Go book that trip!

Youtube Video.

Comment Below,
Have you you solo traveled before?

50 comments

  1. I have never traveled solo! I can definitely understand why we should, but I just don't think I ever could!

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    1. You should do baby steps like go road-tripping or going on a staycation nearby by yourself :)

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  2. I love solo travel and cannot recommend it enough to anyone! I love how much control over vacation and your own life you have, it's so refreshing. Thank you for sharing this and reminding me how good it feels!

    Denise | Fashion Love Letters

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    1. It's such a liberating and empowering experience for sure!

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  3. I loveeee traveling solo. Thanks so much for inspiring others to do the same!

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  4. I've never solo traveled before.
    I would absolutely love to try it some day

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  5. I have only traveled solo a couple of times. I do like it, but have to say it's not really for me. I like to travel with other people. It did definitely get me out of my comfort zone that is for sure!

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    1. I understand it's not for everyone but at least you tried it a couple times! Not many people travel solo at all in their lifetime.

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  6. I have never traveled long distances solo, but this list gives me great reasons to! It must be so freeing! Thanks for the tips!

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  7. Traveling solo is not as hard as people think. You must get out of your comfort zone and always has a plan for things that arise. I love your passage on Self Confidence + The Journey. When exploring new cities and countries it is the perfect time to find your inner peace and adventure into the unknown. Thank you for sharing this awesome post with us. We look forward to your next post.

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  8. I couldn't agree more! I have made lifelong friends on solo trips. It really did make me break out of my comfort zone, be brave and talk to people while ignoring the fear of them not liking me. It can feel scary at first but it's also so exhilarating! Even now me and my hubs will do trips solo from time to time. Absence does make the heart grow fonder. ;)

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    1. That's so awesome! I'm sure it def makes the heart grow fonder lol.

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  9. I've actually been wanting to do this for a while. I've really only traveled with my husband, and while I adore that, I think having control of my own schedule and places to go would be really nice. The only problem? Finding the right person to snap a pic for me haha!

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  10. I have never traveled solo, but as a mother of three, this sounds like a piece of paradise. I’ve always wanted to go somewhere alone, but hold back. This sounds so liberating and makes me want to do this even more.

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  11. I’d love to do some solo travel. It would be great to have the freedom to go wherever you like.

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  12. I haven't officially traveled solo, but I want to try! I see a lot of benefits to it...including what you have listed here. I may have a solo trip coming up but we'll see!

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  13. I love your blog and agree with you. I backpacked europe a couple of times and have been to 30 countries. You learn so much from traveling and you have pointed out all the important points thanks for a wonderful job. Jerry Godinho

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    1. That's so amazing, 30 countries! Thank you so much for your kind words btw!

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  14. I wish I got the chance to do this! Solo traveling sounds like such an experience.

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  15. I absolutely LOVE this post! I've never had the opportunity to travel abroad solo, however I have travelled within my country on my own. I've always wanted to travel solo becasue it is so out of my comfort zone to be by myself and, like you said, it is so important to try! This post has inspired me!

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    1. I'm so happy this post inspired you in some way! This message just brightens my day :)

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  16. I know it is good for me to travel solo but I do not know I can not do so.

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    1. Take baby steps and do small trips around your area solo!

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  17. I’ve done solo travels before and enjoyed it. It definitely puts you outside your comfort zone, to say the least! But that’s a good thing.

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  18. I never considered traveling solo in the past before but the more I read and realized the more I wanted to try it out. It would be definitely scary at first but after a few times it it's actually great.

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    1. Everyone was once scared on their first solo trip but once you do it you realize it's not so bad!

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  19. Solo travel is so worth it! I totally understand people feeling scared the first time, but agree that it's worth it just to try it. Might just be for you!

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  20. Great post! I am someone who lives with anxiety, mainly the social aspects. So doing things by myself has always been a huge deal for me. Last year I took a trip by myself to attend a concert, and it was one of the best things I ever did. I honestly never, ever thought I would be able to travel by myself, and then I did it. Overcoming that hurdle has made me so much more confident and I feel as though I can conquer more!

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    1. I was the same way! It's so crazy how much solo travel can impact you!

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  21. I've never traveled alone, but I could see how it could be a great experience. It's something I should try one day!

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    1. Yes, you can take baby steps and do smaller trips around your area alone!

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  22. I've gone to some places solo and all I get to think of is my family and can't wait to rush back home. My best trip so far is the one done with my wife. Free from the kids, work and just by ourselves.

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  23. Traveling solo is unique. I was very happy to travel solo for first time in over 10 years this year for me. It was so rejuvenating and so enriching, I knew so much new about myself

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  24. I just came back from a 2.5 month mostly-solo cross-country road trip and it was a ton of fun! Great post! :]

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