I completed my first completely solo-travel trip in March, 2023. When I started out I had a lot of anxiety. There were so many elements of solo travel that intimidated me. I worried about safety, loneliness, and even boredom. I soon found though that I very rarely felt unsafe, I was hardly ever lonely, and I was certainly never bored.
This first solo trip took me throughout four counties in Southeast Asia. I spent time in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, and I absolutely loved it, especially the alone part. So, if you’re considering a solo-travel trip just go for it, and if you’re not convinced yet here are 12 reasons to solo travel. If you’re interested in checking out my what inspired solo trip check out my blog
1. Freedom and Independence
Solo travel means being able to make your own decisions and not relying on anyone else’s schedule or preferences. This was one of my favorite parts of solo travel. It meant that I could do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, and however I wanted. If I wanted to wake up for a sunrise hike I could. But, if I wanted to sleep until noon and lay by beach doing nothing all day I could also do that. Not having to take into account anyone’s agenda but your own is incredibly gratifying.
2. Self-discovery
Traveling alone allows you to learn more about yourself and your own interests, as well as develop a stronger sense of self-confidence and independence. Being able to do what you want when you want also means you have to be willing to go outside your comfort zone and explore the world. When you’re by yourself half-way across the world you could just stay in the hostel or hotel all day but then what are you there for (sometimes its okay to do that though). But, what you really have to do is go out into the world and allow yourself to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.
3. Meeting new people
Solo travel is a great opportunity to meet new people, whether it’s fellow travelers or locals. It also allows for more genuine interactions and meaningful connections. This is another one of my favorite parts of traveling alone. I met so many people from all over the world. Every city I visited I made new friends, some I would say are lifelong friends whom I can’t wait to visit in their home country.
While this was one of my favorite parts of solo travel it was also the thing that I had the hardest time with. I can be somewhat introverted and I really enjoyed the days I spent exploring by myself. I also knew though that I needed to connect with other people or I would get lonely and I had to find a way to branch out and sometimes force myself to be social. The thing was though that the cities where I did made the deepest connections were ended up being the highlights of my trip.
4. Cultural immersion
When you’re on your own, you can fully immerse yourself in the local culture without worrying about being held back or influenced by others. If there was something I wanted to experience I could just go for it. For example, I really enjoyed taking cooking classes. This was something I did multiple times and if I were with a group or another person they may have wanted to do a single cooking class but because I was on my own I could do as many as I wanted.
5. Personal growth
Traveling solo can be a challenging yet rewarding experience that can help you grow as a person and gain a new perspective on life. When you’re solo traveling you will be in uncomfortable positions everyday. Being out of your comfort zone repeatedly automatically leads to personal growth. It’s cliche but traveling the world and traveling alone specifically really changes a person.
6. Flexability
With no one else to worry about, you can be more flexible with your travel plans and adjust them as needed. When you are traveling alone you have the ability to change and make all your own plans. While I was on my first solo trip I would only plan my trip one to two days in advance. I did this so I could always change my plans and didn’t have go back on any reservations. Of course this style of travel isn’t for everyone and if it makes you more comfortable you can plan as far in advance as you like and because you’re alone you can plan as far in advance as you like.
7. Budget-friendly:
Traveling alone can often be more budget-friendly than traveling with others, as you have more control over your expenses and can find cheaper accommodation and activities. When you’re solo traveling you have to ability to decide how much money and what you’re willing to spend your money on. If you want to stay in the cheapest hostel and eat at the nicest restaurants you can. If you want to spend all your budget on excursions but live on a street food diet you can.
8. Spontaneity
Solo travel allows for more spur-of-the-moment decisions and adventures that you might not have considered with others. This was such a fun element to solo travel. When I was traveling in Laos I had a tentative plan for what I wanted to see. However, in the first city I visited I met a fellow traveler who had an extra space on a three night and two day excursion that happened to also be a two day boat ride away from where I was at the time. They were leaving on the boat the next day and asked if I wanted to join.
In a spur of the moment decision I said ‘yes’. The excursion was in the jungle and included zip-lining, sleeping in treehouses, and looking for monkeys. It was one of the greatest highlights of my entire trip. I would have never been able to make that spontaneous decision had I not been alone. I am so grateful I could say ‘yes.’
9. Self-care
Traveling alone means being able to focus on your own needs, such as taking time for self-care and treating yourself to special experiences. For me, this was a real gift. I ended up getting pedicures, facials, and massages almost every other day. Both because they were so cheap and because it just felt so good to take care of myself. I also got really comfortable eating at restaurants by myself and would frequently take myself out to dinner. I would find a restaurant I wanted to try and spend the meal reading my kindle. Becoming comfortable doing things on my own is one of the greatest skills in life. If you can get comfortable taking yourself out to dinner you can do anything alone.
10. Personal challenges
Solo travel can be challenging, both mentally and physically, but overcoming those challenges can be incredibly empowering and rewarding. While I truly love solo travel it did come with its own set of challenges. In Bangkok there was one moment in particular where I was basically stranded at a bus station with no cash at two o’clock in the morning by myself. With the travel skills I had already learned and with the help of a local taxi driver I was able to get to where I wanted to go. It was really scary but I grew so much from that experience and I am now equipped with a whole new set of travel skills.
11. Unique experiences
When you’re on your own, you’re more likely to have unique experiences that can’t be replicated with others, such as discovering hidden gems or trying new things. For example, I took a 28 hour bus from Hanoi, Vietnam over the border to Luang Prabang, Laos. Most other traveller I talked to were taking flights between the two countries for a little extra money. However, I really wanted the unique experience. I went for it and it turned out to be one of my favorite memories. Despite it being somewhat miserable I am so glad I had that unique experience.
12. Memories for life
Finally, solo travel can create memories and experiences that you’ll treasure for a lifetime, and could even inspire your future adventures. There are countless memories I will treasure for the rest of my life. All those are my own to cherish and are unique to me. There are many memories I love sharing with family and friends and there are some I keep just for me. Its cliche but solo travel changed me and I will forever be grateful for the memories have been left with.
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