15 benefits of solo travel

Last night, I posted an article explaining some of the downsides of travelling alone. I didn’t want to discourage anyone from going on this type of holiday; simply to warn readers of the possible issues that could arise from doing so. However, just in case anyone was left feeling a little dubious, today I’m going to be running through fifteen of the great benefits that come with going on solo trips. Keep reading to find out why you need to stop dithering, and start booking getaways, so that you can see the world in your own special way.

You'll be able to set your own schedule

One of the greatest things about travelling alone is that you can do what you want, when you want, without having to worry about being selfish. Perhaps there’s an exhibition right on the other side of town that you really want to see, or maybe you’re feeling exhausted from travelling, and just want to spend the afternoon napping in your hotel room. Either way, the decision’s all yours, and you have no one to please but yourself.

You’ll get to decide your own budget

Travelling with other people is great, but more often than not, you’ll have to have one of those awkward conversations about money. How much are they prepared to drop on one meal? Are they willing to splash out on an afternoon of abseiling? Or perhaps you think they’re spending a little too lavishly. Disagreements will arise even between people with very similar budgets. If you’re by yourself, however, you’ll be able to splurge as much or as little as you like.

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You’ll have your own space

As I mentioned in my previous article, many of those considering solo travel will be held back by a fear of loneliness. It is true that you’ll be spending more time alone than you’re perhaps used to, but this is actually quite a good thing. Holidaying with others can be pretty taxing, exactly because you have to be in each other’s company 24/7, so think of this period of solitude as a chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy a bit of personal space.

You'll be able to get away from it all

Along with this, travelling alone can be a great way just to get away from it all for a bit. Perhaps there’s tension at home or work; perhaps you’ve just ended a long-term relationship. Either way, this is your opportunity to escape the stresses of daily life, and enjoy the wonders of new places.

Want to take it to the next level? Try doing a digital detox while you’re away. Not only will you be able to let go completely of all your worries, but also, with your eyes far away from any screens, you’ll be more present in your new location.

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Your mental health may improve

Temporarily distancing yourself from any difficulties back home will likely do wonders for your mental health. You’ll be able to recharge your batteries, let go of negative thoughts, and calmly sort things through in your mind. In addition, travelling may improve anxiety problems and help you to vanquish your fears. You’ll also have a lot more time than usual to practise self-care, so take full advantage of it.

You'll be able to avoid potential conflict

Going on holiday with someone will show you whole new sides to their personality. This can bring you closer – as it luckily has in all my experiences – but equally it can cause conflict. Travelling alone will help you avoid the risk of losing friendships or relationships (although I am firm believer that those who get on well enough will be able to get through any such disagreements). Trips away should be full of joy and excitement; not anger and gloom!

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You'll be able to spend downtime however you like

Many people assume that travelling with others is most challenging when you’re out and about; I’d argue the opposite. When people are sightseeing, they'll usually do everything they can to avoid drama: after all, who wants to have a raging argument in front of crowds of tourists? It is, then, when they get home that they’ll express their grievances, typically because, for one reason or another, they’ve stored up their bitterness all day, and now want to get it out. In addition, holidayers may feel offended if, for example, their friends use this time to check emails or do work, instead of socialising. 

As a result, downtime – which is supposed to be a period of rest – can end being more tense than relaxing. Want to be able to steer clear of these potential issues, and act as you please when you get back to your hotel room? Two words: travel alone.

You’ll only be responsible for yourself

When you’re travelling alone, you won't have to worry about anyone but yourself. You won't have to check that your friends are having a good time, and equally you won’t be holding anyone else back if, for instance, you fall ill during your trip. In addition, taking responsibility for yourself will help you to gain a stronger sense of independence and self-assurance.

You’ll learn to enjoy your own company

I love exploring the world with other people, but I also really value my alone time. However, some people really struggle when there’s no one around to mingle with. Travelling solo can be an excellent way to learn to enjoy your own company. You’ll discover a great deal about yourself while you’re away, and will hopefully start to feel more comfortable in your own skin.

You’ll grow in confidence

Along with this, jetting off alone will boost your confidence to no end. You’ll realise that you don’t actually need anyone else in order to accomplish your goals, and that you’re more than capable of overcoming the obstacles that will be thrown your way. You’ll be forced to make all the bookings, do all the talking, and work your own way out of any sticky situations, but by the end of the trip, you’ll know that you can make it through just about anything.

You’ll be more approachable

If you stay in a hostel, you’ll find that, as a solo traveller, you get approached a lot more. There are a number of reasons for this. For one thing, it’s pretty much universally acknowledged that one stranger is a lot less intimidating than a whole group of them. In addition, whether or not you’re conscious of it, when you’re with friends, you probably won't make as much of an effort to socialise. As a result, other people will not gravitate towards you in the same way.

Being approachable does, however, come with its disadvantages: you may get unwanted attention, and you'll be seen as an easier target for criminals. To avoid any potential setbacks, remember to stay alert and to distance yourself from people or places that make you feel uncomfortable.

Your language skills will improve

If you’re travelling to a country with a native language different from your own, you’ll find it much easier to improve your speaking skills if you’re by yourself. Not only will you be more likely to make conversation with locals, but also there won’t be that temptation to slip back into your mother tongue.

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Your problem-solving skills will improve

When you’ve got no one else to sort through difficulties with, you’ll be forced to think on your own two feet. As a result, you’ll find that your problem-solving skills improve enormously as the trip goes on. Not only will you learn to sort through issues quickly and calmly, but also you’ll become more confident in the decisions that you end up making.

You’ll get out of your comfort zone

Travelling alone – especially to a country with a very different language or culture – is one of the best ways to get out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges. What is more, you may find that being away for home gives you newfound courage, and the desire to take part in exhilarating activities like skydiving or rock-climbing. As a result, you’ll not only become more sure of yourself, but also you’ll have more exciting stories to share from your trip.

The world will open up to you

The more you explore the world, the more you’ll realise just how much it has to offer. No matter how many countries you manage to tick off your bucket list, you’ll never feel fully satisfied, and you’ll always be looking for new places to visit. Once you’ve caught that travel bug, there’s no going back!

Book your solo adventure today!

So there we have it: fifteen of the benefits that come with travelling solo! Setting off on your first holiday alone won’t be easy, but I promise that it will be a leap worth taking. Once you’ve made it through one trip, you’ll be aching to get back out there and explore more places. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip for one today, and remember that, no matter what anyone else says, you are unbeatable.

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