Solo travel has a certain allure—freedom, adventure, discovering yourself in places where no one knows your name. You set your own pace, follow your own curiosities, and answer to no one. Sounds ideal, right?
Book tickets for top attractions around the world.
Pros:
Total Freedom: Wake up when you want, eat what you crave, go where your heart pulls you. No compromises, no schedules to sync.
Self-Discovery: There’s something raw and real about being alone in a new place. You learn your limits, your strengths, and maybe even your purpose.
Deeper Local Connections: Without the buffer of a travel companion, you’re more likely to engage with locals, absorb culture, and truly be in the moment.
Confidence Boost: Navigating a foreign city alone you’ll come home knowing you can handle anything.
But it’s not always sunsets and soul-searching.
Cons:
Loneliness: Some nights feel quieter than others. Sitting alone at dinner while couples laugh nearby can make you feel invisible.
Meaninglessness: Without someone to share the view or the laugh-out-loud moments, it can sometimes feel… empty. Like you’re collecting memories you can’t fully relive.
Safety & Exhaustion: You’re the only one responsible—for directions, decisions, and emergencies. That gets heavy.
So, is it worth it?
That depends on what you’re seeking. If you’re craving growth, independence, and clarity—solo travel delivers. If you’re yearning for connection, meaning, and shared memories, it can fall short.
I traveled solo a long time ago, and honestly, I was okay with it. It wasn’t lonely or scary, just a quiet kind of experience. I’ve never enjoyed traveling with groups—too much noise, too many opinions, and not enough freedom to truly take in a place at my own pace. These days, I love traveling with my husband. With him, it’s not about compromise—it’s about sharing the wonder. We move in sync, understand each other’s moods without speaking, and find joy in the little things together. Every place feels richer when we’re discovering it side by side.
Here’s the truth: You can feel incredibly alive one moment, and deeply alone the next. But maybe that’s the beauty of it—it reflects life itself.
What about you—have you ever traveled solo? Would you?
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I travel solo a fair amount, and find that it helps to have a focus for your trip, so that you’re always looking forward to the next day, and tweeting your itinerary, while also making notes for my own food-centric blog.
I’m also helped by my willingness to start conversations with strangers.
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That’s nice! Having a focus like your food blog gives the vacation a true sense of purpose. And chatting with strangers is a great way to feel more connected when traveling along.
Thank you!
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Great ideas.
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I travelled solo when I was younger (and single), and I didn’t enjoy it as much as travelling with someone. I really missed sharing the experience with someone. I don’t enjoy travelling in groups, and today, my husband is my favourite travelling companion. Maggie
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I feel the same Maggie. Solo was fine back then, but nothing compares to sharing the journey with someone you love. My husband’s my favorite travel companion too!🙂
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I travelled alone when I was very young and it was fine for the reasons you mention. I never liked group movements, again for the reasons you offer. In theory I would never mind travelling alone but these days I’m not sure it is safe for a woman to travel alone in some of the places I would want to visit. A woman alone often gets pestered 😦 For me the ideal is to travel with a compatible partner or a small group of good friends.
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I understand you. I’ve always preferred solo over groups, but safety is definitely more of a concern now, especially in certain places. It’s sad that we still have to think about that. Traveling with a trusted partner or a small circle of close friends really does feel like the best balance—freedom, fun, and peace of mind.
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