solo travellers meaning

What Does Solo Travel Actually Mean?

I am currently sitting here in a small village, in a foreign country – in the middle of absolutely nowhere. I have been non-stop solo traveling since June of 2016 and have zero plans of stopping anytime soon.  Someone recently asked me ‘what does it mean to solo travel’, and for some reason I couldn’t give a proper definition. I have since put a lot of time and thought into this answer. Here’s what I came up with…

A Solo Traveler is a person who embarks on a journey, either long or short, in which they are both physically and emotionally away from the people and the culture that they are familiar with.  

3 Basic Categories of Being a Solo Traveler :

• Guided Solo Traveler – Someone who explores via organized tour, but doesn’t know anyone in the group prior to arriving. This includes travelers who hire a private 1-on-1 tour guide. 
• Extrovert Solo Traveler – Someone who may explore with one or even multiple local people who are not guides. Enjoys interacting with local people and may even focus their entire travel on that interaction.
• Introvert Solo Traveler – Someone who explores with no one. Enjoys time alone in peace and quiet – and doesn’t make interacting with local people a goal.

Let’s Get Technical About The Meaning of Solo Travel

I probably already know what you are thinking. You are probably thinking that ‘guided travel’ should not be considered solo travel because the person is not alone. The traveler is with other travelers…therefore it is not a solo experience. To a certain degree you are absolutely correct, but consider this:

• If solo travel technically meant to travel alone, then the only way a Solo Traveler could be labeled as such, would be if he or she traveled in a forest away from everyone – only to be surrounded by nature. 
• If a person were to travel to a foreign country, alone, and walk through the streets of an extremely crowded city for days, are they still a Solo Traveler? Technically they are surrounded by thousands of people…
• Oh, do you mean a travel partner/companion? OK, well then check this out: What if a person travels to a foreign country and meets a local person in a coffee shop, and they start exploring together in a forest? What about exploring together in the city?

Are you starting to get a little confused now? All of these technicalities..

I like to think that solo traveling compares you to your home town/country. Your family and friends would see that you left and started to travel alone. From their point of view, you are a Solo Traveler. You didn’t bring anyone with you that you knew before. You are alone.

I feel that you are in fact Solo Traveling, even if you travel with another person – as long as that other person is from the country that you are traveling in. Local people are the only exception. Usually the entire purpose of traveling to another country is to experience the food, the culture, and also the people of that country. Hanging out and exploring with local people is part of solo traveling. It makes the journey incredibly authentic. 

If you are traveling with anyone else from outside of the country you are currently traveling in, or with a local tour guide, then you are not solo traveling (assuming you are traveling in a foreign country).

Solo Traveling Technicalities 

You don’t always have to be alone to be a solo traveler. For example;

Local People

When traveling to a foreign country and joining a tour group with a bunch of local people. To me, this is still solo traveling (I label it as Guided Solo Traveling). You do not know anybody in the group and they are all from the country that you are currently traveling in. 

Other Tourists

What about if I travel to a foreign country and join a tour group full of other tourists from my native country? This is still Guided Solo Traveling, as long as you did not know any of the people prior to joining the group. You entered the group as a solo individual who did not know anybody before joining. 

Imagine for a moment that throughout this tour, nobody else talked to you. Not even once. Would you feel alone? Yep, most likely. If, however, you knew the people before joining the group, then this would be considered a travel partner and I would not consider it as solo traveling. 

Even Deeper in to the Meaning of Solo Travel

To be ‘solo’ is like saying ‘alone’ or ‘away’. But to be away from who/what, exactly? Well, I think it is ‘to be away from our norms – which must include the people that we know and the location that we are from. 

Guided Solo Traveler

Let’s take a look at this one (mainly because it is the most controversial of the 3 types). Tina flew to a foreign country alone, Took a taxi to her hotel alone, and slept at the hotel alone. The next day, She woke up and took a taxi, alone, to the meeting location of her tour group. She met all of these people for the very first time and did not know anyone before arriving.  She went on a guided tour with a group of people that she didn’t not know prior.

Because the common language was English, all of the group members could communicate with each other – even though they were all from different countries. Each person had a unique accent and had different personalities. She toured for 5 days all over the city with the same group of people. She eventually flew back home and told her mother about her experience. 

This was definitely a solo traveling experience. She traveled away from her native culture, her native land (her norms), and everybody that she knew. She threw herself into a completely foreign country with completely foreign situations. Yes she was with other people, physically, but she was emotionally ‘alone’ and ‘away’ from everyone and everything she understood in her native country.

* Compared to the country currently traveling in. Does not apply when traveling domestically. 

** Extreme examples (group tour): American in China with a group of 100% Chinese people  VS American in China with a group of 100% Americans (but doesn’t know anyone)

Solo Traveling is both Physical and Emotional

I do believe it is a combination of both, though heavily weighted on the physical side of things. When we travel solo, we are physically away from people that we knew prior to visiting, and if we meet a local person in a foreign country, we would still be ‘emotionally away’ from those things as well.

Traveling solo doesn’t strictly mean ‘to be physically alone’. Extrovert Solo Travelers sometimes thrive to be around local people, but they are still solo travelers because they are not hanging around people that are from a country outside of the country they are currently traveling in. Make sense?

Let’s look at these examples. 

• John is from the USA but is currently in Mexico, alone. He meets, by chance, another American at a local park. They decide to travel to a few tourist areas together over the next couple of days. They now are not completely ‘alone/away’ from their cultural norms. The culture/interaction from each other is not from the current country they are traveling in. They are not solo travelers.
• Instead, if John met a person from Brazil (still while in Mexico) at the park and decided to travel together over the next couple of days, neither of them would be considered solo travelers during their journey together. The culture/interaction from each other is not from the current country they are traveling in.
• But if John would have met a local Mexican at the park and they decided to travel together over the next couple of days, John would still be considered a Solo Traveler. He is physically with another person, but that person is a local. John is still ‘away’ from his cultural norms. The culture/interaction with each other is from the current country they are traveling in.

The Meaning of Solo Traveling From a Different Perspective

It also may help to think about this from the perspective of people in your native country. They would look at your current situation as being a Solo Traveler because you have entered a country alone and started to experience whatever the country had to offer, alone. And in this scenario, apparently the country offered a local person to accompany you who is kind enough to show you around their area.  

If you have learned anything from this post, I hope it’s: ‘ just because I am traveling with another person, doesn’t necessarily mean that I am not a solo traveler’ . That was a big game-changer for me, also. It took me a while to sort this all out in my brain. I think many people believe that we must travel without a companion to be labeled as a solo-traveler – but, I tend to disagree with this. Local people are the only exception.

Note: You can be a Solo Traveler even if you are traveling domestically. Rules are a bit grey here. You may have to ‘read between the lines’ a bit. Happy travels!

Thinking about going on your first Solo Trip? Be sure to read a bit more about this topic. Here are some related articles:

15 Absolutely Critical Tips To Know Before You Start Solo Traveling

Does Solo Travel Get Lonely?

THIS is Why Solo Travel is Good for the Soul

What Solo Travel is REALLY Like (PROS & CONS)

Hey - I'm Brock. I grew up in the USA, and I have been a full-time Solo Traveler since June of 2016. I am also a Travel Vlogger on YouTube where my primary focus is to simply hang out with local people around the world. My full story is here: About Me

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Complete Solo Travel Guide: How to Travel Alone Like a Pro

Solo travel is one of the greatest experiences one can encounter in life. Relying only on yourself, facing the fear alone and enjoying the moments without any distractions are one of the perks of solo travel. However, travelling alone is not only roses. It can turn into a pretty frustrating experience for those who’re unprepared. Read this complete solo travel guide below to make sure your next solo adventure brings you nothing but pleasure and fun.

Check out everything you need to know before travelling alone, read my solo travel tips, safety instructions and find answers to all the curious questions about travelling alone. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

WHAT IS SOLO TRAVEL & WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

What solo travelling actually means and am I a solo traveller when I hook up with a bunch of people from a hostel? Before you decide on travelling by yourself have a closer look on how we can define ‘solo travelling’ itself and why it is actually important to make journeys without fellow companions. 

SOLO TRAVEL MEANING

The definition of ‘solo travel’ is simple – it describes all the trips and travels on which one embarks completely alone, without having a single travel companion . A person decides to travel single, chooses a particular destination or trip itinerary alone and books the flight or train tickets and accommodation on her or his own. 

There is nobody waiting for a solo traveller on the destination. He or she encounters all the trip independently and travels alone . A Solo traveller wanders the city alone, hikes alone and explores all the places alone until she or he decides to connect with other travellers in the area and get on a journey with them. 

There are no differences between solo travellers who prefer getting to a place alone and gad around completely unaccompanied; and those who like to socialize . The more sociable types can after spending some time alone hang out with locals, or do trips with people from the hostel or other solo travellers they met online.

Solo travelling is usually referred as well as: travelling alone, travelling by yourself, single travelling, single trip, solo trip, solo vacations (American), going on holidays alone and so on.

WHAT IS SOLO TRAVEL LIKE? IS IT GOOD?

It is very difficult to describe what is solo travel like as it is impossible to talk about experiences of other people in general. For each person solo travelling can bring varied feelings and emotions .

For many people travelling alone is about being free and independent . Other solo travellers take it as a form of a spiritual journey to find more about themselves, for others it is fun because they meet new people. Solo travelling can be as adventurous or as relaxing as you – the single traveller – make it. 

Of course, travelling by yourself can be sometimes lonely , but still offers such a diverse knowledge, experience and skills. You can rely only on yourself. All your senses are fully activated, and you can afford to do whatever you want.

Your experience is maximized because instead of focusing on finding an agreement with a travel companion and trying to fulfil his or her needs, you’re completely soaked in the sensations from the place itself. You can read more about the whole solo travel experience in my article ‘What Solo Travel Teaches You’.

SOLO TRAVEL TIPS: HOW TO TRAVEL ALONE

How to travel solo successfully? What should be a single traveller prepared for? How to plan a solo travel tip and what kind of budget to expect when travelling alone?

HOW TO PLAN A VACATION BY YOURSELF

Planning a solo trip is crucial. On one hand, you have all the freedom with choosing the destination of your dreams, selecting the perfect time, the way you travel and activities you plan to do.

On the other hand, for your safety and enjoying the trip to its maximum, you need to be extraordinary cautious with planning your solo travels into the tiniest details. 

We can divide the planning into choosing the destination, selecting the right time, the best transport, choosing accommodation, making an itinerary of the trip, list of activities and list of necessities to perfectly pack for the solo trip. 

1. CHOOSE THE DESTINATION

I believe that every single trip starts with choosing a destination. At least, every solo travel should! This decision is completely on you and your travel bucket list.

It very much depends on what you’re fond of, what you can afford budget wise, how adventurous and solo experienced you are and of course, where you can go Visa and restriction wise. 

Did I forget anything? You got me! What else could be more important for a solo traveller than the safety itself? I will talk more about safety in the section ‘Solo Travel Safety’ (in progress) and soon you will be able to read more about destination selection at the page ‘Solo Travel Destination’.

Meanwhile, I can briefly help you with the big decision on where to travel alone by stating a few questions you need to ask before travelling solo to a certain place :

• What are your motivations to see this place?
• Does the place really meets the purpose of the trip – in terms of nature, hiking options, culture, etc.
• Is it safe? Would you feel safe and comfortable there?
• How difficult is to get to the place or the city? Do you need a car? Do you drive?
• What is the infrastructure ? Can you safely hang around using only public transport?
• Can you afford to stay in this place?
• Are there any cool places around ? Or can you imagine staying there during all your trip?

2. SELECT THE RIGHT SEASON, DATE AND TIME  

You are travelling alone so avoiding disastrous weather, especially something serious like tornados and hurricanes, is essential. Research the best time to visit your dream destinations and avoid the ‘unpleasant seasons’. 

For example, the Atlantic Hurricane season runs usually from June to November. Therefore, if you can’t imagine handling with possible weather complications during your solo travels to destinations affected by Atlantic hurricanes, you want to select a different date.

Time of arrival in the destination is also critical. When I travel solo, I prefer to spend a few more bucks on planes or trains with a reasonable arrival time. Most of the city transfers have a very limited schedule during nights , and I, personally, don’t feel very safe by crawling through the city at 1am to find my accommodation.

The other thing I am aware of are bank holidays of the country where I am travelling to. In many lands all shops and services may be closed during these days, so your arrival might be very disrupted. You may have less intercity connections, or you end up hungry because all shops are closed.

To summarize, you want to make sure that you select the perfect:

SEASON – the weather you want, no hazardous weather conditions.

DATE – how run the things in the destination during bank holidays or Sunday?

TIME – avoid late arrivals for your safety. 

3: PLAN THE BUDGET

Lucky those who can travel without the expenses in their minds! The rest of us have to get prepared on how much money we can afford to spend for the particular trip.

How to plan your solo travel budget:

• Set up a total budget (What is the maximum you can spend?).
• Allocate expenses into categories : accommodation, travel, transport, food & drinks, entrance fees, souvenirs, etc.
• Follow the currency of your destination to get the best exchange deal .
• Think how much cash you want and check ATMs available at your destination. What are the fees to withdraw money there?
• Set aside some emergency money .
• Decide on which credit or debit cards to take with you. 
• Decide where you will store your cash, cards and emergency cash.

HOT TIP : if you have more debit or credit cards, take with you only the one where you have less but sufficient amount of money . In case of pick pocketers and other thieves you lose only one credit card, the second one is safe at home.

4. BOOK THE ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORTATION

You know where you’re going, and you know how much you can afford to spend. The next step is selecting the best travel method and choosing the right accommodation. 

SELECTING THE BEST TRANSPORTATION

Look for the safest, most comfortable and most affordable means of transportation. Even if you’re on a budget, don’t make extremely ‘cheap choices’. The differences between prices are sometimes minimal and simple 10 euros or pounds can help you to reach your destination earlier and stressless.

Yes, travelling alone can be really stressful. Because there is nobody making the decision for you . You have to do everything to put yourself in a chilled mode. Hectic, chaotic and uncomfortable travelling can turn your solo trip into a nightmare. 

Once I booked a super early flights just to save around 20 euros. I ended up travelling exhausted, waiting for my next bus for hours and hours. Don’t waste money but mostly don’t waste your time . You can earn the money later, although you’ll never get back the hours you’ve lost. 

CHOOSING ACCOMMODATION WHEN TRAVELLING SOLO

This is very subjective and very much depends on your budget and preferences . I know many travellers who prefer hostels not only to save some money, but mostly to socialize and meet new people. 

I, personally, don’t need any of those. Furthermore, I prefer having my private bathroom, toilet and peace. One thing what can ruin my light night sleep is people checking in during super late or early hours, talking or partying directly in the room. 

So far, I was lucky enough to find hotels or hostels offering single rooms, or I found a double room for a very discounted price. You can also book only 1 place in a double room, but you will end up paying so-called single supplement. 

WHERE TO STAY WHEN TRAVELLING ALONE.

Pros: comfort, safety, amenities, usually better central locations

Cons: price, hard to meet new people

Pros: budget, easy to socialize, mostly friendly and open atmosphere, kitchen,

Cons: sleeping next to a stranger, less comfort, no privacy, less safety (you never know who you share the room with)

AIRBNB SHARED ROOM / GUEST HOUSE:

Pros: home atmosphere, mingling with the locals, safety (AIRBNB takes their polices seriously), usually affordable

Cons: Less privacy, shared space; if you don’t connect with the host, it might be awkward

AIRBNB / VRBO / ENTIRE APARTMENTS

Pros: Complete privacy, home atmosphere, kitchen, comfort

Cons: Pricey, loneliness (when staying at a hotel you can at least bump into somebody or have a chit-chat with the stuff.)

COUCHSURFING

Pros: it is for free, mingling with locals, exceptional & intimate atmosphere

Cons: no privacy, again when not connected to your host it can be very awkward; shared space

5. CREATE A ‘WANT TO SEE’ LIST AND PLAN THE ITINERARY

One of my most common solo travel tips would be: ‘know where and when you go but leave some space for random adventures’. 

I believe it is vital for a solo traveller to make a proper research about the place that she or he is visiting. You want to make the best out of your trip, you want to spend your trip by exploring not by planning or getting lost in a dodgy area. 

Planning freaks like me will have no struggles by creating to do & see lists and scheduling their itineraries. The other ones can easily underestimate solo travel preparations and leave the trip to ‘go with the flow’.

I enjoy spontaneous trips and hang-outs too, but I am not a big fun of wandering without any purpose; or even worse, ending the trip with a misery of missed opportunities . 

Planning your solo trip itinerary is also important from the safety perspective . If you know where you’re heading you can’t get lost, and you don’t look like being lost. The first one causes stress and anxiety , the second one makes you an easy target for scammers and criminals.

WANT TO SEE LIST:

• Research the place.
• What do you want to see and do?
• What are the priorities of visiting these places? (must-see vs. nice to see)
• Do you plan to stay at one place or do you plan to travel from a city to city?
• Are those places safe for a solo traveller?
• Do you need to buy some tickets in advance?
• How can you get to the places you want to see?
• How much time do you need to explore the places?
• When is the best time to visit those places?
• Are those located in the same area? 
• Can you group these places or things according to the location or niche? (museum day, beach day, visiting the centre, suburbs…)
• What do you have to pack?  (hiking shoes, own food

6. MAKE A LIST OF ALL ‘TO PACK NECESSITIES’

It’s packing time! Once you know where you go and what your solo travel activities will be, making a packing list should be a piece of cake.

Pay extra attention to the weather forecast and, of course, required dimensions of your travel luggage!

Don’t forget chargers, first aid kit, medication and your passport . I’ll give you more insights in the next paragraph about packing. 

SOLO TRAVEL ESSENTIALS & NECESSITIES

How to pack for your solo trip? I usually travel on light , not only to save some money but mostly my energy .

Dragging a monstrous 20 kilo luggage which doesn’t fit basically anywhere, with +30 degrees heatwaves outside doesn’t sound like pleasing travel to me.

The secret is to know what you really need and what, on the other hand, might stay at the bottom of your suitcase during the whole trip.

What to pack when you’re travelling alone:

• Smart & light luggage
• Right clothes & shoes
• Enough funds
• Good insurance
• Reusable water bottle & food container
• First aid kit, medication & hygiene
• Chargers, adapters and other gadgets
• Personal documents & their copies
• Written cheat sheet with emergency contacts

1. SMART & LIGHT LUGGAGE

Once again, you’re not going to a catwalk (I guess). The fewer things you take, the fewer things you lose and the fewer things you carry. 

It is such a pain to wander around with heavy baggage. You may also grab much more unwanted attention than when travelling light. 

I prefer taking a medium-sized backpack or a tiny smart suitcase on wheels which I can fit nearly everywhere. Of course, the mean of your luggage depends on the destination.

If you’re about to have a city break , pick up a suitcase – it is more spacious, comfortable and in big cities you won’t look like a stranger. 

For more adventurous solo travels , when you visit further parts of the world, and you plan to change places often, then a backpack is the right choice!

2. RIGHT CLOTHES & SHOES

One more reason to have at least a tiny idea about what places you want to visit during your solo trip. Do you plan to swim ? Do you fancy a beach day ? Is the purpose of your solo travel hiking or culture hunting ? 

Once again, keep an eye on the weather in all your destinations. Always travel in the heaviest clothes to save some weight and space in your luggage. 

Is the destination conservative? Then pay extra attention to the norms of clothing of the place you head to. As a woman travelling to Muslim or other religious countries you will have to follow some rules like covering your legs, shoulders and head. 

You may want to avoid too sexy fashion as well at dodgier places. As a female solo traveller you don’t want to grab too much attention. 

HOT TIP: Check-out the fashion norms and trends of your destination to fit into the crowd and don’t look like a tourist.

3. ENOUGH FUNDS

We’re talking about money again.  Answer yourself these questions: 

• What currency you need, and what’s the current trend of its fluctuations? 
• Is it worth to exchange all the amounts before travelling, or can you find enough low fee ATMs / exchange agencies at the place? 
• Where do you want to store your money?

I usually have a higher amount of cash in the local currency directly in my purse which I carry with me everywhere (mostly in a vigilantly monitored backpack or a handbag). Then I have a debit card with a sufficient but not significant amount which I save in the hotel room, in a locker.

Finally, I have also a reserve amount of cash, hidden somewhere. This way when I get rob I can still rely on some hidden safety cash. 

4. GOOD INSURANCE

Don’t travel without insurance, especially during the corona crisis. You might be healthy and young, and you might be supremely cautious, but you never know what happens.

Insure both yourself and your journey . Double check if your current health insurance insures you also abroad and where. Are you insured against emergencies and accidents ? If not, do so!

My next tip would be – take the physical insurance card with you. Everything is online nowadays including insurance and other ID cards. I prefer to take my physical card and keep it together with my passport on a very secure place. This might be either the strictly monitored handbag or pocket of your trousers. 

I assume that thieves might be more willing to steal my phone rather than my insurance card. And when this happens, I still have my physical insurance card with a hotline number to call in case of emergencies and accidents. 

5. REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE & FOOD CONTAINER

Don’t make a single step without a reusable water bottle. Travelling takes lots of energy and the levels of hydration have to be filled frequently. 

With a perfect sized reusable water bottle you’ll save yourself some money, and you’ll use definitely less plastic. Many cities have a fresh source of tap water in parks, gardens and other public places. 

However, if you’re heading to a trickier destination where tap water is not really recommended, there you may need to spend more money on bottled water. A better solution would be to get one of those fancy water filtrating bottles. 

I like to take a small food container to have enough energy boosters on my trips. A little snack can save you from fainting during your hikes or unpleasant surprises when visiting cities where a daily shut down of all restaurants and shops is something completely usual ( siestas in Italy and Spain ).

6. FIRST AID KIT, MEDICATION & HYGIENE

Be ready for the best and be ready for the worst. Pack your regular medication, painkillers, medicaments for stomach, thermometer, plasters, bandage, tweezers, vitamins and immunity minerals like zinc and iron, energy boosters, pads , etc. 

Don’t forget sun blockers, sunglasses with high UV, lip protector, hat or a cap. FFP masks together with antibacterial gels are a must nowadays. 

Dental hygiene is important so pack yourself a toothpaste, tooth brush, floss and possible a small package of dental water. 

Moisturizing is not only for princesses! Especially when you travel to dry and windy destinations. Cracked skin aches! Take care of it before it’s too late. 

7. CHARGERS, ADAPTERS AND GADGETS TO SAVE YOUR LIFE

Do your research – again. Know what kind of plugs they use in the country you’re solo travelling to and try to get a suitable adapter before the journey (there are also some multifunctional variations, or multi USB adapters).

Of course, never forget your cellphone or tablet charger , and possibly the gadget itself (phone, camera, tablet, laptop, etc.). Make sure your credit is topped up or your roaming completely set-up for the country of your stay. 

Little example of a big fail : my friends and I managed to get to Morocco without previously checking on if our Spanish numbers and roaming were valid there. We split into 2 groups to get our rental card and guess what – none of our EU phones worked.

MUST HAVE GADGETS:

• Cell-phone or/and camera
• tablet or/and laptop
• Chargers & adapters
• Portable Powerbank

LIFE SAVING GADGETS:

If you plan a little crazier trip (like a solo wandering through an Amazon jungle or solo hiking in Iceland), I leave for you a list of hardcore gadgets:

• Portable Wi-Fi Hub
• Survival kit, 
• Pocket-Size washing machine
• goTenna Mash
• Automated travel vacuum
• Water Purified Bottle
• Tent & sleeping bag
• Compass or GPS
• High-tech foot warmers
• Female Urination Device
• Utility knife

(source: Travelaway )

 8. PERSONAL DOCUMENTS & THEIR COPIES

Make a copy of every document you take – ID, passport, insurance card, visa , etc. It may become handy in case you lose the originals. I have usually pictures of the most important documents also in a digital form – saved in Cloud, on Google Drive, or any software which is password secured.

9. WRITTEN CHEAT SHEET WITH EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Don’t rely on your phone only. It can get broken, it can be stolen, or it can be lost. Carry with you a paper cheat sheet with a list of all the necessary emergency contacts – telephone number and address of your hotel, telephone contact to your family and friends, your country’s embassy, local police, ambulance , etc.

Have those always with you, in a secure pocket or – a tip for ladies: in the back of your bra! This little piece of paper can save your life in case you get lost, your phone is having a bad moment, or in the worst scenario when it has been stolen or misplaced. Safety should always be the priority number one of your solo trip. 

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How to be a solo traveller and enjoy it: complete guide

Embark on a journey of self-discovery with our guide for the solo traveller! Learn safety tips, budget hacks, and top destinations.

Worldpackers Worldpackers

Jan 22, 2024

Have you ever considered the allure of becoming a solo traveller? There's something intoxicating about standing alone in an unknown city, surrounded by strangers and foreign languages. 

It’s like being part of a vibrant mosaic - yet distinctively individual. You're the master of your journey , painting each day with experiences handpicked for their resonance to your soul. 

You get lost in narrow alleyways filled with hidden treasures or on bustling streets echoing unfamiliar sounds. Yet within this chaos, there's order; within solitude, camaraderie .

Ready to become a solo traveller? Join us as we unravel practical tips on safety measures, share insider knowledge on planning itineraries that fit any budget , and showcase testimonials from those who have already embarked on this adventure.

Reasons to be a solo traveller

In recent years, we've seen an upswing in people opting for solo journeys. The reasons? Freedom in itinerary planning, opportunity for personal growth , and a thirst to dive headfirst into diverse cultures without distractions. Discover the benefits of being a solo traveler:

Personal growth

Solo travel offers an unparalleled opportunity for personal growth . It pushes you out of your comfort zone and encourages self-reliance, adaptability, and resilience. 

Without the influence or distraction of companions, you have the freedom to discover who you truly are and what matters most to you.

You'll face challenges head-on — whether it's navigating unfamiliar streets or overcoming language barriers — which can boost your confidence in leaps and bounds. 

Freedom and flexibility

The beauty of travelling alone is that every decision is yours alone . You choose where to go, when to leave, what sights to see (or skip), even down to where you want eat without having consider anyone else’s preferences but yours! 

This level of autonomy allows for spontaneous adventures that might not happen if traveling with others.

Deeper cultural immersion

A key benefit often overlooked about solo travel is deeper cultural immersion. When we're on our own in a foreign place we’re more likely become engaged with locals because there isn’t familiar company distract us from new experiences around us.

This direct interaction fosters understanding respect between different cultures. 

Meeting new people

Solo travel encourages you to be more open to meeting new people and making friends with locals and fellow travelers. It's an excellent opportunity to broaden your social network .

Tailored experiences

You can tailor your travel experiences to your specific interests and passions without compromise. 

Whether you're into art, history, food, or adventure, you can create your ideal journey .

You might also like to read:

• 25 amazing adventures for solo travelers to meet like-minded people
• How to deepen your solo travel experience
• Everything you need to know about traveling the world alone

How to be a solo traveller and enjoy it

Solo travel can be an enriching experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in new cultures, meet interesting people, and learn more about yourself. Here's your complete guide on how to do it right:

1. Planning and researching

Your journey begins even before you step out of the door - with planning. Take the time to craft a well-thought-out plan. This includes setting your goals, outlining your itinerary, and ensuring you have the essentials in place.

Equally important is research – diving deep into the destinations you're about to explore . Familiarize yourself with local customs, learn a few key phrases, and understand the best ways to get around. 

Armed with a solid plan and the knowledge gained from research, you'll navigate the solo travel experience with confidence.

2. Meeting locals and other travellers

Solo travel doesn't mean being alone all the time! It’s actually a great opportunity for meeting fascinating individuals along the way. 

Meeting locals and other travelers is one of the most enriching and memorable aspects of exploring new places. 

Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or just embarking on your first adventure, these encounters can turn a simple journey into a profound cultural exchange .

This firsthand experience can provide insights and perspectives that no guidebook or website can convey.

Worldpackers offers volunteer opportunities that not only allow you to make positive contributions but also connect with locals who can provide authentic experiences off the beaten path.

• Discover further information on becoming a volunteer by clicking here !

3. Budgeting

Budgeting is a vital aspect of any travel adventure, and for solo travellers, it can be the key to making your journey more affordable and sustainable. 

To ensure you get the most out of your trip without breaking the bank, consider strategies like careful financial planning, setting a daily spending limit , and seeking cost-effective accommodation options. 

One smart way to save money on accommodation, especially if you're open to unique experiences, is by using platforms like Worldpackers . This plataform connects travelers with hosts around the world who offer free accommodation in exchange for volunteer work . 

It's a fantastic opportunity not only to save on lodging but also to immerse yourself in local culture and give back to the communities you visit. 

4. Keeping safe

Safety should always be top priority when travelling alone; this includes choosing secure accommodations as well as staying informed about potential risks at your destination(s). 

Worldpackers, in addition to being a budget-friendly option, can also be a safe choice for solo travelers. Many hosts on the platform offer safe and welcoming environments , and you can also connect with experienced travelers and locals who can provide valuable safety tips for the specific places you plan to visit. 

5. Overcoming challenges

Overcoming challenges during solo travel often involves addressing feelings of loneliness, homesickness, and navigating cultural differences.

• Facing loneliness: Possibly one challenge faced by many solo travelers is feeling lonely. It’s important to remind yourself that it's okay to feel this way and there are always ways around it - like joining group activities or using platforms like Worldpackers to connect with other travelers.
• Dealing with homesickness: Another common issue is missing home, family, friends or even food! Stay connected with loved ones through regular communication, either through calls, video chats, or even keeping a travel journal to document your experiences. Bringing along a few comfort items from home can also provide a sense of familiarity.
• Navigating cultural differences: Cultural shock can be overwhelming but remember: you're here for a new experience! Do your research before arrival to understand the local customs and traditions, which can help prevent cultural missteps. Be open-minded, patient, and respectful when interacting with people from different backgrounds. 

By acknowledging and actively addressing these challenges , you'll be better equipped to navigate the ups and downs of solo travel, making your journey not only an adventure but also a valuable learning experience.

6. Embracing spontaneity

Solo travel allows for flexibility – embrace the freedom of changing your plans last minute, discovering hidden gems off tourist tracks or simply spending an afternoon in a local café watching life go by!

Embracing spontaneity is a key element that can turn your journey into a thrilling and transformative adventure. It's about being open to the unexpected , going with the flow, and seizing opportunities as they arise. 

Spontaneous decisions can lead to remarkable encounters, unique experiences , and unforgettable memories that you might have missed if you rigidly stick to a pre-planned itinerary.

7. Travelling responsibly

Responsible travel involves being mindful of your impact on the environment, local communities, and cultures. It not only benefits the places you explore but also contributes to your personal growth and enriches your travel experiences.

Here are some key principles to keep in mind:

• Reduce your environmental footprint: Practice eco-friendly habits, such as minimizing plastic waste, conserving energy and water, and supporting eco-conscious tour operators and accommodations. 
• Respect local culture: Make an effort to understand and respect the customs and traditions of the places you visit. Dress appropriately and behave in a way that honors local customs. 
• Support the local economy: Choose locally-owned businesses and vendors whenever possible, from restaurants and shops to accommodations. Your spending can have a positive economic impact on the community.
• Engage in ethical tourism: Be cautious about participating in activities that exploit animals or harm the environment. Choose ethical wildlife experiences and responsible tour operators.
• Contribute to the community: Consider giving back to the places you visit by volunteering, donating to local charities, or participating in community initiatives. 

8. Reflecting on the journey

Your solo trip isn't just about places visited; it's also about personal growth achieved during journey. 

Take time out each day reflecting upon experiences - what did you learn? How have they changed your perspectives?

Whether it's a profound moment of solitude by a serene beach, a deep conversation with a local, or simply recalling the challenges and triumphs along the way, this self-reflection allows solo travellers to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world they've explored .

Testimonials from solo travellers

Stepping out of your comfort zone and embarking on a journey alone can be daunting. However, the experiences and growth that come with it are worth every bit of fear you may have. 

But don't just take our word for it ! Here are some testimonials from fellow Worldpackers who've enjoyed their solo travels:

1. Madelyn's volunteer experience in United Kingdom

"I'll never regret taking the leap and going overseas on my own, not as long as I live! Some of the best memories of my life came from the time I spent on the coast of Scotland, volunteering in the United Kingdom as a receptionist through Worldpackers. 

Not only did I make great friends and learn more about people and other cultures as I moved from hostel to hostel, but I got to know more about myself !" 

• Keep reading here: How to travel alone and love it

2. Janaína's solo travel experiences

"And in my opinion, there's no better way to find out what you're capable of.

Think of it this way — almost everyone who has traveled will report back to tell you how travel changed their life.

When you travel, you're no longer obligated to play out the various roles you've become accustomed to fulfilling. This gives you the freedom to rediscover and reinvent parts of yourself that you've silenced.

Fearing what's on the other side of your comfort zone is natural, but don't allow it to keep you playing small." 

• Keep reading here: Why your fear of traveling shouldn't stop you from taking the plunge

3. Julie's journey as a solo traveller

"Wherever you go independently in this world of ours, you're sure to meet others like you, and many not like you, along the way.

Traveling expands your worldview and connects you to your global community. Why go anywhere at all if you're not keen on experiencing other cultures and meeting new and exciting people?

Traveling solo not only opens your mind to new adventures and experiences, but to new friendships and connections as well."

• Keep reading here:   Why traveling solo is a social experience

4. Nicole's thoughts on the benefits of traveling alone

"After going to several cities and countries alone, I’ve encountered incredible experiences and have made connections that I probably wouldn’t have if I had traveled with family or friends.

It is truly amazing how solo travel puts you in the right places to meet people."

• Keep reading here:  Top 5 benefits of traveling alone

Ready for your solo travel adventure?

Exploring solo is an art form, a test of strength, and a voyage into self-discovery all in one. As you've seen, it requires careful planning, safety measures, and smart destination choices.

Your adventure as a solo traveller can take you to big cities teeming with life or secluded nature retreats where tranquility reigns supreme. You get the freedom to choose your pace - whether that's getting lost in local markets or finding solace amidst natural beauty.

Solo travel also presents unique opportunities to connect with others on the road. From group tours to shared meals with locals – every interaction paints another stroke on your global canvas.

The world is waiting for you... will you step out alone? Subscribe to the Worldpackers Community for free and start saving your favorite volunteer positions until you are ready to get verified.

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

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Dec 01, 2023

"Immersive and breathtaking! Traveling opens doors to new cultures and perspectives. Every journey is a story waiting to be written, filled with memories that last a lifetime. ✈️🌍 #Wanderlust #TravelMagic" https://indianvisa.online/

Dec 02, 2023

The travel site offers an unparalleled user experience with its intuitive interface and comprehensive search features. Navigating destinations is a breeze, thanks to detailed information and stunning visuals. The site's real gem is its personalized recommendations, tailoring travel options to individual preferences. Booking is seamless, and the transparent pricing ensures no hidden fees. Users rave about the extensive reviews and tips from fellow travelers, adding an authentic touch to trip planning. With a mobile-friendly design and responsive customer support, this travel site stands out as a go-to platform for seamless, stress-free travel arrangements.

https://indianvisa.online/

Jan 18, 2024

This hits all the important points of what makes solo traveling so much fun. You really get some crazy experiences you never would travling with your friends

it is interesting

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A complete guide to solo backpacking, solo trips for women: essential tips and best destinations, how do worldpackers trips work.

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Single Travel: Essential Tips for Planning a Solo Trip

The Editors

We are the editors of SmarterTravel! Together we have appeared in countless travel publications including ABC News, Huffington Post, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and more. We dedicate our days to creating and producing expert travel content, including packing tips, general travel advice, destination inspiration, and helpful videos. Follow us across social media on YouTube , Pinterest , Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter or drop us a line to say hi at [email protected]!

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People who have never traveled alone often describe their first solo trip as an almost religious experience. To take in new surroundings unfiltered by the prejudices, tastes, or preferences of a traveling companion can be heady stuff. Solo travel gives you the chance to indulge yourself fully.

Of course, traveling alone has its perils too—such as safety concerns, loneliness, and the dreaded single supplement. But a little preparation and common sense can save you money and get you through the rough spots.

Why Travel Alone?

How to travel alone safely, how to travel alone as a woman, avoiding the single supplement, tips for solo dining.

• When You’ve Had Enough of Solo Travel

The Best Solo Travel Websites

Solo travel can be the ultimate in self-indulgence; you can rest when you want and pour it on when you’re feeling ambitious. Another benefit is that your mistakes are your own, and your triumphs all the more exciting. There’s no worrying that your insistence on trekking all the way across town to a museum that was closed ruined your partner’s day; it’s your own day to salvage or chalk up to a learning experience.

Also, you can do exactly what you want to do—all the time. Always wanted to try surfing? Sign up for a class and go for it; there’s no one sitting on the beach feeling bored while you have the time of your life. Have no desire to see Niagara Falls? Just drive right by. For more benefits of solo travel, see 11 Reasons Why You Should Travel Alone at Least Once .

The 13 Best Places to Travel Alone

It’s perhaps the foremost question of the solo or single traveler: “Is solo travel safe?” Without a companion to watch your back, you are more vulnerable to criminals and scam artists, as well as simple health worries. But the saying “safety in numbers” isn’t always true—a solo traveler can blend in more easily than a group, and not drawing attention to yourself as a tourist is one way to stay secure.

Here are a few safety tips for traveling alone:

Do your homework before you arrive. Know how long it takes and how much it costs to get from the airport to your hotel or to the city center. Solo travelers are more likely to be “taken for a ride,” so ask the taxi driver for an estimated fare before you leave. If it’s considerably different from what you know to be true, take a different cab (or opt for a rideshare instead).

Choose the right accommodations. Book a hotel with a 24-hour front desk if you’ll be arriving late, so you don’t end up sleeping in your car or worse.

Trust yourself. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.

Carry good identification —in more than one place. If you choose to wear a money belt , use it for storage and not as a purse. Constantly reaching under your shirt for money draws attention to it and defeats the purpose. Instead, keep your passport, extra stores of money, and other important documents tucked away, and use a theft-resistant bag or purse for carrying daily spending money.

Stick to open and public places , especially at night.

Exude confidence. Whether you’re on a street at home or 7,000 miles away, walking confidently and with direction is an effective technique for deterring unwanted attention, since appearing lost or confused can make you vulnerable. If you are lost, walk into a shop or restaurant and ask for directions there.

Avoid appearing like a tourist. Ditch the Disney T-shirt and don’t walk around with your face in a guidebook. (See 10 Things Not to Wear Abroad for more thoughts on this one.)

Leave valuables at home. Don’t draw attention to yourself by wearing flashy clothes or jewelry.

Lie a little. When asking for directions, don’t let on that you are alone: “Can you direct me to the museum? I have to meet a friend.”

Check your maps and transportation schedules before leaving your hotel/train/rental car/tourist office. A solo traveler who’s too absorbed in their phone can be a mark for unsavory types.

Leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member at home, and stay in touch regularly via phone, text, video chat, or email.

Register with the State Department. For U.S. citizens traveling internationally, consider signing up for the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) , which could help the State Department assist you in case of emergency. If you’re from outside the States, see if your home country has a similar program.

Arrive during the day. Areas around bus and train stations can be scary and/or deserted, and small towns tend to shut down early. Veteran solo traveler Mara Rothman of San Francisco notes that plenty of beautiful towns can appear eerie at night, and locals who are genuinely trying to help you can appear unnecessarily threatening. Arriving during the day means you’ll be able to find a place to stay and get your bearings before dark.

Trust everyone and no one. One of the best reasons to travel alone is to meet new people, but this also makes you more vulnerable. It’s okay to hang out, travel, and share with new friends, but you might not want to ask them to hold your money. Scam artists can often be the most charming companions you’ll find; you want to be open-minded, but keep your guard up enough to ensure your safety.

10 Travel Safety Mishaps (and How to Avoid Them)

Though some tips apply to just about every solo traveler, women traveling alone have their own set of safety concerns that most men don’t have to face. Here are a few tips to help you protect yourself.

Exercise hotel safety. At check-in, consider asking for a room near the elevator so you won’t need to walk down long, potentially ill-lit hallways to reach your room. When filling out guest registration forms, consider using your first initial instead of your name, and skip the “Mrs./Miss/Mr.” check box. Additionally, make sure the clerk writes down your room number instead of saying it out loud. This will prevent anyone in the vicinity from knowing where to find you later. Consider packing a door stop to wedge under the door in case the lock is unreliable.

Dress to blend in. To avoid attracting unwanted attention, dress as conservatively as the women you see around you. This doesn’t necessarily mean donning the traditional dress, but a good rule of thumb is to dress modestly. Think knee-length or longer skirts. Bare arms, shoulders, and legs are considered risqué in some countries, so do the research before you go and once you’re there. Note which body parts the local women cover and do the same.

Know when to buddy up. Seeking out company can help you have a safer and more enjoyable experience. Smaller hotels and hostels are great places to find like-minded travelers to explore new places with. And even when you can’t find someone to buddy up with, there are often ways to associate yourself with others so you’ll be less likely to be bothered. In some countries, there are women-only sections in trains and women’s waiting rooms at train stations. Sticking close to families on public transportation and in unfamiliar public markets is another technique some women use.

Combat harassment. Having a repertoire of harassment deterrents can be as important to women travelers as a sturdy pair of shoes and a passport. Not engaging with people who are bothering you can make you a less interesting target. If you want to avoid being approached during lulls in activity, such as while waiting for a train, carry a novel or keep your eyes on your phone to make yourself look busy and involved.

If a situation of harassment escalates, making a scene can sometimes be effective. Many societies place a high premium on respecting social norms, so drawing attention to harassment in a loud and clear manner may solve the problem. The sentence for “leave me alone” is a handy one to learn in the language of your destination.

What is the Safest Hotel Floor to Stay On?

Frequent solo travelers are all too familiar with the single supplement, which tour operators and cruise lines often tack onto your bill to make up for the fact that they’re not making money off a second occupant. The supplement can range anywhere from 25 to 100 percent of the trip cost, meaning that you could end up paying twice as much as someone traveling with a partner.

There are several ways to get around the single supplement. You can avoid it altogether by booking with a tour operator that doesn’t charge single supplements on most trips, such as Overseas Adventure Travel .

Many other tour operators, including G Adventures , Intrepid Travel , Exodus Travels , REI Adventures , Adventure Women , and Road Scholar , offer roommate matching. By finding you a roommate, the company maximizes its own profit off each room and saves you the single supplement. The catch is, of course, that you’ll have to share a room with a stranger. If you’re concerned, contact the tour operator and see what kind of procedures it uses to match roommates. Some pair people off at random, while others will try to put travelers of similar ages together.

Several cruise lines offer single staterooms on select ships, including Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line , Cunard , and P&O Cruises .

You can sometimes save money by booking at the last minute. Tour operators eager to sell out their last few places may be willing to reduce their usual single supplement. Insight Vacations and Road Scholar are two companies that regularly discount or waive single supplements.

It’s not for everyone, but you may also want to consider staying in a hostel, which charges per bed rather than per room. Hostelling International properties tend to be reliably clean and secure, and they’re open to travelers of all ages. You can find more hostels and read reviews at HostelWorld.com .

3 Ways for Solo Travelers to Avoid Single Supplements

Eating alone isn’t so bad. Many solo travelers (and frequent business travelers) hate dining by themselves, worried that they appear like some worn-out Willy Loman of the road. There’s even a name for it: solomangarephobia. (Occasionally the fear is justified—see Terror at the Table for One .) The following tips can help you overcome what for many travelers is the most unpleasant aspect of going it alone.

Chat with the service people. Waiters and waitresses are some of the best local color you’ll find.

Choose the right eatery. Cafe or outdoor dining is often attractive to single travelers; sitting alone with a book in a cafe isn’t as unusual as a table for one at a fancy restaurant. You can also opt for a counter seat or a seat at the bar. A restaurant booth can also provide some privacy.

Bring reading material. If you start to feel uneasy sitting alone and staring down at your food, you can crack open a book, whip out your phone, or read a magazine.

Eat in. If you don’t want to endure yet another public meal alone, use room service or order carry-out from a restaurant nearby.

Eat well. Just because you’re alone doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take time for sit-down meals, a leisurely cup of coffee, or a decadent dessert.

When You’ve Had Enough of Single Travel

The constant sensory input and vigilance of traveling alone can wear you down. If you feel your attention or your body flagging, don’t be afraid to back off your ambitious itinerary, slow the pace, and kick back for a bit.

When traveling abroad, seek out an expat bar—locals will often know where these are—where you can hang out and speak your native tongue with some fellow expatriates and travelers. When traveling in more familiar locales, a hot shower and a night in front of the tube in a nice hotel room can often give you enough of a reprieve to send you out eagerly the next morning.

How to Meet Other People When You’re Traveling Solo

Best Single Travel offers vacations, cruises, and weekend getaways for solo travelers of all ages.

Flash Pack leads small-group trips of single travelers in their 30s and 40s.

GAFFL , which stands for “Get a Friend for Life,” lets you find travel buddies to meet up with in your destination.

Intrepid Travel has dedicated solo trips as well as a roommate-matching program on the rest of its offerings, so you never have to pay a solo supplement if you don’t want to.

One Traveller is a U.K.-based company leading trips for the “mature single traveller” (aged 50+) to destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Singles Travel International offers trips for solo travelers with an average age 50+. If the company can’t find you a roommate by the time you make your final payment, you can have a room to yourself for free.

Solos is a U.K.-based company offering a wide variety of solo-only trips around the globe.

Solo Traveler offers tips, resources, and destination guides for solo travelers.

Women on the Road offers tips and advice for women traveling alone.

Women Traveling Together is for women travelers, most of them age 50+ and unaccompanied, who prefer to be with a group of like-minded women. The company offers tours, retreats, and other getaways, complete with roommate matching.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Sarah Schlichter and Christine Sarkis contributed to this story. All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Make an 'epic memory': What to know about solo travel and tips on taking a trip alone

Hearing more about solo travel? You're not alone (pun intended). 

It depends on whom you ask, but according to travel expert Lea Lane, solo travel could mean anything from traveling entirely on your own or on a tour with people you don't know.  

Expedia found that 60% of travelers plan to take a solo trip in the next two years, according to an online survey with more than 2,500 respondents from the U.S. and Mexico. More than three-quarters of 21,000 people surveyed by travel activities and services booking platform Klook have traveled by themselves or are considering it (across all age, gender and nationality subgroups). Klook's survey was conducted online in October 2019 over 16 markets, including the U.S., Japan, Singapore, Australia, the Philippines and more.

That said, the survey revealed a love-hate relationship with solo travel. Half of respondents had loneliness concerns, and 48% indicated safety was their biggest worry.

The market is certainly in travelers' favor. "There are growing options offered by travel suppliers for individuals who enjoy traveling on their own," Travel Leaders Group CEO Ninan Chacko said in a statement  in December highlighting the agency's consumer trends survey. "We see more cruise companies offering single fares and more tour operators developing programs to entice solo travelers with special interests."

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Norwegian Cruise Line , G Adventures , Intrepid Travel and many more in the industry have taken notice.

You can even watch the trend in real time: More than 5.5 million Instagram posts have the hashtag #solotravel attached, and over the past five years, " solo travel " has become a more popular Google search term.

Why is solo travel trendy? 

Those 5.5 million Instagram posts get at one possible explanation behind the trend: People want to express themselves as individuals. (And what better way to find yourself than by traveling alone?)

Social media isn't necessarily a boon, however, for the solo traveler. Blogger Christopher Damitio, founder of Vagobond.com , says he has been watching the trend grow since the 1990s but has noticed how it has changed.

"The loneliness and isolation that used to be hard for people to deal with no longer really exists because everyone can stay connected via smartphones," Damitio says. "Unfortunate, because it was that very loneliness and isolation that used to drive strangers together and create new friendships – today, people are mostly eyes down on their phones and not all that interested in making new travel friends."

This lines up with data from Expedia: One-third of American survey respondents, when presented with the option to travel with their phone or a companion on their next trip, picked only their phone.

And there's one group taking full advantage of the trend: women. "Women seem to consistently take more solo trips than men," says Jeff Klee, CEO of travel booking platform  Qtrip . The company's data shows that female solo bookings were about 53% of total solo bookings, compared with male solo bookings at 47%. "Year over year, this figure doesn't change, which suggests that women take more solo trips."

Lane agrees: "Women's travel groups have sprung up, and small groups of solo women are having fun all over the world."

Tips for solo travelers

Figure out why you're traveling solo in the first place.  "When you can self-analyze where your desire to travel stems from, you can better decide on what kind of experience you need to have, where to go, when to go and what to do during your trip," travel coach and consultant Sahara Rose De Vore tells USA TODAY.

Be open to meeting people along the way.  Stay in a hostel so you can easily chat with fellow travelers (who may be solo themselves). "For a solo traveler, especially, a good hostel can be a gold mine of friends, great stories and adventurous ideas about what to do and where to head next," travel and remote work blogger Jenna Miller says. (And of course: Put down your phone.) 

It's OK to eat alone.  You never know how the night will turn out. Ashley Les, a luxury travel adviser for Protravel International, got to meet the owner of a restaurant after telling the wait staff she found it by searching "best pastito in Athens" on Google. "By the time dinner was over, I ended up finding out that he used to live in Astoria (in New York), which is where I live now," Les said. "The night ended sharing stories of our favorite spots in Queens over homemade wine. Had I been traveling with someone, I may not have had the conversation and then would have missed out on an epic memory."

Keep an eye out for single-traveler fees.  Don't get bogged down by extra fees. "When booking accommodations as a solo traveler, look out for single supplement charges," Klee said. "This is the fee some hotels and almost all cruise lines charge to offset the losses incurred because only one person is staying in a room." 

Be safe, be safe, be safe.  There's safety in numbers, but if you're on your own, make sure you're aware of your surroundings. The U.S. Embassy just this month issued a warning about an increased risk of sexual assault in Spain (and it's hardly the only country with a travel warning  or alert).

"Get to know what areas may have higher crime rates and where it's best to walk around in groups," says Rachel Hercman, a psychotherapist in New York. She has seen an increase in solo travel among  her clients. "Find out transportation options in advance so that you don't end up in a desperate situation. Let friends and relatives know about your itinerary plans, especially as they change, so that someone knows where you are." 

 Leslie Tillem, a luxury travel adviser with Eltee Travel Group, suggests enrolling with the U.S. government Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive information about safety conditions where you're going, as well as any emergency notifications.

Solid tips: How to stay healthy on a plane as coronavirus, flu, colds raise travel concerns

In case you don't want to be solo (and also travel): Exclusive: Meet the Bumble 'global connector bees' getting paid to go on dates around the world

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‘It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone’: 10 tips for solo travellers

Travelling alone needn’t mean feeling lonely and left out: hostels, guided walks and foodie tours are great ways to both explore and meet new people

Y oung adults, new remote workers and empty-nesters on “gap” years are all fuelling a post-lockdown boom in solo travel. Figures from the website Solo Traveler suggest most of them are women and quite a few are in relationships: solo is not the same as single. Google searches for solo travel have quadrupled since 2020 . Going on holiday alone means you’re in charge of the schedule and are more likely to make new friends. Here are 10 things that can make trips for one more fun, offer structure, security and company (for those who want it).

Stay in a hostel

Hostels vary from rock-bottom budget to luxury, but they usually have communal areas such as bars, kitchens and sitting rooms, where travellers can swap tips, food, books, anecdotes and even agree to team up for a while. At the lovely Dolphin Inn (twin rooms from £44) hostel in Dunbar, on the East Lothian coast, I shared a takeaway with the woman on reception. Klara Zhao from Sydney, who has travelled in a dozen countries on her own, says: “In Helsinki, I stayed at a hostel by the woods with a cafeteria where guests had breakfast. I met a nice German family and another girl my age and spent a couple of days travelling around the city with them.”

Hostels don’t have to mean sleeping in a dorm; many now have private rooms. Some city hostels are famous for their parties, with happy hours and DJs. But hostelling could equally involve board games in a Georgian mansion at YHA Stratford-upon-Avon (private rooms from £29), communal saunas at the 7 Fells hostel in Finnish Lapland (private room from €65) or surfing and sunrise yoga on the beach at the Salty Pelican in Portugal (three-night package €349).

Stay in a house

Klara also recommends staying with a family (good for “cultural and linguistic immersion”) through homestayin.com , or booking an Airbnb room where you share the rest of the place with a resident host, who will often be “a source of many local tips”. Couchsurfing is a well-known scheme for sleeping on spare beds and sofas around the world for free, and many cities have weekly coffee shop meetings for people wanting to connect. Nomad Sister is a couchsurfing community for women.

Urban exploring

Toronto-based Janice Waugh, founder of Solo Traveler , has lots of tips about planning and safety (prevention is key). She recommends booking a tour with Worldwide Greeters , which offers free introductory strolls through 130 cities worldwide.

Tours of all kinds are great for travellers on their own. Tips-only tours, such as those at freetour.com , can often be more thought-provoking than a pre-paid whistlestop guide to historic sights.

On a recent free walking tour of Amsterdam, anthropology student Katjalisa (who has since joined sustainable guiding firm Tours that Matter ) used Amsterdam’s cityscapes to introduce tourists to Dutch concepts such as gedogen (illegal but officially tolerated) and gezellig (convivial). There were three of us on the tour travelling solo and we joined forces afterwards for a bar crawl.

Ride a tram

One of the best ways to get a sense of the layout of a new city is to spend time exploring by public transport, where travelling alone is the norm. Rather than wandering dark alleys on your own or navigating a strange one-way system in a car, sitting on a bus or tram can be a relaxed, affordable way to see the sights.

Riding a tram across a new city is often a mini-adventure in itself and there are always routes that pass major city landmarks. In Helsinki, for instance, tram 2 is the best sightseeing route and a day ticket is also valid on the ferry to the island fortress of Suomenlinna.

Amsterdam’s great routes include tram 14 , which runs past the Hortus botanical garden and out to the reeds and willows of Flevopark. On the way, it passes one of the old city gates and a huge, octagonal wooden windmill that sits at at the junction of several waterways.

Go for a walk

The Ramblers , Britain’s energetic walking charity, offers free Wellbeing Walks as well as longer guided walks for members. Non-members are allowed to try three of the wellbeing walks for free before joining (from £38.50 a year). For members, there are 50,000 group walks each year across Britain. PR director Jardine Howlett says they are an excellent option for solo travellers wanting to explore spectacular off-the-beaten-track landscapes with confidence.

In Carmarthenshire, Lisa Denison runs a firm called Quiet Walks (from £10pp). It’s aimed at less-extrovert walkers who may not want to socialise the whole time, but still prefer to be in a small group. “Most of my customers come on their own,” she says. A favourite is the five-mile round-trip hike up to Garn Goch, one of the largest iron age hill forts in Wales.

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Find your tribe

The website Meetup is a great source of worldwide group walks, and can include winter hikes but also skating in Stockholm’s popular Hellasgården park and year-round sea swimming in Barcelona. Enthusiasts will be able to find like-minded friends at activities from chess clubs and climbing walls to jazz bars in lots of cities.

Eat and drink

Eating and drinking together is often a short cut to friendship. Cookery classes are always a good bet, as are foraging courses. Kerry Bowness of the Foraging Course Company leads lively walks, complete with samples of hawthorn ketchup or elderflower jelly, in areas ranging from Norfolk to Gloucestershire.

Foodie walks have sprung up around the globe. Brewery, distillery and vineyard visits are fun too, especially once the tasters start flowing. There are hundreds of these to check out in the UK alone, including friendly hydro-powered Deanston distillery near Stirling (£15) or entertaining year-round tours at the Yorkshire Heart vineyard, in countryside between York and Knaresborough (from £25).

Minibus vistas

By sharing a 16-seater mini-coach, Edinburgh-based Rabbie’s Tours keeps trips affordable and sociable while taking guests to some spectacular landscapes. Among its many tours is a 12-hour round-trip from Edinburgh that packs in a lot of dramatic scenery, including Glencoe and Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain (£59).

Cotswolds in a Day (£55) is a small-group minibus tour that picks up from railway stations and kicks off with a big view from Dover’s Hill, followed by towns and villages full of old stone bridges, rose-wreathed cottages and beamed pubs. Lisa and Tom Benjamin, who founded the company Go Cotswolds , met while each was travelling solo in South America. Lisa says: “When we later set up our business, it was very important to us that our tours were welcoming and affordable for independent solo travellers, because that’s where we were coming from.”

Be a pilgrim

More than half the 350,000 annual walkers on the Camino de Santiago are women. Many of them set out alone and make long-term friendships on the way. Carolyn Gillespie is the author of Pilgrim , a book about walking the Camino. Lots of peregrinas , she says, are walking at a transitional phase of their lives, and going solo is part of the plan. “It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone and seeing what you’re made of.” At the same time, it’s reassuring to become part of a “travelling caravan of people” all with the same destination. “We’d laugh, talk, put the world to rights, but we were just as contented with silence, listening to the cuckoo,” she writes. Camigas is a Facebook page that puts women on the Camino in touch with each other.

Keep a journal

Not only will this help you remember details of all your experiences, it also gives you something purposeful to do when you’re sitting on your own in a restaurant. “I always keep a journal while travelling,” says Zhao, “as a means of jotting down impressions, observations, little sketches of the moment. It’s also a nice souvenir of the travels to look back on.”

• Travelling solo
• United Kingdom holidays
• Europe holidays

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20 expert solo travel tips for women from the Lonely Planet team

Nov 17, 2023 • 10 min read

Solo travel is one of the most exciting and liberating experiences you can have © Deepa Lakshmin / Lonely Planet

If you’re eager to see the world, why hold out for the ideal travel companion? Solo journeys create indelible memories.

Yet while voyaging by yourself can exhilarate, it can also be dauting– especially for female travelers. That’s why we asked a few travel-expert colleagues here at Lonely Planet for ideas that any woman setting out alone should keep in mind.

Here are 20 tips to keep you safe, grounded and ready to set out for the trip of a lifetime. All by yourself.

1. Seek out female hosts (ideally with pets)

If I’m booking accommodation online, I tend to opt for women owners (preferably with pets in their host photos!). This is partly psychological – but I’ve also found that women tend to think about things like where to go to avoid crowds or safer alternatives to more touristy places. It’s nice how protective women are of each other, especially when we’re traveling alone.

– Akanksha Singh , Destination Editor 

2. Ease into it 

It can be tempting to throw yourself outside of your comfort zone all at once, but doing things alone – solo traveling, or even just going out to dinner or the movies by yourself – can feel intimidating at first. But it’s a muscle you build up over time. Start with a day trip or an afternoon wandering a museum you’ve always wanted to see but didn’t know who to go with. When I backpacked through Australia and New Zealand , I tacked on extra days at the end of group tours so I had solo time to explore (and decompress!) after nonstop socializing and being “on.” I’d already acclimated to the new-to-me destination while traveling with the group, which meant I had more confidence and knowledge to navigate the streets on my own.

– Deepa Lakshmin , Social Media Director

3. Consider hostels for connecting with like-minded people of all ages

Hostels are a great way to meet people, especially fellow solo female travelers. I truly believe you’re never too old for hostels. Many cater to people of various age groups and backgrounds, and offer private rooms for added comfort and privacy. I find it’s easier to meet like-minded people in communal settings – the kind of people who are eager to exchange travel tips and stories with you and who genuinely want you to have a good time. I’ve made lifelong connections with people I’ve met in hostels. 

– Sasha Brady , Digital Editor 

4. Start with a solo afternoon

I’m not quite 100% to the point where I’m ready to dive into solo travel, so I like to just carve out a day or an afternoon of Rachy Adventures when I’m traveling with friends or my wife. (Said adventure often involves a croissant and an overpriced latte.) Some of my absolute favorite parts of a trip have been a rainy afternoon spent wandering alone in Boston , or sitting alone with a good book on a largely empty beach, taking in the waves.

– Rachel Lewis, Senior Social Media Manager 

5. Book some group activities

If you’re feeling apprehensive about taking a big solo trip, arrange a tour or activity for each day. This way your days will be organized around a preplanned group event. I made connections from all over the world on a solo trip to Australia in my early 20s – and 20 years on, am still in regular touch with a Swedish woman I met on a boat trip to the Great Barrier Reef .

– Fionnuala McCarthy , Editorial Director

6. Hop on a boat or a bus

I get my bearings by taking either a hop-on, hop-off bus tour or a boat tour. On my first solo trip to Paris , I decided to take a cruise down the Seine – during which I wrote out my plans for the trip and got to know people by offering to snap their photograph. I also find spending time in local bookstores to be a great way to immerse myself in the destination as well as meet fellow travelers and locals who seem very happy to help and offer tips and advice. 

– Brekke Fletcher , Senior Director of Content

7. Bring a book 

I’ve cycled and hiked and taken trains all over the world by myself, and I never did any of it without a book on hand. Waiting on delayed trains, sitting down to meals, relaxing in a bar at the end of the day: all of these situations are improved with a book. Reading can also be a useful way to put off any potential unwanted conversation. A woman on her own can be a magnet for chatterers, and I’m not always in the mood to talk to strangers when traveling.

– Amy Lynch , Destination Editor

8. Indulge your hobbies

Look for activities related to what you already like to do at home. For example, I love to thrift-shop, so I’ll often look up secondhand or charity shops in foreign cities: it’s a great way to get a sense for local fashions and find unique souvenirs. I also love to embroider, and I’ve spent hours at textile galleries, oohing over fine needlework and learning about local fiber-art traditions. I couldn’t do that with a bored travel companion.

– Morgan Wegner, Senior Operations Editor

9. Embrace “yes!” – within reason

One of the best things about solo travel is the freedom to make or break plans whenever you want. Some of my favorite travel memories (including meeting my husband!) are because I took a chance and made a plan with new friends over an impromptu drink or meal. Celebrate saying “yes” to things you wouldn’t normally do – but trust the voice in your head at the same time. If the hair on the back of your neck stands up at a turn Google is telling you to make, take a different route. Learn to expand your boundaries – while trusting your intuition.

– Erin Lenczycki, Photo Editor

10. Be present

Traveling by yourself is a great opportunity to be mindful. With no need to rush or please anyone else, I find myself doing a lot of thinking and reflecting while traveling alone. I try to limit my interaction with my phone as well to really enjoy the quiet. I find some of my most vivid traveling memories have come from these trips.

– AnneMarie McCarthy , Destination Editor

11. Plan rest days

For every seven to 10 days of travel, set aside a day to breathe. Sleep in, treat yourself to a nice meal or just give your legs a break. If you can resist the pressure to program every moment of your trip, you won’t feel like you’re “wasting” your time. This is especially true when you’re traveling solo and not on anyone else’s schedule. 

– Ann Douglas Lott , Associate Editor

12. Use apps to your advantage (and with headphones)

When navigating a new city on foot, plug your destination into a maps app, then listen to the walking directions through headphones. This allows you to avoid pulling out a map – which is equivalent to waving a flag printed with “tourist!” Most importantly, when you’re making your plans, try to resist fear (which is used to manufacture headlines and generate clicks). Language and cultural barriers can raise discomfort, which will make you hyper-aware of your surroundings. But that doesn’t mean said surroundings are unsafe. 

– Jessica Lockhart, Destination Editor

13. Go on a food tour

One thing that makes a lot of solo travelers apprehensive is the thought of dining alone. But if you join a food tour, you’ll have dining companions for the evening and the opportunity to try out a bunch of new restaurants ⁠— all while learning about the local culture. I joined a food tour of Trastevere while traveling solo in Rome : not only did I get to meet fellow travelers, but the tour included a mix of casual street-food spots (excellent for solo travelers) and restaurants. After you check these places out in a group, you may feel more relaxed coming back on your own for a solo-dining experience.

– Alex Butler , Managing Editor 

14. Travel with a power bank

Traveling alone, you will most likely be using your phone more than usual to take photos and videos, and for navigating maps. Even if your phone has a reliable battery, it’s always good to know you have a backup, especially if you’re on your own. There are plenty of small and lightweight power banks that you can purchase to slot into your bag when on the road.

– Zara Sekhavati, Destination Editor

15. Share your location 

To ensure peace of mind, I make it a habit to inform at least one person back home of my whereabouts using the Find My Friend app , which allows them to track my location in real time. While it can be reassuring for safety reasons, what I appreciate the most about it is the tangible sense of connection it provides. My family, in particular, loves that they can place me on a map and accompany me virtually on my explorations.

– Sasha Brady

16. Traveling solo doesn’t mean traveling alone

For me, traveling solo can be a great way to meet new, like-minded people. Join a tour group like G Adventures or Intrepid for an entire trip, book a day tour with GetYourGuide , find a class for something you’re passionate about like art or cooking, research some of the digital-nomad meetups, find a bar where they show the games of your favorite team…there are lots of ways to forge new friendships on the road. 

– Melissa Yeager , Senior Editor 

17. Don’t wait for a partner

I’ve traveled solo to places like Hawaii , the Amalfi Coast and the Dominican Republic . When I tell these stories, someone will occasionally say something to me like, “Oh, I want to go there on my honeymoon, so I’m waiting to take that trip.” My advice? Don’t wait. If you want to somewhere, even a place with a reputation as a “romantic” destination or a honeymoon getaway, go anyway. There are so many ways to enjoy a destination and to make your own memories, with or without another person. If resorts or entire destinations cater specifically to couples, you will see a different – and sometimes more interesting – side of it by going solo.   

– Laura Motta , Senior Director of Content

18. Don’t overshare

The temptation to share your entire trip via social media can be overwhelming – especially if you’re having a fantastic time. But for safety concerns, it’s best to avoid sharing every movement with every follower until you return home. Not only do real-time posts alert people to where you are during every part of your trip, but they also let folks know you’re not home. Consider sharing your photos and videos from the road just with a close number of friends, or wait until your trip is over to flood your social media. 

– Alicia Johnson , Destination Editor

19. Role-play at restaurants

Dining alone can be the best kind of mini-adventure. You can chat with the bartender – often a wealth of local knowledge – or other patrons. You can play at being an international woman of mystery and hunker down with a book or a notebook and pen. And if you’ve had a long day of sightseeing, sometimes it feels good to just sit at a quiet table and fiddle with your phone. The best part? Solo diners can often glide right to the front of the line at popular and award-winning restaurants, even without a reservation. 

– Laura Motta

20. Feel your feelings – and cry when you need to

Especially if you’re traveling alone for the first time. Especially if you’re far away from everything you’ve ever known. Especially if you feel confused or lonely or out of place. I’ve shed tears in more airports than I care to admit. You’re outside your comfort zone, and that’s scary! It’s normal to feel homesick and miss the people, places and routines that feel familiar to you. But you probably embarked on a solo adventure because some part of you craves something new – and any change requires getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, at least for a little bit. It’s OK to go through it.

– Deepa Lakshmin

This article was first published May 2019 and updated November 2023

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Why this is the year of solo travel — and how I do it as a woman of color

Some of my most formative travel experiences have come from flying solo. There's something empowering about exploring a new country entirely on your own, trusting your instincts and making friends along your journey.

Over the past year, planning travel with friends and family has been increasingly difficult due to ever-changing testing and vaccination guidelines . Sometimes, it's easiest to throw in the towel on planning with others and embark on a solo trip instead.

When I travel solo, I've had to heed extra safety precautions as I'm both a 20-something and a woman of color. Here are some of the lessons I've learned over the years and why I continue to add solo trips into my travel rotation.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Solo travel doesn't mean you're alone

"Don't you get lonely?"

"Wouldn't you rather travel with your friends and family?"

Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, I'd argue that everyone should try solo travel at least once. If you're an introvert, there's nothing more appealing than getting some quality alone time and exploring a destination on your own terms. Or, if you're extroverted, solo travel brings myriad opportunities to interact with locals and other tourists along your journey.

There are many ways to not "feel alone" when you're on a solo trip. While I enjoy meandering aimlessly through a city, I make sure to book a tour or activity to kick-start my trip ⁠— and to meet new people.

In Milan , I found a last-minute fashion and culture tour through Airbnb Experiences. It was an insightful walking tour led by a Milanese fashion student, joined by two other solo travelers.

We took a coffee break midtour in a gorgeous cafe away from the hustle and bustle of tourists. It was located above the iconic Gucci store in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Without my tour guide, Giovanni, I never would have found the staircase leading up to this hidden gem on my own.

In Costa Rica, I joined a zip line tour with over 10 other people. Everyone was traveling either with their spouse or with their families. When I told them that I was traveling alone, I felt a sense of marvel from the group.

But as we trudged through the entanglements of the jungle, these strangers quickly became my friends. They were my biggest cheerleaders as I jumped off a 500-foot zip line in the middle of the Costa Rican rainforest.

At the end of the tour, we had lunch together, getting to know one another while exchanging travel stories. I even met a couple who had moved 15 minutes away from my hometown, so I gave them all of the recommendations for things to see, eat and do in North Carolina.

Related: How to meet people when traveling solo

Solo travel safety

When traveling solo, I try to only explore in the daytime, communicate with my friends and family back home to share my location at all times, and never have too many drinks alone. Even so, there's a lot more to worry about.

I've felt the unwanted stares on me tenfold on trips this past year. It's hard to blend in somewhere when traveling alone since being a minority woman is enough to draw attention and place you as a target for racist or sexist remarks. With that said, solo travel can feel burdensome when all you're trying to do is rest and relax on your vacation.

My colleague Chris Dong recently wrote this moving piece on how the pandemic has changed his perspective of travel as an Asian American . Here's one of my favorite quotes from his article that I'd like to share:

[pullquote source="Chris Dong, Writer for The Points Guy"]"There is a certain sense of gratitude for being able to traverse the world and slowly break down the hate and intolerance that others have built up."[/pullquote]

When we travel somewhere new, we're all outsiders. While travel is a privilege, I believe that obstacles such as racism and sexism shouldn't stop you from seeing the world.

Despite the catcalls and the remarks about my race or appearance, I try not to get discouraged in the face of blatant ignorance. Like Chris, I'm determined to continue my travels, as the kindness I've received from most strangers outweighs the disparaging comments that I've experienced. I try to get to know locals and tourists to remind everyone that I'm human, just like everyone else.

Related: I'm Asian American. Here's how the pandemic changed how I view travel

Take the slow road

As I mentioned earlier, I like to build a couple of activities into my itinerary. But as we all know, time seems to fly, especially when you're on vacation, so I always add buffer time in case any unexpected situations arise. Plus, not planning everything to the exact minute can relieve a lot of stress when things don't go as planned.

One of the major benefits of solo travel is that you define your agenda. In Costa Rica, I stumbled upon a cargo plane turned into a restaurant and bar, where I proceeded to spend the rest of my afternoon.

While my friends and family wouldn't have understood my fascination with this cargo plane, I spent as much time as I wanted since I was on my own schedule.

Start small

If the idea of solo travel is a bit unnerving, you're not alone. Fortunately, you can start small, meaning you don't have to jet off to a new country to cultivate the whole solo travel experience.

Living in New York City , I often visit Koreatown alone as it makes me feel at home. I felt solace when I looked around the room, and everyone there was also Korean, minding their own business. I enjoyed eating at my favorite mom-and-pop restaurant and speaking in broken Korean as I would to my mom. If you're also a second-generation immigrant, I urge you to seek spaces or communities around you that make you feel accepted rather than an outsider.

When I was in Los Angeles a few months ago, my favorite part of my solo trip was visiting Koreatown. It was the closest I've felt to being in South Korea as borders remain closed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .

There are varying levels of the solo travel experience, and hopefully, you'll get the chance to venture on your own — even if you remain close to home.

Related: 6 solo travel mistakes to avoid on your first trip

Bottom line

Over the past four years, I've traveled far and wide, adding new stamps to my passport. Visiting 15-plus countries wouldn't have been possible without throwing some solo trips in the mix, and it's quickly become one of my favorite types of travel.

If you're also a solo traveler (or you've been thinking of embarking on your first solo trip), feel free to email me. I'd love to hear about your experiences or answer any questions you may have!

Solo Travel: The Ultimate Guide To Traveling By Yourself And Loving It

Traveling by yourself can be intimidating at first. But, with practice comes perfection. Often, all you need is the right outlook and a little extra planning for the world to become your oyster. Just ask any solo traveler, and they will tell you that once you have been bitten by the travel bug, it may seem increasingly difficult to let the lack of a travel partner-in-crime or someone else's schedule keep holding you back — and that's because it shouldn't! Not only is there a whole wide world out there to explore, but there are also many benefits that come with solo travel.

From feeling empowered to overjoyed that you finally have the freedom to do only what you want on vacation, traveling alone is something that everyone should experience at least once in their life — if not yearly. So, if this is your first time considering a solo trip, you might want to prepare yourself because this particular type of travel has been known to change people's lives (via  Under 30 Experiences ). With that said, if you want to master seeing the world on your own and never look back, then here is the ultimate guide for solo travel that will have you flying solo in no time and loving every minute of it.

Why traveling solo is important

Solo travel provides great opportunities for challenging oneself, getting in touch with the real you, and feeling more confident in your everyday life. But that's not all — adventuring by yourself also opens up a whole world you may have missed out on because no one was willing to travel with you. Whether it was because of scheduling conflicts, different travel styles, financial concerns, or interests that differ, going solo means you no longer have to compromise on any of these things.

Embarking on a solo getaway also allows travelers to meet new people and try new things, all while often being more cost-efficient (per Travel Lemming ). When traveling solo, you are more likely to engage with others at the airport, on the plane, and at your destination. Being more open to those around you in foreign or unfamiliar places means you can experience travel in a way you never have before. Plus, travelers who go it alone are more willing to discover new foods, see new sights, and encounter new cultures.

What you need to know about traveling by yourself

Though traveling alone is truly a liberating experience that you can tailor to your needs, there is simply no getting around the fact that solo travel is not for everyone. Some people thrive in group settings while others shine best on their own, and neither one is a bad thing (via Good Life By Doris ). In many respects, solo exploration tends to be a combination of both.

Remember, just because you arrived alone does not mean you have to be alone for the entire trip. There are solo-friendly accommodations with communal amenities that make it easy to make new friends and available group tours (which often have several other solo travelers mixed in). What's more, there are even local attractions or activities that require you to mingle with others. Of course, if this does not sound like your cup of tea, that is perfectly fine. You can opt for more traditional accommodations, schedule private or smaller group tours, and engage in a wealth of activities that are all about you, like booking a peaceful and ultra-pampering spa day for one.

Enroll in the necessary programs, apps, and helpful solo travel services

Before you pick a destination and start researching, solo wanderers should enroll in STEP and other programs that keep people apprised of their whereabouts. STEP, or the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, provides pertinent information about Embassies, your abroad or international destination, and more. STEP also allows others to get in contact with you in the event of an emergency (per STEP ). Thus, it is a great tool to have in your solo travel bag of tricks when adventuring in far-off places. Though, you should still look at visa requirements and relevant information independently when you have a particular destination in mind.

Besides STEP, other helpful programs, travel services, and smart travel apps are available for travelers who vacation solo. You can even opt for vacation packages that offer VIP service at the airport if you are concerned about arriving in a foreign country alone. Travello and TripScout are smartphone apps that are also useful when planning a solo getaway, vetting recommendations from other solo travelers, researching potential destinations, and determining a budget (via The Points Guy ).

Make a budget

Speaking of a travel budget, when it is just you jet-setting off to parts unknown, it can be very tempting to pull out all the stops, especially with your expenses pretty much cut in half. Of course, if you aren't looking to spend a lot, then making a budget and working within those parameters is better. But, the good news is that having to purchase only one plane ticket and being able to use any saved-up miles or points you may have for just you could drastically lower what you spend. Similarly, staying in hostels and even opting for packages geared towards solo wanderers are often more affordable than booking for two. Travelers can also save money by choosing solo travel-friendly group tours and little to no-cost activities.

What's more, with apps like TripScout, you can filter locations, activities, interests, and accommodations with your desired budget in mind (per The Points Guy ). Frugal adventurers can also utilize other money-saving travel tips such as packing light, negotiating better rates, and considering local shared accommodations. Even once you arrive at your chosen destination, you can save yourself money by using public transit and opting for local-approved dining establishments (as opposed to eating in tourist traps).

Do your research

There are plenty of destinations that are perfect for wanderlusters traveling solo, all you have to do is look. Typically, a general cursory online search will give you a good idea of where solo travelers go (per Wakeful Travel ). But you shouldn't stop there. It is highly recommended that you take it a step further and ask the important questions.

Sure, from the outside, a place may seem perfect for solo wanderers. But you need to consider what kind of solo gallivanting you are looking for — do you want a beachy, relaxing getaway, or do you prefer an action-packed escape? Other things to think about include what type of traveler you are. Obviously, there are more than a few places that are ideal for solo travelers. But does that mean those destinations are also good for female solo explorers, an older party of one, non-white solo jet-setters, thrifty solo globetrotters, or LGBTQ travelers ? These kinds of questions matter, so don't be afraid to dig a little deeper and go beyond all the "X best destination for solo travelers" listicles.

Once you have settled on a location for your solo adventure, the standard trip-planning portion of the program comes into play. Other crucial things, such as how much time you can take off, what you want to do (or not do) while visiting your selected destination, and where you would like to stay, must be considered before booking. Even what your potential day-to-day may look like should be planned ahead of time (via Bolt Blog ).

Logistical items like whether you want to buy cheaper travel insurance or splurge on expensive but more comprehensive insurance (to be prepared for any unexpected issues) also need to be factored into the equation. Additionally, if you have chosen an international getaway, then you will need to plan for how you will spend abroad (exchange money or utilize bank and credit cards with no foreign transaction fees). Basically, any normal concerns that come with a vacation for two or more will still apply when traveling solo. The big difference here is this may or may not be something you are used to handling in its entirety.

Choose your accommodations wisely

For solo wanders looking to mingle, hostels tend to be the way to go. Though this sounds easy enough, it is important to look at multiple hostels in your chosen destination. Solo adventurers opting for hostels should also look at the previous guest reviews for each place, compare costs, and more. While carefully choosing your accommodations, don't forget to peruse each option's house rules, bathroom rules, sleep hours, and required hostel etiquette before booking.

Of course, there are many other lodging options typically available in solo travel-friendly destinations. Boutique stays, inns, usually every kind of star-rated hotel, and Airbnbs are all possible options to consider for your solo trip. These non-hostel lodgings are often ideal for travelers who are more focused on the destination and not as keen on making new friends. That said, just make sure to avoid accommodations that charge a single supplement fee (per Travelling The World Solo ).

Create your ideal itinerary

As previously mentioned, one of the perks of solo wandering is deciding what your vacation will look like. Keeping in mind the type of trip you have planned, as your activities or lack thereof can include everything you have ever dreamed of and then some. But before booking all the tours, excursions, day trips, or perfect spa days your heart desires, remember to leave room for some downtime and a little spontaneity.

Alternatively, solo travelers who prefer to play it by ear can still have a wonderful time out in the world. However, it's worth noting that some activities sell out quicker than others, may not be available when you are visiting, or might entail more than you were expecting (but would have easily known about if you had booked ahead). So, if your travel style involves winging it, then just make sure you are prepared for whatever your destination throws at you. Ideally, you want to create some form of an itinerary (sooner rather than later) that works for you while remembering to be smart about any chosen activities, especially if they could infringe on your overall safety (via Media Feed ).

Solo travel safety

A little extra planning and common sense are required when it comes to matters regarding your safety as a solo traveler. Of course, all solo wanderers need to be mindful of their surroundings, no matter their desired destination — and when setting out on your own adventures, it is important that you do the same. Other standard safety tips for solo travelers, like knowing how you will get to your accommodations and keeping a watchful eye on your passport, belongings, and travel documents, are also crucial.

Likewise, learning basic phrases (if there is a possible language barrier), avoiding dark alleyways, and honing your overall navigational skills are a must. Investing in an anti-theft daypack, an RFID wallet, and a mini travel first-aid kit are all also highly recommended if you don't have them already. Solo travelers should keep their accommodation's business card on them, learn the public transport systems in their destination quickly, and try to blend in whenever possible as well (per Travel Lemming ). And once again, don't forget to sign up for the necessary programs, download solo travel-friendly apps, buy travel insurance, and keep someone at home informed of all your planned activities.

What to pack

Here, the standard packing tips and hacks definitely come in handy. Besides mixing and matching clothing that can be layered, rolling clothes, and utilizing travel organizers (space-saver bags, packing cubes , and convenient cases for electronics), solo explorers should aim to pack light. In order to pack light , curate a limited yet versatile wardrobe and try to jet off solo with just a carry-on bag and one personal item (via Explore ).

If you do opt for only cabin luggage, make your solo adventure as carefree as possible by using a lightweight backpack as your carry-on bag. The right travel accessories, including a SIM card (if applicable), passport cases, smartwatches, an iPad or tablet, a travel lock (portable safe), and portable chargers, are also highly recommended. Items that will help you stay dry, protected from the elements, and properly prepared in case of emergency all fall under the category of essentials and should have a home amongst your belongings when traveling alone as well (via Under 30 Experiences ).

Must-have solo travel items

In addition to the essentials, other travel items such as headphones, a selfie stick, a luggage scale, and a collapsible water bottle are must-haves for solo travelers. A small tote bag, wet wipes, mini carabiners, a waterproof phone case, and a doorstop are also great to have with you (per  May Cause Wanderlust ). Any other handy accessories, like a hanging toiletry bag, which definitely works well for those shared hostel bathrooms, are nice to have too.

Solo explorers should also pack must-have items with their destination in mind. So if you are off to cold-weather places, then make sure you have a jacket and the appropriate layers to stay warm. Similarly, for beach getaways and less chilly climates, a quick-dry towel, beach shoes, and a mini handheld fan are your friends. And if outdoorsy activities are planned, remember to throw any must-have gear in your bag or make the necessary arrangements so you can have those things waiting for you at your intended destination.

Travel hacks for traveling alone

Once on your solo adventure, there are several hacks you can utilize to ensure that your trip goes off without a hitch. When out and about in international locations, the little things like downloading offline maps to your smartphone, emailing travel documents to yourself, and charging (and recharging) all your tech before heading anywhere often save the day. Solo travelers should also take other proactive steps, including taking screenshots of their reservations and bookings and snapping a photo of their passport or ID just in case (via Globo Treks ).

Moreover, when traveling alone, it is important to trust your instincts, which is a travel hack that simply makes sense. If you feel uncomfortable or uneasy about anything, don't question it, just leave. Staying safe while in a hostel or any other accommodation is a top priority, so do whatever it takes to have that peace of mind. We suggest chatting with the locals and staff wherever you stay, you never know who you might meet or who could help you later along your journey. 

Crucial things to remember while seeing the world as a party of one

No vacation is without its share of expected challenges. When solo galavanting, for instance, it is easy to feel lonely now and then (per Vacantology ). But the truth is you are really not alone in the big scheme of things. Solo travelers can reach out to friends, use WiFi to chat with family, mingle with the staff at their accommodations, or make new friends with other solo explorers that have similar interests when these moments strike.

Yet another common challenge many travelers initially face when out and about solo is experiencing their destination alone. Specifically, when eating alone or going out at night as a party of one, it can be all too easy to feel uneasy or like you shouldn't do these things alone. But with time and being properly prepared, hurdles such as these can be overcome.

Likewise, if you've been waiting to go somewhere forever but simply cannot imagine enjoying your trip alone, there is an easy fix for this one too. Book that dream getaway once you've gotten your feet wet with a few solo trips (via Forbes ). Remember, life wasn't meant to be lived in one place for too long, and with the right planning and necessary precautions, there is no reason you have to stay put.

Solopassport

Is Travelling Solo Worth It? Frequently Asked Questions About Solo Travelling (2024)

Is Travelling Solo Worth It? Embarking on solo adventures offers a unique perspective, pushing boundaries and embracing the thrill of the unknown. Solo travel is more than a journey; it’s a profound exploration of self-discovery and empowerment. Dive into solo escapades, where every step unravels new possibilities and challenges.

I am a passionate supporter of solo travel. Through the years, my solo journeys have deepened my affection for this way of exploration. Numerous fellow travellers, particularly those eager to delve into solo adventures, often grapple with questions and hesitations before taking that initial plunge.

In this post, I aim to address those concerns and provide valuable tips to empower travellers, particularly females, to embark on solo travel journeys. The prospect of solo travel, especially for the first time, can be daunting. Each time I set out on a solo expedition, a mix of nerves and excitement accompanies me, highlighting the anticipation and apprehension that often precede such ventures.

Page Contents

PIN for later reference – Is Travelling Solo Worth It?

This article may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. For complete information, please see our affiliate disclaimer here .

Solo Travel Definition

Solo travel entails an individual journeying alone, regardless of their life stage. It’s a voluntary choice driven by the desire for independent exploration.

I’m often approached with inquiries about solo travel and how individuals can initiate their solo journeys. The concept of solo travel is sometimes viewed as a courageous feat, particularly for women. However, I argue that it doesn’t have to be. Allow me to elaborate! Solo travel can be a straightforward and fulfilling experience with proper precautions and careful destination selection.

How Do You Decide a Place for Your First Solo Travel?

To initiate your solo travel journey, I recommend considering two approaches to ease into the solo travel experience.

Firstly, start by choosing a destination closer to your home base. Conduct thorough research about the place before finalizing bookings and planning. Assess the safety and friendliness towards tourists and gather insights from previously visited individuals, including friends, family, and travel bloggers. Understanding the ease of travel in the chosen location is crucial.

My solo travel journey began in Australia. Living in Melbourne without a travel companion, I decided to take the plunge and explore a nearby destination. My passion for travel triumphed over waiting for company, leading me to an enriching weekend in Port Fairy.

It’s essential to prioritize your comfort. If a place doesn’t resonate well with you, it’s perfectly fine to reconsider. I’ve personally cancelled trips at the last minute when I didn’t feel comfortable travelling alone to a particular location. Always opt for refundable tickets; while they may be slightly more expensive, they provide a safety net in case of unexpected changes.

Another strategy is to choose a destination where you have acquaintances – friends, family, or anyone familiar. This allows for a balance between solo exploration and the comfort of company in a new place. Whether you embark on solo adventures or incorporate one-day solo trips within the company, it’s a valuable way to test your affinity for solo travel.

Ultimately, the key is prioritising your comfort and tailoring your solo travel experience to suit your preferences.

What are the Things You do Before Heading off on Your First Solo Travel?

Through my years of solo travel, I’ve honed a few practices to address potential challenges and minimize risks preemptively.

• Always call and confirm your bookings, especially for the initial activities, hotels, or hostels, even if you’ve received confirmation emails. I’ve encountered situations where confirmation emails were misleading, and on arriving, I discovered that the providers had not received any notification.
• While it is unnecessary to plan every detail meticulously, having a draft itinerary outlining your high-level activities provides a sense of security. Include crucial information like hostel contact details, and share a copy of your itinerary with at least two friends or family members in case of emergencies.
• For Australian residents, it’s advisable to register your travel details on the government-owned Smart Traveller website.
• Keep soft copies of essential documents, such as your passport, itinerary, and credit/debit cards, accessible through your emails and phone to mitigate the impact of potential losses during your travels.
• After grappling with heavy backpacks during my Norway and New Zealand trips, I’ve embraced the wisdom of travelling light. Efforts to pack only what’s essential and occasionally reusing clothes can significantly enhance your travel experience.
• For finances, avoid carrying excessive cash and distribute it across multiple locations for added security. These precautionary measures contribute to a smoother and more secure solo travel experience.

What Precautions Do You Take in the New Place or a Country?

• Opt for accommodations in hostels or well-established hotels, prioritizing safety over isolated or poorly reviewed locations. Central Business Districts (CBD) or city accommodations not only enhance safety but also offer convenience.
• Exercise caution when venturing out at night, aiming to return to your hostel or hotel before darkness falls, particularly in areas prone to isolation, especially during winter. Avoid going out alone after dark to ensure your safety.
• Refuse drinks or food from strangers to eliminate potential risks associated with unknown substances.
• Prioritize day trip providers with positive reviews, ensuring authenticity and reliability in your travel experiences.
• Keep your friends and family informed about your whereabouts, either through direct communication or occasional check-ins on social media.
• Always carry a padlock to secure your backpack or belongings, especially when using lockers in accommodations.
• Opt for public transport or reputable taxi services like Uber or Ola to ensure safe and reliable transportation.

A crucial note: refrain from carrying items like pepper spray, as it may lead to detention at airports, and in some countries, like Australia, possession is illegal.

How Do You Travel on a Budget?

Believe me, embarking on well-planned travels doesn’t have to break the bank. A few years back, I shared insights on how I secure funds for my journeys and adeptly save money while on the road. With thoughtful budgeting, travelling becomes not only accessible but entirely achievable with minimal expenses when strategically planned.

How To Take Pictures During Solo Travels?

I’m a firm believer in the power of capturing moments through photography. I cherish the idea of seizing every moment, although truth be told, I only end up sharing about 10% of the numerous pictures I take. The sheer volume of my captured moments might be hard to fathom, especially when solo travelling. However, through experimentation and trial, I’ve discovered effective methods to navigate the challenge of capturing memorable solo travel moments.

Does Solo Travel Get Lonely?

I often encounter a common question from those contemplating solo travel: “Do you feel lonely?” The answer, for the most part, is no. I genuinely relish solo journeys and find immense joy in them. However, it’s only fair to admit that there are instances, particularly during extended solo travels, where a sense of loneliness may creep in, and I miss my family and friends. Yet, the beauty of solo travel lies in the fact that it doesn’t mandate doing everything alone or precluding making new connections.

Here are some strategies I employ to meet like-minded individuals when exploring new destinations:

• Participate in walking or day tours, fostering connections with fellow solo travellers. I’ve found lasting friendships on these excursions, sometimes even forming bonds with older couples who treat you like their own.
• Opt for hostels as accommodations, where mingling with diverse travellers is commonplace. While the dynamics may change post- COVID , the camaraderie found in hostels often results in lifelong friendships.
• Engage in conversations with locals at restaurants, bars, or cafes. Striking up chats with people provides valuable insights and fosters connections with the community.
• RSVP for local meetups using Meetup and attend events aligned with your interests. I gravitate towards activity-based meetups such as hiking, creating opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.
• Reach out to acquaintances, friends, or anyone residing in the area you’re visiting. This familiarity contributes to a sense of security and comfort.
• Connect with people during various activities, such as scuba diving. Many individuals I’ve met during such pursuits have become enduring connections.
• When all else fails and homesickness strikes, leverage technology to bridge the gap. A simple video call with family or friends can provide the comfort and connection needed during solo travels.

What are the Best Apps for Solo Travellers?

Solo travellers can enhance their journey with various apps that offer convenience , safety, and valuable information. Here are some of the best apps for solo travellers:

• Google Maps: An essential navigation tool offering detailed maps, real-time traffic updates, and offline access.
• XE Currency: Stay updated on currency exchange rates, especially useful for managing expenses in different countries.
• Hostelworld : Ideal for finding budget-friendly accommodations, especially hostels, and reading reviews from fellow travellers.
• Meetup: Connect with locals and fellow travellers by attending events and meetups based on shared interests.
• Duolingo: Learn basic phrases in the local language with this language-learning app, facilitating better communication.
• Google Translate: Translate text or speech into various languages, aiding communication in areas with different languages.
• Citymapper: Navigate public transportation systems seamlessly in various cities, providing real-time transit information.
• Couchsurfing: Connect with locals who offer accessible accommodations, advice, or even a chance to meet for coffee.
• SoloTraveller: This app specifically caters to solo travellers, offering safety tips, destination recommendations, and a community forum.
• Trail Wallet: Manage your travel budget by tracking expenses and setting daily spending limits.
• WhatsApp: Stay in touch with family and friends through messaging, calls, and video chats, using Wi-Fi to avoid roaming charges.
• SafetyWing : Access travel insurance designed for digital nomads and long-term travellers, providing coverage for various situations.
• WiFox: Find and access Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide, ensuring you stay connected during your travels.
• Hopper: Predicts future flight prices, helping you decide the best time to book your flights and save money.

Closing Notes

Embarking on solo travel is an enjoyable experience. I encourage everyone to try it at least once before deciding whether it suits their preferences. Over the years, I’ve addressed many questions and provided clarifications based on the inquiries I’ve received. Feel free to explore the world solo and reach out if you have any doubts or concerns.

Is Travelling Solo Worth It? Beyond a doubt. It’s a dynamic expedition that transcends the ordinary, leaving an indelible mark on the adventurer’s soul. Step into the world of solo travel, where every moment is an opportunity for growth, self-reflection, and unparalleled experiences.

How can you support me? You know how much I love coffee, so you can buy me a coffee – Buy me Coffee! Or you can purchase from one of the below travel resources without any extra charge to you: Travel Resources Book your flight on Skyscanner.com or Trip.com Reserve your accommodation on Stay22 Reserve your stay at a hostel on HostelWorld Use RentalCars or DiscoverCars for hiring self-driven cars Book your tours and travels or purchase tickets on Viator or GetYourGuide For a universal SIM card, use DrimSim Buy comprehensive travel insurance on SafetyWing and WorldNomads

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Maverick Wander

10 Lessons Solo Travel Teaches You

Traveling is an excellent opportunity to get away from the routine of daily life and discover new locations, cultures, and experiences. While many individuals prefer taking trips with family or close friends, many people also love traveling alone.

You might ask yourself, ‘What does solo travel teach you?’

At times when you see people traveling alone. Solo travel has a unique array of advantages alongside possibilities for growing as an individual.

Look no further; this article will provide you with the meaning of solo travel and what solo travel teaches you.

What is Solo Travel?

Solo travel is simply traveling alone. This trip can either be lengthy or short. But one of the main attributes of this kind of travel is that the traveler is away from the place, people, and culture that they are familiar with.

Solo travel is a way of actually going out of your comfort zone and exploring different locations, cultures, people, and yourself. It is quite an eye-opening experience for people, which pushes them to grow as people and expands their knowledge bank.

And the best thing about this is that you get ultimate freedom, as all the decision-making is up to you. You get to do whatever you want and go wherever and whenever you want.

Now, let us move on to why solo travel is important and why it is a life-changing experience for people.

There are several reasons why people consider solo travel to be genuinely advantageous.

The benefits of solo travel involve widening your horizons, forcing you out of your familiar surroundings, meeting new people, and creating new experiences.

Traveling alone may seem intimidating at first, but if you make the conscious choice to go for it, it may be one of the most thrilling trips that you ever experience.

Following are 10 Things That Solo Travel Teaches You  

(1) independence and self-reliance.

Solo travel provides you with the ultimate independence because you get to plan the trip according to your preferences. Thus, you can include activities that you enjoy, and do anything that makes you happy.

This kind of trip leads you to discover and reinvent yourself as a person while building your own perspective on the world and creating your distinctive identity.

Solo travel pushes you to be self-reliant, as everything depends on you. Thus, you need to be observant and careful.

It makes you hold yourself accountable for all of your activities, from planning the trip to financial planning, information security, staying arrangements, dining opportunities, and more.

So if something goes wrong, you have to take responsibility for it. This leads one to grow their wisdom, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills.

(2) Adaptability and Flexibility

Adaptability and flexibility are other points of what traveling alone teaches you. The majority of the time, solo travel entails coping with unforeseen events.

Being far away from the comfort of your culture, your native tongue, your people, and your customs ought to be confusing and frightening. As a result, it will challenge you to discover answers to the problems you encounter along the route. Cultural engagement and interaction with locals may provide travelers with the ideal getaway experience.

The most important thing you can do is to refrain from enforcing our traditions and norms but to allow yourself to be flexible and be welcomed by the fresh culture and global outlook that has been opened to you.

(3) Cultural Sensitivity and Open-Mindedness

Another point of what solo travel teaches you is that, if you are a solo traveler, you have to be culturally sensitive. This means following the norms of the nation to which you’re traveling to avoid offending others. Cultural sensitivity is a vital aspect of responsible travel.

You may notice that when you engulf yourself in different settings and activities, your mind gets open to ideas, your creativity increases, and you become more concentrated. This insight might help you prioritize your life’s priorities and discover new views.

(4) Confidence Building

Solo travel will help you build more confidence. You may feel unsure of yourself and anxious during the journey, but later, all of that is always worth it.

This is because when you are traveling alone, you will face obstacles and challenges that you will have to face and overcome by yourself, along with having to make your own decisions and more. This kind of trip will force you to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people, make you feel more connected to yourself, and help you become more independent.

It leaves you feeling a sense of accomplishment, leading you to feel more confident and proud of yourself.

(5) Problem Solving and Decision Making

Solo travel helps you acquire the skills to solve challenges on your own. Navigating unfamiliar environments, interacting with people speaking different languages and from different cultures, dealing with different transportation systems, hotel reservations, and dealing with the unpredictable challenges that travel may throw at you, all hone your problem-solving skills.

When you travel alone, you make your own decisions and no one else’s. As a result, you’ll be compelled to trust your instincts and act fully on them. This will undoubtedly assist you once you return home since your decision-making abilities will be greatly enhanced. This is another point of what does travelling alone teach you.

(6) Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

Solo travel teaches you more about yourself; what you enjoy doing and what you do not like, as well as what you actually want to do whenever the decision is entirely up to you.

Going on a trip by yourself serves as an adventure of self-discovery that will help you grow as a person. You have to get out of your comfort zone and participate in activities you have never done.

It helps you gain personal growth which leads you to gain more independence, self-confidence, and a sense of adventure.

(7) Connecting with People from Diverse Backgrounds

Travelling alone allows you to mingle with locals and absorb their culture. Moreover, you get to experience the way they live their daily lives and get to know their customs, beliefs and practises. Participating in local excursions, and cultural events, or conversing with other travellers at hotels and lodgings might help you meet new people and extend your horizons.

(8) Budgeting and Financial Management

Solo travel may be quite reasonable. When travelling alone, you have complete control over the cost and where you spend it. It is entirely up to you whether you want to be budget-conscious one day and pamper yourself with luxury the next.

You might choose to do fewer activities on one day in order to save expenses for later in your trip. It’s also far less expensive to locate housing for one because you only require a single room.

Furthermore, you may plan your route and make reservations based on your budget. If necessary, you could opt to leave out a few places to save money.

(9) Time Management and Prioritization

Because of the accountability of traveling completely alone, independent travelers strengthen their time management skills. This is due to the fact that while traveling alone, you must be mindful of the amount of time you want to devote to each trip. Of course, you do not want to skip a few destinations or cut your vacation short owing to time limits that you have imposed on yourself.

This will also aid you to prioritize the destinations you want to put on the top of the list and then sort the list accordingly.

(10) A Sense of Wonder

Solo travel is beneficial for you to reestablish your sense of wonder, excitement, and inspiration for exploring the world. Every location you visit allows you to see yourself along with the entire destination, and the inhabitants from an alternate perspective. You develop an appreciation for the splendor and diversity of the world, while you acquire a more profound sense of exploration and curiosity.

It introduces you to new and fascinating things, and it allows you to see the world along with people from a completely fresh viewpoint. Solo travel helps you become more empathic, open-minded, and eager to obtain knowledge from different people.

You are sure to learn several lessons from traveling alone that will help you in the future.

Conclusion: Lessons Solo Travel Teaches You

Hence, to summarize what solo travel teaches you, it is actually a journey of self-discovery through travel that provides unique advantages as well as possibilities for personal improvement.

Traveling alone may be a life-changing, unforgettable experience, whether you’re looking for a refreshing change of routine, a time for inner reflection, or cultural exposure.

So, instead of questioning yourself, plan your solo trip to a whole new location and discover what the journey has in store for you.

Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

Solo Travel: Meaningful Travel

January 15, 2020 by Janice Waugh

How is solo travel meaningful?

We put this question to the Solo Travel Society on Facebook.

It's a vibrant community of enthusiastic travelers who are always ready to offer words of support to solo travel newbies, answer questions for those going to new destinations and share solo travel insights.

Not too long ago we asked: What does solo travel mean to you?

And in your replies I think we discovered many wonderful descriptions of meaningful travel.

Here's what you had to say.

Table of Contents

Solo Travel for Lifelong Learning

It's impossible to travel solo and not learn. As you navigate a new place you learn how differently the infrastructure is organized. As you eat a meal, you learn how the food tastes and, with a bit of curiosity, you learn why it tastes that way. Take a day tour and you can learn about your destination, its history and culture, in a more formal manner. Here's what readers had to say about solo travel and learning.

• Andrew – Learning new things about yourself, cultures, other people and the countries you visit.
• Karen – Seeing places I've only ever heard or read about, and learning about other people and cultures firsthand.
• Jennifer – Too much to learn, too much to see. It's always interesting to learn about new cultures and how locals in a foreign land live. And best of all, being a solo traveler I learn more, not only about other places but also about myself. That's meaningful.
• Nikoless – Surprises and awkward situations that turn out magical and educational.

Solo Travel to Let Go of Expectations, Live in the Present, and Become a More Interesting Person

It's pretty difficult to think of a million things when you need to learn how to catch your plane in a new airport, get to that special restaurant you want to enjoy, or a myriad of other things one does when they travel solo. Because you're traveling alone, you, alone, are responsible for all the details of your travels. This takes focus. You need to be in the present. Not everything will go as planned, so you have to learn to let go of expectations. All that focus, exploring, and being present in a new place makes for meaningful travel and will make you a more interesting person. Here's what readers had to say.

• Bev – It's so exciting to set off on a new adventure, every trip is different and adds to your life experience.
• Lindalee – Learning to live in the present, let go of expectations.
• Leslie – No matter how much you plan, there is always something unexpected that happens or that you see that makes the experience so much more interesting and meaningful than planned. People wonder why I like to travel solo if no one else is with me to share the experience. I say it makes me a more interesting person because I come back with great stories to tell!
• Lee – It's a journey and raises our awareness of our surroundings.
• Kanthes – The feeling of gratification especially when meeting people who become friends.
• Barbara – Being gone! I'm a workaholic. Leaving my home gives me the liberty to not think about it. It's a practice of letting go.

Meaningful Travel Can Put Life into Perspective

Oh my, how we can get bogged down in life's little frustrations. Whether it's seeing how fortunate we are by traveling to places that have less than we do, or taking a break from our routine we see how insignificant those little frustrations are, solo travel puts life into perspective. Here, again, is what readers had to say.

• Jessica – It gives me perspective and makes me realise there's a big world out there. Most of my problems seem unimportant when I'm travelling or planning a trip.
• Neeraj Ratnu – Solo travelling is magic in itself. It simply makes me more alive. On every trip I wonder, “how can this place be so beautiful?”
• David – Gives me time to reflect on things away from my normal environment, to find new surroundings and find inner strength.
• Georgie – Independence, self-worth, and self-value. I focus on the “real” world and how lucky I am to have grown up in one of the “lucky countries.”

Solo Travel Means Learning How Capable You Really Are

• Steve – A sense of accomplishment because I travel solo.
• Rob – It's not only the knowledge I've gained about other cultures but, as importantly, about myself. Traveling alone makes me realize I really can do anything!
• Maureen – Freedom, centering, expanding my mind, learning more about myself, growing as a person, adventure, so many things.
• Nikhar – Finding yourself.

Summing Up: The Meaning of Solo Travel

There were two comments that really stood out for me.

• Tuấn – meet new people, know new places, say a new “wow!”

Say a new “wow!” I love this expression. How great is it when your breath is taken away by the beauty of a landscape, the wonder of cultural dress, the taste of a cuisine? Let's say “wow” a lot!

• If I Were You – Looking back on it later is oftentimes more meaningful than the trip as it is happens.

This is so true. The meaning of meaningful is often best seen after the fact.

Thank you all for your thoughts and contributions to this post.

Sharing is caring!

Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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30 Honest Advantages and Disadvantages of Travelling Alone

Some say solo travel is lonely and sad. Some say it is unsafe or expensive. And others say it is the best thing they’ve ever done. So, exactly what are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling alone?

The benefits of travelling alone include setting your own budget, making more friends, meeting more locals, finding romance, and freedom over your itinerary. The disadvantages of travelling alone include expensive private accommodation, safety risks, loneliness, and difficulty taking photos of yourself.

In this article, I will list 30 pros and cons of travelling alone, so that you can decide whether solo travel is right for you.

Nomadic Yak has 100s of solo travel tips if it’s your first time travelling solo !

Practical Advantages of Travelling Alone

Social benefits of travelling alone, psychological benefits of travelling alone, practical disadvantages of travelling alone, social disadvantages of travelling alone, psychological disadvantages of travelling alone.

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Advantages & Benefits of Travelling Alone

What are the advantages of travelling alone? 

In short, the benefits of solo travel include saving money, making more friends, finding romance, enjoying freedom and flexibility, gaining self-confidence and social skills, becoming more mindful, gathering interesting stories, interacting with locals and creating awesome social media content.

Let’s delve further into the pros of solo travel:

+ Freedom and flexibility over your itinerary

Solo travel provides you with the flexibility to do what you want, where you want and when you want. There’s no need to do what other people want to do. 

When you travel alone, you get to enjoy total control over:

• Which activities you do and when;
• Which accommodation you stay at;
• Which transport you take;
• Which restaurants you eat at;
• When you wake up and go to bed;
• When you take breaks during the day;
• Whether you go out or stay in;
• Which route you take;
• Where you travel to (see my list of the 193 best places to travel solo ).

The whole trip is based around you and you alone!

+ Set your own budget and save money

Solo travel can be up to 75% cheaper than travelling with a partner, family or friends. This is because you do not have to cover the costs of other people’s travel expenses. Instead, you can just look for the best deals for yourself.

You also get to set your own budget when you travel alone. You do not have to think about others when choosing how much you spend on accommodation, transport, dining, activities and other expenses.

With the money you save, you can travel for longer and enjoy yourself more.

+ Eat whatever you want

One of the main concerns that people face when travelling alone for the first time is eating alone – they think that they’ll look weird or feel lonesome. 

But you’ll soon realise that eating alone is one of the benefits of travelling alone. You have total freedom over what you eat, when you eat and which restaurant you eat at.

This is particularly great for people who are focused on their diet or have food allergies. It’s also helpful if you’re trying to stick to a travel budget.

+ Choose accommodation based on your needs

One benefit of solo travel is that you get to choose your accommodation. There’s no need to think about your travel companions, their budget and their wants. 

Most of the time, your budget and style of solo travel will determine where you stay:

• Backpackers: Mostly stay in hostels and motels because they are affordable and a great way to meet people.
• Standard solo travellers: Stay in a combination of hostels and hotels so that they can enjoy a mix of socialising, affordability and comfort.
• Luxurious solo travellers: Mostly stay in hotels and private rentals so that they enjoy the utmost comfort and privacy.

+ More time to read, watch and listen

Most people never find the time to finish that book they’ve been reading or watch that film they’ve been wanting to see. 

An advantage of travelling alone is that you don’t have to fuss over others – you can use your downtime to enjoy some reading, a show or a podcast.

+ Learn a new language

When you travel alone, you can’t rely on your fellow travellers to help you translate the local language. Whilst this may sound like a disadvantage to some, the benefit is that it forces you to learn more of the local language. 

With the help of language learning apps such as Duolingo , it is easy to pick up the basics that you need when travelling to a foreign country. The first few levels of learning include greetings, pronouns, food items and common travel phrases.

+ Be as selfish as you like

People ask, is travelling alone fun ? But what could be more fun than doing whatever you want?!

One of the problems with travelling with friends and family is that you have to worry about what they want to do and when they want to do it.

When you travel solo, you’re free to indulge in whatever you want – whether that’s an extra drink at the bar, heading back to your accommodation early or trying some exotic street food. The benefit of travelling alone is that it’s a rare opportunity to be as selfish as you like!

+ You make more friends when travelling alone

This is perhaps the biggest benefit of travelling alone – it is much easier to meet people and make friends. Even though I’m an introvert, I make 1 or 2 new friends almost every day on my solo trips!

When you travel alone, you naturally socialise with other travellers and discuss the things you have in common: your destination, your travel plans and your interests. 

Other travellers are more likely to befriend you when you travel alone. It is less antagonising for them to approach an individual than a group of people.

Blossom into a social butterfly with my Ultimate 9-Step Guide to Making Friends When Travelling Alone !

+ Gain more social media followers and engagement

All your friends and family at home will be keen to see your solo travel adventures. And you’ll add lots of other travellers and friends on social media along the way, growing your following. 

When travelling alone, use your downtime to edit your photos and videos so that you can create unique and exciting social media content.

Struggling for captions? See my list of the 100 best solo travel Instagram captions !

+ Gather interesting stories

Ever sit around at a party and wish you had more interesting stories to share? A benefit of travelling alone is the amazing stories you gather.

You’ll keep your friends and family entertained for hours when you return from your solo travel with a bag full of funny, fascinating and frightful memories!

+ More romance and sex

Most solo travellers are single, so travelling alone can be a great way to meet romantic partners. You never know – one of your fellow travellers may just be your soul mate!

Backpackers have sex more frequently and have more sexual partners than the average person.

Any man travelling alone should include condoms on their male solo travel packing list . Women should also include contraception on their female solo travel packing list .

+ More interaction with locals

When you travel with other people, you rely on them to help you navigate the city, learn the language, order food, learn local history and much more.

But one of the advantages of travelling alone is that you have to rely on the local people more and get to enjoy more authentic interactions. 

Many times throughout my solo travels, I have had to ask a local for help. And often, it results in them kindly inviting me for tea or a meal and the opportunity to learn about their way of life.

+ Build your social skills

Because you are forced to socialise and make friends when you travel alone, you quickly build social skills and become more outgoing. 

Even if you’re a shy or introverted solo traveller , you’ll soon find that you can make friends with almost anyone. Just break the ice by discussing your common interest – travel. After that, the conversation will flow naturally.

+ Become more self-confident

You’ll face all sorts of fears and anxieties when you travel alone – you’ll get lost in unknown streets, fumble around a foreign language, struggle with scam artists, make friends with strangers, and more.

Whilst such challenges can be scary, you feel a massive sense of pride (and relief) when you overcome them by yourself. When you step outside the comforts of day-to-day life, you realise that you are capable of more than you thought possible (without the help of others).

+ Solo travel broadens the mind and soul

When you travel alone, you learn a lot about how other people live; what they do for work, what their history is, how their relationships and families function, what their struggles are and what they’re grateful for.

Learning about the lives of others helps you put your own life into perspective. You think about what is important to you and what is unimportant – your purpose, priorities, problems and blessings.

This is one of the main reasons why you should travel alone in your 20s !

+ Find clarity with moments of mindfulness

Try to enjoy one moment of mindfulness each day of your solo trip.

Make the most of quiet moments when you are alone with your thoughts. Reflect on your purpose, career, relationships, worries, blessings and more.

Mindfulness is particularly important if you are suffering from loneliness, homesickness or solo travel depression .

I remember a few of my most moving moments when travelling alone – sleeping under the stars in the Sahara, watching water buffalo cross a river in Laos, and walking the battlefields of Gallipoli.

Small moments can lead to big revelations in your thinking.

+ You challenge yourself to try new experiences

When you travel alone, there are no naysayers looking over your shoulder and saying “don’t do this” or “don’t do that.”

One of the advantages of solo travel is that you are free to try all the experiences that you’ve always wanted to try – adventure activities, exotic foods, partying, relationships and much more!

Disadvantages of Travelling Alone

What are the disadvantages of solo travel? The disadvantages of travelling alone include more expensive accommodation, increased risk of theft and susceptibility to scams, having no one to take care of you when drunk or sick, feeling lonely or anxious, and finding it harder to take photos of yourself.

Let’s delve deeper into the cons of travelling alone:

– Accommodation, car rental and dining can be more expensive

There are hidden costs involved with travelling alone . If you’re not careful, solo travel can become more expensive than group travel because you have to:

• Pay a single’s surcharge when booking private accommodation
• Cover the entire cost of private transport (taxis and Ubers)
• Cover the entire cost of meals (no split bills)
• Pay full price for tickets to attractions (no group discounts)
• Pay more for travel insurance

The best way to save costs when travelling alone is to stay in shared accommodation. You can also save money by catching public transport rather than hiring a vehicle.

Don’t only rely on comparison sites to find the best price on accommodation and transport. Sometimes, suppliers offer better prices if you book directly through their website.

Solo travellers concerned about their budget can also join a group tour. Some tours provide great bang for your buck because the organisers receive a discount when booking bulk accommodation and transport – meaning bigger savings for you.

– Travelling alone can be less safe

One of the most common questions amongst both men and women is: is solo travel safe ? 

No form of travel is totally safe. But some safety issues are more prevalent when you travel alone:

• Scams: You may not have someone else to alert you to street scams.
• Theft and assault: You may not have someone else to protect you from theft and assault when travelling alone.
• Getting lost: You may not have someone to help you navigate if you get lost or your phone battery dies.
• Drunkenness and intoxication: You will have to find trustworthy friends to take care of you when drunk.
• Illness and disease: You may not have someone else to take care of you when sick.
• Language and cultural differences: You may not have someone else to help you translate the local language or make you aware of cultural practices.

To reduce your susceptibility to the dangers of travelling alone, see these solo travel safety tips . There are many things you can do to keep yourself safe, including using padlocks, sharing your GPS location with family and friends, and setting up fraud alerts on your bank account.

I still join tours as a solo traveller if I’m visiting a particularly dangerous or difficult destination. I share my tour experiences in my article on  solo travel vs group travel .

– Difficulty taking photos

One of the biggest disadvantages of travelling alone is not having friends and family around to take photos of you. However, this problem is easily overcome. 

Simply ask your fellow travellers to take photos of you or get good at taking selfies (this is where a selfie stick comes in handy).

Alternatively, if you are serious about photography, carry a tripod and use the timer feature on your camera to capture the perfect shot.

– Sitting next to strangers on transport

A disadvantage of solo travel is that you don’t get to sit next to people that you know and are comfortable with. Instead, you’ll be sat next to strangers on flights, trains and coaches. 

Whilst this isn’t an issue most of the time, sometimes fellow passengers can be a hindrance. For example, they may take up your personal space, stink of body odour or chew loudly.

I’ll never forget the time I was on an overnight sleeper coach in Vietnam, mistakenly thinking I had the single bed to myself for the entirety of the journey. You can imagine my surprise when another man jumped on at 2 am and snuggled up beside me.

It is best to include a set of noise-cancelling earphones and an eye mask on your solo travel packing list. And if you and a travel buddy are heading in the same direction, try to book your seats together.

My guide to flying alone for the first time has 10 more tips to make your trip more comfortable.

– Taking care of yourself when ill

At some stage during your solo travel, you will likely get sick with food poisoning, a cold or some other ailment. 

The disadvantage of travelling alone is that you won’t have family or friends there to take care of you, make your food and buy you medicine. The best option is to find some private accommodation for a few days and rest until you’ve mended.

– You can’t share your luggage space

Sometimes when you travel with a partner who packs light, you can put some of your luggage in their bags. You don’t have this luxury when travelling alone.

If you buy items overseas and run out of luggage space during your solo travel, your best option is to head to the post office and ship it home.

– It’s sad saying goodbye to new friends

Whilst you’ll make a lot of friends (and maybe even a few lovers) whilst travelling alone, one of the biggest disadvantages of solo travel is having to say goodbye to all your new buddies!

When it comes time to go your separate ways, make sure that you’ve added your travel buddies on social media and make plans to catch up with them again in the future. 

Despite living in Australia , solo travel has allowed me to make friends from all over the world. On my travels, I regularly catch up with pals from Germany, Sweden, Cambodia, Morocco, Turkey and many other countries.

– Friends and family at home won’t share in your stories

I remember when I got home after my first solo trip to Southeast Asia. I was buzzing and expected all my family and friends to be equally excited about my travel stories. Whilst they were happy to have me home and hear about my adventures, the truth is that they didn’t care as much about my stories as I did.

Sadly, your travel stories won’t mean as much to your family and friends as they do to you. Whilst the story may be entertaining, your audience wasn’t there to witness it. For a memory to be truly special, you have to partake in it. 

However, this can also be a nice thing – to know that you have had special experiences that your friends, family and acquaintances haven’t. That is part of what makes solo travel unique.

– Family will worry about you

If you’ve never travelled solo before, you tend to worry more than is necessary. What’s worse is that your family tends to worry even more. 

It can be difficult to calm worried parents and siblings. At times, I didn’t reveal to my family what I was doing overseas until I returned because I knew that it would stress them out (e.g. riding a scooter through Vietnam and Thailand).

However, this secretive approach isn’t always best. Generally, you should share your itinerary with your family and keep them updated with regular video calls to quash their worries.

– Solo travel can get lonely at times

First-time solo travellers often ask, is travelling alone lonely ?

There will be moments during your solo trip when you are eating alone or admiring the view and wish that you could share it with someone. But these moments serve as great opportunities for mindfulness and reflection. 

Further, you will meet so many people and make so many friends during your solo travels, that you will spend the majority of your time exploring your destination with other travellers.

In those moments that you do feel lonely, you may want to call home and speak to family or friends. Alternatively, head back to your hostel or a local bar and strum up some conversation with other solo travellers. Or you could even join a day tour and keep active to take your mind off of things.

– Homesickness can hit a little harder

One of the cons of travelling alone is that you have no friends or family with you to remind you of home. This can mean that homesickness hits a little harder when you travel solo.

To keep homesickness at bay, make sure to video chat with friends and family regularly. It might also help to carry a little memento from home and set the wallpaper on your phone to include photos of family and friends. 

Most importantly, socialise with other travellers and keep active to take your mind off of negative emotions!

– Sticky situations

When you travel with a trusted partner, you have someone else there to speak some sense into you – whether that’s not getting too drunk on a night out, not trusting the scam artist on the street or not eating the dodgy-looking street food. 

You’ll get better at avoiding these sticky situations as you gain more solo travel experience. And if you’re new to solo travel, do your best to be vigilant but accept that almost everyone falls victim to tourist traps at some stage.

– Solo travel anxiety

Many people who have never travelled alone before suffer from solo travel anxiety – a fear that they will be overcome by the emotions and practicalities that come with travelling alone.

It is natural to have questions before your first solo trip, such as is it weird to travel alone ?

These worries are one of the disadvantages of solo travel. But once you hit the road and start seeing amazing places, making great friends and trying new experiences, you will wonder what you ever worried about. 

Throwing yourself into the deep end is the best and only way to overcome solo travel anxiety.

Summary: Advantages and Disadvantages of Travelling Alone

Hopefully, I have dispelled the myths as to what are the advantages and disadvantages of travelling alone.

Travelling alone is best for people who aren’t afraid to face disadvantages such as safety risks and difficult emotions of loneliness, anxiety and homesickness. 

If you are adventurous and curious about the world, you can make the most of the advantages of travelling alone. You will return from your solo trip with more friends, a better understanding of the world and a better understanding of yourself.

Are you cut out for solo travel? Take the 15-question quiz: should I travel alone ?

Related Posts

Best Places to Solo Travel – All 193 Countries Ranked (2023)

Overcome Fear & Anxiety of Travelling Alone: 23 Things I Do

Introvert Solo Travel: 10 Truths and 12 Tips from a Shy Guy

Find more solo travel tips on nomadic yak.

Nomadic Yak helps solo travellers to plan journeys that are adventurous and authentic.

Every article is written by me, Harry . I’ve travelled to 40+ countries over the last 5 years – alone.

I’ve shared everything you need to know about travelling alone for the first time .

You’ll also find 100s of solo travel tips on how to save money, make more friends, build a social media following and much more.

Plus, you can use my solo travel destination guides to discover international sights and attractions that few other travellers get to witness.

Creator of Nomadic Yak

At age 22, I had never travelled overseas. Six years later, I have travelled alone through 35 countries and work wherever I like as a freelance writer.

Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Solo travelers - statistics & facts

Solo travel behaviors, solo traveler spending, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Motivations to travel solo worldwide 2023

U.S.-based travelers planning a solo trip in the next year 2021, by generation

Solo travelers average travel transaction spend in selected countries 2020

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Solo travelers future travel plans worldwide 2020-2021

Main obstacles for female travelers to go on a solo trip worldwide 2022

Related topics

Recommended.

• Digital nomads
• Millennial travel behavior in the U.S.
• COVID-19: impact on the tourism industry worldwide
• Online travel market

Recommended statistics

• Premium Statistic Solo travelers future travel plans worldwide 2020-2021
• Premium Statistic COVID-19: solo travelers attitudes worldwide 2021
• Premium Statistic Motivations to travel solo worldwide 2023
• Premium Statistic Solo travelers average travel transaction spend in selected countries 2020

Future travel plans of solo travelers worldwide in 2020 and 2021

COVID-19: solo travelers attitudes worldwide 2021

Travel attitudes of solo travelers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic worldwide in 2021

Most popular motivations to travel solo worldwide in 2023

Average spend on flight and hotel packages by solo travelers from selected countries in 2020 (in euros)

Travel behavior

• Premium Statistic Solo travelers' weekly spending worldwide 2023
• Premium Statistic Solo travelers' destination interests worldwide 2023
• Premium Statistic Escorted tours and cruises taken by solo travelers in selected countries 2021
• Premium Statistic Non-European continents where British solo travelers want to go 2020
• Premium Statistic Barriers to solo holidays in the United Kingdom 2020, by gender
• Premium Statistic Main French travel companions for the next year 2021

Solo travelers' weekly spending worldwide 2023

Average weekly spending of solo travelers worldwide in 2023

Solo travelers' destination interests worldwide 2023

Most popular destinations for solo travelers worldwide in 2023

Escorted tours and cruises taken by solo travelers in selected countries 2021

Share of solo travelers who took escorted tours and cruises worldwide in 2023

Non-European continents where British solo travelers want to go 2020

Continents other than Europe where solo travelers from the United Kingdom want to visit as of February 2020

Barriers to solo holidays in the United Kingdom 2020, by gender

Barriers to going on a solo holiday in the United Kingdom as of February 2020, by gender

Main French travel companions for the next year 2021

Leading travel companion for trips in 2022 among respondents in France as of November 2021

American solo travelers

• Premium Statistic U.S.-based travelers planning a solo trip in the next year 2021, by gender
• Premium Statistic Main reasons for taking a trip among U.S.-based travelers 2021
• Premium Statistic U.S.-based travelers planning a solo trip in the next year 2021, by generation
• Premium Statistic Means of transportation for U.S.-based solo travelers 2021, by gender
• Premium Statistic Number of U.S. Americans living in recreational vehicles 2020-2022
• Premium Statistic U.S.-based travelers camping on a solo trip 2021, by gender

U.S.-based travelers planning a solo trip in the next year 2021, by gender

Share of travelers intending to take a solo trip in the next year in the United States as of July 2021, by gender

Main reasons for taking a trip among U.S.-based travelers 2021

Leading reasons for taking a trip among travelers from the United States as of July 2021

Share of travelers intending to take a solo trip in the next year in the United States as of July 2021, by generation

Means of transportation for U.S.-based solo travelers 2021, by gender

Preferred means of transportation for a solo trip by travelers from the United States as of July 2021, by gender

Number of U.S. Americans living in recreational vehicles 2020-2022

Number of VanLifers in the United States from 2020 to 2022 (in millions)

U.S.-based travelers camping on a solo trip 2021, by gender

Share of travelers camping or staying in a cabin on a solo trip from the United States as of July 2021, by gender

Female solo travelers

• Premium Statistic Main motivations of female travelers to go on a solo trip worldwide 2022
• Premium Statistic Main factors for solo female travelers in choosing a destination worldwide 2022
• Premium Statistic Main obstacles for female travelers to go on a solo trip worldwide 2022
• Premium Statistic Main activities of interest to solo female travelers worldwide 2022
• Premium Statistic Main obstacles to travelling alone according to women in France 2020

Main motivations of female travelers to go on a solo trip worldwide 2022

Leading motivations of female travelers to go on a solo trip worldwide in 2022

Main factors for solo female travelers in choosing a destination worldwide 2022

Leading factors for solo female travelers in choosing a destination worldwide in 2022

Leading obstacles for female travelers to go on a solo trip worldwide in 2022

Main activities of interest to solo female travelers worldwide 2022

Leading activities of interest to solo female travelers worldwide in 2022

Main obstacles to travelling alone according to women in France 2020

Main obstacles to undertaking solo trips according to women in France in 2020

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Understanding the Solo Traveler

We received an overwhelming response to our article The Rise of the Solo Traveler , mainly follow-up questions. Questions like:

• “How can I keep acceptable costs for my guests, and still maintain a reasonable profit margin for myself?”
• “What kind of person is the solo traveler, and how does that affect their budget?”
• “Where can I best advertise my solo tours to pull in an economically effective amount of this market segment?”

Fear not! We are here to help you answer these questions. With a little research, I sourced some fantastic ideas to help break into the seemingly daunting solo traveler market.

The economics of the situation

Solo travellers are often plagued with the single person supplement (a fee that targets solo travellers for taking a room night alone). The Telegraph travel section (opens in a new tab) states that it’s challenging to minimize this cost since accommodation is normally priced with at least two people to a room in mind. Equally, a single person spends less money in a bar or restaurant. If you’re looking to dive into this market as a tour operator, it may be a better option to try and develop simple day tours without too many additional amenities rather than accommodating an “all-inclusive” style package, which may not be as cost-effective for you. Try altering your tour operation process so that you can include a group of singles into something like walking tours, eating and drinking tours, or group adventure tours. Just because they are travelling alone doesn’t mean a person is opposed to meeting new people and exploring new things with others. After all, this is probably the point of choosing to fly solo!

The individuals of the market

Who is the solo traveller? This one is more of a mixed bag. There are three general yet distinct groups of solo travellers, and we define them as follows:

The first group are comprised of 18- to 24-year-olds, and almost 1 in every 8 of this demographic has admitted to booking a vacation alone, according to Abta (opens in a new tab) . These travellers generally have just finished high school, college, or are taking a gap year to explore their individuality and the world by heading to the bottom of a bucket of beers on a beach in Thailand or taking an ayahuasca journey deep into the Peruvian jungle. They may be more open to sharing accommodation, are most likely on a tight budget, and definitely lean toward socializing with others. Organizing day tours for this market segment is an excellent way to generate some buzz as well as cash for yourself. Pub crawls in the evenings and adventure tours involving specific sporting activities like biking, hiking, and skiing are activities that are sure to draw in individuals of this age group.

Another large group of travellers that are going solo are baby boomers. As the Travel Weekly blog (opens in a new tab) states, 55% of this generation prefer to travel alone, meet new people, and still have time for all the things they like to enjoy on their own. A survey conducted by Booking.com (opens in a new tab) consisting of 20,500 globetrotters was released in May of 2018. This study stated that 40% of baby boomers had travelled alone, and another 25% were planning a future solo vacation. The pros and cons of accommodating this market segment differ from those of the millennial and Generation X populations. Larger budgets and more free time allow for baby boomers to engage in longer and more expensive tours, though they may not be as keen for the adventure tours that the younger generation are drawn to.

The final group to mention is less dependent on age and more on gender: the solo female traveller. In today’s day and age, women are feeling more confident about getting out and seeing the world. Accommodating the female traveller can be an incredibly lucrative way for you to pique the interest of a wide range of ages and personalities. Consider offering day tours, as well as all-inclusive tours, for like-minded females. Not only is it empowering for women, but it makes them feel more comfortable knowing there are others out there with the same mindset. PR Newswire (opens in a new tab) states that 63% of women are travelling without a partner and loving it. Reaching for independence, freedom, and most importantly, peace and quiet away from their partner or the world are some of the top reasons women choose to take the plunge by themselves. Keep these things in mind when designing a tour that appeals to this large market segment.

How should you be advertising?

Now all that we have discussed sounds wonderfully empowering and enlightening, you may fall into the trap of thinking that the solo traveller is totally confident in their ability to survive out there alone. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. A survey done by Intrepid Travel of 2000 Americans discovered that 73% of people worry about safety, 53% worry about getting lost, and 39% stress out about the planning of their trip. With these stats, you can clearly see that offering peace of mind to your customers can help you get ahead of the game with solo travellers. Technology, particularly social media, has drastically changed the tourism industry ; so, with the world abuzz with smartphones, computers, tablets, new apps, and social media, there are two fundamental points for marketing your solo tours:

• Your website. Make it clear and easy to see that you offer tours for groups of singles, and offer an explanation on how joining your company on a group tour is more worthwhile than taking a “regular” tour. However you choose to differentiate yourself to this market segment, it’s really important to make sure it’s easy to find in your website. Clearly showing maps and itineraries can help you get ahead of your competition.
• Social media. Stay up to date, and learn how to use the most popular apps well (i.e., Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter). Though this is a given in general with your tours, the presence of such a large group of millennial solo travellers these days necessitates really learning how to use hashtags, FacebookAds, and Facebook Boosts to help you reach the right market segment.

One last thing to mention with regard to pulling in your solo traveller: remember to have fun . This type of traveller is adventurous regardless of their age or gender, and oftentimes they want to engage with you as well as the local culture. They won’t be as reserved as people travelling in pairs, allowing you to switch things up and take a different approach to your tour, whatever it may be.

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• Solo Travel

Once Scared of Leaving Home, Here's How Traveling Alone As a Woman Changed My Life

A traveler learns to redefine the meaning of home by going away on her own.

I am sitting on a log before a crackling fire and ants are crawling up my right ankle. I wonder if there's a snake beneath the log, but focus on shooing off the ants instead. My unwashed hair blows in the barely-there breeze and I sip a Victoria Bitter that would definitely be better if it weren't lukewarm. I look over to see the others: a French couple, two English blokes, a Dane, a German, a Belgian, an Israeli, and me, the lone American. All strangers until a few days ago. Now, we sleep side by side in canvas sleeping sacks called swags and keep a lookout for each other when popping a squat in a hole in the ground somewhere.

It's day three of 10 in the Australian outback , and I'm on a nearly 1,300-mile, four-wheel-drive road trip from Adelaide to Alice Springs . It's also New Year's Eve, so I wonder to myself how long it'll be till we get some sort of party started. But time moves slowly in the bush. Up until now, for so many miles and songs, there was nothing to see but flat, dry land. An occasional emu. Maybe a 'roo. "Look, look!" someone would say. And we'd all turn our heads; the glaring December summer sun depleting our energy with every small shift in neck muscle. Occasionally, we'd pull over for a fully clothed dip in a hole filled with rainwater that we were instructed not to let get in our mouths. If we didn't feel like getting wet, we'd settle for standing in someone else's shadow for a brief bit of respite or drinking warm water made slightly more palatable thanks to a lemon cordial that our guide keeps in his stash.

Then, suddenly, as if plunked down without warning like Dorothy's house in Oz, the Iga Warta Aboriginal camp appeared.

Here, there are showers and tents and a karaoke machine. In about four hours, we'll count down from 10 alongside members of this community — mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, brothers, and sisters — and we'll usher in 2001 together.

" Australia was the land where all men originated," said Terri, the camp leader, as he welcomed us the day before. "Therefore, we are all just ancestors returning home. So, welcome. Welcome home."

I hated leaving home as a kid. I'd go to sleepovers, but then find an excuse to skip out early — and by early, I don't mean sunrise the next day. Stomachache, forgot a toothbrush — you name it, I'd somehow get back to my own bed, where I'd drift off to reruns of The Golden Girls instead.

I didn't go to sleepaway camp, either. Come summertime, when seemingly every other girl my age went off to eat sloppy Joes in a mess hall and have their first kiss behind a tree, I stayed back with my younger sister and recreated an episode of Double Dare by fashioning an obstacle course on the lawn, or arranged a Barbie wedding — complete with toilet paper for the aisle.

I did, eventually, try a two-week theater camp a mere 20 minutes away, but would call crying from the pay phone every night and address letters to my parents as "urgent," writing, "I hate this. Please take me home."

Yet, despite all this, and not studying abroad while attending a university that was only a four-hour drive from where I grew up on Long Island's South Shore, I ended up in the Australian outback; a fresh-faced 21-year-old not only outside my native nest, but weaving together a temporary one with little more than a Lonely Planet guidebook, some journals, and a Sony Discman as my closest companions. Untethered to the blueprint and foundation of my original dwelling, I was suddenly the "bride married to amazement," as poet Mary Oliver wrote. "The bridegroom, taking the world into my arms."

Where this audacity and newfound awe suddenly came from, I do not know. But six months backpacking through Australia, New Zealand , and parts of Southeast Asia proved there's nothing quite like facing fears I didn't know I had, nor why. What or where was home anyway? I started to wonder. Is it a place? Is it the split-level I was raised in and rarely wanted to leave? Or is it the people and things and feelings that make up a place or a person?

Right there, in the middle of the Australian outback, I was alone, but not. Right there, on New Year's Eve 2001, homesickness had a duel with wanderlust, and wanderlust won.

Homesickness had a duel with wanderlust, and wanderlust won.

There is a golden retriever sitting next to me, wagging his tail, at a restaurant called Auberge Flora in Paris's 11th arrondissement. He's eyeing my foie gras, but I'm pretty sure, despite being French, dogs do not eat foie gras. Or, maybe they do here, but I'm too new to this town to risk the faux pas of giving him some. The restaurant is empty, save for me and my four-legged companion. But it's only 4 p.m., and I'm there to celebrate an American holiday: Thanksgiving .

The decision to leave New York City for a new home in Paris two weeks shy of my country's most familial, food-based fête may seem a bit odd. But I had the best of intentions, which included "if not now, when" and "it gives me two weeks to find a place to live before the first of December, when a lease might start." If only finding an apartment in Paris as a freelancer and foreigner — without a job contract and regular salary — was that easy. But, at the moment, that is the least of my concerns. The retriever is now being relentless in his attempt to get some of my squash soup topped with salty roasted pumpkin seeds. I look around, wondering who will see me sneak him a piece of bread. I'm in the clear, and we share a moment of thankfulness. Him for the bread, me for the company.

Once again, I am alone, but I am not. I am in a foreign land, and yet I am home.

It's been more than 20 years since I spent New Year's Eve in the Australian outback with an Aboriginal community and a bunch of backpackers, and seven since my first Thanksgiving in Paris with the golden retriever. I credit the former for enabling the latter. In fact, it's highly likely I wouldn't be living in Paris right now had I not somehow worked up the courage to board that Qantas Airbus following college graduation.

During the years in between, despite anxiety and doubt plaguing me every time I arrived at the airport alone, I continued to visit various other countries solo — Italy, Guatemala, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Montenegro, Israel, Vietnam, and Indonesia. And in doing so, I continued to prove to myself that it's always worth it — and, in many cases, even more rewarding than traveling with a companion. I am the maker of my own destiny — deciding the when, where, and how without any arguments or debates, and taking full responsibility for both my wins and losses. I am the forger of connections, be it out of necessity or loneliness, teaching me quickly how strangers can become fast friends. But my truest of true reasons for continuing to go it alone is because of all the inevitable setbacks that will, undoubtedly, strengthen my resilience and confidence to keep going, to know what's possible.

I survived a near-drowning on the Gulf of Thailand and skirted being scammed by gem sellers in Bangkok. I broke skin on my shin sliding down New Zealand's Franz Josef glacier and then popped my left eardrum that very same day while skydiving over a giant green field of sheep. I got lost on a hike in Étretat, France, and again in the Golan, Israel. I second-guessed my decision to join a group cruise in Croatia. I ate questionable shrimp on the streets of Hanoi.

I was scared sometimes. But I was also awestruck. I was thirsty for the unknown — for what I'd yet to discover. The next bus ride. The next border crossing. The next hike, waterfall, sunset, or night sky full of stars. The next temporary home of my own making.

Patterns emerged, too. Aside from getting lost on a hike, which is a thing I appear to do no matter the continent, I discovered I will also always spend the first 45 minutes of any solo road trip questioning the speed limit and confused about directions. And I will also, almost certainly, forget something when I leave the tent/apartment/hotel/car/beach/restaurant.

But here's what I also learned: When I'm not freaking out because I can't find my way, once I do, the immense gratification outweighs the distress. Those road trips , during which I white-knuckle it down freeways and winding, single-lane roads, remind me that I should follow my instincts as well as the road ahead. And most of the time — with the exception of a water bottle (always have water with you) — forgetting something, as my mom always says, means I want to come back. That I will come back — and/or that I can probably do without it.

Some women tend to be wary of traveling alone because of the what-ifs: What if I lose my wallet? What if I don't know how to speak the language? What if I miss the bus/plane/train? What if I get sick? What if I get bored? What if it's too dark? I'll tell you: You figure it out. You use Google Translate. You take the next train. You ask for help. You talk to the person next to you. You find the light. You make the light. You do just like you would do at "home."

I've come to realize that the only way to truly understand the concept of home is to leave it. To find a new one by going away.

In all the years and all the countries, it's the close calls and the oops-I-did-it-agains that stick with me most because of the tenacity I gained as a result of overcoming them — as a human and certainly an independent woman navigating the mysterious and sometimes daunting world. These are the experiences that propel me to try another hike on my own or rent the car myself or navigate the French immigration system or open a French bank account or figure out how to get a new couch up six flights of stairs. These are the stories I remember vividly without having to read through old diaries or look through a gazillion photos. Not that those diaries, headphones, and cameras aren't worth the extra carry-on weight. They are the fuel that keeps me going. I "speak" to my journal as if it's a person, apologizing for skipping a day or two. And some two decades later, when I listen to David Gray's "White Ladder" album, I'm immediately transported back to New Zealand's South Island, while Dido's "No Angel" brings me to the rice fields of Bali, and with the Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Californication," I am looking out the window of a big green bus called the Oz Experience, bumbling along the Great Ocean Road . Cameras are not only the key to visual memories, but remain the least awkward way to start a conversation — even in the age of selfies.

For someone who was once fearful of going around the block to spend the night at a friend's house, or sleeping in a bunk for eight weeks in the woods, I've come to realize that the only way to truly understand the concept of home is to leave it. To find a new one by going away. To fight the fear of longing for what feels safe and for what I know by thrusting myself into what I don't. From lake huts in Guatemala and bamboo losmen in Bali, to cruise cabins in Croatia and hotels in Tel Aviv, it's only when I'm alone — a passport in my pocket and a good dose of trepidation stuck in my throat — that I start to assess where, and with whom, my true belonging lies. And that is both away in the world at large, but also right there, at home, in the land of me, myself, and I.

Sara Lieberman is a New York-born, Paris-based writer whose work also appears in Hemispheres, Afar, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and more. Her newsletter, Overthinking It , is sent out Fridays and Tuesdays, and she can be found on Instagram @saraglieberman .

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Solo Travel Guide - Top Tips for Traveling Alone

Traveling alone for the first time, table of contents.

• • Why travel solo?
• • How to plan your solo trip
• • Solo travel ideas
• • Single supplements
• • Staying safe while traveling alone

What kinds of people travel alone?

Need inspiration for your solo tour.

Top 10 trips for solo travelers

10 unusual places to visit as a solo traveller

First solo trip with Explore? Top 7 questions answered

Why travel solo?

Meet new people.

Become immersed in the local culture

Do your own thing

Self-development

How to plan a solo trip

• Firstly, pick a date and destination. As you are traveling alone, this is entirely your own choice and can be anywhere in the world, at any time you like - one of the main benefits of solo travel! Consider how far you can travel in the time you have available and think about whether you want to see lots of different places or immerse yourself in one specific country or region.
• Decide on whether you want to uncover iconic and historical cultural sights, explore remote destinations by bike or hike into the countryside on foot. Take time to research transport and accommodation options to suit your budget and delve into reviews from other travelers to get a feel for the places you want to visit.
• Creating an itinerary is also wise when traveling alone. It's important to make sure that you not only cover off all of the interesting places that you want to see but also that you are using safe routes to get there and that loved ones at home can keep track of your movements while you're away. 
• Alternatively, you can save a lot of time and energy and avoid most of the organisation and planning by joining a small group tour . A group tour operator like Explore will do all of the hard work for you from choosing the best time to travel, booking good quality and trusted accommodation, creating an exciting itinerary, and ensuring you are kept safe throughout your trip. All you have to do is pack a bag and turn up!

Travel ideas for solo travelers

Culture tours.

Active vacations

Wildlife expeditions

Food and Drink

Will I have to pay a single supplement?

How to stay safe while traveling alone, how to solo travel without traveling alone.

Choose a small group tour Never feel lonely as you join like-minded travelers to explore exotic destinations and make new life-long friends on a small group tour . The average size of an Explore trip is just 12 which is big enough to get to know new people and feel safe, but small enough to give you the freedom to explore the destinations you visit. Plus, on average, at least half of the people joining our small group tours do so on their own, so you'll feel right at home within the group, and the unique experience of traveling solo will not be lost. This is also a popular choice with people traveling alone for the first time.

Travel with an expert tour leader Another big attraction of traveling with a group is that all of the planning and organisation is done for you, so all you need to do is pack a bag, turn up and be ready for a fun adventure. A knowledgeable local guide will lead the group so you'll get to see all of the best sights, as well as some hidden cultural gems that you may not have found on your own.

Enjoy free time to yourself Group travel can also be more cost-effective than booking everything yourself - you'll benefit from group discounts on accommodation and travel as well as organised activities. There will also be opportunities for you to do your own thing. Whether you choose to explore the quaint cobbled streets of Madeira on your own or join new friends to share stories over delicious tapas in Spain, you'll have the best of both worlds to hand.

Stick with a group for reassurance Lastly, as a solo adventurer, you may feel more comfortable traveling in a group when encountering unfamiliar cultural differences, or perhaps when trekking into remote mountain valleys. Feel at ease as you delve into a maze of colourful souks in Marrakech with a group of friendly companions and pedal through lush tea plantations of Kerala under the watchful eye of your group leader.

Get ready for a solo adventure

The Surprising Ways Solo Travelers Are Discriminated Against

Many solo travelers feel discriminated against by the travel industry at large

TripSavvy / Alison Czinkota

Few things in life rival the pleasure of solo travel: the freedom of creating your own custom itinerary, making transport arrangements on the fly, and meeting other solo travelers along the way. It’s all fun and games until you get the bill and find it far higher than expected.

Because most price rates for accommodations, transportation, and tours assume double occupancy for each booking, solo travelers often have to pay a single supplement that can inflate their out-of-pocket costs significantly. The single supplement price can be up to 100 percent of the original rate, and if you're traveling alone on a cruise or group tour, that can mean unexpectedly spending upwards of $1,000.

With such steep surcharges being commonplace, it's unsurprising that many solo travelers feel discriminated against by the travel industry at large. A 2015 study on solo travelers found high dissatisfaction factors associated with such double-tiered practices like “the extra cost due to the single supplement required [and] the lack of dining service for individual travelers,” among others.

“Having to pay for stuff that really you’re not benefiting from, that’s a real bugger for me,” one of the study’s respondents complained. “It’s outrageously expensive, you know it’s like almost one and a half times the cost, particularly with accommodation.”

Eye Candy Images/Getty Images

Types of Discrimination Solo Travelers Face

While there are definitely strong advantages to traveling alone, the numerous complaints about double standards for solo travelers have a basis in fact, and the impact is not just monetary. From difficulty finding a table at a restaurant to those dreaded single surcharges, these are just a few examples of the discrimination these travelers face:

More Expensive Accommodations

A casual study conducted in 2020 by Overseas Adventure Travel found that 47 percent of their clients registered as solo travelers, with female travelers making up 85 percent of this group. Despite a clear rise in solo travel, many hotels have not yet caught up with the times, sticking to an outdated travel model that prioritizes couples.

The price you see listed on most hotel booking platforms assumes double occupancy, and when just one person occupies that room, the provider stands to lose money if they don't charge extra.

“[Single supplement] fees are simply the reality of what happens when the cost of hotel rooms are not split across two people,” explained Greg Geronemus , co-chief executive of New York tour operator SmarTours. “Think about when you’ve reserved a hotel room for just yourself—you incur the full cost of that room as opposed to splitting it with someone else.”

Even supposed “solo-friendly” room rates may not bear a closer look, says Friendly Planet Travel founder Peggy Goldman : "Some companies mask the fee for singles by inflating prices across the board to create an appearance of free or reduced single supplements.”

Getting the Worst Rooms

If the more expensive rooms weren't enough, some solo travelers report that hotels tend to give them the least favorable rooms, despite not being fully booked at the time.

“I’ve hardly ever booked a room in a hotel with full occupancy, but the story is always the same,” said Dave S., an American solo traveler. “Last time, I was given a room next to the elevator, with an intolerable noise level. Other times I’ve been booked for rooms facing a blank wall or with windows opening to a construction site.”

Even for those less-than-choice rooms, solo travelers can’t help but avoid paying a premium as well. “It’s a bit ironic—once I booked a room with only a single bed,” reported Gina A., a German solo traveler. “Even then, I was still charged the single supplement!”

Awkward Restaurant Experiences

Certain destinations have an ingrained cultural bias against people dining alone—often the only option for solo travelers—to the point of refusing service altogether.

"When I was solo traveling in Copenhagen, I wanted to book at the famous restaurant Noma," recalled Katherine Goh, managing editor of lifestyle publication Asia 361 . "I saw on the website that I can only be put on the waitlist. There was no option for one person. Basically, it's just two persons and above. Nevertheless, I just put myself on the waitlist for two persons online.

“Seats were freed up eventually, and Noma called me,” Katherine told TripSavvy. “I had to tell them it's for one person because the online system has no option for one. So in the end, they turned me down.”

The cultural context in other places may leave solo diners feeling vulnerable, as with Clare Gallagher’s experience in Malaysia. “I found Kuala Lumpur terrible for dining alone,” she told Flash Pack . “The waiters wouldn’t leave me alone asking why I was by myself, do I want a date, etc.”

Some Travel Companies Are Changing With the Times

With the undeniable rise of solo travel as a market segment, travel companies are beginning to reconsider their policies. More are pairing singles or offering discounts on single supplements or waiving them entirely for solo travelers.

Roommate-Matching Tours

Many companies selling conventional tours offer options for solo travelers who agree to be matched with other solo travelers, negating the single supplement and allowing both travelers to split their expenses. There is a downside though, the booking agency often gives you a limited choice on your room match.

• Contiki , a service that has solo travelers making up 55 percent of their clientele , offers room-sharing plans for solo travel bookings. Twin or quad same-sex sharing is standard procedure, with the option to upgrade to a private room at an additional cost.
• Intrepid Travel waives single supplements for travelers who agree to share a room.
• Grand Circle Travel offers a free Roommate Matching Program that will pair a solo traveler with a same-gender roommate. If they’re unable to find a match, they’ll waive the single supplement.

Discounted or Waived Single Supplements

More tour companies and cruise lines are saying goodbye to the single supplement altogether, though usually there’s a catch—they’re often meant to fill unsold slots or cabins (which can mean you're getting an undesirable room) and generally aren’t available as last-minute choices.

• Norwegian Cruise Line offers cabins specifically designed for solo travelers; their Solo Staterooms measure about 100 square feet and include entry to the keycard-access-only Studio Lounge.
• Avalon Waterways will waive its single supplement charges on select cruises. Try booking far in advance to secure these discounts.
• Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) offers free or low-cost single supplements on all small-ship trips, adventures, and trip extensions, with 30,000 single spaces available for 2022 bookings. OAT also offers a matching roommate program.
• Tauck offers solo travel discounts for their category 1 cabins and waived single supplements on all European river cruises. Select river cruises also offer savings of up to $1,000 for solo travelers; restrictions apply .

How to Get Around Solo Traveler Hurdles

The solo traveler gospel is getting around the industry, but not every hotel or tour agency has heard the call. In the meantime, try one of these tips or tricks to feel less like a travel pariah on the solo trail.

• Share a room: When sharing a room you get the added benefit of splitting costs and perhaps gaining a friend in the process.
• Travel on the off-season: Travelers who visit an area during the low season enjoy greater negotiating power. Many hotels and tour agencies are happy to waive single supplements for solo travelers during these lean times to fill rooms. They have a greater incentive to get your patronage at a lower price, rather than none at all.
• Avoid packaged tours: Solo travelers who arrange their own tours or talk to a small bespoke tour operator instead of joining an impersonal packaged tour curated by a big company may have greater sway in finding accommodations or services that will gladly lower the cost.
• Ask for a waiver: Whatever the circumstance, it doesn’t hurt to ask, and your travel service provider may have an incentive to lower their costs for you, even if it doesn’t look too obvious at the time.
• Eat at casual-dining outlets: Some sit-down restaurants may look down their nose at solo travelers, but those standards simply don’t apply at casual dining places. Casual outlets tend to be frequented by solo patrons, so you won’t be out of place at that cafe, food truck, or that restaurant with a communal table.

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More From Forbes

Road scholar now offers exclusive trips for solo travelers.

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Traveling solo

Back in 2005 I wrote a book called Solo Traveler , so I’ve been long-time fan of going it alone.

Nowadays you don’t have to travel by yourself when you travel independently— many tour groups include singles. But if you’re older and you’ve ever traveled solo with a tour group, you know that often you have problems getting a private room, and you might be in a sea of couples and much younger travelers.

With this in mind, Road Scholar , the world leader in educational travel for older adults for nearly 50 years, has launched a new series of trips designed exclusively for solo travelers over 50.

The not-for-profit organization, whose programs focus on experiential learning opportunities, recently released a report on solo travelers which showed a rise in solo travel, due in large part to more older women traveling without their spouses.

To respond to that growing trend, Road Scholar has created a collection of innovative solos-only journeys , catering to individuals seeking enriching adventures while enjoying the company of like-minded solo explorers.

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Programs in the solos-only collection span the world, both in the U.S. and in culturally diverse destinations. Program designers have hand-selected dates of some of their most popular itineraries for their pilot. Each participant who enrolls in a solos-only program will get their own private room but can join the group knowing they'll be among other solo travelers.

A small hotel room is perfect for a solo traveler.

"We serve tens of thousands of solo travelers every year, so we understand their unique needs," said Maeve Hartney, Chief Program Officer Road Scholar. "Although all of our programs offer a welcoming and inclusive environment for solos, these new programs have a greater comfort level and more opportunities to make new friends.”

Just like all Road Scholar programs, these exclusive trips feature expert-led educational experiences, comfortable accommodations, and carefully planned itineraries that balance structured activities with ample free time for personal exploration. Solo travelers can delve into the local culture, engage in hands-on learning opportunities, and forge lasting friendships with others who share their passion for discovery.

"Traveling solo doesn't mean you have to journey alone," added Hartney. "Our solo traveler trips foster a sense of camaraderie, allowing participants to bond over shared experiences and create memories that will last a lifetime."

Solo doesn't have to mean alone.

Road Scholar's solo traveler trips are designed for adults over 50, whether they're seasoned globetrotters or embarking on their first solo adventure. With the support of experienced Group Leaders and a like-minded community of fellow travelers, solo adventurers can explore the world with confidence and curiosity.

And now, a private room whenever desired.

Check out my award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane , wherever you get podcasts, and subscribe to my YouTube travel channel.

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