The Essentials of Solo Travel — and Why You Should Definitely Consider It

Don’t let the absence of a travel partner hold you back from an incredible experience.

There are many reasons you might find yourself choosing between solo travel or staying home. Your partner, friends, or family might not be able to take time off work, or perhaps they aren’t as enthusiastic about your chosen destination. That shouldn't mean you have to forgo your adventure.

I thoroughly enjoy solo travel and have had amazing experiences exploring on my own. In fact, I sometimes find traveling solo more enjoyable than going with others.

Here are the reasons I appreciate traveling alone, along with some tips to help you plan your first solo journey.

Reasons to Consider Traveling Solo

Have you never thought about taking a trip by yourself? There are plenty of compelling reasons to do so.

Firstly, you gain complete freedom and control to pursue your desires at your own pace.

Feel like sleeping in until noon, ordering room service, and binge-watching "Real Housewives" to unwind? Go for it. Prefer to rise at 6 a.m. to catch the sunrise during a serene run to a picturesque viewpoint? You can do that as well. Love museums? Spend all day in one. Not a fan of museums? Skip them altogether.

In summary: You aren't obligated to do anything you don’t want to just because your travel companion has other plans.

Moreover, traveling solo often leads to meeting new people, as you might find yourself more open to chatting with strangers instead of just sticking with your travel companions. I've noticed that being the only foreigner at a bar or café often sparks conversations.

From a practical standpoint, solo travel can be more cost-effective. While you’re not sharing expenses, you also have fewer costs in many situations. You might find fantastic airfare deals or other travel bargains when booking for one, especially if your dates are flexible. Using points for flights — particularly in premium cabins — is much easier when searching for a single award seat rather than multiple ones.

Additionally, planning and navigating your first solo trip can surprise you with your own abilities. You’ll naturally enhance your decision-making skills as you choose what to do each day, rather than depending on a travel partner to make the choices for you.

Challenges will arise

It won't always be simple.

Traveling solo has its imperfections. You might feel lonely, especially on long trips and during meals. If you’re comfortable with your own company, it might be easier, but it can be tough for those who thrive on social interaction.

Dinner time can be particularly challenging, as that's when most people choose to sit down for a meal instead of grabbing something quickly. Don't feel awkward about bringing a book or tablet for company — remember, many business travelers eat alone, and they handle it well.

Making every decision by yourself can be tiring. You’ll need to navigate everything from simple queries like "Where can I find coffee?" to more complex situations like "My flight is canceled and no one speaks English; how do I get home?" This can be difficult if you're not great at making decisions.

Another drawback is that if you have a fantastic, unique experience, it might not feel as special without someone to share it with. For instance, that thrilling theme park roller coaster that nearly made you faint may not make as great a story if no one else was there to witness it.

Ultimately, even if you keep yourself occupied while traveling, there's often a lot of downtime. You may discover that you have more free time than expected, without the spontaneous conversations that usually happen with fellow travelers.

Top destinations for solo travelers

To begin with, joining a group tour can make nearly any destination ideal for solo travel.

I'm not referring to a quick half-day tour booked online for the next day and hoping the group is friendly (or includes other solo adventurers). I mean multi-day tours where you travel together. I've formed lasting friendships on these tours, being paired with complete strangers in unique settings.

If you’re not participating in a tour, there are numerous destinations ideal for solo travelers.

Large cities that are simple to navigate and packed with activities

When exploring a city alone, it’s essential to stay engaged, so choose one with ample things to do. Also, if you're the one doing all the navigating, focus on cities that are relatively straightforward to get around.

London, Hong Kong, Dubai, and New York City? Definitely.

Idyllic beach locations to relax and recharge

Are you feeling exhausted from long hours at home and dreaming of a day spent lounging in the sun to recharge? After years of remote work, you’re definitely not alone.

Finding someone to travel with on short notice can be a challenge. Don’t hesitate to enjoy some solo relaxation. You can immerse yourself in a book, soak up some sun, and take leisurely afternoon naps if you’d like. A solo trip might actually be more refreshing than one with friends.

I personally love escaping to the gorgeous Balearic island of Mallorca for just that. I come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle daily life again. If there’s no beach at your destination, consider booking a luxurious resort with a lovely pool, ordering a cocktail, and unwinding with a podcast.

Let’s be honest: Everyone deserves a rejuvenating self-care getaway every now and then.

Places known for their vibrant hostel and backpacker culture

At my age (in my mid-30s), I feel a bit too old to be staying in a dorm with strangers. Fortunately, many hostels offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms, which are comparable to basic hotel accommodations. Some of these rooms are quite nice, such as those in the Generator hostel chain found in Europe and the U.S., which resemble Aloft or Moxy hotels.

The advantage is that these places are likely filled with fellow travelers who are fun and sociable, eager to chat and share a laugh. There’s a good chance you’ll encounter other solo travelers looking for someone to connect with during their adventures.

Destinations like Bali and Berlin are brimming with hostels, while places like Kuwait and Casablanca, Morocco, lack this scene. Make sure to research the local hostel culture before booking your flight. Don’t hesitate to reserve a private room in a hostel, as it can still lead to meeting other travelers.

Consider going on a solo cruise

Gene Sloan, the senior cruise and travel reporter for TPG, has been on over 150 ships, so I asked him for his insights on solo cruising. He shared that:

"A cruise is an excellent choice for solo travelers. One of the defining features of cruising is its social nature, and solo travelers typically find it easy to engage and connect with others. Generally, cruisers are outgoing individuals, and many choose to cruise specifically to meet new people. I can’t count the number of times I’ve sat quietly in a cruise ship lounge when another guest (or two, or five) approached me to strike up a conversation."

However, Gene points out that solo cruising can be pricey. He explains that the pricing for most cabins is based on double occupancy, which means solo cruisers often pay a higher rate per person compared to two people sharing a cabin. Fortunately, more cruise lines are adding single occupancy cabins. Additionally, some premium lines provide special offers for solo travelers that help alleviate these extra costs, according to Gene.

If you find a great deal, think about taking a solo cruise. You’re likely to make new friends and enjoy a much-needed escape from life’s stresses.

Which destinations are not ideal for solo travelers?

Certainly, there are certain destinations that solo travelers should steer clear of, such as:

• Extremely romantic spots like Paris (the City of Love) or the Maldives, where you'll likely find yourself among happy honeymooners.
• Family-oriented locations and activities, like theme parks and water parks, where you'll spend much of the day waiting in line without anyone to chat with. While it’s not a theme park, Las Vegas also isn't particularly solo traveler-friendly.
• Cities that are hard to navigate alone. If you're not fluent in Spanish, Havana could prove to be quite challenging on your own. Places like Moscow, Beijing, and Cairo shine with organized tours but may be less manageable solo.
• A secluded resort that's tough to leave, especially if you're not comfortable unwinding alone for long stretches. Yet, if you cherish your own company and enjoy simply relaxing, this could be an ideal choice.

Tips for solo travel

After selecting a destination that fits your travel preferences and is conducive to solo adventures, consider these tips to help you get ready for your trip.

Investigate activities available at your destination. A cooking class or food tour can help you acclimate to the local culture and potentially connect you with other solo travelers who share your interests.

Embrace the chance to do whatever you desire. Now is the perfect moment to explore that museum you've always dreamed of visiting or to wander through a shopping area at your own pace. With just yourself to consider on this journey, it can feel liberating to skip the pressure of coordinating plans with a partner or family members.

Make sure to share your travel itinerary with a trusted friend or family member so they are aware of your location. Additionally, arrange specific times to check in with them throughout your travels.

Think carefully about your travel gear. Since you’ll be carrying it all, aim to pack light. A fanny pack or sling can be an excellent addition to your travel kit, allowing for hands-free convenience while keeping your valuables secure.

After reaching your destination, there are several steps you can take to ensure your solo adventure goes smoothly.

Firstly, make an effort to be more sociable and open. Resist the urge to pop in your headphones and fixate on your phone during any downtime. This is where staying at a hostel can be advantageous—it's common to engage with fellow travelers in the bar and shared spaces. Additionally, look for hotspots frequented by travelers where striking up a conversation is effortless.

As mentioned earlier, mealtimes can be challenging when you're traveling solo. You might feel a little awkward walking into a fine restaurant and requesting a table for one. Personally, I often find myself feeling the most bored during dinner since there's little to occupy my time besides eating.

Don’t hesitate to bring along a book or an iPad for some company. Alternatively, consider asking to sit at the bar—some bartenders enjoy engaging conversations, especially during quieter times. You could ask them about their favorite drink to prepare or seek recommendations for a local beer or cocktail.

I’ve actually enjoyed having hotel breakfasts by myself. It’s a great opportunity to catch up on news and social media from home while planning the day ahead. For lunch, I usually opt for something easy to take away that I can enjoy alone. Try not to retreat during dinner; this is often the most difficult part of a solo day.

Ultimately, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone.

If there’s an unusual activity you’ve always wanted to try but your friends or family were uninterested, now’s your moment. Ever thought about attending a provocative burlesque show? Go for it. Always dreamed of bungee jumping but felt held back by others’ fears? Now’s the perfect time to do it solo.

Key Takeaway

I’ve had some amazing solo trips. For me, the ability to do whatever I please, whenever I want, is invaluable. It truly feels like a vacation when I can wake up whenever I like and ask myself, "What do I feel like doing today?"

If the only thing stopping you from traveling is the lack of a companion, I highly recommend considering a solo journey.

Just be aware that there may be moments when you feel a bit lonely or in need of conversation. However, appreciate the advantages of traveling alone to offset any challenges. Do only what you want to do, without worrying about others' opinions. They're not there to judge. This is your trip, and you can be and do anything you desire.

Now that’s what I call a vacation!