solo travel disadvantages

The Pros and Cons of Solo Travel

Solo travel is something everyone should try at some point in their life. There's no better way to get to know who you are as a person than by spending time with yourself away from the distractions of life.

Solo travel, couple travel, and travel with friends all have their pros and cons and it can be tough to know which will suit you best. This article outlines the advantages and disadvantages of hitting the road on your own for the first time .

Personal Growth and Setting Your Own Schedule

One benefit of solo travel is that it forces you to become independent, make decisions, and step out of your comfort zone on a regular basis—something you wouldn't necessarily do if you weren't traveling alone.

When you travel solo, you have nobody to rely on but yourself, and that pushes you to learn how to function in the world. It's sink-or-swim time! If something goes wrong , it's down to you to figure out how to get out of the situation.

Another great benefit to solo travel is not having to compromise on your travels. You can wake up whenever you want, eat whatever you want, decide to have a lazy day, or choose to go on a 12-hour hike. When you're traveling solo, you can be selfish and change your mind every few days and not have to consult anybody else.

Meeting People and Building Confidence

One of the biggest benefits of solo travel is how easy it is to meet people on the road . All you need to do is wander into a hostel common room and within minutes, someone will strike up a conversation with you—it really is that easy!

You'll also find that when traveling solo, you're much more approachable than when you're in a couple or a group. A lot of travelers will assume that if you're already in a group, you don't want to be disturbed, and will turn to the solo traveler almost every time.

Solo travel can be helpful for your mental state, too. Solo travel builds confidence as you navigate an unfamiliar city, converse with strangers and figure out how to get from one place to another. Your social skills will also improve as you meet more and more people and get used to introducing yourself and making conversation.

Freedom and Time for Reflection

Another item in the "pro" column for solo travel is that is can be a time for reflection and solitude and can help bring peace to your mind. You'll get to know yourself better than you ever have before, learn what truly makes you happy and what you need to work on to improve as a person. It can often be challenging to face these truths but learning to overcome them is all part of the process of growing.

You can spend time working on a hobby, reading books in coffee shops around town, hiking every day, or simply sitting and meditating. When you're on your own, you can do whatever you want without having to worry about anyone else. That freedom is incredibly liberating. 

Avoiding Loneliness

One downside of traveling alone for long periods of time with no constant in your life is that it can be draining, and you may struggle with issues of loneliness. Not having someone to share all those amazing experiences with can be disheartening and lead to depression. Homesickness is something every long-term traveler deals with, and the effects can be amplified when you're alone.

Higher Costs

For budget-minded travelers, another downside is that traveling alone nearly always works out to be much more expensive than traveling as a couple. As a couple, you can share meals, stay in private rooms and split many of your expenses. You'll also often find that for private tours you'll be charged a lot more if you plan on taking it alone. There's no doubt about it: solo travel supplements suck. 

As a solo traveler, you'll have to pay a single room supplement if you're going to be in private rooms, you have to stay in Airbnb apartments without having someone to split the costs. In some parts of the world, like South Korea, meals are served family-style so you'll even have to pay more to eat alone in a restaurant or rely on fast food. It makes sense that businesses would charge more money for one person, but it certainly does punish solo travelers for something they can't control. Time to start making friends and sharing rooms so you can split the cost!

Safety Considerations

While solo travel isn't unsafe , it's definitely less safe than traveling with other people, making the safety issue a "con" of traveling alone. You're more vulnerable when you're on your own because you only have you looking after you. When you're in a group, you'll have other people to look out for scams, to steer you away from danger, and make you less likely to get lost. 

So while this shouldn't make you avoid solo travel, you should take extra precautions in order to keep yourself safe. Things, like being cautious when out alone after dark, researching unsafe neighborhoods before you arrive, and not getting too drunk when out with hostel friends, are all things that will improve your safety levels on the road. 

Missing the Human Connection

When you travel all the way to Sydney and stand in front of the Sydney Opera House , sometimes it's a little underwhelming. You don't have somebody to turn to and discuss how incredible it looks and how amazing it feels to be living your travel dream. Instead, you snap a few photos, you sit and look at it in awe and silence, and then you leave. Solo travel is one of the best things you can do for yourself, but it sometimes it's a little underwhelming when you don't have someone you love to share it with. 

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21 Downsides Of Solo Travel That Every Traveler Should Know About !

by Swapnil Sanghavi | Jan 11, 2023 | Solo Travel | 0 comments

Traveling solo is glorified too much these days. Yes solo travel is therapeutic, life changing, adventurous, but they are several disadvantages of solo travel which don’t get talked about that often.

Based on my experiences traveling solo, I’m curating creating this listicle pertaining to disadvantages of solo travel. This list is not discourage anyone, but just to make a newbie solo traveler aware.

Disadvantages of Solo Travel

After having traveled exclusively solo over the past 2.5 years, now the thought of even going with a friend or family is unfathomable to me. Such is the impact solo travel has had on me.

But let me tell you, Solo traveling is not always bed of roses, there are several challenges you will face and this blog exactly lists down those disadvantages of solo travel based on my experience over the years.

Your Safety Is Your Own Responsibility

Safety is one of the top disadvantages of solo travel. Although I personally haven’t faced any issues yet as I usually travel in the Himalayas where people are very amiable and hospitable.

But I’m sure a lot of solo travelers who have had their fair share of unpleasant experiences. But again if you are vigilant enough and do a bit of research, you should not be too much worried

When it comes to solo travel, females travelers usually face the most. Carrying items like Pepper spray is always advisable in case you’re not sure about the safety in that.

But one thing you always need to remember that you yourself are responsible for your own safety. Never be too intoxicated, never trust anyone too much and always be very vigilant when traveling solo.

Also Read – Is Uttarakhand Safe for Solo Travelers

Solo Travel Can Become An Expensive Affair

Solo travel sometimes can become an expensive affair. Staying in hostels is not always viable and not every solo traveler loves it. A  lot of times, staying in hotel rooms could turn out to be expensive affair.

Dorm beds in popular are becoming as expensive as cheap hotel rooms at least in popular destinations in India which solo travelers usually prefer.

The stay expense could literally be halved if there was just another person with you. Commuting expense can also go up if there is no proper public transport and you’ve to rely on private cabs.

Also Read – How To Plan A Cheap Solo Trip To Himachal 

You Yourself Have To Carry Your Own Weight 

Packing light is the key to avoid a nightmarish solo trip. As a solo traveler, it is you who will carry your own luggage and despite knowing this fact, sometimes there isn’t much you can do.

If you are digital nomad hopping from one to place every few weeks, carrying around those bulky rucksacks becomes really a demanding task. And there is nothing you can do to avoid.

I personally work remotely during my solo trips to the Himalayas, Carrying a rucksack along with my laptop bag becomes a hellish experience for me when I’ve to commute. This is one of the reasons I don’t like to rush and change bases too often.

Public Transport For Commute Is Slow

Another drawback of solo travel is having to use public transport. Most solo travelers are also usually budget travelers. Opting for public transport is a no-brainer.

But traveling in public transport especially in buses and that too in the Himalayas with narrow roads it becomes a difficult to save time.

The time taken could be literally halved if you were to use cabs or your vehicle. This is one of the reasons, why many solo travelers opt for bikepacking rather than relying on Public transport.

This is phenomenon I feel is mostly related to Himalayas and Indian sub-continent, I am not sure how relevant this point would be other parts of Asia and Europe, Africa, Australia, Americas.

Opting for Public Transport Results In Not Enjoying Landscapes Completely

Not being able to enjoy the landscapes is another thing I don’t like about commuting using buses. Even in a train journey though you are able to see the landscapes, they pass too quickly.

As I mentioned earlier, landscapes are a huge part of traveling to Himalayas, And when you are traveling in local buses on a scenic route, forget capturing some insane shots even if you’ve a window seat. It becomes too difficult sometimes.

This is where I feel that sometimes going in a group on a scenic route and having that liberty to stop your self-drive car or cab too enjoy the vistas is a liberty that you cannot get when traveling solo using public transport.

Medical Emergencies Can be Hard To Manage When Traveling Solo

Medical emergencies, be it common ailments like fever or serious illnesses can be difficult experience to go through when traveling solo. This is coming from a personal experience.

For most part of my early solo trips, I never took proper medicines for at least all the common ailments.

But I learnt the hard way when I was caught in the middle of a strict lockdown in a Himalayan state in a remote region with a diarrhea that wasn’t bad but wasn’t going away either.

That’s when I started to carry medicines as prescribed by my doctor on all my trips and there have 2-3 instances that those have come in handy.

Now imagine if you were to have a friend or a family alongside during a medical emergency, how nice it would feel. Solo travel does not give you that luxury.

Must Read – Medicines to carry while traveling to India.

Hiring Private Cabs Is Not Viable for Solo Travelers

Usually going to non-touristy remote destinations means less frequent or no public transport. And that’s when have you to make that hard choice of skipping that destination altogether or spending a fortune on cabs.

I’ve had to make such decisions. But think about it if you were in a group. Hiring private cabs would not be a big deal as it would get divided amongst individuals.

This is one of the worst downsides of solo travel, especially when the place is remote, non-touristy and picturesque.

Hiring Guides Becomes Difficult As a Solo Traveler

Hiring guides for solo travelers is again a hard choice to make. As someone who loves to embark on hikes in remote and lesser-frequented destinations sometimes I’ve no choice but to hire a local guide to ensure my safety.

The thing is unlike western countries, were you have marked trails with signboard, In Indian Himalayas that is rarely a case except for very very popular hiking trails.

Although the trails are marked but sometimes it could get confusing and therefore hiring a guide is the safest bet. Again when you are in group, you don’t have to think about having to hire a guide.

Hiking and Trekking Solo Can have Dangerous Consequences

Hiking and trekking solo alone without proper knowledge of the terrain and navigation can have dangerous consequences. Plus in case of any injuries or unfortunate situation there is no one to call for help.

This is I feel is one of the disadvantages of traveling solo. Hiking solo is fun, but the dangers associated with are too many.

If you are hell-bent on hiking solo in the Himalayas, then its always better to learn about navigation, planning, executing a self-supported solo hike from experts.

Danger of Wild Animals Always Looms Large

If hiking or visiting remote areas alone, there is always a danger of wild animals especially in the Himalayas.

This is one of the reasons, I personally don’t like to hike solo and usually hire a guide or hike with homestay hosts.

Recently on a hike in the Himalayas, we spotted a bear and had return back. Fortunately for us, my homestay host was quick to notice the bear and we made a return to a safer place from a narrow ridge.

Bears although shy but can definitely attack you if they feel threatened. And deaths related to bear attack are not uncommon in the Indian Himalayas.

Locals Becomes Suspicious of a Solo Traveler

If like me you love treading on off the beaten, wandering across remote locales, non-touristy villages, then people being suspicious of you could be an issue.

Although I have faced anything but kindness on most of such visits to remote locales in the Himalayas except for once.

Going to a non-touristy locale without local guide could raise the suspicion amongst locals.

You’ve To Setup Camp And Cook Yourself When Camping Solo

If you are traveling alone and on a multi-day hike or trek or you love camping, be prepared to do a lot of work.

You’ll have to setup the camp yourself, cook yourself and there is nobody to help even after a long day of hiking. This is not really a big challenge.

This is one of the disadvantages of solo travel which can be easily overcome in a group where responsibilities could be distributed amongst individuals.

As A Solo Traveler You Have To Be Extremely Punctual Especially When Commuting

As a solo traveler, you cannot afford to miss that bus or train in the wee hours of morning or in the odd hours. And since you are solo there is no one to remind you or help with the same.

You yourself have to be responsible and get up or get ready for that bus or a train that would be in the wee hours of the morning. So you have to be very punctual.

In a group, there will be always that one person who would wake up on time and help others in waking up as well.

Solo travel Can Be Lonely At Times

Yes solo travel can become lonely at times. Especially If you are someone who doesn’t like to stay hostels where you are likely too meet like-minded people.

I personally hate hostels dorms as they disrupt your sleeping pattern if the other folks are too noisy and or just not your kind of people.

That is why I usually always try to opt to stay in a homestay where at least I can interact with the local family and don’t have to spend my time in a hotel room, trying to mindlessly scroll through the social media just to pass time when I’m not working.

Hostels Can Become A Problem On A Solo Trip

Well, for travelers embarking on a solo trip for the first, hostels are their go to choice for accommodation. But there are several problems with staying at hostel that usually don’t get talked about.

In a hostel if you have opted for be in a dorm, in most cases you might have trouble sleeping. You’ll find people snoring, switching lights in the middle of the night and many more things.

If you are an early riser who loves to have sound sleep, a dorm may not be good choice. Personal space is gone for a toss especially if you are an introvert.

I have personally stayed in dorms, but the whole dorm was occupied by our group itself.

But when I had to exclusively stay as solo traveler with other travelers, I could not last for even a week I could not have sound sleep as folks in my dorm room constantly keep talking like until 3-4 AM.

There Is No One to Take Care Of Your Belongings

Another disadvantage of solo travel I feel is there is nobody to care of your belongings. After a long bus or a train journey, freshening up is what people look forward to.

But as a solo traveler how to manage it whilst also taking care of luggage and belongings becomes a challenge. You can’t leave it attended at least in India, where getting mugged is just one simple mistake away.

If in a group, your friends or family watch over the belongings and you are expected to do the same when they are away.

Also Read – Things to pack for a mountain trip in India

Getting Too Intoxicated Can Have Dangerous Consequences

Now its okay to party and enjoy on your time, but as a solo traveler, getting too intoxicated can result in dangerous circumstances.

Therefore, as a solo traveler always ensure that you’re in your sense so that you don’t make yourself too vulnerable.

There have been instances were people were too intoxicated in the Himalayas, went hiking only to be never found again.

Loved Ones Are Constantly Worried

If you are first time solo traveler, then chances are your loved ones are constantly worried about your safety and that’s a genuine concern.

There is no way out of such a situation. Even if you get comfortable traveling solo, your loved ones still might be worried. The only way out is to be in constant touch with them and let them know are okay.

Families Groups Asking Solo Traveler to Adjust On Trains, Flights, Buses

Now I don’t know whether this is just an Indian thing, but during my solo train travels, Almost exclusively I’ve been asked to change seats.

There are varied reasons, but sometimes for me it becomes irritating, but again there is little you can do. I’m sure many solo travelers would echo.

People asking for window seats on flights is another common occurrence. It becomes frustrating when you’ve paid for the window and people still have audacity to ask you for a window seat.

When they could have also availed the same if they would’ve paid for it.

Running Out of Cash

Although I always ensure that I have enough cash with me. There was this one instance where my card stopped working and I had to pay to a Taxi driver.

Thanks to UPI being widely accepted in India, I was able to get some cash at the gas station. Otherwise I would have run into problems.

But again things like these are not uncommon, sometimes your card doesn’t work, sometimes the ATM does work, sometimes it doesn’t have enough cash.

If In group, this problem usually never occurs because at least someone in the group has some at every point during the trip.

Struggle of Getting Your Photos and Videos As A Solo Traveler

While this is not very big disadvantage of Solo travel, but it is true, clicking photos of yourself or filming videos could become difficult if you were to travel solo.

The best way to overcome this challenge is to carry a basic tripod and that should pretty much solve this problem.

This brings me to the end of this blog, I hope these disadvantages of solo travel gave you an insight of how solo travel is not for everyone and bed roses. 

The aim of this blog is to not discourage from solo but to make a newbie aware about the same. If you ask me, you should definitely go solo at least once and then decide from that experience. 

20 Pros And Cons Of Traveling Alone

By Anna Dykeman. This guide to solo travel advantages and disadvantages contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

When deciding whether to travel solo or with a group, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of traveling alone .

The desire to travel solo is particularly prominent among women, who are increasingly interested in experiencing new cultures and meeting new people without waiting on their friends or family.

Remember that time when your friend or significant other backed out of a trip at the last minute, so you ended up missing out, too? Well, when you travel solo, you can go anywhere at any time without needing to wait for anyone.

Still on the fence about whether you should take the leap and venture out on your first solo trip? Check out some pros and cons of traveling alone that may make it easier for you to decide. These are based on my own experiences traveling the world solo.

Additionally, you’ll see why so many people recommend solo travel, while also understanding how to realistically prepare for potential setbacks.

Quick tip: When traveling solo, it’s smart to pack travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves .

Table of Contents

Travel Solo With Confidence [Free Course]

But first, before we discuss the pros and cons of solo travel , I invite you to grab a seat in Jessie’s  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears (like flying alone for the first time ) and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect solo trip
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve  grabbed your seat , read on to dive into our solo female travel guide .

The truth is, there are so many different solo travel pros and cons . Whether someone wants to make a case for why you shouldn’t travel alone or chooses to focus on the numerous advantages of traveling alone, they easily can.

Ultimately, though, it’s up to you to decide what is right for you, which this list can help you do.

That being said, please stick around until the end, where I give my opinion on what it’s like traveling alone as a woman (or man).

Spoiler: It’s pretty darn empowering, which leads us perfectly into…

#1 Pro – Finding Empowerment In Traveling Alone

Many people find empowerment in traveling alone — which is one of the biggest benefits of traveling solo . It gives you a sense of control and independence, which can be empowering in and of itself. 

One of the major points for women who travel alone is to get out of their comfort zone and into the unknown.

(Real talk: is that maybe what’s scaring you and you’re unsure how to address it? )

A solo travel trip is a one-of-a-kind lifetime experience that you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.

Consider this:

What do you have to lose by stepping outside of your comfort zone?

Worst case scenario, you won’t enjoy it and will continue to travel with others.

Best case scenario, you’ll develop solo-travel-fever ( yes, I totally made that up ) and won’t be able to get enough of the growth, opportunities, and empowerment you’ll experience.

#1 Con – The Increased Risks of Traveling Alone

One of the major cons of solo traveling and why many are scared to travel alone , is that it increases your chances of being in dangerous situations.

If something goes wrong, you’ll be on your own and may not have anyone to help you — so be prepared for the unexpected when traveling solo and arm yourself with some travel safety tips and potentially even some travel safety gear .

On a recent trip to Puerto Rico , I was exploring San Juan’s famous Old Town on my own when I realized my phone was about to die (which is what inevitably happens when you spend hours using Google Maps and snapping travel photos).

As my unfortunate luck would have it, I was also in a shadier section of the city and it was getting dark.

Thinking on me feet, I decided to quickly look up my hotel name and address as well as how to ask for directions in Spanish and the actual map directions so I would have a general idea of how to get back.

After getting lost twice and asking for directions three times, I finally made it back to my hotel — where I prompty kissed the floor (not really, but I wanted to!) and recharged my phone before heading back out to explore.

It was a scary situation that I had to navigate fully on my own, though luckily everything ended up okay.

By the way, if you’re searching for a portable battery bank click here to see the one I use . It has a cute paw that shows you how much energy is left in the battery bank. I recommend always carrying one of these in your bag so you never end up in the situation I just described.

#2 Pro – Flexibility With Travel Plans

Is traveling alone fun ? Absolutely — and you get to choose exactly how to have fun, too.

Another one of the major pros of traveling alone is having the ultimate freedom to explore destinations at your own pace without worrying about someone else’s schedule. This can lead to an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience that is 100% designed by and for you.

Remember last time you traveled with someone else? Your heart was set on visiting that one specific location; however, you had to compromise and didn’t end up going.

As a single traveler, you have the freedom to choose your own itinerary and really maximize your time on the road.

Despite the joy of spending time with family and friends when traveling, wouldn’t it be nice to have the freedom to go anywhere you want, whenever you want? No compromises, no arguments, no when’s and buts. I know that for me this is a major advantage of traveling solo.

Are you a business owner who wants to get back into traveling for more work-life balance? Check out my article on how to plan your time around doing both . Because, yes, you can have your cake and eat it too!

#2 Con – It Can Get Lonely

Traveling alone has both pros and cons, but one of the biggest cons of traveling solo is the feeling of loneliness .

Especially when going away for more than a weekend, you miss your loved ones. This may be particularly depressing if you’re in a new and unfamiliar setting — possibly even in a new country.

This may also be a significant factor for introverted travelers who have a hard time making friends or talking to strangers. If this is the case, consider joining travel Facebook groups, Meetup groups , or CouchSurfing forums — all of which can help you reach out to other women who live in that area or who are traveling there to meet up.

For many, this is probably the most impactful con when considering the pros and cons of traveling solo.

#3 Pro – Meeting New People

Worried about making friends while traveling solo ?

One huge pro when it comes to solo travel is that you have the opportunity to meet new people from all over the world.

Whether you’re looking for new friends, to interact with locals , or to find someone to share your experiences with, traveling alone gives you the chance to make connections with people from all walks of life.

And who knows? Maybe you will meet a new travel bestie, discover new business or employment opportunities, or even find love on the road !

#3 Con – Travel Expenses Can Be Higher

“ Why is it more expensive to travel alone? ” is a question many solo travelers wonder as they frustratingly find themselves paying yet another solo supplement or shelling out the cash for a hotel room with nobody to split costs with.

One of the major cons of traveling solo is that you have to budget for your own expenses .

A great benefit of traveling in a group or with another person is that you get to share costs. Expenses can quickly add up depending on your chosen destination and activities — which is definitely a disadvantage of traveling alone.

When traveling on your own, this may mean that you have to spend a bit more on food and lodging; but, on the plus side, it also means that you’re in charge of your own travel plans and can make the most of your time and money — making it possible to either spend more or less on activities or choose locations where your dollar stretches further.

#4 Pro – A Healthy Tech Break

For better or for worse, our phones are truly the remote controls of our lives. And after the last few years of endless Zoom calls and virtual workplaces, we have moved even further into the digital age than ever before.

On the one hand, it’s great that we can connect with people from all over the world virtually and instantaneously.

But on the other hand, it can be challenging to take a break from our screens and disconnect from reality.

This all being said, when considering technology use while weighing the various traveling alone pros and cons , this really may be an overall pro in your life.

When traveling solo, you have more opportunities to disconnect from technology and simply relax in your surroundings — whether you’re taking a long walk in nature, exploring your destination, doing a new activity, or just reading a book in your room.

Traveling on your own can take away the temptation of being on your laptop, phone, and social media, especially as you won’t have a travel partner constantly posting on Instagram or asking you to co-star in their TikToks.

I recently went on a solo trip to Stockholm — which, by the way, was absolutely gorgeous — and I made it a point not to post any travel photos or videos while I was there.

Instead, I waited until I was back home to look through all of the photos I had taken to carefully choose specific pictures I wanted to share on social media.

If you’ve never tried this, let me tell you that it’s pretty humbling to realize how dependent we are on social media, feeling the need to share everything right away instead of fully enjoying our experiences. 

I highly recommend that you maximize the benfits of solo travel by taking a tech break to truly immerse yourself in your trip.

#4 Con – No One To Share These Experiences With

While one of the primary benefits of traveling alone is that you don’t have to think about anybody else’s schedule or demands, you also miss out on sharing any memorable experiences.

Those exciting and unbelievable “Hey, check this out!” moments become reduced to a photo that will be emailed later.

So, while solo travel offers extensive freedom, it can also make it challenging to have such experiences without someone to share them with.

This one is linked to the biggest disadvantage of the pros and cons of traveling alone, which is being lonely.

At this point, you may need to consider how imperitive it is to share these moments with someone or if they’ll still have value to you if you experience them on your own.

On the flip side, traveling in a group also means enduring all of the disadvantages of traveling with others in exchange for these moments.

#5 Pro – Change Your Perspective Of The World

When you travel by yourself, you have the unique chance to experience the world from an entirely different perspective than you would otherwise.

Seeing how wealthy nations live may help you develop sympathy and empathy for individuals in less fortunate countries who may be suffering from poverty or who lack access to basic necessities.

On the contrary, seeing how people in rich countries live can make you want more from life. This form of travel may help you extend your viewpoint and better understand the world around you.

Moreover, beliefs and ideas that seemed strange when in your home country may make more sense, or at least become more understandable, once you hear them from the source.

Basically, when you learn about other people’s lives you may find yourself changing your own values and priorities.

#5 Con – You Come Back A Different Person

As noted in the previous point, when we travel a part of us changes, whether it’s your thought process, views, values, or even priorities. 

So, it’s not only that your perspective will change, but so will you. 

When looking at the various solo travel advantages and disadvantages , it can be hard to distinguish whether something is truly positive or negative. After all, this may also be a pro.

You may have learned new information that you can share with others, but you may also have changed in ways you are not totally comfortable with.

This is a valuable experience that may transform your life for the better. Still, it’s crucial to be aware of the possible implications before beginning this adventure.

This is especially important if you live in a culture with strictly-defined values; yet, your values may have changed as a result of seeing and experiencing something new.

#6 Pro – Solo Travel Can Help You Discover Your Purpose

This is a big one — especially for me.

Traveling can help you find your purpose in life. It can show you what you’re meant to do and how you can best use your time and energy.

You may also find yourself changing your priorities due to this journey, which means that you have adjusted your views on who should be and shouldn’t be in your life.

Personally, it showed me that my life’s purpose involves so much more than just working and living for my career.

It can even happen that you lose a little touch with reality and redesign your whole life. If you can go on your own somewhere else, who says you can’t do anything else you put your mind to?

Becoming so absorbed in a specific experience, culture, or country may just help you find purpose in your life, career, or relationship again.

And isn’t this what makes life worth living for; the experiences that change you?

#6 Con – Limited Space & Carry-Ons

While you divvy up who brings what when traveling with others, taveling alone means that you need to be more mindful of your packing and storage.

You also need to be prepared for situations where you can’t bring everything with you. This also includes hostels, small airlines, or even losing your big suitcase and being left with just your carry-on.

It’s happened to me before when my flight was canceled last minute, which caused my suitcase to be delayed as it was already packed on the original plane. Because I was traveling solo, I didn’t have anyone to borrow clothing or toiletries from.

Luckily, I had all my essentials packed in my carry-on ; therefore, waiting two days for my large suitcase to be returned wasn’t as catastrophic as I thought.

To help you plan for this, check out this article sharing my travel must-have’s — including a giant backpack that will fit under every airline seat (yes, Spirit and Southwest included).

I highly recommend that when traveling solo you pack two-to-three days worth of basics in your carry-on so that you’re always prepared.

#7 Pro – Get To Know Yourself Better & Reflect

Getting lost in your own thoughts or emotions while traveling alone is a common occurrence.

This might take you down routes you would never have imagined feasible if you weren’t accompanied by another person.

By being open-minded and exploring different interests, you may find new passions and hobbies you’d otherwise never explored or tried.

This is because you have more time to think about your ideas and emotions when you travel alone, as well as more opportunities for self-reflection and development.

Think: of out of sight, out of mind.

This can also mean processing past experiences and feelings, current issues, and maybe even tricky decisions about the future with a free mind.

Consider journaling, which is a great way to both process and appreciate your solo trip. Bonus: you can grab this free printable travel journal with 65 prompts !

#7 Con – Increased Anxiety & Overwhelming Moments

Traveling as a whole may help you feel more peaceful and relieve built-up tension; however, traveling alone in an unknown place can also raise your anxiety levels.

It is also possible to have periods of feeling overwhelmed or as if you are unable to do many tasks on your own.

Honestly, this is one of the reasons I generally stay out of grocery stores and instead opt to have them delivered.

As you can imagine, not every destination offers grocery delivery. When this is the case, I seek out open-air places like farmer’s markets, which don’t make me feel anxious.

The lesson: if you know you’ll be taken out of your comfort zone, consider creating alternative plans or learning coping mechanisms for these moments before you leave home. Just know yo may need to test and tweak your approach to find what works best for you.

Here is something else to remember:

Fear and excitement are both arousal emotions. Keep this in mind when traveling solo and stepping out of your comfort zone. When your palms start sweating, you can do an “anxiety reappraisal” and swap that “I’m so anxious!” with “I’m so excited!”

#8 Pro – Become A Pro In Problem Solving

One of the great benefits of traveling alone is that you get to learn how to solve problems on your own.

In fact, solo travel allows you to truly see just what you are capable of — because when forced to solve a problem or navigate a situation, you’ll have no choice but to figure it out yourself.

This may come especially in handy when you are back home and can suddenly get around without Google Maps, communicate with others who speak a different language, or keep everyone calm when something unexpected derails your plans.

Going back to my story above where I said my phone died while I was exploring San Juan solo, while it was an uncomfortable situation, I ultimately learned to depend on myself and formulate a plan.

Here are 2 problem-solving skills that I learned, specifically from this situation:

Communication

I’m not fluent in Spanish, but this scenario forced me to quickly memorize a few sentences on how to go back to my hotel. This is something I will likely not forget either — panic is a great teacher, ha.

You’ll have to learn to read maps if you don’t already know how. It’s one thing to rely on Google Maps for directions, but what if you, like me, find yourself in a position where your phone dies? All you’ll have left is the map provided by the hotel, which you need to be able to read — S, yes, always take those, even if you think you won’t need it.

#8 Con – Language Barriers

One of the biggest challenges and disadvantages when traveling solo is that you may not be able to communicate with locals.

This can be a problem if you are trying to authentically experience a culture — but can’t express yourself or understand other others when they share things with you.

For example, during a solo trip to Mexico I wanted to see the Maya ruins. Unfortunately, I couldn’t speak Spanish and didn’t know how to get there. Thankfully, some people were willing to help me out, and we went together.

While I was grateful for them, you can’t always assume you’re going to meet other helpful travelers. Instead, it’s wise to empower yourself to make things happen.

My strategy for this is to make sure I always have a working phone so that I can use a translator app (like iTranslate Translator) or even just Google how to say something.

Pro tip: Google Fi and T-Mobile both offer excellent unlimited cell phones plans for abroad, though you can also purchase a local SIM card in your destination.

#9 Pro – Gaining New Independence

One of the great things about traveling solo is that you gain a level of independence and freedom as you become fully reliant on yourself. Don’t be surprised if this also gives you a huge confidence boost ( another advantage of solo travel !).

Additionally, this allows you to discover a new part of yourself without feeling any guilt from others that may question your decisions.

Right now, you have possibly gotten so used to spending all of your time with your partner, roommate, or parents that you have forgotten how to be independent; but, going on a solo trip can help you remember.

Here is a personal story:

When I first started traveling solo, I was in a relationship where I was more codependent than I’d like to admit.

But, solo travel helped to strength my confidence and self-worth as I began to take on new challenges and everything else the world threw at me, all on my own.

This may seem like a far-fetched aspiration, but the experiences you gain exploring the world solo will change you and make you realize your full potential.

Honestly, out of all the traveling alone advantages and disadvantages on this list, this is probably my favorite pro.

#9 Con – Photography Is A Challenge

One of the biggest challenges that solo travelers face is getting great photos that they’re actually in.

It’s not easy to take great photos without someone else to help you out. This is even more complicated when you don’t know the language well enough to ask others for help and you haven’t brought a tripod (which can be annoying to travel with).

On the plus side, if you don’t mind not being in all of the photos, are okay with taking selfies, or are a master at self-portraits, this won’t be an issue.

And, in all honesty, this con really isn’t a huge deal and shouldn’t be the reason you miss out on a potentially life-changing solo trip.

#10 Pro – Work Through Your Fears & Challenge Yourself

One of the great things about traveling solo is that you have the freedom to explore your fears.

When you’re traveling by yourself, you can be more daring and take on new challenges that would be too risky or uncomfortable to try with someone else around, or that they wouldn’t be interested in trying.

This can lead to unique experiences and mental and physical growth.

Personally, I doubt I would have taken on one of my wildest travel adventures to date, rapelling down a 250-foot cliff in Puerto Rico, if I hadn’t been solo without friends to talk me out of it. Instead, I was able to focus on what I wanted to get out of my trip.

#10 Con – Culture Shock 

One of the biggest challenges that solo travelers face is culture shock , which occurs when you’re in a new place without any familiar landmarks or people.

For some it’s exciting , while for others it’s frightening.

Culture shock can be especially difficult to handle when you’re not used to the local language or the way of life — or when it’s your first time traveling alone and experiencing unease on the road.

Luckily, there are ways to help combat culture shock, the most important of which is researching the culture, customs, beliefs, and local area of the place you’re visiting so you know what to expect.

You should also look up local scams and issues to be aware of so you can avoid them, as well as how to behave so you don’t receive negative attention.

Here is another tip:

Accept that culture shock is a thing and welcome it as something that comes along with traveling solo to a new place.

Realize that with the discomfort comes chances to learn and experience new things, and that as you explore the destination and become familiar with it the negative feelings will go away.

Final Thoughts On The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Traveling Alone

While traveling alone can be intimidating and even scary, it may just be the best thing that has ever happened to you.

As you read above, there are many pros and cons of traveling alone to consider; however, with this knowledge, you can make the most of your single travel experience and enjoy yourself to the most extent possible.

As you can see, if you know what the potential challenges are ahead of time, you can plan accordingly and find a solution to them.

For instance, whenever I find myself interested in going to a place that is viewed as unsafe for women, I put additional effort into my research; I hunt for blogs or even Facebook groups led by women who have been there and can share their first-hand experiences.

Now, this whole idea of traveling solo may still be giving you anxiety. And you may be wondering:

What’s the worst thing that could happen if I choose not to embark on a solo trip?

Let me tell you: restlessness.

The likelihood is that you will develop an intense desire to try new things on a regular basis. Perhaps this is already your justification for wanting to go on a solo trip? 

If this is the case, I highly recommend heading out on a solo travel adventure and seeing just how incredible it can be.

Because remember: you can always book a flight home early if you truly hate it; but, if you never try in the first place, you might always wonder what could have been.

Is It Safe To Travel Alone As A Woman?

Absolutely! As long as you research your destination and keep everyday safety tips in mind — like never leaving your drink unattended at a bar, not walking alone in areas that aren’t well-lit at night, and keeping valuables hidden (or better yet, in the hotel room safe) — you can absolutely have a safe and fun trip as a solo female.

Not only that, but as you now know, there are many benefits to traveling alone . You truly can have ultimate freedom over your itinerary while growing your relationship with yourself and becoming a more confident and independent person.

This isn’t to say that there are no dangers of traveling alone; however, as you can see from reading the countless solo female travel blogs that exist online — including this one — traveling alone is a common activity and most trips are enjoyed without any safety issues.

Travel Insurance For Solo Travel

This all being said, you should still prepare for issues to arise, just in case! This is why it’s wise to get travel insurance before embarking on a solo trip.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Advantages and Disadvantages of Traveling Alone FAQs

Q) what are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling alone.

Some of the advantages of traveling alone include the flexibility to do exactly what you want, meeting new people, and becoming more independent and empowered. Some of the disadvantages of traveling alone include higher travel expenses (since there’s no one to split them with) and loneliness.

Q) Is traveling alone enjoyable?

Absolutely. Traveling alone can be just as enjoyable, if not more so, than traveling in a group or with friends. When you travel alone, you get to do and see what you want, when you want. What’s better than that?

Q) Is it risky to travel alone?

Not necessarily. While there are some added risks of traveling alone, as detailed above, solo travel itself is not risky. Just be sure to take some common sense precautions and do research in advance.

Bonus Solo Travel Benefits Resources:

14 Benefits Of Traveling Alone + Tips To Make It Happen

An Open Letter From The Father of A Female Solo Traveler

An Open Letter From The Mother Of A Female Solo Traveler

Black Solo Female Travel: An Eye-Opening & Empowering Guide

Tips For Convincing Loved Ones To Let You Travel Solo

How To Travel Solo Successfully: 31+ Important Tips

What pros and cons of traveling alone would you add to this list?

About The Author

Anna Dykeman is a traveler, blogger, and entrepreneur who can’t keep herself still. She’s always on the move, whether working hard on a new passion project or exploring a new city as a part-time digital nomad. Dare to keep up? Check out The Tatted Nomad for everything digital nomad, social media marketing, and travel (and to see her latest addition, Novah, her service dog and travel companion).

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Nice post. Solo travel can be rewarding, and I have enjoyed it at times, however I prefer a mixed solo/shared travel.

Travelling alone can be one of the most liberating experiences of your life. It completely changes your outlook on everything you do when you travel on your own.

It is a great experience to travel alone, it is a good moment of reflection and to find oneself, you just have to be encouraged.

Very informative. Alone time can lead to self-discovery and personal growth as you navigate unfamiliar situations on your own.

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12 Disadvantages Of Solo Travel You Should Know

Solo travel offers excellent flexibility and independence, allowing you to know yourself better and explore new places your own way. However, it’s not always an amazing and magical experience. It can be challenging too.

While I love traveling solo and have made countless trips, there are times when I wish I were traveling with someone. Here are some disadvantages of solo travel that you should know before planning your trip. 

Can’t try different food

While I don’t have a problem eating alone at restaurants, it’s not convenient as I can’t try many dishes.

You basically can’t sample as many dishes because you have no one to share with, so you can’t order as many.

Also, some restaurants only have servings for two, which is challenging for solo travelers. On my trip to Seoul , I had to order a few times a two-people portion, or else I couldn’t try that dish. 

Restaurants can also be a bit of a hassle when you’re alone. Solo guest? Well, take the worst table or kindly go away.

One restaurant in Rome declined me when they knew I was dining alone, even though there were still a few available tables. 

Getting sick when traveling

Being sick while traveling is already bad, even more, when you’re on your own.

There’s no one there to help or take care of you. You’ll have to drag yourself to the pharmacy or hospital for a checkup and buy food when all you want is a rest.

The matter is even worse if you have an accident.

So get travel insurance before departure to cover unexpected circumstances. World Nomads is a good one, especially if you’re doing adventurous things like water sports, snowboarding, etc.

No help in times of trouble

This is one of the disadvantages of solo travel.

Occasionally, you will need help while traveling, not only when getting sick.

For example, when you go to the toilet, you may want someone to take care of your belongings. Or your luggage is too heavy to carry.

It’s expensive

Traveling solo isn’t cheap. You can’t share the travel expense with someone and need to pay things at full price.

Many attractions and tours offer discounts if you’re in a group. And if you want to rent a car, you can’t share the rental and petrol costs. 

Also, if you don’t want to stay in a hostel dorm, the prices for hotel rooms would cost a large part of your budget.

Traveling alone can be more expensive because you don’t have anyone to share room rates or taxi rates with.

The loneliness

Solo traveling can be incredibly lonely at times.

The first day or two may be okay, but there will be times when you feel lonely. Maybe you want someone around to chat while you wait for your bus to arrive, or you miss a familiar environment.

On my trip to Paris , I was a bit sad when surrounded by couples and groups, while I was just wandering the streets on my own. And, of course, the bad weather enhances that feeling. 

So if you aren’t prepared and okay with being alone a lot, you may have a difficult time on your solo trip.

Can’t share the experience with someone

While traveling solo offers you the freedom to go anywhere you want and don’t have to accommodate others’ needs, it also means there’s no one else to fully understand how amazing the best moments are.

Sometimes you may wish there’s somebody there to share those beautiful places and trips with. 

Waiting for things alone

I found one of the most challenging parts when I traveled solo is waiting for things—standing in line for an attraction or customs, waiting for your food to come out, or standing waiting for a plane or train.

These are the moments when I wish I had someone to chat with to pass the time. It makes you feel out of place as most people are there with someone. 

It’s not very safe

Traveling alone is more dangerous than traveling with friends or relatives.

You could become the target of bad guys or be approached by creepy men (or women).

Also, you’ll feel more vulnerable being by yourself in a strange place.

Most of your photos would be selfies

When traveling in a group, you always have someone to take your photo (which is worth more than you may think).

While you can ask bystanders to take photos for you, you may feel uncomfortable asking favors. Also, the pictures may not turn out very well. 

Feeling scared

It’s a normal thing to feel scared when you’re about to go on a solo trip to an unknown place. The uncertainty of places and situations you’ll have to deal with on your journey is mentally exhausting.

I was scared and overwhelmed at planning this properly and keeping it achievable and within a budget.

The anxiety

You may feel anxious when arriving at a new place. However, remember that anxiety and discomfort are normal and will pass. 

Here are some tips for dealing with anxiety when traveling.

I always feel more anxious and slightly annoyed when going from the airport to my hostel every time. It’s a combination of having weak or no internet, navigating unfamiliar transportation systems, and finding places that are sometimes not well marked.

By the end of my trip, I felt much more comfortable, but it took a long, long time to get there.

Feeling tired

There are times you’ll feel tired on your trip.

The ever-changing environment and fleeting relationships may wear you down.

At home, you’re familiar and convenient, so having to deal with inconvenience after inconvenience takes a toll.

It’s fun solving those problems at first, but you don’t want to have to deal with mundane issues again after a while.

Ha is an avid traveler and writer with a background in marketing & hospitality. She's lived in a few countries and traveled to more than 30. When she's not traveling or writing, Ha loves trying new recipes.

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• The Caribbean
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• Travel Anxiety
• Fear of Flying
• SOLO FEMALE TRAVEL
• PRIVACY POLICY

Positive Lifestyle , Solo Female Travel

30 top advantages and disadvantages of solo travel.

FMTC Affiliate Disclosure: Blond Wayfarer contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This disclosure pertains to all affiliate links.

Spoiler Alert: I frequently brag about the benefits of solo travel on this site. Truthfully, my opinion is that anyone (who has the means to do so) ought to travel alone at least once in their lives. 

However, I still wanted to write an extensive post about solo travel for anyone who is on the fence or nervous about taking a trip alone. I know I was unsure on my first solo trip overseas. 

I won’t lie to you either … a lot of travel bloggers and influencers tend to gloss over major concerns or downsides of solo travel. Solo travel is empowering! It’s life-changing! I would be such a different person without my travel experience. But not everything is perfect.

For more details, I’ve already referenced some of the general downsides of traveling but feel like you guys would appreciate even more information specific to solo travel.

I am always down for taking a trip all by myself, but at the same time, I know it’s not all sunshine and rainbows either.

Solo Travel Coaching

First and foremost, I wanted to share that I provide solo travel planning calls (especially for Europe) for anyone who is nervous about traveling overseas. 

If you’re shy on the phone, I also provide email consultation services to help address your specific needs. I totally understand not even wants to sit on a Zoom call, haha.

At the end of the day, solo travel is such an individualized experience, so even though this post is long, I still understand that I might not address everything on your mind. Feel free to reach out to me. Seriously. I would love to help you.

30 Advantages and Disadvantages of Solo Travel

For this post, I managed to come up with lots of advantages and disadvantages of solo travel! More specifically, you’ll read about 15 pros and 15 cons to taking that first big independent trip.

Like I already said, it would be hard to figure out every single advantage and disadvantage since travel is different for each individual person. 

Nonetheless, I hope this post helps you figure out whether or not solo travel is for you. 

#1 Pro — You Are the Boss

Obviously, the top pro of solo travel is that you are the boss. Yup, you correctly read that. You don’t have to answer to anyone else about museums, restaurants, accommodation, tours, and more.

So, if you love having control, then a solo trip is absolutely perfect for you. You’re the master of your travel destiny. 

#1 Con — Is It Safe to Travel Alone?

Personal safety and solo travel are linked together. While traveling alone can be safe, you’re at more risk alone rather than if you exploring with a large group surrounding you.

As an independent traveler, always stay aware of your surroundings and know the location of your nearest embassy in case of an emergency. 

It’s also important to do your research. So, for example, if you’re planning to visit the USA, then do an extensive search for the best cities for solo travel in the United States and plan in advance for how to take care of yourself in case of an emergency. 

#2 Pro — Sense of Empowerment

Traveling alone builds a lot of personal empowerment. Seriously, it’s very brave traveling the world without someone by your side. It’s an accomplishment that (good) friends and family will admire, and in short, you will end up respecting yourself, too. 

As a traveler, I feel a lot more self-assured and I’m far less likely to belittle myself than I have in the past. Personal strength gained from solo traveling is an ability that you can’t slap a price tag on.

On the other hand, speaking of price …

#2 Con — Increased Cost of Travel

Ugh, no way around it. Solo travel is usually more expensive than traveling with a friend or partner.

Why? Well. You need to pay extra for accommodation, unless you’re okay with sleeping in hostel dorms or find a hotel with single occupancy rooms, as well as a single supplement for some guided tours. 

Sure, you’re able to off-set the cost of solo travel by visiting cheaper destinations, but over all, you’ll still pay more money in comparison to groups who can easily split the costs. You just have to decide if the financial trade-offs are worth it or not. 

#3 Pro — More Confidence at Home

Like empowerment, confidence is another gift of solo travel. I know that it’s much easier for me to strike up a conversation with strangers than in the past. 

In addition, I also feel more confident visiting places alone, such as nearby New York City. Before I traveled, I would’ve been terrified at the thought of exploring New York City alone , but now, a quick weekend getaway is always on the table for me! 

Don’t underestimate the amount of confidence that will blossom within you. Without a doubt, this is one of the best pros of solo travel. 

#3 Con — You Become a Bit TOO Independent

On the flip side, solo travel might transform you into someone who has a bit too much independence.

Don’t get me wrong. I feel like independence is a good thing. However, I sometimes I have to remind myself that it is okay to open up to other people in my life, as well as rely on them for help. I don’t always need to face my problems with no one supporting me. 

Sometimes too much independence is flat out unhealthy. Be mindful of balance.

#4 Pro — Meeting Amazing People

Do you want to make new friends overseas? Is one of your main goals to connect with other travelers or locals? Then go alone. Trust me, it’s far easier to meet other people traveling solo   than if you’re traveling with a big group of friends. 

Staying in hostels is always a great way to meet other people. However, I totally understand that hostels aren’t for everyone, especially as we get older and want more comfort on our adventures.

Still, I promise you’ll strike up a conversation with someone as a solo traveler, whether it’s a visitor at the same museum or the owner of your hotel. You might also opt to sign up for guided day tours and chat with other members of your group! 

No doubt about it, one of the biggest advantages of traveling alone is forming new relationships.

#4 Con — Some Experiences Are Off Limits

Sadly, some experiences will be off limits to a solo traveler. You will especially encounter this if you’re booking a guided tour or day trip. On occasion, I will try to book a group or private tour, but the company will only accept reservations for two or more people. 

Unfortunately, a lot of hospitality companies still believe travel is strictly limited to couples, families, and friends, so they cut out the solo traveler market entirely. 

No point in fighting it. Just book with someone else. 

#5 Pro – Eat As Much As You Want

Food is an essential travel experience. Another huge advantage of solo travel is ordering everything off the menu without judgement. Eat as much (or as little!) as you want! 

I don’t know about you, but whenever I dine out with girlfriends, there’s always an underlying and subtle pressure to stick to healthier options and never finish your plate. I obviously don’t want to force feed anyone, but sometimes the subtle, “diet culture” based remarks are a real bummer. 

As a solo traveler, though, you don’t need to pretend. Eat all the tapas (or don’t). Your food habits are no one else’s business on a solo trip.

#5 Con — Judgement from Well-Meaning People

Solo travel is still seen as a brave and daring adventure, especially in the United States where gap years aren’t as common. Obviously, people in your life are going to worry about you, which is understanding, but the bigger disadvantage are judgmental people. 

You might hear comments, such as “enjoy travel when you’re young” or “your priorities will change when you’re married and have kids,” and while these words aren’t always intended to be mean, they can take the wind out of your sails. 

Try to let any judgement roll off your back. 

#6 Pro — Museums Are a Dream Alone

No question about it: I love visiting museums alone. Love, love, love it.

Without a doubt, my perfect day is exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC without anyone rushing me through the exhibits or complaining that I’m taking too long and that they’re hungry.

As a solo traveler, you can wander the best museums in the world at your own pace, taking in all the beauty and knowledge. At the same time, if you just want to see the masterpieces and leave, then you don’t need to worry about disappointing someone else.  

#6 Con — Solo Travel Can Feel Lonely

Loneliness happens to even the most savvy solo travelers. It’s not a weaknesses, though. It’s just being human.

Sometimes, when you see a gorgeous sunset or an epic snow-capped mountain or a masterpiece in a museum, you understandably want someone else to share the experience with you.

Honestly, in these moments of loneliness, there’s nothing wrong with calling home to check in. And just know you’ll strike up a conversation eventually. 

#7 Pro — Sweet, Sweet Bragging Rights

Traveling alone is brave. Sure, if you consume a lot of travel content on social media, you might feel like every single person takes solo trips to Thailand or Jordan or Bali, but honestly, this perception isn’t reality.

In the United State, it’s rare to take a Gap Year, and some stigma still exists around solo travel. You mention that you’re traveling alone, and some people will look at you in shock and horror, or audibly gasp about how “they could never do that!”

However, by exploring the world on your own terms, you’ll also gain quite a bit of respect. I don’t consider myself a brave person, but I’ll admit that the compliments about my courage are super nice. 

#7 Con — Too Many Selfies to Handle

Ugh, solo travel means a lot of damn selfies. Honestly, if you like photos of yourself, then you’re either stuck with the selfies, or you will have to be extra brave and entrust other people to take pictures of you. 

And I won’t lie to you. Photographs taken by strangers aren’t … necessarily the best. I swear, I gain at least twenty pounds when someone else takes my photo, and I don’t need that hit to my self-esteem on the trip of a lifetime, haha. 

#8 Pro — An Opportunity for Self-Reflection

We’re all busy. Too busy. Work, school, families, friends, significant others, bills, hobbies. A lot demands our attention. 

Yet solo travel gives us a rare opportunity to turn our attention inwards, on ourselves, and reflect about what is truly important in our lives. I’ve had a lot of realizations on solo trips, such as coming to terms with why a boyfriend wasn’t right for me, or the importance of not stressing so much about various jobs. 

Self-reflection is a tremendous advantage of solo travel. It may even heal you.

#8 Con — Getting Lost and Scared

Ugh, so I know a lot of travelers like to brag about how “getting lost is part of the fun of travel,” but honestly, I’ve gotten lost alone, and depending on the situation, it feels downright terrifying rather than fun and adventurous. 

Having two people navigate an unfamiliar city is far more reassuring than when the entire responsibility falls on your shoulders. As a solo traveler, make sure to study maps ahead of time to avoid wandering into an area that isn’t very safe. You only have yourself to depend on.

#9 Pro — Expanding Your Boundaries and Self-Growth

Solo travel encourages you to grow in ways that you never thought possible. For instance, I always found it hard to cope with a fear of flying , but as someone who loves to travel alone, I had to learn to rely on myself to board long-haul flights over the Atlantic Ocean.

I tolerate a lot more now than I have in the past. I don’t mean that I let people stomp all over my boundaries, but I feel more at ease even when things don’t go my way. 

#9 Con — Occasional Jealousy 

This is for all my single solo travelers. Sure, traveling alone opens doors to new relationships, but depending on where you pick, you might encounter jealous feelings.

Some destinations are just more suited for couples. I know I was fine in Venice, for instance, but at the same time, if couples on every street will depress you, then I’d probably pick a less romantic city in Italy to explore.

Also exercise caution if you’re nursing a broken heart. Solo travel opens the door for jealousy if you’re traveling to recover from a break up . Trust me. I would know.

#10 Pro — Shamelessly Practice Your Photography

I know what you’re thinking. Huh? What’s the big deal? Can’t you practice photography traveling with friends or a partner?

I don’t know about you, but I take a lot of pictures. Sometimes multiple pictures of the same building or viewpoint, haha. When I focus so intensely on photography, I know I annoy other people, especially if we have a busy day ahead. 

As a solo traveler, you’re welcome to take fifty pictures of the same building. Have fun.

#10 Con — The Dreaded Table for One

Ugh, for the longest time, I had a huge fear of eating alone in public on my travels. 

Honestly, I’m still not a huge fan of solo dining, and always worry if people are judging me in fancier restaurants. I obviously don’t care as much at a casual diner or a quick and rustic sandwich joint, but put me alone in a place with white table clothes and a bunch of couples, and just … no thank you! 

I’m still working through my anxiety of solo dining, like I said, and I’ll always opt to sit at a bar rather than a table to “blend into the crowd” when I’m traveling alone.

#11 Pro — You Can Change the Itinerary 

Itineraries are far for flexible for solo travelers. You don’t need to consider anyone else’s opinions except your own. So, if you fall in love with Lisbon or Copenhagen, you are able to add a few more days, or even a week, without having to consult anyone else. 

Of course, itineraries are more rigid during high season, such as December for Germany and the Christmas Markets, but for the most part, you won’t have any issues changing hotels and flights if you feel compelled to do so. 

You are the boss!

#11 Con — The Language Barrier 

Language barriers are a pain. I mean, sure, practicing French or Spanish is wonderful, and I appreciate the beauty of languages. I truly do. 

However, if you’re a solo traveler with an emergency on your hands, the language barriers are stressful. Not to mention, in those moments of loneliness, being surrounded by another language will only emphasize your isolation. 

Of course, I would never in a million years demand that everyone speaks English, and you shouldn’t either. Language barriers are a disadvantage of solo travel, but you need to take them in stride. 

#12 Pro — You Transform Into an Expert Problem Solver

Since you’re relying on yourself to get from Point A to Point B, your critical thinking skills will shine. They  have to  shine.

Is problem solving stressful and not always fun? Sometimes, but by navigating a challenging situation overseas, you’ll be even more competent at addressing difficulties at home. I mean, if you can solve a problem in a city where you don’t know the language, then you should feel extra confident addressing mishaps at home.

#12 Con — Constantly Watching Your Belongings

Honestly, while solo travel is safe for the most part, you’ll need to take extra care of your belongings. For example, skilled and devious pick pockets and other scammers might think solo travelers are easier “prey”. Don’t feel paranoid, but always keep a close eye on your bags and wallet.

Personally, I always keep my passport and a spare credit card locked in the hotel safe for peace of mind. That way, if I am pick pocketed on the streets, I won’t feel as if I’ve lost everything.

Watching your belongings isn’t always related to theft either. In the airport, solo travelers have the annoyance of lugging their bags into the bathroom stalls instead of asking friends or family. 

#13 Pro — You Learn So Much About the World

Going to new places expands your mind. It’s especially important now to go to different countries and connect with people to learn about their histories, lives, and cultures. Travel provides an outstanding education.

I feel SO lucky to have taken historical walking tours around the world, as well as cultural tours and visits to countless museums. I’m so much more tolerant and willing to learn now that I’ve traveled solo to over twenty countries. 

Solo travel will give you the best education ever. Don’t underestimate it.

#13 Con — Solo Travel is Harder if You’re Anxious

I think a lot of great destinations for anxious solo travelers exist. You shouldn’t ever, ever give up your dreams of travel if you have anxiety. Not going to lie, though, anxiety will make your journey a little more difficult. 

Don’t feel any shame about bringing medication (have your prescription and check local laws) on your travels, and if you’re traveling longterm, arrange tele-health with your therapist at home. Mental health is so important. 

#14 Pro — It is Good for Your Well-Being

I hate routine. Sure, the daily grind is inescapable most of the time, but when all my days blur together, I can’t help but feel depressed and trapped. Travel breaks up routines. 

Solo travel will help you feel better if you’re “stuck in a rut” at home and work. Just changing one’s surroundings does so much to improve mental health. Breathe the fresh air in the Swiss alps. Admire the art in Venice. Sip wine in Barcelona. You’ll feel awesome! 

#14 Con — Potential Unwanted Attention

Ugh, sometimes a single person draws unwanted attention. This is a risk we all take as solo travelers. For instance, as a solo female traveler in Italy, I’ve dealt with men yelling “Bella!” or similar in the streets, which I just ignore, but it’s still frustrating. 

However, the unwanted attention can also be dangerous. A solo traveler is appealing to pickpockets and scammers with their eyes on your money. Once I took a walking tour of Pigalle and Montmartre in Paris, and as my guide spoke to us, I noticed scammers targeting single men. 

You’ll need to take extra good care of yourself as a solo traveler. Perhaps this means limiting alcohol or not exploring certain neighborhoods at night. Better safe than sorry.

#15 Pro — Embrace the Power of the Unknown

I like that solo travel forces you to embrace the unknown. Travel doesn’t follow a plan. Surprises blossom in even the most rigid itineraries. 

By traveling alone, you’re opening yourself to new possibilities that you never would have experienced staying home. These magical memories make the greatest souvenirs of all time.

#15 Con — Reassuring People at Home

Concerned family and friends will express their opinions about your solo trips. Honestly, if you have healthy relationships with these people, then their concerns aren’t coming from a place of malice. No one wants to “rain on your parade” and sabotage your trips. 

Do what you can to ease worries. Share your itinerary. Text a couple of times a day. Answer questions. Show compassion.

Is Solo Travel the Right Choice for You?

As you can see, there are many advantages and disadvantages of solo travel. You’ll have to think about both of them, and decide whether hitting the road solo is right for you. Some people just cannot travel alone, and that’s perfectly fine! No shame in it. 

But, like I said in the beginning, I think the advantages of solo travel outweigh all the negatives. Solo travel has transformed me into a better person, and I know you’ll have a blast on your first solo trip. You can do this! I promise! 

I hope you liked reading about all the advantages and disadvantages of solo travel! And, again, feel free to reach out for one of my solo travel coaching consultations if you want more help planning your adventures. 

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

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14 Disadvantages of Travelling Alone (and How to Cope with Them!)

I love solo travel, but it certainly isn’t perfect.  Sometimes I get lonely, I miss my friends and family, and paying for everything by myself takes its toll on my bank account!  Despite all this, I keep doing it!  For me, the disadvantages of travelling alone pale in comparison to the benefits, but I also want to be honest and share what solo travel is really like – warts, loneliness, boredom and all!

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I took my first solo trip more than 20 years ago, and spend most of the time travelling on my own these days and I adore it, most of the time!  If you’re worried about travelling alone, then I hope reading this post will set your mind at ease.  These are the worst things about solo travel and while I certainly don’t want to put you off travelling alone, I want you to be prepared. 

Solo travel is the most fun, exhilarating and empowering experience but let’s discuss the disadvantages of travelling alone so you know what to expect!

Worrying About Safety

Let’s kick off with the biggest concern most people have about travelling alone, especially women.  For female solo travellers, the fear of theft, harassment, or assault can be daunting, especially in unfamiliar environments when you are far away from home with no one to call on for help.

While I can’t say that 100% all solo travel is safe, nor can I say that living alone is 100% safe, walking home alone is 100% safe or even taking a taxi alone is 100% safe.  Sadly, there is always a risk that something will happen to us, but that could just as easily happen in our own homes or our hometowns as it could on the other side of the world.

While safety concerns could be considered a disadvantage of travelling alone, I personally don’t see solo travel as any more dangerous than going about my daily life at home.

That said, it is essential to research your destinations thoroughly and understand that some countries, cities and areas are considered more dangerous than others, and avoid them or take extra precautions while travelling there.  

Make sure you are aware of local customs and laws, and take precautions such as avoiding isolated areas both at night and during the day, dressing modestly when appropriate, and trusting your instincts.  If something doesn’t feel right, get out of there as soon as you can.

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Come and join me and a small group of other solo travellers as we explore the magical country of Egypt together with a local guide to help us get the very best experience of Egypt - solo but not alone!

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Extra Safety Concerns at Night

Nighttime can be particularly intimidating for solo travellers, with potential risks seemingly multiplied as soon as it gets dark. Walking alone at night can increase the risk of encountering dangerous situations and unpleasant people so it is important to plan accordingly and prioritize personal safety over everything else.

For times when going out alone at night can’t be avoided, take a licensed taxi or an Uber to and from your destination, and share the details of your journey with someone else – either friends from home or even the hotel receptionist, so they know where you are going and what time you will be back.  

Have a backup plan in case the taxi doesn’t arrive, make sure your phone is charged and you have credit to call another taxi if needed.  You may also want to consider bringing personal safety items with you such as a rape alarm or pepper spray if it is permitted in that country.

Lack of Personal Security

While I’ve already talked about general safety concerns, travelling alone can make you more vulnerable to other potential dangers. Pickpocketing, scams, and other forms of exploitation can be more prevalent when you don’t have someone watching your back or with you to deter potential threats.

On the other hand, as a solo female traveller, I have found that every time I have been even slightly concerned for my safety, there are plenty of friendly people around to help.  I often feel better looked after as people seem to feel sorry for me or go out of their way to help me simply because I am on my own. 

I also find that because I am usually hyper-aware of everything going on around me that I am less of a target for thieves and pickpockets than a group of drunk friends – but you never know!  Either way, don’t let fear or safety concerns stop you from travelling alone!

Travel Safely

• Leave valuables at home and don't keep all your money and credit cards in one place.  I love hidden pocket clothing like this travel scarf for stashing my cash and passport or a belt with a hidden pocket.   Read more about how to hide money while travelling .
• Bring a water bottle with a built-in filter so you can safely drink water from any fresh water source while saving money and reducing plastic use.  I take my Water-to-Go bottle with me everywhere!
• Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel.  I always buy travel insurance and was very glad I had insurance when I had my laptop and passport stolen in Ecuador!  Consider getting insurance for your trip to cover things like trip cancellation, emergency medical, lost luggage and stolen items, as well as adventure sports and activities and more.  
• I chose World Nomads Travel Insurance for my recent backpacking trip to Australia and New Zealand.  They offer travel insurance for independent travellers and intrepid families and you can get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road

GET A NO-OBLIGATION QUOTE

As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from  World Nomads  using this link. I do not represent  World Nomads . This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Loneliness and Isolation

While solo travel can be liberating, it can also be isolating at times. Without a travel friend or partner to share the experience with there might be times when you feel lonely.  It is nice to be able to share experiences with, to have a conversation or just to see a familiar face instead of strangers day in and day out.

However, you can minimize the feelings of being alone by seeking out social environments like hostels, joining group tours, or connecting with fellow travellers through online communities and making new travel friends with people you meet along the way.

However, I can’t deny that even being among people all the time it is still possible to feel lonely and homesick – especially if you are missing out on an event back home.  Sometimes I do get lonely, but luckily now with wifi everywhere the world is a lot smaller and I’m just a phone call or Whatsapp message away from my friends and family.

Feeling lonely occasionally is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about, but if you seem to have more days feeling alone and miserable than not, it is time to change something – whether that is your accommodation, the place where you are or even the country. 

While you should give things time to settle and not make any rash decisions, if you really are unhappy then sometimes admitting that and asking for help from someone around you, or even just heading home is the right thing to do.  Solo travel isn’t for everyone, and that’s ok!  

Dining Alone

I used to hate having dinner by myself but I have learned to love it.  It is still one of the things that many solo travellers find awkward and avoid whenever they can as it can be overwhelming.

Where should I go to eat?  Is it busy enough that it might be good?  Or so busy that they won’t want to seat one person by themselves?  And that awkward moment when the waiter/waitress brings two menus because he/she assumes your companion is in the bathroom or running late, and you have to explain to them that it is just you.  Dining alone.  A table for one.  Because you have no one to eat with.

Then comes the look.  That expression of pity mingled with a touch of surprise and even respect; ah a table for one?!  Of course madam, right this way….  And you wind your way through the tables of happy families and romantic couples and then face the indignity of the waiter clearing away the other table settings as you stand waiting alone.

Once that ordeal is over, then comes the quandary of what to order.  And how much to order?  And why are the tasting platters never for one person!? 

Over the years of having to face my fear and eat dinner by myself, I now enjoy going out to eat alone.  I get to choose where to go and how much to spend, there are no concerns about finding somewhere that suits everyone’s specific dietary requirements, and no argument about splitting the bill!  

Other people are far too self-involved to wonder what you’re doing alone so forget about everyone else and just enjoy the delicious food.  If you’re worried about what to do while waiting for your order, take a book or look through your travel photos to remind yourself of why you’re here and having an amazing time.  You can read more suggestions for how to rock solo dining here.

Decision Fatigue

One of the huge benefits of solo travel is that you get to decide exactly what to do, and when and you control the whole experience.  However, that can also be a big disadvantage of travelling alone because every single decision rests solely on your shoulders, from planning itineraries to choosing accommodations, transportation, and dining options.

This constant decision-making can become exhausting. It’s important to strike a balance between meticulous planning and leaving room for spontaneity without having to decide until the last minute. Research in advance, trust your intuition, and consider utilizing travel apps, guidebooks, and local recommendations to ease the decision-making process.

If you meet other travellers along the way, ask them to choose a restaurant for the evening, or have a night off decisions and just order a pizza takeaway! 

Giving yourself permission to not decide, or to not worry about making the right decision is vital – we all need a break sometimes.  Any decision you make is based on the information you have at the time, and when you travel alone, you’ll soon realise that it is actually very rare that you make a bad decision.  

Increased Responsibility and Stress

As well as making all of the decisions, travelling solo means taking full responsibility for every aspect of the trip, including logistics, planning, and overall enjoyment of the trip. The burden of managing travel arrangements, finding accommodations, navigating transportation systems, and organizing activities can be stressful when you have to do it all alone.

If you find yourself getting stressed, take a moment to sit down and breathe.  Ask someone for help, and if something doesn’t work out the way you wanted, don’t beat yourself up about it!  Sometimes sh*t happens and we can’t do anything about it.  

Make the best of the situation and learn from it for next time – that’s all you can do!

Limited Support System

Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong when we’re travelling.  It becomes crucial to rely on your own resourcefulness and problem-solving skills, but if something bad has happened you can suddenly feel even more vulnerable.

Maintaining communication with loved ones back home can provide a safety net of support, even if they are a long way away.  When I had my passport, wallet and laptop stolen I was lucky that I could call my dad back home and he cancelled my credit cards and helped to plan what to do next.

However, help can usually be found all around you.  The staff or other guests at your accommodation can often help with any problems (assuming they’re not the cause!), and many countries have tourist police who are assigned to help tourists and travellers. 

You should also familiarize yourself with local emergency services, and learn what to do in an emergency situation.  If you’re travelling somewhere where earthquakes are common then find out what to do and where to go if you have to evacuate. 

Keep important contact information readily accessible, and have a copy of your passport, travel insurance and credit cards online and in a paper version separate from the originals.  Being prepared can be a big help in tough situations!

Have you got Travel Insurance?

• Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel.  I never leave home without travel insurance, so consider getting insurance for your trip to cover things like adventure sports and activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, stolen items, trip cancellation and more.  
• Get a quote for your trip from True Traveller if you're based in the UK, or World Nomads or SafetyWing which both offer travel insurance for backpackers and long-term travellers.  Alternatively, use a comparison site like Travel Insurance Master to find the best cover for you.

Solo Travel Can Cost More

Travelling alone can be more expensive than travelling with a couple or with a friend.  Travel expenses like accommodation, hiring a car, and guided tours all have to be paid for by yourself, increasing the overall cost of the trip. Even worse, some hotels, cruises and tours might have a single supplement fee for solo travellers.

Do your research in advance to figure out a rough budget for your trip.  Consider cost-effective alternatives like staying in hostels , opting for public transportation, or finding free or low-cost activities to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

Luckily I am an expert in budget travel!  Of course, having some money to spend makes things a lot easier but I believe that travel should be for everyone so I’ve got guides to saving money for travel , tons of tips on how to save money while travelling and even how to travel for free !   Don’t let money worries stop your solo travel adventures!

Missing Out on Experiences

One of the main solo travel problems I have is having to miss out on tours or activities because they haven’t got the minimum numbers needed.  Tour companies rarely run tours for just one person, so I have to look for alternatives that are not quite what I wanted, or even miss out altogether because there’s no one else to join the tour.

There are places that it’s not possible to get to with public transport, but hiring a car or taking a taxi is just too expensive for one person.  That is an unfortunate reality but unless you have an unlimited budget it’s something you can’t avoid.

As well as missing out on experiences, when you do get to do something amazing travelling alone means you don’t have someone to share the memorable moments with. There might be times when you wish you had a travel companion to capture photos, engage in conversations with locals, or simply share the wonder of a beautiful view.

The best thing to do is to fully immerse yourself in the situation and make the most of it while you are there, whatever that might look like.  Accept that you can’t always do everything you want to, whether that is due to travelling alone, freak weather or a bus driver’s strike – sometimes things are beyond your control.

Travel is a special experience and even if it doesn’t work out quite how you hoped, it will still be wonderful in many ways.

Limited Local Insights and Cultural Exchange

Having a travel companion can make it easier to interact with other people, especially if you are shy.  When travelling alone, you might miss out on opportunities to connect with locals on a more personal level if you’re not brave enough to talk to them or to take part in an experience.

If you’re brave enough to travel alone in the first place, then don’t fear having a conversation!  I know from personal experience that is easier said than done though and there have certainly been times when I wished I’d had the confidence to chat away to someone and ask them about their culture, but instead snuck away feeling shy and disappointed. 

It really does depend on your own comfort level and confidence but I definitely recommend pushing yourself as far out of your comfort zone as you can to really make the most of the travel experience.

Overcoming Language Barriers

Communicating in a foreign language is even more challenging than speaking to someone new in your own language, particularly when you’re alone. Having a travel partner (especially one who speaks the local language) can be a big help when navigating language barriers, interpreting cultural nuances, and engaging in conversations with locals.

One thing I loved about backpacking solo in Latin America was the fact I could speak Spanish.  It always surprised the people there when I could talk to them in their own language, and I had lots of wonderful conversations that I never would have had if I didn’t speak Spanish.

Even if languages aren’t your strong point still try to learn at least a couple of words in the local language of wherever you’re travelling to.  Even a simple “hello” can have a big impact on how you interact with people – and how they react to you! 

Taking Photos Alone is Hard!

I have lost count of the number of times I have asked someone to take a photo of me and the result is a terrible picture that I have to delete anyway.  I know that photos aren’t the be-all and end-all of a trip, but having some memories to look back on is important, and yes, having photos to share on social media to make all your friends jealous too!

I now travel with a tripod that can also be used as a selfie stick, and I use that whenever I’m on my own and no one is around to ask for photos.

When I am with people like on a tour, or somewhere with lots of tourists I take a few minutes to watch who is taking photos and how they are doing it.  If they’re snapping away without any care or attention I don’t ask them for a photo, but ask someone who is taking their time and checking angles!

If you do end up with a less-than-ideal photo, don’t be afraid to hang around a bit longer and ask someone else to get the photo you want.  It’s also nice to find other solo travellers so you can take photos of each other without any fear of being a burden – everyone wants a photo or two of themselves!

The key thing is not to feel self-conscious, it’s your trip of a lifetime and you want photos to remember how amazing it was.  Did I feel slightly silly joining a broomstick flying class alone?  Yes.  Did I still ask some random for photos?  Also yes!

Facing Negativity and Judgement from Others

I saved this one for last as this can be a big problem for some people.  Young solo female travellers in particular often face challenges convincing their parents that they won’t be murdered as soon as they leave the country.  People still perceive solo travel to be dangerous, and no matter what you do to convince them otherwise they will still try to scare you and push their fears and negativity onto you.

While this often comes from a place of love – they only want you to be safe – it can be upsetting and frustrating when they can’t see that you want to travel alone and how important it is to you.  The only advice I can offer in this situation is to talk to them openly and honestly about where you have chosen to travel – including the risks – and what you will do to stay safe.

When I first told my parents I was going to South America for 10 months to travel alone they freaked out, but soon realised that I was going to do it no matter what they said, so in the end they didn’t try to stop me. 

In fact, they did everything they could to make sure I was safe while I was travelling – my dad researched the best travel insurance for me, found a travel sim card I could use to keep in touch, and checked in regularly to make sure I was ok.  As I said earlier, wifi access has made keeping in touch with family and friends much easier these days!

I know some women prefer to either not tell their families where they’re going, or to say they’re going with a friend when really they’re going alone.  It’s up to you how you manage that of course, it’s usually better to be honest but do whatever you feel you need to do.

As well as family and friends’ concerns you will also have to deal with basically every person you meet telling you either that you are very brave, or that it is very dangerous to travel alone.  It is tiring having to explain to everyone that you are travelling alone, no you don’t get lonely (much), and yes you’re quite alright not being married or not having children ta very much.

There’s not a lot you can do about this, unfortunately, just grin and bear it and shrug off their concerns. Most people who told me that Mexico is dangerous had never been there or had never even left their own country, so it’s hard to take that seriously!  

Of course, if someone gives you a serious warning about a specific place then pay attention to that and do some more research to make sure their warning is warranted.  However, in most cases, people’s concerns are based on their own fears, prejudices and misconceptions so don’t let them stop you.  

Overcoming the Disadvantages of Solo Travel

I hope all of this has helped to prepare you for whatever lies ahead on your solo travels.  Travelling alone can be challenging, but when you know what to expect you can deal with it much more effectively!  And the disadvantages of travelling alone really aren’t too bad after all!

More good news is that more people are travelling solo these days, so as it becomes less of a taboo subject and more people travel alone you will have more chance of meeting other solo travellers too.  According to recent research by Kayak , searches for single-person flights were up 36% for travel in 2023 compared to 2022, and I don’t see that travel trend changing any time soon.

So, while there are more things to consider when travelling alone, with some preparation you will still have a fabulous time, I am sure!  Good luck, and happy solo travels!

Want More Solo Travel Tips?

• How to Travel Alone for the First Time
• 13 Benefits of Solo Travel 
• 14 Disadvantages of Travelling Alone 
• Staying in a Hostel for the First Time
• Solo Dining: The Joys of Eating Alone
• Going to the Beach Alone – Solo Travel Tips
• Tips for Flying Alone for the First Time
• How to find a Travel Buddy or Travel Friends
• Tulum Mexico Solo Travel Guide 
• Cozumel Mexico Solo Travel Guide
• Hiking Alone: Solo Hiking Safety Tips
• Camping Alone Safely – 7 Solo Camping Tips

Hi! I'm Claire Sturzaker, a 30-something foodie traveller who loves to enjoy the best of a destination without breaking the bank. I'm here to help you and all women backpackers to plan their best budget travel adventure. I am an avid supporter of female solo travel, and took my first solo trip 20 years ago! I love to write about travel, hostels, backpacking and van life.

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Solo travel

Honest pros & cons of solo travel (10 years experience).

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Is solo travel worth it? After doing it for 8 years, I’m here to share my thoughts on the pros and cons of solo travel… And believe me, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about it – and doing it! Since I run a blog about travelling alone , it’s kinda obvious I’m a big fan. But I have no motivation to pretend something is better than it is. If you’ve ever watched my Insta stories, I’m all about sharing the mishaps and disadvantages of travelling solo .

Read next: the ultimate guide to solo female travel

I wouldn’t persuade someone to travel solo if it wasn’t right for them, just like I don’t believe anyone should encourage you to settle down and live a more traditional lifestyle if that’s not for you. To summarise, I want to paint a realistic picture of what solo travel is really like including the advantages and disadvantages of travelling alone . Hopefully after reading, you’ll have a better idea whether it’ll suit YOU.

Read next: 10 benefits of travelling solo

Solo travelling – the pros and cons!

In this post, I’ll break down the topic into the following…

• Financial pros and cons
• Social pros and cons
• Logistical pros and cons
• Wellbeing pros and cons.

Financial pros and cons of travelling alone

This section tackles the much-debated question ‘Is it more expensive to travel solo?’. Although you might assume the answer is yes, I’m not so sure.

Con: can’t split costs

To state the obvious, some things are more expensive when travelling solo such as staying in private rooms and taking taxis . It’s not always the case, though. If you stay in hostels and travel to places with good public transport (or Uber/Grab scooters in Asia) then travelling solo won’t cost you any extra.

Some of the best places for solo female travel include Thailand and Vietnam in Asia because they’re affordable with great backpacker infrastructure, and most countries in Europe because public transport is efficient. Read my guides to Europe solo travel and Asia solo travel !

Buying groceries and cooking in a hostel/Airbnb can also sometimes be more expensive alone. Things like oil and condiments that you’ll unlikely finish really add up when buying for one. In cheaper countries, I feel I could have eaten out for the same price! However, you can combat the problem by making two portions and eating one for lunch or dinner the next day. Cooking for one while travelling isn’t ALWAYS more expensive providing you’re happy to eat the same meal multiple times and not have so much variety. Plus, eating in restaurants doesn’t cost more alone.

Pro: manage your own budget 

Despite not having anyone to split the costs with, a huge advantage to solo travel is being able to manage your budget . Often when I travel with others, I get sucked into having an extra cocktail or beer that I didn’t need, or going to a restaurant that’s above my budget. Wrongly or rightly, I often prioritise being easygoing over counting my pennies. Especially on shorter trips with new friends or casual acquaintances, I don’t want to appear stingy or boring by staying in and eating supermarket pasta when others are going for yummy food and cocktails!

Another thing to note when considering the pros and cons of travelling alone? How difficult it can be travelling with someone on a different budget to you. Whether you want to splash out (you’ve earnt it so why not?) and your companion can’t, or you need to keep it cheap but feel compelled to keep up with someone else’s spending, it can be hard especially as money is often awkward to discuss. It’s just another example of how travelling with someone else can require compromise , while travelling solo doesn’t.

If you’re staying in hostels and travelling by public transit, it can be cheaper to travel solo because you can better manage your spending. But if you want your own room or to take lots of taxis/hire a car, then yes, a disadvantage of solo travel is that you need to budget more. I certainly spend less money travelling solo than I do with other people, especially if they’re on ‘holiday mode’ when I’m on long-term travel mode.

Social pros and cons of solo travel

Next, let’s consider topics including meeting others, needing alone time, getting lonely, doing small talk and shaking off unwanted company. Of course, this topic is very subjective depending on whether you’re a social butterfly or more introverted. Still, I’ll do my best…

Pro: shaking off unwanted company

A major advantage of solo travel is that, if someone you’ve met is annoying you, it’s easy to shake them off. You’ve likely only met them recently and therefore don’t owe them anything. If you’ve signed up to travel with another person and it’s not working out, it can be much harder to arrange to go separate ways… Especially if you’ve pre-booked and paid for things! Saying that, I suspect if you’re travelling as a couple or close friends, it’s easier to say to that annoying hostel tagalong ‘So we’re going our own way now’. Several times travelling alone, I’ve met other solo travellers (who weren’t enjoying the experience as much as me) who have latched on. Telling someone you’d rather be alone than with them is valid, but uncomfortable! So, while I’ve listed the freeing ability to shake people off as a pro of solo travel, it may depend on the situation and how authoritative you’re feeling!

Con: feeling lonely

An undeniable con of solo travel is that you’re more susceptible to feeling lonely. Nothing is guaranteed: if you pick the wrong travel companion, you may feel isolated in their company. And you may never feel lonely when travelling alone provided you’re happy in your own company and/or make friends on the road. But it IS more likely. I’m pretty good at making friends in a new place and I’m also content alone, but I’ve still felt lonely many times over the years. Sometimes you just don’t click with anyone in a new destination. Sometimes you’re fatigued by fleeting connections and just want someone who gets you . Someone who doesn’t need explanations and backstories.

Pro: meet more people 

There’s some debate on this one because I find it easier to go to a bar or party and meet new people when I have someone to go with (particularly as a woman who feels less safe than a man would). However, all things considered, you meet a LOT more people travelling solo simply because you make more effort. There are many ways to meet people when travelling solo such as staying in backpacker hostels, taking free walking tours and doing guided activities like cooking classes, day excursions and food crawls. I meet more people when I’m alone because I’m not distracted chatting with an existing travel companion. Also, I find people are more likely to chat to you in cafes or hostels if you’re alone.

Con: doing all the small talk 

If you’re the kind of person who gets fatigued doing the ‘What do you do, where are you from?’ chats multiple times a day, you may find that travelling (solo or not) drains your energy. I’d say that when you’re travelling with company, it’s easier because your companion(s) do half the chitchat work when you meet people. Also, if a new friend joins your gang, you and your existing companion will likely be chatting freely giving the newbie more to join in on.

Pro: getting alone time

When weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of solo travel, I find it’s perfect for me because, when I’m feeling social, I can go into a hostel common room or sign up for some activity, but when I’m feeling tired and antisocial, I have no obligation to socialise. I’m sure most reasonable travel companions will appreciate that you need time alone (and need it themselves too) BUT I have travelled with people in the past who have clung to me, possibly because they were feeling overwhelmed, and I haven’t been able to recharge my social batteries. If your itinerary is fast-paced, you won’t get much separation from whoever you’re with.

It’s an easy verdict on this topic. While there’s more potential to feel lonely from time to time, solo travel IS worth it because meet more people and become more confident. It’s a skill you’ll take through life with you!

Organisation & logistical pros and cons of travelling solo

Next, I’ll discuss the day-to-day difficulties of travelling alone compared to the positives.

Con: getting in your own photos

Without an Instagram husband/wife/bestie, it can be harder to make photo memories of your trip. Strangers take terrible photos, maybe because they owe you nothing. I worry some of my blog photos from past solo trips look like stock photos because I’m nowhere to be seen! However, I wrote a blog post about getting in your own photos travelling solo to deal with this issue. From selfie sticks, GoPros, camera stands, self-timers and picking the right stranger to ask (spoiler – teenage/20-something girls and women!), it’s not game over. But it IS harder.

Con: no help with planning and booking

When considering the pros and cons of travelling alone, this is an undeniable con. Having to book every hotel/hostel, flight, bus and tour while also researching things to do in each new destination, where to eat and how to get around is TIRING. You’re literally doing double the work compared to travelling with a companion. When I took a trip in Mexico with a friend recently, I researched where to eat in each new place (my fave topic!) and she looked up things to do and directions. It saved me so much time compared to my usual solo Mexico tra vels . But this is only relevant if your companion WILL do half the work. I see and hear SO many women complaining or joking about planning an entire trip right down to the small details while their male partner doesn’t even know where they’re going. Taking the trip alone and not having to mother someone who treats you like a PA/1950s housewife sounds like a pro of solo travel to me!

Pro: complete control

While someone else doing research can be a pro, the natural flipside is that they’ll probably have preferences about the trip. Maybe they want to prioritise nightlife while you prefer to get up early and seize the day. Maybe they’ll choose expensive restaurants when you want street food… Or a million and one other possibilities!

Now I’m a seasoned solo traveller, I notice the compromises I make with other people. It makes me realise the sacrifices I made in the past were because I didn’t want to be alone. Now that doesn’t phase me, each trip is the Rose Show and I never miss doing, seeing or eating something I want. Honestly, being completely in control is the number 1 pro of solo travel for me.

Con: hiring cars 

Another logistical disadvantage of solo travel relates to places without public transport. Hiring a car can be a great, time-efficient and cost-efficient way of seeing a destination, however, hiring a car solo is harder because you have to front the cost and do all the driving. Although you usually pay extra for a second driver, it’s still cheaper than hiring the car alone.

So, based on these logistical issues, solo travel IS logistically a bit harder. But at least doing all the organisation means you can arrange everything the way you want it!

Wellbeing pros and cons of solo travel

Now, let’s consider the personal impact of solo travel vs travelling with others, based on physical safety, mental health and more.

Con: safety 

As soon as you announce you’re going away, your loved ones will probably be wondering is it safe for a woman to take a solo trip ? If I had a dollar for each time someone’s said ‘You’re brave!’ regarding my solo travels, I’d be rich! Although such comments are irritating and unsolicited, I get it. There are many places in the world where you’re less safe alone than with company, particularly if you’re a woman. It’s hard to even research solo female travel without ‘safety’ being the next word to pop up. But, consider two things. Are you going to not live your life because of something that likely won’t even happen (thousands of solo women are enjoying trouble-free trips as we speak)? Also, are you reading the blog of a solo blonde woman who stands out like a sore thumb almost everywhere and who’s travelled the world for almost 10 years with no major problems? Feel free to use me as proof that you’ll likely be absolutely fine!

Pro: self-development & empowerment

It may sound like a cheesy bumper sticker saying ‘Travel far enough, you meet yourself’ but it IS true that an advantage of travelling alone is growing and developing during the trials and tribulations that naturally occur. Skills you learn from travel include:

• Life skills – endurance, problem-solving, navigation and organisation.
• Social skills – you’ll grow these by interacting with people of different ages, races, religions and backgrounds. Keep your mind open and you’ll learn a lot about people and humanity.
• New perspectives and outlooks due to additional time to think and fewer distractions from others. Taking a step back from your regular life, career and relationships can be a great way of putting them in perspective and reflecting on what you want.

Con: not sharing the moment

I’ve heard people say the number one reason they don’t do things alone is because they like to share the moment. Seeing or doing something wonderful and life-altering can feel flat if no one can relate. I get it to an extent but I think part of this is social conditioning. Is a sunset less beautiful because it falls into one set of eyes instead of two? Does a waterfall roar less loudly to one set of ears? But, saying this, if it’s how many people feel, I can’t dispute their feelings.

Sharing my experiences with my blog readers and Instagram followers (especially fellow solo female travellers who are invested in my adventures) has always helped me share my travel experiences and feel connected. Maybe you can also start a travel blog or share your photos on social media, even if it’s just for friends and family. But I appreciate that sharing via the virtual world isn’t always enough. It’s a tricky one.

Pro: not waiting for people 

A major advantage to travelling solo is that you never have to wait for anyone. I mean this in two ways: 1) You can depart on your trip without waiting for anyone else to quit their job/save up/finish their rental tenancy. Also, spoiler, they might never be ready to go meaning you miss out entirely. 2) While travelling, you can get up and go rather than waiting for someone else to get ready, call their mum, do their laundry, drink their coffee etc. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been ready to seize the day at 9am and not left ’til midday because someone was faffing around. My pet peeve!

Con: no help during the bad times

Bad times for me include being hospitalised on a drip during solo travel in India , robbed at night in Vietnam, and trying to get home in March 2020 through rapidly closing borders. In the first example, I was lucky to have the staff at my hostel to help me out and, during the second, a new friend lent me money to buy a new phone while I was waiting for a replacement bank card to arrive. Yes, you might be lucky too and meet wonderful new people to help, but you can’t guarantee it. Being alone during difficult times may increase your anxiety levels without anyone to help you out, logistically and emotionally.

When it comes to the emotional side of travelling alone, it’s pretty simple. Things can be harder. But you’ll grow and gain skills from that. You have to decide if you’re ready for that!

Other solo travel pros and cons

Here are a final few ups and downs of travelling alone that don’t fit in the categories of financial, social or logistical. These are…

Con: getting to try fewer foods

I’m SUCH a foodie and love trying as many new dishes as possible. My ideal group dinner would be everyone ordering something different and us all sharing. When you’re travelling solo, you can usually only order one main in a restaurant (although if you order more and finish, you’re a legend!). I often get VERY full and spend a lot of money attempting to eat everything I want in a new city or try every regional dish in a country when I only have a week there. Especially if they’re big, hearty dishes, it would be preferable to share them. Pro solo travel tip – if you find yourself in this situation, try food tours. Viator and GetYourGuide are consistent across countries, while A Chef’s Tour is fantastic in Asia!

Con: eating alone

I’m no longer bothered by this one but I’m giving it a mention because I hear from many beginner solo travellers that they feel awkward eating alone. My top tips are:

• Do some research, either on Google or by peeking inside a restaurant to assess the vibe. If it’s a dimly lit, romantic restaurant packed with couples, then move on to a more relaxed spot
• Bring a distraction like a book, journal or podcast to keep you occupied
• Eat a big meal at lunchtime when dining spaces feel less formal, then grab something snacky for dinner
• Order your food to-go or utilise local takeaway apps. If it’s a country with street food, even better!
• Make use of hostel kitchens or book an Airbnb with one
• Eat at the bar rather than at a table. Other solos are more likely to sit beside you, or you can chat with the bartender
• Keep doing it ’til it feels normal. And remember that no one is thinking about you; everyone is thinking about themselves. ALWAYS.

Summary of the pros and cons of solo travel

Pros of solo travel:

• Manage your budget better
• Meet more people
• Complete control
• Alone time when you need it
• Easier to shake off unwanted company
• No waiting for people
• Self-development.

Cons of solo travel:

• Can’t split costs (taxis, private rooms etc)
• Feeling lonely
• Hard to get in your own photos
• More time spent planning and booking
• Safety issues
• Trying less foods
• Eating alone
• Not sharing the moment
• No one to help in the tough times.

To summarise, there are slightly more cons than pros on this list. Does this mean travelling solo is worse than with company? In my opinion, no! Small issues like having to put your phone on self-timer for a pic are TINY inconveniences compared to the wonderful, freeing feeling of living on your own terms and not waiting on or relying on others! And, although the challenges of travelling alone can occasionally be overwhelming, I genuinely think you will learn and grow from them. However, only you can make the decision based on your own personality, wants and needs. I hope this blog has given you some insight or at least food for thought!

Final thoughts on solo travel pros and cons

If you’re not ready for solo travel now, it doesn’t mean you’ll never be. Why not try a group tour instead of solo travel if you’d prefer to ease yourself in?

It goes without saying that the quality of travel with someone else depends on who it is. Some people are genuinely easier to travel with due to traits like being laid back or helpful with organisational and logistical tasks. And of course, if it’s someone you’re close to and get on super well with, then it’ll be a better trip. These days, I won’t take a trip of more than 1-2 weeks with someone unless I KNOW it will go well. I usually do a test weekend trip with someone before planning a big backpacking adventure with them. If no one is available who fits the bill, I find solo travel more reliable than the possibility of getting stuck with someone whose company I’m not enjoying (and might not be enjoying mine!).

Read next: how to pick a travel buddy

Don’t forget travel insurance!

To reduce the problems related to solo travel, make sure you have protection for your valuables, flights and, more importantly, your health! This is crucial even if you’re travelling with a group but extra important to reduce the vulnerability of being alone. I use True Traveller (for European residents including the UK) since it’s affordable but covers everything you need including valuables and pre-existing health conditions. The last time I claimed, they paid out within 2 days which I’ve never experienced with any other company! Get a quote now . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing .

Thanks for reading!

If you’re still wondering should I travel solo?, check out my other blog posts…

Americas solo travel guides:

• New York solo travel guide
• Solo female Mexico travel
• Is Mexico City safe for solo travel?
• Solo female travel in Belize
• Is solo travel in Guatemala safe?
• Travelling alone in Cuba

Asia solo travel guides:

• Solo female travel in Bali
• Solo travel in Thailand
• Guide to solo travel in Malaysia
• Solo Vietnam travel
• Solo travel in Taiwan
• Solo travel in India
• Is South Korea safe for solo travel?
• Where to travel alone in India

Europe solo travel guides:

• Guide to solo female travel in Europe
• Solo female travel in Croatia
• Solo travel guide to Albania
• Guide to solo travel in Italy
• Solo travel in Portugal
• Solo female travel in Lisbon
• Is solo Romania travel safe?

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

1 thoughts on “ Honest Pros & Cons of Solo Travel (10 Years Experience!) ”

Very informative. Alone time can lead to self-discovery and personal growth as you navigate unfamiliar situations on your own.

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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.

• More solo travel tips

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.

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The Pros and Cons of Solo Travel | Is Travelling Alone Right For You?

by Ashleigh Page Last Updated: Nov 4, 2023 Solo Travel

Page Contents

There are many pros and cons of solo travel , especially when compared to travelling with someone else.

When travelling with others, compromise and disagreement are a common downside:

“What shall we do today?” “How about hiking?” “Naaa we did that yesterday. Let’s check out that museum?” “Mmmm, any other ideas…?”

Trying to work out what you want to do, or even eat, in a given day can be hard when travelling with someone else.  However, both forms of travel have their advantages and disadvantages.

In this article, I’m going to highlight the pros and cons of solo travel so you can decide whether solo travel is right for you.

The 10 Biggest Pros & Cons of Solo Travel

1) you’re on your own… literally..

Although some feel that travelling alone is daunting, it can actually be really empowering, rewarding, therapeutic and relaxing.

For example, you:

• Don’t need to worry about anyone else’s plans or compromise things you really want to do, because your friend doesn’t want to do them
• Can focus entirely on yourself, your values and do what makes you happy.
• Are free to do what you want, whenever you want. 
• Have a ton more flexibility 
• Can move to your own schedule and beat to your own drum.

If you want to take a whole day to sleep, eat dinner out twice a week or just cook breakfast at home, you’re free to do it.

If you want to use the day to hike all around the city, be ultra-active, leave a destination early, change accommodation or meet new people, the decision is yours. 

It is one of the most empowering things that you ever do in your life.

Although you’d think this is obvious, many first-time travellers don’t fully grasp the idea that being a “solo traveller” means literally travelling ALONE …

For the most part anyway.

Simply put:

• You are responsible for your safety and protection.
• If something goes wrong, it’s on you and YOU must find the solution
• You can’t rely on others to make decisions for you or bail you out
• You must “adult”, step up and take responsibility for EVERYTHING
• You will need to plan, budget, book, pay, cook and navigate all by yourself
• You don’t have the physical company or comfort of friends and family when lonely
• At times it will just be you and your backpack and you need to entertain yourself

2) Travelling Solo is HARD

Phwoah, do I wish someone told me how stressful travelling solo would be before I took off on my solo adventure.

Sure, you get thousands of incredible photos and have breathtaking experiences, but travelling alone can be HARD, guys.

Not only emotionally, but physically.

The good thing is that the difficulties associated with solo travel prompt you to:

• grow and develop as a person
• gain greater resilience
• learn to trust yourself and your instincts
• put yourself out there
• make new friends
• make your own decisions and
• take charge of your life

You also stop relying on others to do things for you, because when you’re travelling solo.

Dependency is simply not an option.  

Unlike when you travel with a friend, you don’t have anyone to depend on or to share the load with , whether it’s:

• Frantically running through the airport because you’re about to miss your flight
• Anxiously walking back to your hostel at night with fears that you could get robbed
• Getting lost and having absolutely no clue where you are
• Trying to communicate with locals when you can’t speak their language
• Driving on the other side of the road for the first time

Solo travel has its ups and downs.

Just make sure you’re prepared for both before you go.

And… to help you even further, why not check out our FREE Solo Travel Mini Course for newbie solo travellers.

In this course, I share some of my greatest tips to help you determine whether or not solo travel is right for you.

Get started by entering your details below.

3) You’ll be Pushed Outside of Your Comfort Zone

The more you get pushed outside of your comfort zone, the stronger you get and the more empowered you feel.

You gain a whole new sense of confidence, resilience and start to make some amazing friends.

Some of whom could even turn into lifelong friendships.

When you’re travelling on your own, other travellers tend to find you more approachable to start up conversation with.

As your journey unfolds, stepping outside of your comfort zone becomes less scary.

You will also develop a new sense of wisdom that cannot be taught.

When you first land in a new city or country, it can sure as hell be intimidating.

If you’re a natural introvert, you’ll probably feel a ton of fear and anxiety around what will happen when you take the leap or put yourself out there to meet new people.

This is natural & you definitely get used to it.

Related Article:

• How to meet new people and make friends when travelling solo

4) You Have to Organise Everything on Your Own

Which type of traveller are you?

• Someone who invests time in research and plans everything down to the finest detail – aka ME!  OR
• Someone who prefers “winging it” and being spontaneous, leaving things to the last minute.

Regardless of which one you are, I still think it’s important to plan and book some parts of your trip.

Especially if it’s your first time travelling on your own.

To make things that little bit easier and more convenient, ensure to check out our top travel apps for solo travellers.

They can help to reduce overwhelm throughout your trip. 

Despite the added work, planning your trip alone can be a blessing.

You have complete control over your itinerary and don’t need to negotiate, compromise or share your time with anyone else.

It’s your trip. Do as you like!

You can also choose exactly how you want to apportion your budget and time.

This can be extremely empowering and exciting.

Solo travel is not all sunshine and rainbows.

There’s a lot of time and work that goes into being a solo traveller.

Sometimes, you may even need to forfeit half a day to have time for travel admin and planning the next steps of your trip. There’s also a possibility that you’ll make mistakes , wrong decisions and have bad experiences.

This is why it is important to set the right expectations going into it.

Understand that you may need to allow down time during your trip for admin. 

Related Articles

• How to Plan & Book Your Trip

5) You’ll Have to Pay for All Your Expenses

Although you will, in most cases, have to pay for everything yourself, I believe there are ways you SAVE A TON of money by travelling solo.

This does, of course, depend on how you like to travel.

From personal experience, I found it much easier to stick to my budget when travelling solo. I never felt pressured to eat out every night or stay in lavish hotels.

Instead, I could save money by doing simple grocery shops and organising “home-cooked” meals.

I could even stay in cheap accommodation if I felt like it without feeling judged, disapproval or impacting someone else. I even couch surfed in some cities for FREE.

It’s a cool option if you have the balls to try it.

Although you can opt to travel more cheaply in certain circumstances, it is true that there’s a solo travel TAX!

It’s common knowledge that many tour providers, cruise ships and accommodation require solo travellers to pay a premium for their services/ rooms.

This can be a pain because you have to pay extra for things that you wouldn’t have to when travelling with a friend or partner.

The other advantage of travelling with a partner is that you can share the expenses and go “halfies”.  

6) You Can Get Lonely and Homesick

 Another pro and con of solo travel is that you can get lonely and homesick.  

Feeling lonely on your travels is a relatively common thing, especially in the first week or so because you’re not used to it.

But once the initial fear and self-consciousness has passed, you realise how empowering and social solo travel can be.

Meeting others all over the world who are in a similar position to you can be very uplifting and encouraging.

In some cases, you can even develop lifelong friendships, as I have.

It also gives you the opportunity to get away from toxic or judgemental people back home. Since you’re travelling, you now have an excuse not to be around those people.

In my opinion, this was one of most liberating gifts I gained from solo travel.

Learning to be independent and enjoy your own company, whilst developing a deeper appreciation for those you love and care about is another advantage.

Although you’ll have a lot of fun, adventure and life-changing experiences travelling on your own, you’ll also have a lot of downtime.

There are days when backpacking around gets exhausting and at times, draining. Especially when carrying a MONSTER of a backpack…like I was.

You will also have moments where you crave the simple things like:

• Speaking to or sharing experiences with someone you know (rather than surface conversations with strangers in your hostel).
• Not having to pay accommodation EVERY NIGHT
• Staying in one place for over a week
• Not living out of a backpack
• Sleeping in your familiar and comfy bed or
• Even just having a relaxing warm bubble bath

At some point in your trip, it’s inevitable that you’ll feel homesick or lonely.

But, it’s a common experience for almost all travellers.

I promise you, it is only temporary and will pass.

• How to beat homesickness and loneliness when travelling solo

7) You Must ALWAYS Put Safety First.

Although safety can be of greater concern for solo travellers, you’re probably just as likely to die from getting hit by a car or being stabbed in your home country.

If you take the right precautions, it’s unlikely that you’ll have anything REALLY BAD happen to you during your travels.

Obviously, this does depend on where you decide to travel and the decisions you make during your trip.

From my experience, I feel that being a solo traveller actually makes you more cautious .

You naturally find yourself avoiding situations that could put you in a vulnerable position including:

• Walking alone at night
• Visiting unsafe neighbourhoods or
• Getting outrageously drunk

You also make more responsible decisions .

Some people develop a naïve confidence when travelling with a friend.

Then with the addition of “liquid courage” (alcohol), it becomes too easy to make stupid decisions or take unneeded risks due to the perceived safety blanket of being around friends.

Either way you go, always take your safety seriously.

Put it first no matter what.

If something feels off, then it probably is. Trust your gut!

Obviously, travelling solo does put you at greater risk when it comes to safety. However, this shouldn’t stop you from making the jump.

Although there are some ways you’ll be more vulnerable as a solo traveller, there are many things you can do to stay safe.

Related Article

• Is Solo Travel Safe? Our Top Safety Tips for Solo Travellers

I also cover more detailed safety tips within our FREE Solo Travel Mini Course. 

In this video sequence, I highlight just how important safety is when travelling on your own and share some of my greatest tips to help you stay safe.

Get started by filling out your details below.

8) It Can be Hard to Share Your Experiences and Adventures

  Yes, there are times when you can’t share your travel experiences with your friends or family.

But, there are many ways to keep in touch with friends and family and share your latest stories and adventures.

Especially with social media in arms reach.

In my opinion, a pro of not having those you know with you when you travel is that you can fully immerse yourself in the experience.

When you’re alone, all you can really do is take in everything around you.

You notice the small details and get the true feel of a place.

• No distractions.
• No judgement. 
• No need to make conversation.
• You can just enjoy your trip as you want to.

When travelling with someone else, you often feel obliged to create conversation or hold discussion. This prevents you from taking things in the same way.

Let’s be honest, there will be something that happens when travelling solo that you don’t want your friends or family to know about.

Not having your loved-ones or friends close to you when travelling the world can, at times, make things seem underwhelming or disheartening.

It’s a very weird feeling when you achieve something BIG (eg. hiking to the top of a mountain) or see something beautiful, but have no one next to you to share it with.

At times, you have the most awakening experiences of your life, but have no one to turn to or tell about it.

Instead, there you are….standing alone at the top of the precipice in awe.

You spend a few seconds breathing in the view, take a few silent selfies, pat yourself on the back and then you leave.

It can be a bit of an anti-climax.

9) Eating Out Alone Can Be Awkward  

Yep, eating out alone is one of the greatest fears that people have when travelling solo.

“How the heck do I eat alone. I’ll look like such a loner…”

Trust me, you’ll only look like a loner, if you make yourself look like a loner… or bring a lot of attention to yourself.

By the end of my trip, I really enjoyed eating alone.

I deliberately made it an indulgent and rewarding experience. However, if you believe that you’re going to be awkward as HELL, simply distract yourself and use the time productively.

Use it as a time to GET SHIT DONE.

When eating alone you avoid meaningless “small talk” and don’t feel pressured to make conversation with anyone.

Sometimes it’s freaking great!

It is also the perfect time to reflect on everything you’ve enjoyed so far in your trip, and to even start planning your next steps.

Eating alone doesn’t have to be intimidating or awkward. Like anything, it becomes what you make it.

Yep, sometimes eating alone can feel a bit awkward, and for some, humiliating.  Especially when you’re presented with the cringeworthy phrase:

“ Table for one?”

Sometimes all you can think is “I swear I’m not a loser.”

Occasionally you get that one person who looks at you funny. But, for the most part, people treat you exactly the same – with open arms and a smile.

If you act like you have no issues with eating alone and look like you’re “on a mission”, others won’t care either.

10) You Don’t Have Someone to Mind Your Gear or Take Photos

Not having someone to mind your gear or take your photos, although often inconvenient, can have its positives.

Firstly, you never get complacent about leaving your stuff around.

In many cases, you have little choice but to take it with you.

You’re also forced to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to taking interesting photos that aren’t just of your double chin.  

Boy oh boy….

In my opinion, not having someone to take cool photos of you or mind your gear is one of the biggest inconveniences when travelling solo. EVER!

Taking selfies gets old REAL quick, as does continuous photos of landscapes and buildings without you in them.

Sometimes just having the ability to leave your bag on the beach with a friend as you go in for a quick dip is a luxury.

The reality most solo travellers experience at the beach includes:

• Sitting on the sand for a good 30 mins wondering if swimming is even worth the hassle
• Looking around for people who look kinda dodgy
• You decide to make a run for it and enter the waves feeling ultra reckless
• As you wade into the water, you can’t help but watch your bag like a hawk (currently, it remains hidden under your beach towel)
• You continue to feel paranoid as f***k every time someone comes close to your bag
• You see some get close to your belongings so you high-tail out of the water like a ninja, reclaiming your spot on the beach
• As they pass, you unhide your belongings with a sigh of relief

To the normal folk out there, this may sound paranoid. But that’s legit how my beach experiences went.

Especially in countries where petty theft and pickpocketing were issues. 

You do get used to it, but sometimes it’s good to make friends so that you can simply swim at the beach and avoid the paranoia.

My biggest recommendations & photo tips:

• ONLY give your camera or phone to someone you can trust or who looks like they’re in a similar boat to you.
• Try your best to avoid giving your camera or phone to locals you don’t know .
• travelling solo like you and struggling to take a photo of themselves, or
• is a travelling couple who’d probably like a shot together.
• I go for the standard “Would you like me to take a photo of you?”
• Then when they say yes, I ask them if they’d mind taking a photo of me in return. I also explain what I’d like in the photo so you don’t end up with a dud.

This strategy works a treat every time AND I’ve never had my phone or camera stolen.

My biggest tip to anyone wanting to travel on their own is to consider both the pros and cons of solo travel before you leave.

But, never let the fear and uncertainty of solo travel stop you from taking the leap.

For me, I will never regret taking a year off my career to travel the world. It changed and transformed my life for the better.

In Summary:

The pros and cons of solo travel | is it right for you.

• You are free to do what you want, whenever you want
• You will grow, build resilience and learn to trust yourself
• You get stronger and more comfortable stepping outside of your comfort zone
• You have complete control over your itinerary & budget
• You have greater flexibility with how you travel
• You can meet new people, build independence and learn to be comfortable in your own company
• You tend to make wiser decisions and be more cautious about putting yourself in a vulnerable position
• Can fully immerse yourself in the experience without judgement or distraction
• Eating alone can provide a great time to reflect and plan the rest of your trip
• You learn to look after your gear and think outside the box when taking photos
• You’re on your own …literally
• Travelling solo can be hard & stressful
• You’ll be pushed outside of your comfort zone and tested
• You have to organise your entire trip on your own
• You’ll have to pay for all your expenses yourself
• It’s normal to occasionally get lonely & homesick
• You must always put safety first
• It can be hard to share your experiences & adventures
• Eating out alone can be awkward
• You don’t have someone to mind your gear or take photos

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14 Pros and Cons of Traveling Alone

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Though solo travel is often romanticized, traveling alone has pros and cons. While it can be a liberating experience to go to a new country, it can also be challenging and nerve-wracking. And sometimes, you may only like the solo travel experience somewhat!

This post is for you if you are currently deciding on whether to travel solo. I have traveled solo around the US and abroad. I’ve experienced many of the many pros and cons of traveling alone. Let me break them down to help you make your own decision.

Table of Contents

Cons of traveling alone

You pay more 

Frequently we travel with friends or family to split the costs. However, when traveling solo, you are the one paying all the fees. This means that traveling solo can get expensive since there is no one to share the prices of ride chairs, food, and any activities you want to do while traveling alone.

You have to take your photos

I’m always down for photos while traveling. And when you are traveling alone, it can be more difficult because no one is there to take your picture. Therefore, you might miss out on some of the shots you want to get and show your family and friends when you return home.

Yet, hiring a photographer is an alternative to taking your photos when traveling alone. I did this while traveling  solo in New Orleans , and it was a great idea. You could also ask a stranger if you want to avoid traveling with a tripod.

You are on the defensive 

Solo traveling is one of the riskier forms of travel. It would help if you often trusted your gut when sharing information with people you meet. Many solo women travelers attract a lot of attention because we are solo, which is rare for women.

You are more likely to get lonely 

A disadvantage of traveling alone is that you have no one to share the experiences with! Even if you book tours while you’re in various cities or countries, it is not the same when you travel with people versus the people you meet once you get there. These feelings can make you feel more lonely as you are traveling solo.

You need to navigate language barriers solo

Language barriers are inevitable. And depending on how you react to situations, the language barrier is something to prepare for before you leave. Adding a language barrier to that overwhelm is manageable. But you must be ready to embrace the learning and culture shock process.

You have to lie…a lot

One of my best solo women travel safety tips is to lie! I know it goes against what we learn as kids. However, when traveling solo, you need to lie to protect yourself.

In some cases, this means wearing a ring on your ring finger because people will try to talk to you if they know you’re not married. Or when you meet someone, you tell them you are meeting friends at your hostel. They are generally white lies but lie nonetheless.

You return home a different person

Honestly, this is one of the pros and cons of traveling alone. Though one of the advantages of traveling solo is that you change, sometimes change is uncomfortable. However, you will return home with a renewed perspective that can be hard to embrace around people or situations who do not share the same experience. 

Pros of traveling alone

You get all the space

One of the advantages of traveling alone is not sharing your space. This space was handy during my solo train ride from Chicago to California on Amtrak! The scenic train takes 52 hours, a long time to occupy space with someone else. But whether you are on a train or in a private hostel room , your own space brings you peace on a solo trip. 

You can do what you want

The most significant advantage of traveling alone is you do not have to answer to anyone! When you are traveling solo, you have more freedom and flexibility in your travels. Whether you want to sleep in or you want to get up early for a sunrise hike, you have the power to decide.

You can get reservations more easily 

You will love traveling alone for all my traveling foodies who are also solo travelers. Since you are solo, it is easier to get reservations or even be able to walk into some of the most iconic places around the world. When in doubt, go to the bar!

You gain more confidence 

There is nothing like navigating a new city or country solo. But, in addition to that, you learn so much about yourself when you are traveling solo. It increases your confidence and assertiveness, who you are, and what you can do.

You make more friends 

Traveling alone has many pros and cons, but making friends is one of the advantages. When traveling solo, I make the most friends and am often only solo part of the time! Also, people are more likely to walk up to you in a conversation if you are by yourself.

This point is not to say that you can’t make friends while traveling in a group. On the contrary, I have made friends traveling solo and traveling with others. But, it is more likely to meet solo travelers in hostels or on tours alone because you are alone, and people want you to join in their fun too.

Your perspective on the world changes

Traveling alone gives you a lot of time to yourself to reflect! You learn about tourism and how to be a responsible tourist . During this time, you also learn from the world around you, unlearning ethnocentrism and overcoming culture shock. Your perspective on “normal” changes as you travel to understand other people’s cultures and customs.

You become more independent

There is nothing like testing your independence than going on a solo trip! Freedom is at the top of the list of all the advantages and disadvantages of traveling solo. It is freeing to be on your own, visiting iconic places such as London or Amsterdam alone. You are doing the damn thing, and that is worth celebrating.

Why you should not travel alone 

Traveling alone is risky. You are often in places where you do not know anyone. You may not speak the language of the country you are in, which is unknown to you. As much as I love it, traveling solo is not for everyone! Getting easily frustrated, lonely, bored, or overwhelmed can make the experience more challenging.

On the other hand, those are all reasons to try it! Be challenged and get out of your comfort zone. Despite all the pros and cons of traveling alone, it is an experience everyone should do at least once. Then you can decide if it’s not for you.

In the end, is traveling alone a good idea?

As with everything, there are pros and cons of traveling alone. Some people do not like being alone for long periods but don’t mind shorter periods. Others can travel solo for months and then make strangers into friends along the way. It just depends on your personality!

I travel solo as a Black woman, and I think traveling alone is a good idea. You may only like to do it sometimes, but now and again, doing things alone is good for you. Solo travel, or even solo dates at home, helps you enjoy your own company. So don’t knock it if you haven’t tried it yet!

Are you looking to take a solo trip? Check out this post for tips to plan it like a pro.

Sojourner White is a remote social worker, train travel queen, and award-winning travel journalist. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin she has been a digital nomad and called both Spain and Germany home. Through her platform Sojournies, she helps 9-5ers fulfill their career goals and bucket list dreams to find freedom and flexibility outside the office. Sojourner has been featured in Buzzfeed, PopSugar, The Matador Network, HuffPost, and Thrillist and written for Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Fodor’s, Insider, Lonely Planet, Viator, and more.

How to Become a Digital Nomad with No Experience ASAP

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20 Pros and Cons of Solo Travel in 2024 from an Expert

Table of Contents

Are there benefits to travelling alone? Why do you solo travel? Aren’t there more cons than pros?

I get asked these questions by people all the time – even people I meet on the road.

So I’m going to answer them all in one place so other solo female travellers like me can learn, share, and shut down the rumors.

As a professional solo traveller who has been permanently on the road for years, I’ve handled all the pros and cons of solo travel. Every challenge you can think of, I’ve faced it!

So let me tell you what the real advantages and disadvantages of travelling alone are so you’ll know what you’re getting yourself into on your first solo trip!

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10 Pros of Solo Travel

1. You’re in Complete Control

Have you ever had to compromise on a trip?

Maybe your travel buddy wanted to go to a different museum? Or they had a smaller budget? Or they couldn’t go for as long a holiday?

We’ve all been there: compromising our dream trip for someone else’s desires.

It’s fine to do once in a while, but one of the benefits of travelling alone is not having to consider anyone else.

You get to put yourself first!

Some people call this “selfish”. I call it empowering.

When you solo travel, you get complete control of when you go, how you go, what your itinerary is, how much you spend, and what you do daily. You can always change the plans as you go.

When you’re in control, you dream trip really is YOUR dream trip.

2. Rest Without Guilt

Some people are full of energy.

Others – like me – value a nap every day.

When I’m on holiday, I don’t want to worry about slowing my friends down by going back for a nap, or boring them by spending my nights reading in bed. I want to take my me-time to rest as I see fit sans guilt.

That’s on of the benefits of solo travel that has really helped my mental health: I’ve learned the value of relaxing when I need to.

I’ve taken this lesson back to my life at home and started setting boundaries for when I need to relax. It’s helped me so much!

3. Make Long-Term Friends

There’s a misconception that solo travel means always being alone.

While there are some truly solo times, solo travel is often more social than group travel.

I’ve done many group tours, travelled with family, and gone on girls trips. I never made long-lasting connections the way that I did when I was solo travelling.

When I worked on a Croatian ranch with Workaway and solo travelled through New Zealand, I met friends that I keep in touch with years later.

It’s actually more challenging to be alone if you’re solo travelling. People want to embrace you and invite you into their groups.

One of the best ways to make friends while travelling alone is to stay in a hostel . People will quickly start chatting with you, and you’ll find your lifelong friends in no time!

4. Connect with Locals

Local experiences are one of the best parts of travel.

When you’re travelling with someone else, it’s hard to engage with locals. You tend to stick with the people or person you already know.

Alone, you need the help of locals to give you directions, keep you entertained over a meal, or off a comforting smile on the bus.

I’ve started seeking out more local experiences when I travel after being welcomed with open arms by locals in the small town I moved to in Italy when I was 16. Meeting them helped me see a side of Italy most people never get to experience.

Now, I find local experiences – like cooking with local women in Morocco , chat with locals for help, and try to hang out where locals do.

You’ll find yourself more immersed in the culture and able to make new friends.

5. Get Off the Beaten Path

When you’re travelling in a group, you’re more likely to stick to the “top 10” list places for a location. That’s partially because someone in your group is likely to want to do each thing.

Solo travellers can be more flexible.

We have more time to spend travelling since we’re not compromising and going to places we don’t care about. We’re also very resourceful at finding unique things to do.

Solo travellers are more likely to research a trip, get advice from people who have been there before, and find unique things to do.

I’ve often uncovered activities in destinations my friends have never heard of before – and some of them lived in the location!

6. Improve Language Skills

Travelling alone means you need to communicate for yourself.

I grew up with a mom who speaks multiple languages fluently, so I never needed to learn how to ask for directions or how to do more than say hello in different languages .

Once I started travelling alone, I realized how much I needed her Google translate abilities.

I’m still not great at languages, but I’ve gotten way better with my solo travel. Now I’m “menu fluent” in many languages , and can usually navigate a grocery store! (Because really, that’s what’s most important, right?!)

7. Gain a Sense of Happiness That Lasts

Did you know time alone has been proven to stave off depression? And that vacation-mode can increase your happiness levels long-term?

So a solo vacation is clearly the perfect way to increase your overall happiness!

I’m not sure if I believe the stats, but I must say it’s done wonders for my happiness levels. As someone who suffers with anxiety and depression, I can struggle to understand the feeling of happiness or to maintain it.

Solo travel has helped me learn to find happiness for myself and to appreciate it when I have it.

8. Boost Your Confidence

I have never felt as empowered as I do when I solo female travel .

One of the advantages of travelling alone is that you have to solve all of your problems by yourself. That means that every victory is 100% yours!

From figuring out the local currency to finding your way home when you get lost, you’ll feel profoundly more confident after a solo trip.

9. Improve Decision-Making Skills

This is one of the greatest benefits of travelling alone.

As someone who is almost incapable of making decisions, solo travel has made me much more decisive.

I used to defer to other people’s’ opinions and wants, rather than figuring out what I actually wanted.

Now, I know how to make decisions in a timely manner (except when deciding where to go – that’ll probably plague me forever!).

10. Get to Know Yourself More Intimately

The #1 advantage of travelling alone is that you get to know yourself.

I know it sounds cliche to say you “find yourself” when you travel – but you really do!

Being alone means that you have to be alone with your own thoughts. None of your friends or family influence your decisions. You aren’t restricted to the person people think you are.

When I moved to Italy alone at 16, I came back a completely different person.

I left a shy girl who couldn’t handle conflict, didn’t speak at school, and was resigned to feeling uncomfortable in her skin.

I returned a confident girl (I was still 16!) who loved to talk, knew she had things of value to say, and wanted to take on the world!

Every trip I’ve taken since has helped me uncover more about myself – and so can yours!

10 Cons of Solo Travel

1. Solo Supplement

Have you ever heard of the solo supplement before? If not, you probably haven’t solo travelled.

The solo supplement is the surcharge that solo travellers have to pay, which makes EVERYTHING more expensive.

For example, couples can split the cost of a 1 bedroom hotel , where solo travellers have to pay for the entire thing themselves.

The same goes for Airbnbs with extra rooms, renting cars, and even buying tickets.

Solo travellers can’t take advantage of group rates for any activity until they meet some friends.

While the expense is annoying, it isn’t a deal breaker – or it shouldn’t be, anyway.

There are ways around the solo supplement and ways to budget for it.

Hostels charge per single bed. Couchsurfing is free to use for accommodations. And you can take buses or split the costs of car rentals with new friends.

It takes a bit more thought, but you can definitely solo travel on a budget .

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2. Safety Concerns

One of the questions I get asked most often is: “is solo female travel safe?”

In short, yes.

The longer answer is more complicated.

Some places aren’t safe for travel – whether you’re on your own, a woman, in a group, or a burly man. But some places are especially challenging for solo female travellers.

I went to Marrakech alone – a destination many people consider unsafe for solo female travel.

But I loved it! Once I learned the tricks to stay safe in Marrakech from the owner of my riad , I was able to travel confidently and safely.

In fact, I’ve always had more safety concerns when I travel with other people. That’s when I’ve had to worry about pickpockets, scam tours, taxis taking advantage of us, and potentially predatory men.

When I’m on my own – whether I’m in Marrakech , Amsterdam , or New Zealand – I’ve always felt comfortable.

But remember: it’s not important if other people feel safe. It’s important that YOU feel safe.

If something doesn’t make you feel comfortable or you have worries for your safety, you’re allowed to say no.

I’ve turned down tours before that made me uncomfortable after my bad experiencing r iding camels in Morocco.

The best ways to stay safe are to:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Know the local customs and taboos
• Do some research and ask your concierge for tips
• Don’t flash jewellery or expensive items
• Have headphones ready to ignore vendors or male catcalls

3. Loneliness

Solo travel doesn’t have to be lonely , but sometimes it can be.

I was massively lonely when I loved in Airbnbs for months by myself. I wouldn’t speak to other people on my walks, was busy working online or touring alone, and didn’t try to find people to hand out with.

It quickly became depressing, especially since it was around Christmas time in Germany – perhaps the most Christmas-obsessed place in the world.

Loneliness does happen when you solo travel, especially if you’re a long-term traveller or solo expat .

But it’s easily combated!

Don’t isolate yourself. Find people to hang out with using some of my methods of making friends.

Simple changes like staying in shared accommodation, such as shared Airbnbs, going to events, chatting with locals, and engaging with the area can help you overcome loneliness so it doesn’t ruin your solo travels.

4. Getting Sick

Getting sick on the road is a right of passage for travellers.

People often worry about getting sick somewhere new, especially if they’re travelling alone.

I’ve gotten sick around the world – from sinus infections in New Zealand to nearly breaking my back in Croatia to some sort of plague in France. I like to consider myself something on an expert in being ill on the road.

So let me tell you: it’s better to be sick by yourself.

When I’ve gotten sick on trips with family, friends, or even on tours, it has felt even more hell-ish.

I felt guilty for holding them back from activities and got serious FOMO when they did do things without me. I often didn’t get help from tour leaders or family when I needed medicine. One time, a tour guide shoved me in a cab to a Barcelona hospital that didn’t even speak English ! (There apparently is an American hospital she could have sent me to.)

The best experience I’ve had when I’ve been sick on the road was when I was in Turkey .

The hotel knew I was alone, so they checked up on me regularly. They filled my prescription at the pharmacy, brought me comped chicken broth rice, and helped me contact tours to cancel when I got a parasite from Casablanca .

If you do get sick, it’s really helpful to have travel insurance .

I use Safety Wing . They have 24/7 customer support, where you can contact them and they’ll help you find a doctor. They’ve even sent doctors to hotels for me when I was too sick to get to the office myself.

They’re way more reliable than friends that are still trying to enjoy their trip!

5. You’ll Probably Get Lost

I’ll admit it: I am TERRIBLE with directions.

Whether I’m giving someone directions, receiving them, or trying to remember them down the line, someone will inevitably get lost. And that person is usually me.

One of the pros of solo travel is getting to explore the world on your terms. But that also comes with the con that you can easily get turned around when you’ve gone off the beaten path.

Almost every solo traveller I know has had an experience where they’ve gotten hopelessly lost on their trips. But they’ve all survived to tell the tale!

Getting lost has become a favourite hobby of mine. It lets you get to know a place more intimately and challenges you to figure out your way home (or to your hotel).

I got hopelessly lost in Amsterdam and ended up accidentally breaking into a train station, crying, and somehow magically finding a tram operator who could understand my butchered Dutch.

At the time, it was stressful.

Now it’s one of my favourite travel stories to share!

It’s also the reason I always download maps, have a portable battery pack, and write down the name of my hotel ahead of time.

6. Wanting to Share Moments With Others

Extroverts struggle to enjoy moments alone. They need to discuss what they’re seeing or experiencing to full appreciate it.

Sometimes introverts have the same issue.

It can be hard to experience something and not have someone to immediately talk to about it.

One solution I use is to text a friend or family member. I keep my data off, but send them all of the thoughts I’m having. That night when I get WIFI, they’ll go through and we can discuss all of the things I experienced that day .

Sometimes I even leave them until I get home.

You can also keep a journal of it in your Notes app, record yourself for Instagram, or join tour groups to have someone to comment to.

Soon, you’ll come to appreciate experiencing these moments on your own. Sometimes a moment is most enjoyable when you can just experience it without needing to consider someone else.

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7. Eating Alone

Eating alone is a big pain point for solo female travellers.

Many have never even tried to do it at home before!

Eating alone was really hard when I first started solo travelling – partially because I didn’t have the ability to play games on my cell phone back then.

Now, I love eating alone! I don’t have to worry about trying to talk when I just want to eat my food, or having someone judge me for ordering two desserts so I can try them both.

The best way to get comfortable eating alone is to start doing it.

Some tricks I used to get to the point where I prefer eating alone are:

• Listening to podcasts , audiobooks, or music
• Reading a book (better at coffee shops or delis than restaurants )
• Sitting at the bar and talking to the bartender
• Going on food tours or food meet-ups to get comfortable talking to strangers over food
• Going to places with really good food, so I would be too enthralled to consider being lonely

8. Taking Solo Photos

For years, all of my travel pictures were selfies.

It’s one of the major disadvantages of being a solo traveller: you have no one to take your epic Instagram pictures.

As an introvert and a pretty shy person (until you know me), I struggled to ask strangers to take my picture. When I built up the nerve, it was usually blurry or not quite the shot I wanted.

So I gave up, and resigned myself to a lifetime of solo travel selfies that didn’t adequately capture my visions.

Thankfully, there are ways around this!

I invested in a tripod with a Bluetooth remote that allows me to set up my own shot and be in complete control of my photo-taking experience.

I also realized that once I made friends, I could ask them to take shots for me. It’s a lot easier to get your friend to reshoot the pose you want than it is to get a stranger!

If you’re like me and you struggle to ask others for help, invest in a cheap tripod that can hold your phone or camera so you don’t have to miss out on those picture perfect shots!

9. No Help When You’re Stuck

Travelling alone means you’re on your own when things get hard.

As I already covered in the advantages of travelling alone, I actually think this is one of the biggest pros of solo travel. But it can be a disadvantage when you first get started.

Handling common travel mistakes like getting lost, not knowing where to eat, and needing to find a doctor can feel insurmountable by yourself.

But you are totally capable!

If you’re worried at first, have a friend or family member you can contact. Safety Wing

is a great resource to help you handle challenging situations where you may have lost something or need medical attention.

10. Family Can Be Negative

A disadvantage of travelling alone that was very hard for me was the negative response from family members.

It came from a place of love. But it didn’t make it any easier to feel like I was disappointing or worrying them by going abroad.

Many people struggle to tell their family and friends that they want to solo travel. They expect negative responses or for their family to talk them out of going.

Be sure to have a plan in place to tell your family that you want to solo travel. I had a friend as a support system who would help buoy me up if I got a negative response. I also had a list of predetermined answers to their issues (safety, money, taking time away from work, etc.).

Now, my family gets that solo travel is something I love.

I know that they don’t understand solo travel and that it makes them nervous, so I do my best to keep them updated as I travel and to let them check in on me when I know they need it.

But sometimes I’ll still do things that scare them – like text them that I’m about to go skydiving , then not respond for three hours because my phone is in a locker.

So maybe don’t do that!

Solo Travel Pros and Cons Wrap Up

If you have always wanted to solo travel, don’t let fear hold you back!

Whether you’ve never travelled before or you’ve only travelled in groups, solo travel isn’t as scary as it seems.

As you can see in this article, the pros of solo travel outweigh the cons significantly. In fact, most of the disadvantages only last for your first few trips until you get into the rhythm of solo travelling. Meanwhile, the perks can last a lifetime.

Don’t wait to discover the pros of solo travel for yourself. Book that dream getaway today!

More Posts on Solo Travel:

• What Type of Solo Traveller Are You?
• 85 Best Solo Travel Quotes and Captions to Boost Your Instagram Feed
• Is Solo Travel Lonely?: Conclusively Debunking The Myth
• 18 Best Destinations for Safe Solo Female Travel
• 6 Guaranteed Ways to Make Travel Friends When You’re Travelling Alone
• 10 Mistakes First-Time Solo Travelers Make
• Solo Travel

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Meetup.com – Meet likeminded people who share a similar hobby with Meetup! It’s free to join, but some activities may cost money, like if you go to a cafe and get a coffee.

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Nina Clapperton is the founder of Nina Out and About. She has lived in 18 countries in the past 10 years, explored more than 30 countries, and has done most of it solo. A Canadian native, she also shares her favourite things to do in the True North. She helps over 100,000 people per month plan their expat adventures and Canadian trips.

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The Pros and Cons of Traveling Solo

Some argue that traveling solo can be a solitary and melancholic experience. Concurrently, others believe it to be hazardous and costly. Conversely, a faction contends that it stands as one of the most rewarding endeavors they have ever embarked upon. Hence, what exactly are the pros and cons of traveling solo?

Embarking on solo trip stands out as one of the most enriching and character-shaping adventures a person can undertake.

A a journey I advocate for all wanderers to experience at least once in their lifetime.

Just as life itself presents a mix of positives and negatives, highs and lows, traveling solo embodies a similar duality.

To address the queries flooding my inbox and offer clarity, I present the advantages and disadvantages of traveling solo that I’ve gleaned from my travels.

Advantages and Benefits of Traveling Solo

When considering the advantages of traveling solo, it becomes evident that this mode of exploration offers a myriad of benefits.

Solo travel enables individuals to save money, forge new friendships, potentially discover romance, relish in freedom and adaptability.

It also allows enhance self-assurance and social adeptness, cultivate mindfulness, amass captivating tales, engage with locals intimately, and craft compelling social media narratives.

Practical Benefits of Traveling Solo

A prominent advantage of embarking on a solo journey lies in the freedom and flexibility it affords over your itinerary.

When traveling solo, you wield complete autonomy over the activities you partake in, such as:

• Your choice of accommodation;
• Preferred mode of transportation;
• Dining options;
• Daily schedule;
• Leisure breaks;
• Social engagements;
• Route selections;
• Destinations visited.

The entire expedition revolves solely around your preferences and inclinations.

1. Define Your Budget and Optimize Savings

Traveling alone can be notably more cost-effective, potentially saving up to 70% compared to voyages undertaken with companions.

This financial efficiency stems from the absence of shared expenses typically incurred when traveling with partners, family, or friends.

By setting your individual budget, you liberate yourself from considerations of others’ financial constraints.

The surplus savings accrued can be channeled towards extending the duration of your travels and enhancing the overall quality of your

Travel Resources

2. eat whatever you want.

When people embark on their first solo trip, a common concern they encounter is dining alone, fearing potential awkwardness or feelings of isolation.

However, as you delve deeper into the solo travel experience, you’ll discover that dining alone actually presents one of the advantages of traveling solo.

It grants you complete freedom in choosing what to eat, when to eat, and where to dine.

This aspect is particularly beneficial for those who are mindful of their dietary preferences or have food allergies.

It also proves advantageous for travelers aiming to adhere to a specific travel budget.

3. You’ve Got Plenty of Time

When traveling alone, ample time is at your disposal for introspection, contemplation of surroundings, and reflection on your past experiences.

Being away from life’s distractions accelerates your self-discovery journey, allowing you to understand yourself more swiftly.

Unlike group travel, which can hinder inner reflection, traveling solo provides an ideal opportunity to restore peace to your mind.

Whether exploring night markets, trekking trails, or leisurely strolling through urban landscapes, traveling alone enables you to immerse yourself fully.

When on your own, time appears to flow swiftly, granting you the freedom to pursue activities without any interruption.

4. Form Connections and Cultivate New Friendships

In 2011, I was taken aback by how effortlessly I could forge friendships while traveling alone.

Despite not being the most reserved individual, establishing connections always appeared more challenging back home than in hostels.

Throughout my solo adventures, I have befriended numerous individuals, often bonding over shared interests.

Building new friendships while traveling solo not only boosts confidence but also equips you with a valuable skill set.

5. Choose the Right Accommodation for Your Needs

Another benefit of traveling alone is the ability to select accommodation that aligns with your personal needs.

Without the need to consider the preferences, financial constraints, or desires of travel companions, solo travelers can freely opt for accommodations that suit their individual requirements.

The choice of accommodation typically reflects your budget and preferred style of solo travel.

Ordinary solo travelers prefer a mix of hostels and hotels to enjoy a blend of social interaction, cost-effectiveness, and comfort.

Luxury solo travelers predominantly opt for hotels and private rentals to revel in ultimate comfort and privacy during their trips.

6. Enhanced Personal Development

Engaging with diverse individuals and embracing novel experiences inherently catalyzes personal growth.

When traveling alone, breaking out of your comfort zone becomes inevitable, leading to a transformation in established behavioral patterns.

Apart from honing your capacity for independent thought, traveling solo thrusts you into unfamiliar circumstances, expediting the decision-making process.

Without a safety net to rely on, you are compelled to navigate every challenge solo. This journey fosters the acquisition of a multitude of new skills, an achievement worth your attention.

7. Indulge in Self-Centeredness

Many wonder if traveling alone is enjoyable, but what could be more thrilling than pursuing your desires without constraints?

A common challenge of traveling with companions is the need to consider their preferences and schedules.

When you opt for traveling solo, you have the liberty to engage in activities on your terms. Be it savoring an extra drink at the bar, returning to your lodging ahead of time, or sampling exotic street cuisine.

The beauty of traveling alone lies in the unique chance to be as self-indulgent as you want.

Social Benefits of Travelling Alone

8. expanding your horizons.

In 2011, I dedicated two months to volunteering near Argostoli in Greece, contributing to the collection of scientific data and the preservation of endangered sea turtles.

Given that none of my friends could join me, I embarked on this solo trip.

Reflecting on that experience, I am grateful for the decision to travel alone.

Similarly, delving into diverse customs and lifestyles unveils a realm of fresh opportunities.

It is essential to recognize the abundance of fascinating discoveries awaiting those who embrace traveling alone.

9. Boost Social Media Engagement

Your friends and family back home eagerly anticipate glimpses of your solo travel escapades.

Along your journey, you’ll connect with numerous fellow travelers and new acquaintances on social media, expanding your online presence.

When traveling solo, utilize your idle moments to curate and enhance your photos and videos, crafting distinctive and captivating content for social media platforms.

10. Collect Compelling Narratives

Ever found yourself wishing for more captivating tales to share at social gatherings?

Traveling alone offers a treasure trove of incredible stories waiting to be unearthed.

Upon your return from solo adventures, armed with a trove of amusing, intriguing, and thrilling recollections, you’ll regale your friends and family for hours, keeping them entertained with your vibrant and diverse memories

Read Next: Bali Travel Tips Every First-Time Visitor Should Know

11. enhanced local engagement.

Traveling with companions typically involves relying on them for guidance through the city, language comprehension, food ordering, and learning about local history. At the same time, traveling solo offers a unique advantage—increased reliance on locals for authentic interactions.

During my solo adventures, numerous instances necessitated seeking assistance from locals.

These encounters often led to gracious invitations for tea or meals, providing me with the chance to delve into their way of life.

12. Develop Interpersonal Skills

Traveling alone fosters the development of social skills as you engage in interactions and forge relationships independently.

Regardless of whether you identify as shy or introverted, traveling solo propels you to build interpersonal connections and exhibit a more outgoing demeanor.

By initiating conversations centered around a shared passion you’ll notice the ease with which friendships form. Breaking the ice with this common interest sets the stage for natural, engaging conversations.

Psychological Benefits of Travelling Alone

13. boost self-confidence.

Solo travel presents a plethora of challenges, such as:

• Getting lost in unfamiliar streets;
• Navigating foreign languages;
• Encountering scam artists;
• Forming connections with strangers, and more.

While these obstacles may initially evoke fear and anxiety, overcoming them independently instills a profound sense of pride and relief.

Stepping beyond the confines of everyday life reveals your untapped potential and capabilities, showcasing that you can achieve more than you previously believed without external assistance.

14. Cultivate Clarity through Mindfulness Moments

Allocate time to relish a moment of mindfulness each day of your solo journey.

Embrace the tranquility of solitary contemplation, reflecting on your aspirations, career path, relationships, concerns, blessings, and more.

Engaging in mindfulness proves especially valuable if you grapple with feelings of loneliness, homesickness, or solo travel-induced melancholy.

Seizing these small moments can lead to significant revelations in your thought processes.

15. Embrace New Challenges

When traveling alone, there are no detractors cautioning you with “don’ts” and “shouldn’ts.”

An inherent advantage of solo exploration lies in the freedom to pursue all the experiences you’ve longed to try. Be it adventurous activities, exotic cuisines, social engagements, relationships, and beyond.

Disadvantages of Travelling Alone

Some disadvantages of traveling alone encompass pricier accommodation, heightened vulnerability to theft and scams, and lacking a support system when unwell or inebriated. Not to mention the feelings of isolation or anxiety, and encountering challenges in capturing selfies. Let’s further examine the cons of traveling solo.

Practical Disadvantages of Travelling Alone

16. increased expenses in accommodation, car rentals, and dining.

Traveling solo can lead to increased expenses, especially in accommodation, car rentals, and dining.

Hidden costs may arise due to the need to pay single supplements for private accommodations, and cover the full expenses of private transportation.

You may also have to bear the entire cost of meals without the option to split bills, purchase tickets for attractions at full prices, and potentially pay more for travel insurance.

To save money , solo travelers can opt for shared accommodation and utilize public transport instead of renting a vehicle.

It is advisable not to solely rely on comparison websites for booking but also check suppliers’ websites for potentially better rates.

Additionally, joining a group tour can be a cost-effective solution as organizers often secure discounts through bulk bookings, resulting in more significant savings for solo travelers.

17. Safety Concerns When Traveling Alone

A common question that arises for both men and women contemplating solo travel is its safety.

While no mode of travel is entirely risk-free, certain safety issues become more pronounced when traveling alone:

Without a companion to alert you, you may be more susceptible to street scams.

Theft and Assault

Lack of a travel companion might leave you vulnerable to theft and pickpockets .

Navigation Challenges

In scenarios where you get lost or encounter phone battery issues, the absence of a companion can hinder your ability to seek assistance.

Intoxication and Vulnerability

Finding trustworthy people to assist you when inebriated can be challenging when traveling solo.

Health Concerns

Traveling solo may pose challenges if you fall ill and require assistance.

Language and Cultural Barriers

Without someone to aid in translation or cultural awareness, navigating language barriers and unfamiliar customs can be daunting.

To mitigate the risks associated with solo travel, consider implementing solo travel safety measures.

Taking precautions such as using padlocks, sharing your GPS location with trusted contacts, and activating fraud alerts on your bank account can enhance your safety.

Sharing personal experiences from such tours can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of solo versus group travel.

18. Photography Challenges

An inherent disadvantage of traveling alone is the absence of companions to capture your moments.

Nevertheless, this obstacle can be addressed with practical solutions.

Seek assistance from fellow travelers to take photographs of you or hone your selfie skills, possibly utilizing a selfie stick for convenience.

For photography enthusiasts, carrying a tripod and utilizing the timer feature on your camera can facilitate capturing the ideal shots.

19. Caring for Yourself During Illness

At some point during your solo travels, you may fall ill, whether it’s due to food poisoning, a cold, or another ailment.

One disadvantage of traveling alone is the absence of family or friends to tend to your needs, prepare meals for you, or procure medications.

In such situations, it’s advisable to seek private accommodation for a brief period, allowing yourself time to recuperate.

Limited Luggage Sharing

When traveling with a companion who packs lightly, you often have the convenience of distributing some of your belongings in their bags.

This advantage is not available when traveling solo.

If you happen to make purchases abroad and find yourself running out of luggage space during your solo expedition, your best recourse is to visit the local post office and arrange for shipping the excess items back home.

Social Disadvantages of Travelling Solo

20. bidding farewell to new connections.

While traveling alone often leads to forming numerous friendships and perhaps even romantic connections, a significant drawback is the inevitable parting from these newfound companions.

As you prepare to go your separate ways, it’s essential to connect with your travel buddies on social media and arrange future meet-ups to sustain those bonds.

Despite residing in Germany, traveling alone has facilitated friendships with individuals from various corners of the globe.

I frequently reunite with friends from countries like France , Vietnam , China , Kazakhstan, and many others, thanks to my journeys.

21. Absence of Shared Experiences with Loved Ones

Upon returning home from my first solo trip to Thailand , I was brimming with excitement, eager to share my travel tales with family and friends.

While they welcomed me back warmly and listened to my adventures, I realized that my stories didn’t resonate with them as deeply as they did with me.

Regrettably, your travel anecdotes may not hold the same significance for others as they do for you.

While the narratives may entertain, your audience lacks the firsthand experience that makes the memories truly special.

Nonetheless, this distinction can be a positive aspect, underscoring the uniqueness of your solo travel experiences and the exclusive moments they have offered you, distinct from those of your loved ones.

Read Next: How To Deal With Travel Envy

Psychological disadvantages of travelling alone, 22. navigating through moments of solitude in solo travel.

New solo travelers often ponder: Is traveling solo synonymous with loneliness ?

At times during your solitary journey, you might find yourself dining or gazing at scenic vistas alone, yearning for company to share these experiences.

However, these instances can serve as valuable opportunities for introspection and mindfulness.

Moreover, the myriad of people you encounter and friendships you forge during your solo adventures means that you will likely spend the majority of your time exploring your destination with newfound companions.

During instances of loneliness, consider reaching out to loved ones back home for a comforting conversation.

Alternatively, return to your hostel or visit a local bar to engage in conversations with fellow solo travelers.

Participating in day tours can also keep you engaged and distract you from feelings of isolation.

23. Dealing with Intensified Homesickness

Another cons of traveling solo is the absence of friends or family to provide a sense of home, potentially intensifying feelings of homesickness.

To combat homesickness, prioritize regular video calls with friends and family members.

Carrying a small keepsake from home and setting family photos as your phone wallpaper can also offer a sense of connection.

Most importantly, interact with fellow travelers and engage in activities to divert your attention from negative emotions, fostering new connections and experiences along the way.

24. Navigating Solo Travel Anxiety

Folks who are about to travel alone for the first time often grapple with solo travel anxiety. An apprehension about managing the emotions and challenges associated with traveling alone.

It’s common to question the unconventional nature of solo travel and wonder if it’s odd to travel alone, especially before your first solo trip.

These concerns represent a notable disadvantage of solo travel.

However, as you venture onto the open road, immerse yourself in awe-inspiring destinations, build meaningful connections, and embrace novel experiences, you will find that your initial worries dissipate.

Embracing the unknown and diving headfirst into solo travel is not only the most effective but also the sole method to conquer solo anxiety.

Final Thoughts On The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Traveling Alone

I trust that I have clarified the misconceptions surrounding the pros and cons of traveling solo.

Traveling alone is ideally suited for individuals unafraid to confront challenges like safety concerns and the emotional complexities of solitude, anxiety, and yearning for home.

For the adventurous and inquisitive souls eager to explore the world, solo travel offers a wealth of benefits.

By embarking on solo trips, you can forge new friendships, deepen your global perspective, and gain profound insights into both the world around you and your inner self.

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13 comments.

Natalie Allen

I traveled to India and Poland solo and probably would have hated it if I wasn’t involved with a group and learning something. When I had time off from the classes I would strike out on my own and visit new places that excited me. I did enjoy that part a lot, but having someone to bounce ideas off of and help me plan a trip is really nice. I know some people are better at being independent, but I’m not one of them, I guess. I agree with you that travelling with a partner is cheaper; economy of scale is a beautiful thing!

Backpacking Series

Love the way you have brought out pros and cons of Solo Travel. Lots of people want to go for the solo trips but may not know what all it takes. As much as I love the pros, the cons are equally important to consider. Thank you for reinforcing the importance of being open and flexible when travelling! Is it not that travel is best experienced when we let it flow 🙂

Good points. For me, the best way to travel is with just one extra person. In the past it usually was my best girlfriend, now my husband. They like the same things I do, so there is no need to compromise, I don’t feel they are a burden, while at the same time I feel safer and happier being able to share the experiences with someone else.

Followingtherivera

I’ve travelled a few times on my own and totally agree with everything you wrote. It can get lonely at times, but once you meet some cool people, you wonder why you didn’t do it earlier! Everyone should try it once in their lives.

FlySoulmates

Good points! Before I met my wife I was traveling solo. Now I enjoy more travel with her 🙂

Garima Tiwari

Such a unique idea to be write.. I never travelled alone and I never wanted to .. lovely pictures and very informative blog. Will help a lot. Love your writing style it motivate me write more. Keep it up.

Some great points here! I travel with my partner mostly but would love to do a few solo trips to boost my confidence. For example, I find i rely on him to do the talking when we don’t speak the language, or driving when i don’t know the roads very well! I know if i pushed myself i could do it! Thanks for sharing

Ziaul Hasan

Personally i prefer to travel with family but i can’t help agreeing to some of the points of this post..

Adaezeboltbethel

I live for traveling with a partner. Thanks for sharing the article.

Ishani Nath

Great post. Like your way of writing. You have pointed out the right things about Solo travel. I have travelled solo very less number of times as my husband loves to travel and we travel together. Keep up the good work.

Farah Al Zadjaly

The pros still beats the cons for me when it comes to the solo travel… Its that peace of discovering and taking in the moment.

Alexander Popkov

I am too much of a social creature to travel solo. Never liked being alone, always need someone to share the experience with. But it has to be someone like minded.

i havent gone to a solo travel because im worried about my safety and getting lost in a place. but you put good points on traveling solo.

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Exploring the Pros and Cons of Traveling Alone – Examining the Advantages and Disadvantages

Table of Contents

Traveling alone can be an incredibly rewarding experience for those seeking adventure and self-discovery. With the freedom to explore the world on your own terms, there are numerous advantages to embarking on a solo journey. One of the key benefits is the ability to immerse oneself fully in the destination, allowing for a deeper sense of introspection and self-reflection. Without the distractions of companionship, solo travelers have the opportunity to truly connect with their surroundings and engage with the local culture in a more authentic way.

Moreover, traveling alone encourages spontaneity and flexibility. With no one else to consider, you have the freedom to change plans on a whim and embrace unexpected opportunities. This sense of spontaneity often leads to extraordinary experiences that may have been missed if traveling with others. Additionally, solo travel promotes independence and self-reliance, as you are solely responsible for navigating new environments and making important decisions.

However, it is also important to acknowledge the disadvantages of traveling alone. One of the most prominent drawbacks is the potential for feelings of loneliness and isolation. Without the presence of friends or loved ones to share moments with, it is common to experience bouts of homesickness or longing for human connection. Furthermore, safety can be a concern when traveling alone, as there is no one to watch your back or offer assistance in unfamiliar situations.

Despite these drawbacks, the advantages of traveling alone often outweigh the disadvantages. The opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery that comes with solo travel is unparalleled. From pushing personal boundaries to embracing new experiences, traveling alone can be an invigorating and transformative journey that leaves a lasting impact on one’s life.

Freedom and Independence

One of the major advantages of traveling alone is the freedom it provides. When you are alone, you have complete control over your itinerary and can make changes as you please. You don’t have to compromise with anyone else’s preferences, allowing you to fully indulge in activities that interest you. This sense of freedom allows for a greater level of introspection and self-discovery, as you have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the places you visit.

However, while independence is a key advantage of solo travel, it can also have its disadvantages. Being alone can sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially when you are in unfamiliar surroundings. It can be challenging to navigate new places and cultural differences without the support of a travel companion.

On the other hand, traveling alone also offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and self-reliance. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, forcing you to adapt and problem-solve on your own. This independence allows for a greater sense of self-confidence and resilience, as you learn to rely solely on yourself in various situations.

Additionally, traveling solo allows for a greater level of spontaneity. You can make last-minute decisions and change your plans without having to consult with anyone else. This flexibility enables you to fully embrace the unexpected and take advantage of new opportunities that may arise during your journey.

In conclusion, while there are certain disadvantages to traveling alone, such as feelings of loneliness and the need for self-reliance, the advantages of freedom, independence, introspection, and spontaneity often outweigh the drawbacks. Traveling alone provides a unique opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the world and create unforgettable experiences.

Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

One of the greatest advantages of traveling alone is the opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. When you are on your own, you have the freedom to explore the world in your own way, without any outside influence or distractions. This allows for a level of spontaneity and exploration that may not be possible when traveling with others.

Alone Time for Self-Reflection

Traveling alone gives you ample time for self-reflection and introspection. Without the constant presence of others, you are able to truly connect with yourself and understand your thoughts and emotions on a deeper level. This solitude can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and self-awareness.

During your solo travels, you have the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences. This can lead to personal transformations and a better understanding of yourself. You may discover hidden talents or passions that you were not aware of, or develop new skills that you never thought possible.

Independence and Freedom

Another advantage of traveling alone is the independence and freedom it offers. You get to make all the decisions, from where to go and what to see, to when and where to eat. This level of control allows you to tailor your trip to your own preferences, without having to compromise with others.

Traveling alone also fosters a sense of empowerment and self-reliance. You learn to navigate unfamiliar places, solve problems on your own, and make important decisions without relying on others. This independence can boost your confidence and make you more resilient in facing challenges.

However, it is important to acknowledge that there can be some disadvantages to traveling alone. Safety concerns, loneliness, and the lack of shared experiences are some of the challenges that solo travelers may face. It is crucial to take necessary precautions and stay connected with loved ones during your journey.

Overall, traveling alone can be a transformative experience, allowing you to discover more about yourself and grow as an individual. The freedom and independence that comes with solo travel can lead to personal breakthroughs and a greater sense of self. So, if you are craving an adventure that is all about you, don’t hesitate to embark on a solo trip!

Flexibility and Spontaneity

Travelling alone also allows for spontaneity. You can explore new places or engage in activities that interest you without having to consider anyone else’s preferences. Whether it’s taking a detour to visit a hidden gem or spontaneously booking a last-minute tour, being alone gives you the opportunity to satisfy your curiosity and indulge in your own desires.

Furthermore, traveling alone encourages self-reflection and introspection. Without the distractions and obligations of companionship, you have the chance to be fully present in the moment and connect with yourself. You can take the time to contemplate, meditate, and gain a deeper understanding of your own thoughts, desires, and goals.

While traveling with others can certainly be enjoyable, being alone grants a sense of freedom that is unparalleled. The sense of empowerment and accomplishment that comes from navigating unfamiliar environments and overcoming challenges on your own is truly remarkable.

In conclusion, the advantages of traveling alone, such as flexibility, spontaneity, self-reflection, and freedom, outweigh the potential drawbacks. Being alone allows you to create your own itinerary, embrace new opportunities, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. So, don’t be afraid to venture out alone and experience the world on your terms.

Empowerment and Confidence Boost

One of the greatest advantages of travelling alone is the sense of empowerment and confidence it brings. When you travel alone, you are responsible for yourself and your own experience. This freedom allows you to make your own decisions and take charge of your journey.

Travelling alone provides you with the opportunity to push your boundaries and step out of your comfort zone. Without the influence of others, you can truly embrace the spontaneity and adventure that comes with solo travel.

Being alone while travelling also allows for self-reflection and introspection. You have the time and space to explore your own thoughts and feelings, without any distractions. This can lead to a greater understanding of yourself and can contribute to personal growth and development.

Travelling alone requires independence and self-reliance. You learn to navigate unfamiliar places, communicate with locals, and make decisions on your own. These skills are not only helpful while travelling, but can also be applied to other areas of life.

Overall, the empowerment and confidence boost that comes with travelling alone is invaluable. It can help you to discover your own strength and capabilities, and to become more self-assured in all aspects of life.

Cultural Immersion and Authenticity

One of the greatest advantages of traveling alone is the opportunity for cultural immersion and authenticity. When you travel alone, you have the freedom to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and interact with locals on a deeper level. This allows you to gain a more authentic experience and truly understand the traditions and customs of the place you’re visiting.

Traveling alone also encourages spontaneity and a sense of freedom. Without the constraints of traveling in a group, you can be more flexible in your plans and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. This spontaneity not only adds excitement to your journey but also allows you to discover hidden gems that you may not have found otherwise.

Another advantage of traveling alone is the sense of independence it fosters. You have the opportunity to make your own decisions and be in control of your own itinerary. This independence allows you to focus on your own interests and spend your time and resources as you see fit.

Furthermore, traveling alone provides ample opportunities for introspection and self-reflection. Without the distractions and influences of others, you can delve deep into your own thoughts and gain a better understanding of yourself. This self-discovery process can be incredibly enriching and transformative.

However, it is important to acknowledge that there are also disadvantages to traveling alone. One major disadvantage is the potential for loneliness and the lack of companionship. Solo travel can sometimes be isolating, and you may find yourself missing the presence of friends or loved ones to share experiences with.

In addition, safety concerns may be heightened when traveling alone, especially in unfamiliar places or countries with different cultural norms. It is important to take extra precautions and be cautious of your surroundings to ensure your personal safety.

Despite these disadvantages, the advantages of traveling alone far outweigh the disadvantages. The cultural immersion, spontaneity, freedom, independence, and opportunities for introspection make solo travel an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience.

Challenges and Safety Concerns

While there are many advantages to traveling alone, there are also a number of challenges and safety concerns that should be considered. One of the main challenges of solo travel is the lack of companionship. Traveling alone can be a solitary experience, which can be both a positive and a negative. On one hand, it allows for introspection and self-reflection, giving you the opportunity to understand yourself better and grow as an individual. On the other hand, being alone for an extended period of time can be lonely and isolating.

Another challenge of traveling alone is the need to rely solely on yourself. When you are alone, you have to make all the decisions and handle any problems that arise. This level of independence can be empowering, as you have the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want. However, it can also be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you are in an unfamiliar place or facing a difficult situation.

One of the biggest safety concerns when traveling alone is personal security. It is important to be vigilant and take precautions to ensure your safety. This includes being aware of your surroundings, avoiding risky situations, and keeping your personal belongings secure. While solo travel can be a great opportunity for self-discovery and adventure, it is crucial to prioritize your safety and take measures to protect yourself.

Despite the challenges and safety concerns, there are many advantages to traveling alone. One of the biggest advantages is the flexibility and spontaneity that comes with solo travel. When you are alone, you have the freedom to change your plans at any moment, allowing you to take advantage of unexpected opportunities and immerse yourself in new experiences. This flexibility can lead to some of the most memorable and rewarding moments of your trip.

Disadvantages

However, there are also disadvantages to traveling alone. One of the main disadvantages is the lack of companionship and social interaction. When you are alone, you do not have someone to share your experiences with or rely on for support. This can make certain activities, such as dining out or going to a concert, less enjoyable. Additionally, traveling alone can be more expensive, as you do not have someone to split costs with.

Loneliness and Lack of Support

One of the main disadvantages of traveling alone is the potential for loneliness and lack of support. When you are exploring new places and experiencing new things, it can be natural to want to share those moments with someone else. However, when you are traveling alone, you may not have anyone to share your excitement or adventures with.

Loneliness can also lead to self-reflection, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. On one hand, traveling alone gives you the opportunity to spend time with yourself and reflect on your thoughts and emotions. This can be a valuable experience for personal growth and self-discovery. On the other hand, too much time alone can lead to feelings of isolation and sadness.

Another disadvantage of traveling alone is the lack of support. When you are in a new place, things can sometimes go wrong or become overwhelming. In these situations, it can be helpful to have someone by your side to offer support and assistance. Traveling alone means that you have to rely on your own independence and problem-solving skills.

However, it’s important to remember that traveling alone also comes with its advantages. For example, you have complete freedom and flexibility to do what you want, when you want. There is no need to compromise or make decisions based on someone else’s preferences. You can also enjoy the spontaneity of traveling alone, as you can change your plans or itinerary at any time without having to consult with anyone else.

In conclusion, while there are disadvantages to traveling alone, such as loneliness and lack of support, there are also advantages, such as independence and freedom. It’s important to weigh these pros and cons and decide what is best for you when planning your next travel adventure.

What are the advantages of traveling alone?

Traveling alone allows you the freedom to make your own itinerary and make spontaneous decisions. You can fully immerse yourself in the local culture and have a more authentic experience. It can also help you become more independent and confident.

Are there any disadvantages of traveling alone?

Traveling alone can sometimes be lonely, as you don’t have someone to share the experiences with. It may also feel less safe, especially if you are traveling to unfamiliar places. Additionally, you may have to bear all the expenses by yourself.

Is it safe to travel alone?

Traveling alone can be safe as long as you take necessary precautions. It is important to research about the destination, stay in well-lit and populated areas, and keep your belongings secure. It is also recommended to share your travel plans with someone you trust.

Can I meet new people while traveling alone?

Absolutely! Traveling alone can actually make it easier to meet new people as you are more likely to approach and interact with others. You can join group tours or stay in hostels where you can meet fellow travelers. It is also a good opportunity to make new friends from different parts of the world.

Is traveling alone suitable for introverts?

Yes, traveling alone can be a great experience for introverts. It gives them the chance to spend time alone and recharge, while also providing opportunities for personal growth. Introverts may find it easier to explore and engage with new surroundings without the pressure of socializing.

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10 Advantages and Disadvantages of Solo Travel

Embarking on a journey, whether solo or with companions, holds the promise of adventure, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. As we navigate the vast landscape of travel possibilities, the decision between embarking on a solo trip or traveling with others often comes to the forefront.

Both options offer distinct advantages and disadvantages that every traveler must weigh carefully. 

From the freedom and self-discovery of a solo trip to the camaraderie and shared memories of traveling with friends or family, there’s much to consider. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both solo travel and traveling with others, shedding light on the nuances that shape our travel experiences.

Whether you’re contemplating your first solo adventure in hostels or seeking the perfect travel partner, join us as we delve into the world of exploration, connection, and wanderlust.

• Redaction Team
• February 17, 2024
• Entrepreneurship , Remote Work

Advantages of Solo Travel

• Freedom and Flexibility : Traveling alone allows you to plan your itinerary according to your preferences and interests without having to compromise with others.
• Personal Growth : Solo travel provides opportunities for self-discovery, self-reliance, and personal growth as you navigate new environments and challenges independently.
• Meet New People : Traveling solo encourages interaction with locals and other travelers, fostering meaningful connections and new friends along the way.
• Itinerary Control : As a solo traveler, you have complete control over your itinerary, allowing you to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations and spontaneous adventures.
• Enhanced Cultural Immersion : Without the presence of a travel companion, solo travelers may immerse themselves more deeply in local cultures and customs, leading to richer travel experiences.

Disadvantages of Solo Travel

• Loneliness : One of the significant drawbacks of traveling alone is the potential for loneliness, especially during downtime or when faced with challenges.
• Safety Concerns : Solo travelers may face safety risks, such as theft, scams, or getting lost, particularly in unfamiliar or high-risk areas.
• Limited Social Interaction : While solo travel can lead to meeting new people, it may also result in fewer opportunities for social interaction compared to traveling with companions.
• Higher Costs : Solo travelers may incur higher costs for accommodations, transportation, and activities, as they don't benefit from shared expenses with a travel companion.
• Decision Fatigue : Planning and making decisions solo can be mentally taxing, leading to decision fatigue and increased stress during the trip.

Pros and cons of Travelling Alone vs Travelling in Group

Traveling alone and traveling in a group each offer distinct advantages and disadvantages that cater to different preferences and travel styles. When you travel solo, you have the freedom to create your itinerary and explore destinations at your own pace, allowing for self-discovery and independence.

Solo travel also provides opportunities to meet new people from all walks of life, fostering meaningful connections and friendships along the way. However, one of the cons of traveling solo, especially for solo females, may include feelings of loneliness or safety concerns, particularly when navigating unfamiliar environments or traveling to foreign countries where you may not speak the local language. 

On the other hand, traveling in a group offers the benefit of companionship and shared experiences, making it less likely to feel lonely and providing a sense of security. Group travel also often includes organized activities and tours, such as cooking classes or group adventures, that can enhance the overall travel experience.

 However, traveling in a group may limit your freedom over your itinerary and require compromises to accommodate the preferences of others.

Ultimately, whether you choose to travel alone or in a group depends on your personal preferences, comfort level, and the type of travel experience you seek. It’s essential to consider the pros and cons of each option before deciding on the best fit for your travel adventure.

Conclusion of Advantages and Disadvantages of Travelling Alone

In conclusion, when considering the pros and cons of solo travel, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages carefully. While solo travel offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, make spontaneous decisions, and immerse yourself fully in new experiences, it also comes with its share of challenges. One of the biggest cons of solo travel may include feelings of loneliness and safety concerns, particularly when navigating unfamiliar environments or traveling to foreign countries.

However, solo travel also presents numerous advantages, such as the opportunity to meet new people, gain independence, and embark on self-discovery journeys. Whether it’s your first solo trip or you’re a seasoned solo traveler, it’s crucial to consider factors like travel safety tips, travel expenses, and travel plans when deciding whether to travel alone or with others. Ultimately, solo travel can be a rewarding and enriching experience for those who embrace the opportunity to explore the world on their terms.

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Solo travel: Disadvantages of travelling alone

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There are over 649 million searches on solo travel, and believe it or not, only a few of those pages discuss the disadvantages of travelling alone. Typically speaking, most of those pages will be helping people to find tips and tricks on HOW to travel by themselves instead of talking about the negatives. We already know the benefits of travelling solo so now it’s time to see the other side.

Exploring the world is on many people’s to-do lists, but not everyone puts that plan into action. Especially if they can’t find someone to travel with.

Unfortunately in the working world, not everybody can get the same time off to go away together. This has caused more and more people to take the plunge and dive headfirst into solo travel.

This has created a surge in people wanting to know what disadvantages there are when it comes to travelling solo and exploring the world alone. I want to break down some points below to help you prepare for the expected feelings, situations and scenarios that you’ll likely (but not definitely) face when you head out on your own solo journey.

Don’t forget to get travel insurance to cover you if something bad happens. One company I have personal experience with is Safety Wing . Not everyone needs the same coverage, so make sure you get a personalised quote that suits you and your trip plans.

When you need to transfer money or check exchange rates during your overseas trip, consider using Wise . They have competitive rates and make exchanging foreign funds easy. I’ve been using them since 2015.

Before you are (potentially) put off going on your dream trip because of these disadvantages, make sure to check out these posts on why you 100% should still go:

• Gap year advantages: 12 reasons why you should go
• What is a working holiday? All you need to know!

You are more at risk

As the saying goes, there is safety in numbers. When you start travelling alone you are putting yourself at risk as there will be nobody to have your back if there is an issue.

Maybe you have to distance yourself from someone giving off stalker vibes. Or maybe someone won’t take no for an answer. Perhaps you get lost and end up finding your way through a dangerous neighbourhood.

Whatever the situation is, you’ll have to work it out yourself. Truth is, not everyone is kindhearted, so when you travel solo, you’re putting yourself in potential harm’s way.

Top tips for keeping yourself safe:

• Never be too trusting of anybody.
• Don’t get overly intoxicated.
• Remember it’s ok to say “No”
• Always plan your route ahead of time.
• Avoid getting your valuables out in the street.
• Avoid using the same route every time – change it up.

One way to stay safe is to make sure you are always connected and able to reach help if you need it. By getting an eSIM you will have the ability to download it straight to your device for instant use. Just avoid using your phone out in public too often.

It can be more expensive

One of the overlooked disadvantages of travelling alone is it can sometimes be more expensive than travelling in a pair or with a group. This is because there is nobody to split costs with.

Generally speaking, accommodations often have assumed double occupancy prices. This means that hotels expect most people to travel in at least a pair so they charge their rooms accordingly. When you travel on your own, you are still expected to pay the same price for the room whether you have a second person to split it with or not.

Luckily for us, hostels normally charge by the bed rather than the room so it’ll cost you personally the same amount whether you are alone or with a friend. The best way to find hostel accommodation is through HostelWorld . Plus, they’re one of the best ways to meet new people!

You can get lonely

Although you might notice loneliness more if you are an extrovert, it’s true that anybody can feel lonely. A huge disadvantage to travelling alone is just that, being alone. It’s ok for a few days here and there, but if you’re on a gap year or a long-term travel journey it can feel isolating to spend large portions of your time without anybody you know.

When you’re away from loved ones for a long period of time, you’re much more likely to experience homesickness. If you don’t find ways to handle your homesickness then it can really affect your trip.

Some of the best ways to beat lonely thoughts are to step out of your comfort zone and try to meet new people. Maybe you want somebody to do the next part of your journey with for a bit of companionship. Well, there are also ways to find a travel partner in this day and age. Plus, when staying in hostels and joining tour groups, you’ll easily find more people to spend time with.

It can be scary

If you’re new to travelling, it can be daunting heading to a far off land by yourself. There will no doubt be times on your trip when you’re nervous due to being in an unknown environment. When all you’ve known is your consistent routine at home, it can seem overwhelming to take on this new adventure by yourself.

You can help yourself by doing research about the places you are going in advance. By knowing what a place is like ahead of time you can better understand what to expect.

If a place has any strict rules to follow or cultural considerations to be aware of, you’ll know about them before you arrive. This can help lessen the culture shock and hopefully make you feel a little less scared.

Over time, you’ll get more comfortable with being in new places alone and you’ll wonder what you were ever so afraid of!

Check out: Honest disadvantages of a gap year & 13 downsides to travelling for a long time

Harder to take the perfect picture

Let’s face it, it’s the era of social media so it’s likely you’ll want to take photos. Whether you want photos to post online or just some to keep as memories, you’ll snap some. When you travel on your own it’ll be harder to get those amazing travel photos. This can often make you miss out on having a photo of you with a stunning landscape or amazing new sights.

This means that you’ll need to get creative. If there are no people around to ask to take your photo, you have two choices, find a way to take them yourself or don’t take any at all.

But rather than miss out, you can either lean your phone or camera against something, use selfie sticks or use a tripod. This way, you’ll still be able to get those beautiful travel images of yourself without needing to rely on a stranger!

In the image on the right of me on the EEOR trail in the rocky mountains , I used my tripod. Look at how much better the framing of the mounting is compared to my terrible selfie on the left.

It can be tiring

When you only have yourself for company it can be lonely, but constantly trying to make friends can be just as tiring. When you’re in a position where you don’t know anybody, you often need to step out of your comfort zone and make some effort.

Yes, it’s easy to make friends but constantly trying to get to know people and remembering little things about them takes quite a lot of energy. Plus, you’ll probably find you accept most offers and invitations to join groups, tours and activities which means you’re on-the-go nonstop.

How to handle this:

• Make time to relax and do nothing once in a while.
• Don’t be afraid to say no from time to time.
• Invest in a sleep mask & earplugs so you can get a good sleep – even if only a few hours.

No one to care for you if you get sick

Let’s imagine you’re away for an entire year and you end up unwell from the seasonal flu. Even though it’s not serious, you can still feel very under the weather. When travelling alone you won’t have anybody to take care of you while you’re feeling sick. I don’t know about you, but I often feel worse if I have to battle a sickness alone.

This could be one of the worst disadvantages of travelling alone if you end up with a serious injury or health concern but long-term travel insurance can certainly help with that. It might not make you feel better in the short term like a friend could, but it can certainly relieve some of the stress of being unwell overseas when you know the insurance will cover the financial aspect.

Take a look at why you should consider backpackers travel insurance for your trips.

Your memories will be yours alone

Whether it be an inside joke, a funny memory or an amazing experience. There won’t be anyone to reminisce about it with. When travelling alone you have to understand that one of the disadvantages will be not sharing memories with people.

Don’t get me wrong, you will always meet people and make friends along the way but it’s unlikely you’ll share the same memory with someone during every moment of the adventure. But don’t look at it as a bad thing! I can honestly say, some of my favourite travel memories here when I was alone overseas.

It can be harder to create close friendships

Ok, so this one depends on your travel style. If you are just moving abroad for a working holiday for example and planning on staying with a home base, then this is less relevant.

However, if you are travelling alone and heading to multiple destinations then you could struggle to make close friends.

This is because when you are constantly moving around, you don’t get to interact with the same people for long periods or on a regular basis. Yes, you’ll make lots of friends, but you’ll be saying goodbye to them too when your trips head in opposite directions. Will they be your closest confidants after 2 weeks of travelling together? Maybe, but it’s not guaranteed.

You might miss out on some things

One thing I’ve found as a solo traveller is that some tour companies will not run excursions if they have less than a minimum number of people. For example, you might be hoping to go on a whale tour, however, there are only you and two other guests.

Since there are fewer than 5 people, the tour doesn’t go ahead and you are refunded your money. Yes, it’s good you’re not out of pocket, but if you’re not in the area for very long, you might run out of time to go on the tour if they don’t go ahead. This means you might miss out on experiences because you’re not travelling in a group.

Pro tip: It’s often worth calling tour companies and asking if they have any dates in your visit range that are guaranteed to go ahead. Make your plan based on what’s guaranteed.

If you need to find tours and activities in your destination, the two sites I recommend the most are Viator & GetYourGuide . Viator seems to have more location coverage including less touristy destinations, but GetYourGuide is often competitive on price!

Final thoughts on the disadvantages of travelling alone

Tired of the negatives? Have a read of these inspiring solo travel quotes to remind you why solo travel is liberating.

Travelling alone is something I believe everyone should experience at least once in their life regardless of these disadvantages above. Whether you opt to go away for just a quick weekend of TLC or whether you dive right in and do a year-long working holiday or gap year, see how you get on with solo travel.

I never intend to put people off with my posts, but instead, offer some advice from someone who has had first-hand experience.

Is there anything else that would put you off travelling solo? Let me know in the comments!

Need help planning your trip?

Check out how to plan a trip abroad & see my travel resources for more. WayAway – Great for booking flights. They even have a cashback feature for those who fly frequently. Skyscanner – A comprehensive comparison website showing where to purchase flights. HostelWorld – The biggest selection of hostels & sociable accommodations. Booking.com – The largest collection of accommodations worldwide. Safety Wing – A travel insurance brand for long-term travellers and nomads. Airalo – An eSIM card company that lets you stay connected during your trip. Wise – Perfect for transferring foreign currencies. iVisa – For applying for tourist and visitor visas. Viator – Great for finding tours and activities worldwide. Get Your Guide – Another company for finding activities. Klook – Have some of the best activity deals in Asia.

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• Solo Travel

Solo Travel Advantages And Disadvantages – Best Guide!

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Solo travel has both advantages and disadvantages. It offers independence and self-discovery, but it can be risky and lonely at times.

We will explore the pros and cons of traveling alone, helping you make an informed decision about embarking on a solo adventure. Whether you are a seasoned solo traveler looking to validate your experiences or someone considering taking their first solo trip, this guide will provide valuable insights to enhance your travel experience.

So, let’s dive into the advantages and disadvantages of solo travel and discover whether it is the right choice for you.

Table of Contents

Advantages Of Solo Travel

Solo travel offers a multitude of advantages that make it a truly unique and rewarding experience. From freedom and independence to personal growth and self-discovery, embarking on a solo journey allows you to explore the world on your terms and uncover the hidden gems that await you.

With flexibility and spontaneity at your fingertips, you have the power to shape your itinerary as you go, creating a travel experience that is tailored to your preferences. In this section, we will delve into each of these advantages and highlight why solo travel is a choice worth considering .

Freedom And Independence

One of the greatest joys of solo travel is the freedom and independence it provides. When you embark on a journey alone, you have complete control over your itinerary, allowing you to set your own pace and immerse yourself in the destinations that speak to your heart. Whether you want to explore bustling cities, relax on serene beaches, or hike through breathtaking mountains, the choice is yours.

There is no need to compromise or accommodate others’ preferences, giving you the ultimate freedom to pursue your passions and curiosities without any limitations. This newfound freedom allows you to embrace spontaneity and seize opportunities as they arise, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Personal Growth And Self-discovery

Solo travel offers an unparalleled opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Stepping out of your comfort zone and navigating unfamiliar territories on your forces you to rely on your abilities and instincts, fostering self-reliance and resilience. As you face challenges and overcome them, you develop a strong sense of confidence and independence that spills over into other areas of your life.

Moreover, solo travel provides a fertile ground for self-reflection and introspection. Without the distractions of companionship, you have the space and solitude to deeply connect with yourself, gaining a better understanding of your desires, values, and strengths. This process of self-discovery can lead to profound personal growth and a greater appreciation for the world around you.

Flexibility And Spontaneity

Solo travel offers unmatched flexibility and spontaneity, enabling you to adapt your plans as you go and explore new opportunities that present themselves along the way. Without having to consider others’ preferences or adhere to strict schedules, you can make impromptu decisions and change your course of action without any constraints.

Discovering a charming little town that was not on your original itinerary, engaging in spontaneous conversations with locals, or stumbling upon hidden gems are just some of the unexpected delights that await when you embrace the flexibility of solo travel. This freedom to be fully present in the moment and seize the day is a true gift that allows you to make the most of your travel experience.

Disadvantages Of Solo Travel

Solo travel has its fair share of advantages, from the freedom to make all the decisions to the opportunity for self-discovery. However, it is important to also acknowledge the potential downsides that come with exploring the world alone. In this section, we will discuss three key disadvantages of solo travel: loneliness and isolation, safety concerns, and limited shared experiences.

Loneliness And Isolation

One of the biggest challenges of solo travel is the potential for loneliness and isolation. Traveling without companions means you may not have anyone to share your experiences with, and this can sometimes result in feelings of isolation. Exploring new places, trying new foods, or witnessing stunning landscapes can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s natural to want to share those moments with someone else.

Moreover, being alone for an extended period may make it harder to meet new people and form connections. While there are various ways to combat loneliness, such as joining group tours or staying in social accommodations, it’s essential to acknowledge that moments of solitude may arise during solo travel .

Safety Concerns

Another significant concern with solo travel is safety. Traveling alone can make you more vulnerable to potential risks, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the destination. Without a travel partner to watch your back, it’s important to be extra cautious and take precautions to ensure personal safety.

For instance, some people may hesitate to venture out after dark or may feel uneasy in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Additionally, solo travelers can potentially become targets for theft or scams. While these risks are not exclusive to solo travel, being alone may make it more challenging to navigate unfamiliar situations or seek assistance when needed.

Limited Shared Experiences

One of the joys of traveling is sharing experiences with others. Whether it’s laughing together at a funny cultural misunderstanding or engaging in deep conversations about life, shared experiences enhance the overall travel journey. Unfortunately, solo travelers may miss out on these shared moments.

When you travel alone, you are solely responsible for creating your memories. While this can be empowering, it also means you are limited in your perspective and insights. Conversations and connections formed with fellow travelers can enrich the travel experience by providing different viewpoints and opportunities for personal growth.

In conclusion, solo travel offers numerous advantages but also comes with its own set of disadvantages. Loneliness and isolation, safety concerns, and limited shared experiences are some of the challenges that solo travelers may encounter. Being aware of these potential downsides and taking appropriate measures can help mitigate the negative impacts and allow you to make the most of your solo travel experiences.

Advantages Of Solo Travel: Freedom And Independence

Solo travel offers a unique experience that allows you to fully embrace freedom and independence. Whether you’re an adventurous soul or someone seeking self-discovery, embarking on a solo journey can be immensely rewarding. This article explores some of the advantages of solo travel that come with the liberty to travel at your own pace, choose your itinerary, and make spontaneous decisions on the go.

Travel At Your Own Pace

Solo travel enables you to set your own pace without compromising with anyone else’s preferences. This liberating advantage allows you to fully immerse yourself in the journey where you can take everything at your speed. Whether you want to explore a bustling city or relax on a tranquil beach, you have the flexibility to do so. You can pause to admire breathtaking scenic views, spend extra time at a particular attraction, or simply take a stroll through the streets, all without feeling rushed.

Choose Your Itinerary

Solo travel grants you the freedom to design your itinerary according to your interests, preferences, and priorities. You have the opportunity to curate a personalized travel experience that aligns with your passions and goals. Whether you enjoy history, adventure, food, or culture, you can tailor your trip to include activities and destinations that resonate with you. Say goodbye to compromises and negotiations, and hello to a journey that is uniquely yours.

Make Spontaneous Decisions

One of the most exciting advantages of solo travel is the ability to make spontaneous decisions along the way. Without depending on others, you can embrace the thrill of impulsiveness and seize opportunities as they arise. If you come across a hidden gem or stumble upon a local festival, you have the freedom to change your plans and dive into new experiences. This spontaneity adds an element of excitement to your solo adventure and allows you to create unforgettable memories that you might have otherwise missed.

In summary, solo travel offers unparalleled freedom and independence, allowing you to travel at your own pace, choose your itinerary, and make spontaneous decisions. Embrace the freedom to explore the world on your terms, and unlock a journey that reflects your unique desires and interests.

Advantages Of Solo Travel: Personal Growth And Self-discovery

Solo travel offers a multitude of advantages, one of the most significant being personal growth and self-discovery. Stepping out of your comfort zone, building confidence and resilience, and discovering your true passions are just a few ways in which solo travel can transform your life. Let’s explore these advantages in more detail:

Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Solo travel provides the perfect opportunity to break free from the confines of your comfort zone. When you travel alone, you are solely responsible for navigating unfamiliar territory, communicating with locals, and making decisions on your own. This pushes you to face new challenges and overcome obstacles, allowing you to grow and thrive outside of your usual routine.

Build Confidence And Resilience

Solo travel is a crucible that tests your self-confidence and resilience. As you navigate through unfamiliar surroundings and interact with different cultures, you learn to rely on yourself and trust your instincts. This process strengthens your confidence in your abilities and builds resilience, as you become more adept at handling unexpected situations and adapting to changing circumstances.

Discover Your True Passions

When traveling alone, you have the freedom to discover and explore your true passions without any external influence. Whether it’s hiking through breathtaking landscapes, immersing yourself in the local cuisine, or engaging in cultural activities, solo travel allows you to follow your heart’s desires. This self-discovery journey helps you uncover hidden talents, interests, and aspirations, leading to a deeper understanding of yourself and your passions.

Advantages Of Solo Travel: Flexibility And Spontaneity

Solo travel offers unique opportunities for individuals seeking adventure, self-discovery, and the freedom to explore without any constraints. One of the most enticing advantages of embarking on a solo journey is the unmatched flexibility and spontaneity it brings. With no one else to consider, travelers can easily change their plans, embrace unexpected opportunities, and tailor their entire trip around personal interests and preferences.

Change Plans Without Compromise

When traveling alone, you have the ultimate freedom to change plans on a whim. Whether you stumble upon a hidden gem, receive a last-minute invitation from fellow travelers, or simply decide to take a different route, you have the power to adapt and modify your itinerary as you see fit. This flexibility eliminates the need to compromise with travel companions and allows you to fully embrace the spontaneity of your journey.

Embrace Unexpected Opportunities

Traveling solo opens the door to unexpected opportunities that may not have arisen if you were traveling in a group. Without the need to consult or seek approval from others, you can wholeheartedly embrace these unexpected encounters. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with a local and discovering a hidden sight, or joining a group activity that aligns perfectly with your interests, solo travel allows you to seize these unplanned moments and create unforgettable memories.

Plan Around Your Interests And Preferences

One of the greatest advantages of solo travel is the ability to plan your journey around your interests and preferences. You have complete control over every aspect of your trip, from choosing destinations that resonate with your passions, to deciding how much time to devote to each activity. Whether you’re a food lover, an art enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, solo travel allows you to fully immerse yourself in experiences that align with your desires.

By taking the plunge into solo travel, you unlock the unparalleled advantages of flexibility and spontaneity. The ability to change plans without compromise, embrace unexpected opportunities, and plan according to your interests ensures that your solo adventure will be uniquely tailored to you. So, pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and embark on a solo journey that will allow you to explore the world on your terms.

Disadvantages Of Solo Travel: Loneliness And Isolation

Solo travel can be an incredible adventure, offering freedom, self-discovery, and personal growth like no other. However, it also comes with its fair share of disadvantages. One of the biggest challenges that solo travelers often face is the loneliness and isolation that can accompany their journey. In this section, we will explore some of the drawbacks of solo travel, focusing on the aspects of missing out on shared memories, dealing with homesickness, and difficulty meeting new people.

Missing Out On Shared Memories

When you embark on a solo trip, there’s no denying that you’ll have complete control over your itinerary and activities. While this can be liberating, it also means missing out on the joy of sharing experiences and creating memories with others. Whether it’s visiting famous landmarks, enjoying local cuisines, or embracing unique cultural traditions, these moments are often more fulfilling when shared with like-minded individuals. The absence of a companion to reflect upon and reminisce about shared adventures can sometimes leave solo travelers feeling a sense of emptiness.

Dealing With Homesickness

Another challenge of solo travel is the inevitable wave of homesickness that may wash over you at times. Being away from loved ones, familiar routines, and the comfort of home can create a sense of longing and loneliness. It’s during these moments that the absence of a companion can be acutely felt, as there may be no one to offer comfort or distraction. Coping with homesickness requires strength and resilience, as well as finding ways to stay connected with your support network back home through calls, messages, or online platforms.

Difficulty Meeting New People

While solo travel can provide opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection, it can also present challenges when it comes to meeting new people. Engaging in meaningful conversations, making new friends, or building connections can be more daunting when you are on your own. Unlike the dynamics of group travel, wherein social interactions often come more naturally, solo travelers may find it harder to break the ice and establish connections. Stepping out of your comfort zone and proactively seeking social settings can help overcome this hurdle.

Despite these potential disadvantages, it’s important to remember that the experience of solo travel is highly subjective. Some individuals thrive in solitude, cherishing the opportunity to delve into their thoughts and explore the world at their own pace. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the challenges of loneliness and isolation and to prepare oneself mentally and emotionally for such aspects of solo travel.

Disadvantages Of Solo Travel: Safety Concerns

Embarking on a solo adventure can be an exhilarating and transformative experience. The freedom to travel at your own pace, explore new destinations, and meet interesting people along the way can create memories that last a lifetime. However, it’s important to acknowledge that solo travel also comes with its fair share of disadvantages. One of the most pressing concerns is safety. In this blog post, we will dive into the various safety concerns that solo travelers may encounter, including being targeted by criminals, language and cultural barriers, and limited support in emergencies.

Being Targeted By Criminals

One of the primary safety concerns when traveling alone is the risk of becoming a target for criminals. Without the safety net of companions, solo travelers may appear more vulnerable to potential thieves or scam artists. In crowded tourist areas or unfamiliar environments, it’s essential to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. While it’s impossible to predict every situation, taking certain precautions can help minimize the risk.

• Research the areas you plan to visit ahead of time to gain insight into any potential safety issues or tourist scams.
• Avoid displaying valuable items, such as expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash, that can attract unwanted attention.
• Carry a concealed money belt or pouch to keep your cash, passport, and credit cards close to your body and out of sight.
• Stay in well-reviewed accommodations that prioritize guest security and have robust safety measures in place.
• Be cautious when engaging with strangers and avoid sharing personal information or appearing overly trusting.

Language And Cultural Barriers

Another disadvantage of solo travel is the potential challenges presented by language and cultural barriers. In countries where you don’t speak the local language, navigating everyday tasks and communicating effectively can prove to be difficult. This can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration, making it harder to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and take advantage of all the destination has to offer.

Here are a few strategies to overcome language and cultural barriers:

• Prioritize learning a few basic phrases and greetings in the local language to establish a connection with the locals.
• Carry a pocket dictionary or a language translation app on your smartphone for quick reference and assistance.
• Join organized tours or engage in activities where guides or translators are available to help facilitate communication.
• Research cultural norms and customs in advance to avoid inadvertently offending the locals. Respect and adapt to their way of life as much as possible.
• Engage in non-verbal communication methods such as hand gestures, body language, or using visual aids when necessary.

Limited Support In Emergency Situations

In emergencies, solo travelers may face additional challenges due to limited support. When met with unexpected illnesses, accidents, or other emergencies, the absence of a travel companion can amplify feelings of vulnerability and fear. Solo travelers must have a plan in place to mitigate these risks and ensure a smooth handling of emergencies.

Consider the following tips to prepare for emergencies:

While solo travel can present safety concerns, being well-prepared, alert, and cautious throughout your journey can minimize risks and allow you to fully embrace the advantages of traveling alone. By acknowledging the potential disadvantages and taking appropriate measures to mitigate them, you can have a safe and rewarding solo travel experience.

Disadvantages Of Solo Travel: Limited Shared Experiences

When it comes to solo travel, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider. While solo travel offers freedom and the opportunity for self-discovery, it also comes with its fair share of limitations. One of the main disadvantages of solo travel is the limited shared experiences. Without the presence of companions, solo travelers may find themselves missing out on the joy and excitement that comes from shared moments. In this section, we will explore in more detail the drawbacks of limited shared experiences in solo travel.

Lack Of Shared Joy And Excitement

One of the downsides of embarking on a solo journey is the absence of shared joy and excitement. Traveling with friends or loved ones often amplifies the experience, as you can share laughter, awe, and wonderment. Whether you’re admiring a stunning sunset on a secluded beach or exploring the narrow streets of a charming city, these special moments are often more fulfilling when shared.

Missing Out On Group Activities

Another disadvantage of solo travel is the potential to miss out on group activities. Many tourist destinations and travel experiences are designed for groups or require a minimum number of participants. This could mean that as a solo traveler, you might not be able to partake in certain activities, such as group excursions, adventure sports, or guided tours. While it’s possible to find alternatives or join other travelers, it may not always be feasible or as enjoyable as participating with a group of like-minded individuals.

Difficulty Capturing Special Moments

In solo travel, documenting and capturing special moments may present a challenge. Without a companion, it becomes harder to have someone readily available to take photos or videos of you during memorable experiences. While there are various ways to overcome this obstacle, such as tripods or asking strangers for assistance, it can still be challenging to capture those candid and spontaneous moments that make travel truly unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions On Solo Travel Advantages And Disadvantages

What are the advantages of travelling alone.

Traveling alone offers several advantages, including freedom to explore at your own pace, increased self-confidence, opportunity for self-discovery, and a chance to meet new people. It allows you to focus on your interests and preferences, creating a truly personal and enriching experience.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Travelling Alone?

The disadvantages of traveling alone include limited safety, solitude, and fewer opportunities for social interactions. Safety risks can increase when there’s no one to watch out for you. Traveling alone can also result in feeling lonely and missing out on shared experiences with others.

What Happens If You Travel Alone?

Traveling alone can be a unique and empowering experience. You have the freedom to explore at your own pace, meet new people, and discover yourself. It allows you to step out of your comfort zone, gain confidence, and create lifelong memories.

Just make sure you plan well, stay safe, and embrace the adventure!

Is Solo Travel Good Or Bad?

Solo travel can be both good and bad. It offers freedom, self-discovery, and flexibility, but it can also be challenging and lonely at times. Ultimately, it depends on personal preferences and comfort levels.

To sum up, solo travel comes with its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it offers unparalleled freedom, self-discovery, and the chance to fully immerse oneself in new experiences. On the other hand, it can be lonely, stressful, and potentially risky.

However, by weighing these factors against personal preferences and comfort levels, individuals can make informed decisions about embarking on solo adventures. Ultimately, solo travel can be a transformative and empowering journey for those willing to embrace both the highs and the lows.

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What Are Solo Travel Advantages And Disadvantages? [You Need To Know]

Are you craving adventure but have no one to tag along with? This is where solo travel comes to the rescue. Nothing beats the experience of exploring new places and meeting new people without a travel companion .

But before you book your tickets, let’s talk about the solo travel advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it gives you the freedom to make your own decisions, build confidence, and helps with self-discovery, while on the other hand, it can be lonely, unsafe, and more costly.

However, with the right preparation and mindset, you can mitigate the disadvantages and make the most of your solo journey. Read on for tips to guarantee a safe and rewarding trip and maximize the perks of traveling alone.

What Is Solo Travel?

Solo travel refers to traveling alone, without the company of friends or tour groups. The biggest advantage of this type of travel is that it provides complete freedom and independence in planning and organizing the trip. Travelers can have a unique adventurous experience with no pressure from others.

Solo travel also allows for a more personal way of traveling, enabling travelers to explore and experience the culture and environment at their own pace. While solo travel seems lonely, a few tools and resources available nowadays can help connect and meet other travelers.

10 Advantages And Disadvantages Of Solo Travel

Solo travel has its advantages and disadvantages. One of the primary advantages of traveling alone is the freedom to choose your itinerary and travel at your own pace. You can also save money by avoiding the cost of traveling with others. Solo travel is an opportunity to interact with locals and learn about different cultures.

Moreover, traveling solo can boost your self-confidence and social skills. However, it can also be daunting, leading to loneliness and stress. You have to be fully responsible for your safety and well-being without anyone to rely on. Therefore, weighing the pros and cons before embarking on a solo trip is important.

Advantages Of Traveling Alone

Solo travel is an excellent way to explore the world and gain new experiences, but it has advantages and disadvantages. One key advantage is that traveling alone is less expensive than with a group.

Solo travelers have the flexibility to make their own decisions and are not bound by the schedule and preferences of others. As a result, they can take their time and explore different places at their own pace. Solo travel can also help boost your confidence and ability to deal with new situations.

1. It Is Less Expensive

One of the biggest advantages of traveling alone is that it can be less expensive than traveling with a companion or group. Hostels, shared buses, and street food can help keep costs low in some places, such as Central America and Southeast Asia. Additionally, traveling during off-season periods and opting for group tours can help cut costs and make solo travel more affordable.

However, it should be noted that accommodation, car rental, and dining can be more expensive when traveling alone as there are no opportunities for cost-splitting. Nonetheless, the ability to control one’s itinerary, choose one’s preferred activities, and enjoy the freedom and sense of adventure that comes with solo travel make it an option worth considering.

2. It Is Easier To Make New Friends

One of the main advantages of traveling alone is that it makes it easier to make new friends. When traveling alone, you are forced to engage with other people for help and conversation, which can lead to new friendships. Being alone makes it easier for strangers to approach you, offer help, or converse. Solo travel can make you more outgoing and friendly, making it easier to make new friends.

Research shows that travelers alone are likelier to make friends than those traveling in groups. This is because people are more likely to come up and approach you when you are alone. Additionally, traveling alone can often lead to long-term friendships as people are likelier to talk and interact with you. All in all, making new friends is a great advantage to solo travel.

3. You Get To Make Your Own Decisions

One of the biggest advantages of traveling alone is the freedom to make your own decisions. When traveling alone, you can do whatever you want. However you want, and whenever you want. You don’t have to answer to anyone; you can take advantage of the flexibility of solo travel.

Whether you want to spend your day exploring a new city, relaxing on the beach, or trying new foods, you can do whatever you feel like on any given day or time without compromising with others. Enjoy the freedom of being in charge of your own decisions and activities, and make the most of your solo travel experience.

4. Gives Confidence To Face Situations

Traveling alone can have several advantages, including gaining the confidence to face challenging situations independently. When traveling solo, you must rely on yourself to find solutions to problems that may arise. Successfully navigating unknown territories and interacting with locals in an unfamiliar language can give you the confidence to confront future uncertainties.

Overcoming frustration and fear while alone can help build your self-confidence, and relying on yourself to solve problems can bolster your sense of independence. Overall, solo travel can help you learn to trust yourself and your abilities, translating to increased confidence in all areas of your life.

5. It Helps With Self Discovery

One of the greatest advantages of traveling alone is the opportunity for self-discovery. When you travel alone, you have more time and space for introspection without the distractions of home. Solitude allows for more opportunities for personal reflection, facilitating psychological disconnection from “home” and allowing you to learn more about yourself. Traveling alone also presents challenges and difficulties, allowing you to test your abilities and become more self-reliant.

Additionally, being alone on a trip provides more opportunities to get lost in your thoughts or emotions and explore different interests. Ultimately, traveling alone gives you more opportunities for self-reflection and development. You can document this journey through journaling, a great way to process and appreciate your experiences. Overall, solo travel can be a transformative experience that enhances your life and understanding of yourself.

Disadvantages Of Traveling Alone

Traveling alone has several advantages, but it also comes with some downsides. One of the disadvantages of solo travel is loneliness. As there is no one to share your experiences with, loneliness can sometimes get overwhelming, as many solo travel bloggers note. Solo travel anxiety, also known as the fear of traveling alone, is another disadvantage. It can be overwhelming to navigate new places or activities without someone to lean on.

1. There Are Hidden Costs That Solo Travelers Bear

While solo travel can be an exciting and liberating experience, traveling alone has several disadvantages. One of the biggest disadvantages is the hidden costs that solo travelers bear. Unlike group travel, solo travelers must often cover the full cost of accommodation, car rental, and dining, leading to higher expenses. Also, solo travelers may face a single surcharge when booking private accommodation.

Other hidden costs include covering the entire cost of private transport, such as taxis and Ubers, full-price tickets to attractions, and travel insurance. Solo travelers are also more likely to be scammed while traveling due to being an easier target for con artists.

2. It Can Be Unsafe

One of the main disadvantages of traveling alone is that it can be unsafe, especially when exploring unfamiliar locations. While traveling alone is not inherently dangerous, a group is generally considered safer. Being in a group can reduce the risk of losing or being vulnerable.

Additionally, traveling alone can be more emotionally challenging, leading to frustration, loneliness, boredom, and feeling overwhelmed. Despite the risks and challenges, many solo travelers report that traveling alone is an enriching experience and should be done at least once.

To help mitigate the risks associated with traveling alone, it is important to take necessary safety precautions, such as staying in well-lit areas and informing others of your travel plans. Proactive planning can also help to ensure that the trip runs smoothly and that you make the most of your time on the road.

3. It Can Get Lonely

One of the most common disadvantages is the potential for loneliness. Being alone for extended periods can lead to feelings of isolation and sadness. This can be especially challenging for introverts, who may find it harder to meet new people while traveling alone.

Additionally, it can be more difficult to be alone when traveling solo, as people often want to include solo travelers in their groups. This can lead to feelings of resentment or frustration, especially if it feels like you’re constantly being left out.

While the first day or two of traveling alone may be okay, loneliness can occur when couples and groups surround you. To combat loneliness while traveling solo, consider staying in a hostel where you can meet other travelers and make long-term friends.

4. Nobody To Share Experiences With

One of the main disadvantages of solo travel is that travelers may feel lonely as they have no one to share experiences with. Unlike traveling with friends or family, solo travel means doing everything alone, which can be overwhelming for some people. However, there are ways to combat this feeling of loneliness.

It is important to note that solo travel is not for everyone, and some people may prefer traveling on a group tour or with family. However, solo travel offers a unique experience that allows for personal growth and self-discovery.

5. You Come Back A Different Person

One of the biggest downsides is that you may come back from your trip feeling like a different person than the one who left. This can be difficult to reconcile with friends and family who have not had the same experiences as you.

One of the cons of traveling alone is the lack of shared experiences. While you may meet people along the way, there is no guarantee that you will have someone to share your journey with. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Other potential drawbacks of solo travel include being more aware of safety concerns and possibly missing out on valuable learning experiences from traveling with others. Despite these challenges, some people still find that the benefits of solo travel outweigh the drawbacks, including the opportunity to make long-term friends and connections.

Tips For A Safe And Enjoyable Solo Journey

Traveling solo can be both exciting and daunting. Concerns over safety and loneliness can sometimes cloud the allure of adventure and spontaneity. Nevertheless, taking precautions and preparing for a safe and enjoyable solo journey is essential.

You can start by getting a free course on solo travel with confidence, where you will learn practical female travel safety tips to ensure your safe return. You should also stay safe by following essential steps to avoid risky situations.

However, there are also benefits to traveling alone, such as the power to embrace the unknown and new possibilities that come with solo travel. You can plan your itinerary and explore different cultures and people at your own pace without the distractions of companions.

The sense of independence from solo travel can build self-assurance and help overcome fears. Whenever you decide to travel, it is important to make the most of your journey and reap the benefits of traveling alone.

Solo travel can be a life-changing experience, whether it is the people you meet, the things you do, or the places you see. It is an inexpensive and hassle-free way to experience the world for yourself. You do not have to depend on anyone; you only need to create your itinerary, pack your bags and leave.

However, every coin has two sides. There are disadvantages too. Solo travel safety is crucial, and one must face unique challenges such as safety, loneliness, and hidden costs. If planning a solo trip, familiarise yourself with our tips for a safe and enjoyable journey. With this in mind, explore and enjoy, and create memories to last a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is solo travel good or bad.

Whether solo travel is good or bad, as it largely depends on personal preferences and circumstances, some people find it liberating and enjoyable, while others may feel lonely or vulnerable. When traveling alone, it is important to research your destination and take necessary safety precautions thoroughly.

Is It Better To Go On A Group Tour Or Do Everything Myself?

Ultimately depends on personal preferences and travel style. A group tour can be a great way to meet new people and have a structured itinerary. However, it may limit your flexibility and ability to explore a destination independently and fully.

How Do I Get Started With Solo Travel?

Getting started with solo travel can be both exciting and overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Start small: Consider taking a weekend trip to a nearby city or town before starting a long journey. Plan: Research your destination, book accommodations in advance, and create a loose itinerary of things you want to do and see. Pack smart: Pack light, but bring essentials like a first aid kit, comfortable shoes, and appropriate clothing.

Are There Any Potential Risks Or Challenges To Solo Travel?

Yes, there are potential risks and challenges to solo travel. Traveling alone can make you more vulnerable to theft, scams, and other safety concerns. It can also be lonely and emotionally challenging at times.

How Can A Solo Traveler Stay Safe While Exploring A New Destination?

A solo traveler can stay safe while exploring a new destination by following these tips:

Research your destination’s safety: Know which areas to avoid and what to be cautious of before arriving. Blend in: Dress like the locals and avoid drawing attention to yourself as a tourist. Stay connected: Keep loved ones updated on your whereabouts and have a way to communicate in case of emergencies.

Michael C. Herrera

I’m a travel blogger with a focus on safety. I’ve been to all seven continents, and I love sharing my tips for staying safe while traveling. I also have a lot of experience with travel hacking and finding the best deals on airfare and hotels. My blog features reviews of restaurants, hotels, and attractions around the world.

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Travelling Solo: The Advantages & Disadvantages

• Post author: Amit Saxena
• Post published: 11 August 2016
• Post category: Travelling Solo

For the majority of people, travelling is always an enriching experience. It’s a great way to relax your senses and expand your horizons. While some people prefer to travel in a group with family or friends, others prefer going solo. Travelling solo has its advantages and disadvantages. Though the disadvantages of travelling solo might exasperate your fears or make you anxious, the advantages of solo travel clearly outweigh the disadvantages.

Solo Adventure- Yes Please!

The Amazing Advantages:

This is an obvious and important one. Without any worries of other people’s priorities or schedules, you can travel with ease in a place unknown. You have total freedom to do or eat whatever you feel like without getting into disagreements about where you want to travel and how long you want to stay. You are the sole master of your journey.

Self-discovery

This could be one of those travels where you will be able to interact with yourself and discover the inner you, especially if you are travelling to some quiet or spiritual destination. Through this experience, you can learn to trust yourself and the people around you as well.

New Friendships

If you are travelling solo, you are more likely to meet heaps of people along the way and make lifelong friendships, bonded through your new experiences. The fact that you are alone will push you to get out of your comfort zone with fellow travellers and local people on your journey.

What Could Be The Downside?

The possible disadvantages:.

It could be a bit daunting to travel to a new place alone. There could be instances when you might rediscover a memory or want to share a story with someone. Nowadays though, wifi is easily accessible all over the world, and Facetime and Skype make it easy connect with loved ones far away. And when you’re travelling, you are never truly alone- friends are all around, just waiting to be apart of your life!

More expenses

Another possible disadvantage is not being able to split costs with someone else as easily as you would with a travel partner. There are ways as a solo adventurer or business(wo)man traveling alone, to mitigate the challenges you may encounter. In this guide , several ways to protect your finances are discussed.

Furthermore, when you meet new people, this problem goes away! You can share the expenses with your new friends, and count the pennies like every real traveller!

Gloomy or Sick Days

It can be difficult to cope when you are feeling a little sad, under the weather or homesick on your journey. But this can happen, with or without a group of friends or family from home. The best remedy for this is to take a little time for yourself and regroup. Knowing you have your new group of pals for mental and emotional support, will make those feelings subside in a flash!

Did you see what we did there? There truly are no disadvantages! Travelling solo can only bring life changing experiences, whether it be for good or bad, they will make you stronger! You can do more, and go further than you ever thought possible, and travelling solo is one of those experiences that will test you, and give you an insight into what you are truly capable of!

Are you ready to leap into the unknown? Check out bamba’s Adventure Trips , and change your life!

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The Disadvantages of Traveling Alone: Solo Travel Woes and How to Combat Them

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Sightseeing on your terms. Eating ginormous plates of food without feeling guilty or judged. Dancing and prancing through the streets of whichever destination that YOU have chosen. Yup, that is definitely #TheSoloTravelLife. But real talk: Traveling solo can be a little brutal sometimes. There are amazing perks to waking up and doing whatever you want in a new city. But there are also times when traveling alone gets a little too real and you really wish there was someone else there. Yes, it’s even happened to yours truly.

Ladies and gentlemen, Are we ready for storytime? Go ahead, put on the best slow instrumental track you can find on Spotify cause I’m gonna need the dramatic effect. 

One time I was on what seemed to be the world’s smallest plane, going from Paris to Madrid. I was sitting in the back of the plane next to a young French couple who were so good looking they should’ve been on the cover of a glossy pretentious magazine, but I digress. We’re flying along (Btw, the man had the window seat, the woman was in the middle, and I had the aisle.) when suddenly we hit some of the scariest turbulence I’ve ever felt in my life.

As we’re rocking from side to side, it felt as if the pilot decided to get fancy and practice figure 8’s. I was getting fearful. I looked over and saw that the couple were holding hands and comforting each other. Sweet, right? Well, that’s when things got weird…real weird.

Next thing I know, my hand had somehow magically crept to the seat next to me and was lightly hovering over this lady’s hand on the armrest. They didn’t seem to be as freaked out about the turbulence as I was and she definitely flashed me a French I-see-that-you-are-alone-and-I-kind-of-feel-bad-for-you-except-I-don’t-really-know-you-so-please-don’t-touch-me look. 

Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the disadvantages of traveling alone . Clearly, ya girl was in need of some real human contact and at that moment I remember thinking, “Damn, I really wish I was traveling with someone right now.” Those moments will happen, they’re inevitable. Traveling solo is liberating and has the potential to change your life. As much as I advocate for it, it’s not all skittles and the extremely underrated peanut butter M&M’s. (Seriously, if you haven’t tried them, they are bomb!)

Stressful and scary moments will happen when traveling alone, it comes with the territory. However, it’s what you do with those moments that count. If you’re fearful of traveling solo, I get it. But before you go frantically erasing it off your bucket list, let’s take look at the disadvantages of traveling alone and the nunchucks we can use to combat them. 

Table of Contents

We can’t have a list of the disadvantages of traveling alone without loneliness. (sigh) Ah, loneliness. It happens. But here’s the thing, it’s not talked about as often as I think it should be. I don’t think I’ve ever met a solo traveler who hasn’t dealt with loneliness at some point in their travels. It can be isolating when everything on your trip is going wrong and you just want someone to vent to and encourage you that it’s all going to be fine.

Loneliness can really hit you when you have a special travel moment and there’s no one there for you to share it with. When you’re in the middle of these moments it can feel jarring and difficult to avoid not crawling into bed and finding relief on social media. But in all honesty, every solo traveler experiences this and sometimes being in an unfamiliar place can exacerbate those feelings. 

Loneliness Combat Nunchucks

• Choose social accommodation like a hostel or Airbnb with more than one guest. I once made good friends with a guy who stayed at the same Airbnb as me in London. We spent the day walking around London and we are still in touch today. This is a good way to overcome some of the disadvantages of traveling alone and a good way to make new friends.
• Keep a journal of your trip and email your highlights and adventures to friends and family. This can also help your loved ones feel like they are part of your trip as well.
• I love group chats! Send photos and audio or video messages to your friend or family group chat. My favorite apps for this are WhatsApp and Marco Polo.
• Go to a nearby bar or cafe and have a drink or tea. Hostel bars are great for meeting people! Sometimes I find just chatting with the bartender (if you both share a mutual language) or simply being amongst people can help ease loneliness. 
• If you’re feeling really lonely or down, FaceTime or Skype a friend or family member and chat for a bit, familiarity can be comforting.
• Another thing I like to do sometimes when I’m feeling really lonely is to tap into my ‘network’ aka friends of friends of friends and ask around if anyone knows anyone in that particular city that I could meet up with. I did this once when I was in London during the holiday season. A friend of mine graciously connected me with a childhood friend and I was able to spend New Year’s Eve with some great people.
• Lean into it. Every moment of loneliness is a moment of growth and these moments will get easier and easier. Learn to enjoy your own company and see the time you get to spend with yourself as a gift. 

Solo travel having its moment and all right now and judgment against those traveling alone is becoming less and less of a thing—thank God, but it’s still prevalent. And that is why judgment is the second disadvantage of traveling alone. People just looooove making all kinds of assumptions when you’re out here in these streets by yourself.

“ Where is your boyfriend or husband? ” They cry. “ You’re not here alone are you? ” They ask. I get thrown all sorts of questions from people who feel the need for me to justify why I’m traveling alone. This comes from strangers sure, but also from people you know. Unfortunately, when you’re a woman, these questions are like Batman and Robin and are often paired with ridiculous presumptions about your personal life, personality, and tons of unsolicited advice about how to live YOUR life better. It’s like “Dang, can a girl just live?” 

Judgment Combat Nunchucks

• Shrug it off. People are going to judge you no matter what you do so I say, do you boo and forget them. The reality is, we all filter life through the lenses of our own experiences. I have found that most of the time people who question me traveling alone have never done it themselves . And while I’m at it, I’m just going to take a moment to encourage you. *Steps onto soapbox* Ahem, attention ladies, attention ladies! Just because you see someone traveling with other people or a “significant other” in no way does that mean that they are happy, content, and living there best life. NOT EVERYTHING IS AS IT SEEMS. This broadcast has been brought to you by over-caffeination. Thank you. #rememeberfyrefestival #fugazi *Steps down from soapbox*
• Join communities with other solo female travelers. Talking to other ladies who are also out there traveling solo can really put things into perspective and provide a good community. I’m a member of some great Facebook groups for female travelers (like Girls Love Travel) and talking to other ladies and bloggers on Instagram reminds me that I’m not alone or weird for traveling solo. 

Taking Pictures

There it is. The perfect photo opportunity. A gorgeous landscape and a sweet spot that you can just step right into and get the cutest shot for the gram. Just one thing. There’s no one there to take your picture.

One of the many disadvantages of traveling alone. I can’t tell you how many times that’s happened to me. Eh, it’s just a photo and not that big of a deal, but getting photographs is, of course, easier when you’re traveling with others. But hey! Sometimes you just have to take a photo in your mind, enjoy the moment, and keep it moving. It’s a good reminder that not every moment needs to be digitally captured, plus the picture is just an added benefit, not the cause. 

Combat Nunchucks for Taking Pictures

• Selfies!! Selfies can be underrated. If there’s no one around and you’ve got time, go ahead and do the best you can with a selfie. It may not look exactly as you planned, but you’d be surprised the cute shots you can get with a good ‘ol fashioned selfie. 
• Selfie sticks. There are some really good ones on the market these days. Some of them are so good, you can’t even tell that they weren’t taken from someone else. 
• The self-timer is also a really good underrated tool. As long as you have something good to prop your phone or camera on and there’s no-one around to swipe your stuff, you’re good to go. 
• Be resourceful and ask a stranger. If someone asks you to take a photo of them, they’ll usually want to return the favor. If you’re skeptical that they’re not going to capture the shot they way you want it, take 10 seconds to set up the shot for them so all they have to do is press the shutter. You’d be surprised how patient people can be. 

Guarding Your Stuff and Saving Your Spot

When you travel solo your bags sometimes become your tagalong; where you go, it goes. It can get annoying wheeling your bag into the bathroom stall or standing in a cafe line while your arms are filled with your laptop, camera, and other valuables.

When you travel with people it’s so easy to just say “hey, mind watching my stuff for a minute while I run to the bathroom?” Easy peasy. But not having someone to guard your stuff and save your spot is a disadvantage of traveling alone. Once in Lisbon, my overanalyzing self went back and forth for a good 10 minutes at the Time Out Market debating if I should try another food stall because the place was full and I needed someone to watch my spot at the table. This is one of the disadvantages of traveling alone that may happen to you a few times. 

Combat Nunchucks

• Packing light with a carry-on or backpack makes taking your things with you a lot easier. 
• If you’re at a cafe or food market, politely ask those sitting near you to save your spot. If you don’t speak their language, gestures and a smile usually get the point across. 

Traveling alone can sometimes be cheaper. Except when you’re traveling with that one friend who has a different idea of what “expensive” is then you do. Some people think every day should be a Treat Yo’self day. But there are times when traveling solo can be expensive. Believe it or not, solo travelers often cough up more dough at hotels and resorts because of single supplements. Sucks right? Thankfully, this is changing, as more and more people are beginning to travel alone. So what is a single supplement fee you ask? *puts on glasses*

A single supplement is a fee or charge that compensates hotels, resorts, and cruise lines for the hit they take by allowing one person to stay in a room. The thing is, hotels make the assumption that a room will be occupied by two people, so their prices are based on double occupancy. So to make up for the loss, they charge solo travelers an extra fee. In some ways, it can feel a bit unfair right? This is why I consider it one of the disadvantages of traveling alone. But the good news is, this is changing rapidly. There are more and more offers for solo travelers than ever before. Hotels are catching onto the change in times by creating new, smaller rooms solely for those traveling alone. Can I get an amen?! 

Extra Fees Combat Nunchucks

• Airbnb is my go-to. Booking a room with usually cheaper than booking an entire apartment or house. Make sure to check those reviews and vet properly. For 15% off your next booking, check here. 
• Look into hostels and hotels in your destination that have rooms specifically for solo travelers or who waive the single supplement. 

Did any of these disadvantages surprise you? Like this post and let me know what your favorite combat nunchucks for solo travel are in the comments. Until next time!

Hi, I’m Kim! A cat loving, peanut butter eating, globe trotting solo traveler.

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Solo Travel vs Group Travel: The Pros And Cons

Michela Solo Female Travel Tours 1

Advantages and disadvantages of Solo vs Group Travel

Any travel has pros and cons. As a solo travel advocate, I can draft a long list of benefits for travelling alone as a woman. However, there are also disadvantages, but these vary depending on the circumstances and level of individual experience.

So I’d instead say that pros and cons can change if you dig deeper into a specific situation; you will see that advantages can turn into disadvantages too, and vice-versa. To explain this a bit better, these are crucial things to consider when deciding to travel by yourself or join an organised group tour.

Pros and Cons of Solo Travel

Here are the 5 main benefits for travelling solo as female traveller.

Cost of Travel

You can evaluate all this from different perspectives. Depending on the level of expertise and experience you have as a solo traveller, the pros and cons can significantly impact your decision to go alone or with a group.

The disadvantages of travelling alone

If you take a closer look at each point, you will see room for a more in-depth investigation. There are disadvantages of travelling alone that pop up only in specific situations, whereas some advantages may be more prominent in others.

Here they are:

Keeping the cost of accommodation down

Missing out on adventures.

If you like hiking and being active in the outdoors, being on your own can be rewarding, as long as you know what you are doing and where you are going! Forests and Mountains can be quite tricky because environments are different. Overseas trips can be challenging; that’s where a group can be a good idea if you want to explore new places without worrying too much. I

Lack of Confidence

Not feeling safe, group travel pros.

Here are five significant benefits of taking guided group tours.

• A tour creates a ready-made group of fellow travellers —no need f to look for a companion.
• Going on a tour is safer than going alone. In a group, everyone takes care of each other, and you will feel safe.
• A guided tour is the fastest way to learn about a place and the local community.
• An organised trip uncovers many things about places that you will not quickly find out on your own.
• It’s an opportunity to socialise, improve social skills and make new friends, and become a better team-player.

If you are starting to dive into the solo travel world and are unsure of what you can and want to see and do, here is a list of everyday situations and tour ideas that you can consider for your travels.

The disadvantages of Group Travel

As much as group travel may sound simpler to you, it does have drawbacks. And it does require proper evaluation all the time.

Locking in your Time

Higher cost of travel, not meeting the expectations., lack of authenticity, travel companions versus solo travel tours.

People travel for many different reasons . Travel can change you, your mind and your values, as well as your approach to others. While there are advantages and disadvantages to travelling alone as a woman , the best is to find your way and mould different ways of travel into your style.

No matter what your solo travel style is and how you prefer to explore the world, at some stage, you may not know where to travel alone, are likely to start looking for a travel companion and wanting to join a small group of like-minded travellers.

And there is nothing wrong with it. On the contrary, choosing to go on guided tours and finding travel companions can do wonders. It can become an incentive to travel more alone, spark up new ideas and adventures. It finally contributes to creating and perfecting your travel style and balance too.

But, hey, I know, it’s not easy to find travel companions that share your values and travel with the same purpose. There are way too many things that must fit to make it work.

Here, you can read more on how to choose the best guided tours .

Pin it for later!

First published in 2018, last updated in Jan 2023

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Ryan Biddulph August 15, 2018 @ 7:43 pm

Nice breakdown Michela. Big fan of couples travel with wifey. We’ve freedom as we’re usually onboard with the same idea yet avoid the yolk of group travel. Going solo for a few trips and also, when my wife sticks around the house, does open me up to more meeting and greeting. Solo travelers are more approachable for whatever reason, making for more chats.

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• GENERAL TRAVEL

11 Undeniable Benefits of Solo Travel

Farryl Last is a poet and international educator from New York. She studied abroad in Paris and B...

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Hear the words “solo travel” and you’re sure to have an immediate reaction. Maybe you think it’s only for the adventurous folks among us. Or that it’s lonely, or even boring. Or that it isn’t safe.

Pictured here: A solo traveler dodging boredom, loneliness, and danger.

It’s time the benefits of solo travel got their moment in the tropical (or, hey, polar twilight) sun. If the idea of traveling solo has you intrigued, the perks of this type of exploring might just transform the way you think of travel overall. As with any big decision, you’ll find both pros and cons of traveling alone—but the advantages of solo travel start to shine as soon as you start germinating the idea for a trip.

Always wanted to spend a few weeks sampling the osso buco in a small town in Italy or spelunking in the Philippines? When you’re only answering to yourself, you can plot your itinerary in any way you please. And since you get to set your own pace once you’re on the ground, you’re more likely to discover the quiet corners and hidden gems of your destination, too.

Is solo travel worth it?

Whether you’re a college student debating how long you can manage to study abroad without your friends before senior year or an actual senior searching for a new adventure , solo travel is worth it for so many reasons.

Consider the benefits of travel overall. Travel can help us process everything from grief to trauma to anxiety ; when we choose a trip that takes us out of our comfort zones, we can tap into increased emotional agility, empathy, and creativity as we find ways to face uncertainty and explore unfamiliar settings.

It stands to reason that going solo offers some pretty great returns. Introverts may be particularly attuned to the unexpected comforts and psychological benefits of traveling alone, but the best solo trips positively impact any prospective traveler.

11 benefits of solo travel

When you travel solo, the world is your oyster.

Choosing how you want to explore involves weighing the pros and cons of solo travel. While there are advantages and disadvantages of traveling alone, pushing yourself to look past the immediate discomfort traveling solo sometimes involves opens you to a world of possibilities.

Unexpected discoveries—worth it. Testing your limits—worth it. Facing the unknown, and getting to know yourself—solo travel is worth it for all that and more.

1. Complete freedom becomes your new best friend

The advantages of traveling alone start as soon as you decide it’s time for a trip. This adventure is yours to choose , from the big-picture destination right down to the nitty-gritty details of the hostel you stay in , the dates you’re on the move, and what you’re having for breakfast.

No matter if you’re traveling around the world on a tour of foodie destinations , backpacking to all the can’t-miss places in Europe , or ticking a visit to the Galapagos Islands off your bucket list, it’s up to you to plan your trip exactly how you want it.

2. You’ll meet new people

It’s easy to stay in your friend bubble when you’re traveling with people you know. Sure, you say you’ll get out there and meet locals, but traveling with others usually means sticking together. Your friends are familiar and comfortable, after all. Solo trips open you to interactions with the new people around you so you can make new friends while traveling .

3. …or indulge in solitude

Being alone doesn’t always equate to loneliness, and if you’re someone who craves time for yourself, solo travel can offer a welcome change of pace. Go ahead, push your reset button while you get in quiet time at a cloud forest in Monteverde or keep pace in the bustle of Beijing with your own thoughts as your prime companion.

4. Selfishness becomes your best (?!) quality

No one is around to tell you not to order the second americano!

Nothing says “you do you” quite like solo travel. You get to sample the street food while hurrying to the next museum instead of scarfing down a burger at a chain restaurant, sit for hours reading at that cute café you discovered the day before, or change your destination when you score a cheap flight just because you feel like it.

The best travel memories often come out of spontaneous, unplanned moments, and it can be harder to do what you want to do when you have a travel buddy urging you to stick to an itinerary every step of the way.

5. …but you’ll get to actively practice unselfish behavior

Traveling solo doesn’t give you a selfishness carte blanche when you’re out exploring—it’s on you to respect the locals and local culture, decolonize your experience abroad , and be aware of your impact on the environment. You might even find it easier to travel sustainably and respectfully when you don’t have fellow travelers pressuring you to change how you behave.

6. Problem-solving + decision-making = lifelong skills

You’ll draw on courage you didn’t know you had when you choose where you’ll stay and what you’ll do, not to mention solve common travel problems on your own.

You get lost with friends, and someone has a data plan to download directions. Your connecting flight is canceled during a family trip, and your sister calls the airline while your uncle books a hotel. When you travel on your own, you learn how to deal with sticky situations and function under pressure, skills you’ll use in all areas of your life.

7. Guilt-free resting can help you recharge

Whether you want to sleep in after spending an entire day on trains or you’re longing for some downtime lingering in nature, getting in necessary rest can be tough when your friends pressure you to keep going to the next landmark. Indulge in rest without the guilt and refuel for all your self-paced exploration.

8. Immersion will improve your language skills

Traveling solo in a country that doesn’t share your native language can be intimidating, but is totally worth it.

Get ready to reap the benefits of solo travel if learning a language is on your list of to-dos. Learning a language abroad is hands-down one of the best ways to learn —you can’t beat total immersion for the cultural context and immediate, concrete feedback essential to understanding the nuances of a language.

Those advantages start to evaporate when you can lean on friends who speak your language. You’re less likely to find reasons to immerse yourself in the local language and culture with someone else around to help you navigate (and act as a default conversation partner). Even if you’re not intent on coming home fluent, you’re bound to pick up helpful words and phrases when you spend all day, every day getting yourself around.

9. You’ll leave your comfort zone

Traveling alone can be scary , especially if you’ve never done it before. Making yourself uncomfortable may not sound like an advantage at first, but it’s one of the big benefits of traveling solo. From heart-thumping hiking in the Andes to practicing Arabic in Amman to just flying internationally for the first time , real growth and a belief in yourself comes from doing things you never expected yourself to do.

10. Next stop: confidence boost

Solo travel means showing yourself your capabilities: navigating new places, speaking new languages , handling bumps in the proverbial road when things don’t go quite the way you expected. You’ll see that you can survive disappointments and enjoy life’s surprises without a safety net.

11. You’ll get to know yourself

The unfamiliar has a funny tendency to spark new ways of looking at things. All those beliefs you took for granted get a little fuzzier when you’re surrounded by people who take a different approach, and there’s nothing like stumbling on a local bookshop or film festival (or signing up for skydiving to face your fear of heights) to let you in on your own interests.

Traveling—especially when you go it alone and let yourself stay open to the newness around you—means uncovering new passions and learning from new perspectives. Along the way, you’ll learn more about yourself than you ever could from a textbook or boardroom or podcast.

Are there disadvantages of solo travel?

You’ll feel free and authentic for sure—but maybe also a little lonely.

It’s more difficult to automatically set yourself up for some of the benefits of traveling solo, like constant immersion and go-anywhere freedom, when you travel with others. But is traveling alone dangerous? Is it sad to travel alone?

The truth? It’s a little bit of everything.

For all its benefits, there are also disadvantages of solo travel to account for when deciding if it’s the right move. Deciding which side to prioritize comes down to personal comfort levels and travel goals, and carefully thinking about both the pros and cons of traveling alone will help you settle on a path that allows you to meaningfully experience your destination.

1. Safety concerns may impact your plans

While things can happen whether you’re with one friend, part of a big tour, or totally on your own, solo travel does heighten safety concerns, especially if one or more of your identities fit in with a group that faces harassment and discrimination. It’s hard to enjoy any potential psychological benefits of traveling alone if you’re constantly worried about your safety.

But don’t let safety concerns put you off solo travel completely. By researching your destination and staying aware of your surroundings, you can find ways to prioritize safety and enjoy the fun and freeing side of traveling solo.

2. Traveling can be more fun when you share it with someone else

Finally working up the courage to have a chat in the local language ; breathless sprints only to miss the last bus to the airport; seeing Mount Fuji shrouded in cherry blossoms, or the quivering dance of the Northern Lights, or the place your grandparents came from for the first time.

Having someone else along for the ride can make the bad parts more bearable and the good parts more beautiful, and all those weird, wonderful, in-between and undefinable moments just a little more fun.

3. All the navigation falls to you

Navigating transportation by yourself in a foreign country will make you feel unbelievably capable.

You’ll not only have to navigate unfamiliar streets and public transportation systems on your own, but you’ll also have to navigate feelings like travel anxiety and culture shock without a familiar sounding board. The advantages and disadvantages of solo travel intertwine in a lot of places: Though traveling solo is great if you’re up for a challenge, you have to be willing to deal with challenges on your own whenever they come your way.

4. Boredom and loneliness are real

Travel isn’t all photo-ready moments and priceless memories. You’ll find long lines and fizzling summer sun, hard-to-find accommodations and missed train connections creeping in between the unbeatable views and cultural experiences.

Sometimes, you just don’t have the energy to strike up a conversation in another language. Sometimes, you’d trade everything you have in the local currency for a familiar face to talk to when your feet ache from hiking around a new city all day.

Traveling on your own means contending with feeling bored, lonely, and out of your element—but learning how to deal with those uncomfortable feelings is also part of how travel helps you grow .

READ NEXT: How Travel Helps You Grow

Solo travel might just change your life.

Meet yourself (and new friends) on your solo adventure.

Travel, at its core, embraces possibility. You’re booking your first international flight , you’re taking in the hums and whispers of a city you only knew before from pictures, you’re using hand gestures peppered with a few shared words to get directions. Steam in your face, you’re hunched over a bowl of ramen, chili, goulash.

Don’t be surprised if you come down firmly on the side of alone time’s immense possibility after assessing the pros and cons of solo travel. Whatever your reasons for traveling , you’re in for adventure when you dare to do it on your own.

Plan your first (or next) solo trip with MyGoAbroad

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