5 Advantages of Solo Traveling

“Wow I wish I could be like that…” When it comes to traveling, I never really thought much about the differences solo travel could bring. As time goes on I do it more and more often as my schedule allows, and it’s been very natural. I want to go somewhere or do something and I do it. I may ask a friend or two if they’re interested, but more often than not schedules don’t align so I go alone. It’s not that I always plan solo, though if I want to enjoy my time by myself then I will plan with that in mind

I’d rather go alone than miss out on something I wish to do.

Traveling solo brings a lot of freedom, and sometimes I prefer it more. There is a lack of safety at times, but there is no one else you have to think about while traveling, you just have to worry about yourself. So what have been some benefits of solo traveling?

You make the decisions: less stress

Solo travel allows you a lot of freedom when it comes to planning (you get to be selfish with your time haha). You can go at your own speed and randomly explore when you feel like it. Though I certainly enjoy traveling with people, it can be stressful trying to plan trips with multiple people, schedules, budgets, and desires—especially if there are many different personalities. Soloing gives you a break from that so you truly are resting. There are times you may wish you were enjoying a moment with someone, but you learn to enjoy it alone. If you’re tired, you can rest. If you wake up early, you can head out ahead of schedule.

Make new connections: travel buddies

You more often than not end up running into other people who are full of stories and experiences of their own. Sometimes you’ll meet people you’ll travel with, or connect with over deep conversations and stay connected through social media afterwards. You may meet doing a new activity and decide to try another together, or chat over coffee and a meal. Every time I’ve traveled one of my favorite things have been the interactions I have with people. Some are locals, other travelers, there are always so many interesting conversations whether they are short or long.

Rest: go at your own pace

I love to go out and explore and do new things, but I also need my recovery time so I don’t get burnt out. I’m an introverted traveler and don’t have the same social battery as others. So when I solo travel I plan for this, and when I’m with people I try to do activities that will allow me a few minutes here and there throughout the trip that will let me rest. Sometimes I take the afternoon, sometimes I delay my mornings. There are days I’ve gone out only to realize I need to relax so I can take on activities the next day, and don’t have to worry about slowing down others.

Gain Confidence: being pushed out of your comfort zone

Sometimes you may not be able to communicate clearly, or know exactly where you are, but you’ll meet kindhearted and understanding people. As time goes on you’ll see yourself become more confident in yourself and traveling (it’s a freeing feeling after you’ve accomplished something.) You’ll wander into areas you never would have found if you stuck strictly to a schedule, which leads into the final benefit.

Going Off-trail: finding hidden gems

You’ll get to wander down into the nearby town and find a local food spot that isn’t on the map, find natural waterfalls or find new places to go to. I don’t strictly keep to a plan and love this part of traveling. Leaving enough time to explore the unexpected and new opportunities that arise. If you see an ice cream shop that you want to stop in, you can. If you are driving in the countryside and want to pull over for that picture, you can. If you want to rest by the sea all day instead of in shopping malls, then it’s okay.

My first solo trip was an accident and I went alone at the last minute. Then I went on a planned solo trip. Then another. And I keep doing it because if I don’t go alone I never will. It’s kind of nerve-wracking but thrilling all at the same time because you only can depend on yourself. Solo traveling is a mindset, and if you are a super social person then it would potentially be difficult if you don’t end up meeting someone to go along with you, since there is a lot of “quiet” time as you go from one place to another. But it is one of the things I enjoy about solo traveling because it pushes you to try new things and start conversations.

Do you have a favorite solo travel experience?