We all know someone who goes on solo adventures, and prefers it that way. I evolved into that person several years back, after deciding I’d travel alone post-break up. Solo travel resonated with me and I fell into a new kind of relationship: one with the world, and one with myself. Cheesy, yes (don’t forget it’s me writing this).
The Common Questions
Aren’t you lonely while traveling solo? I’m often asked. No! When traveling alone, you can have as little or as much time to yourself as you want. There’s something about being by yourself that actually makes you more approachable. I’ve found it easy (and inevitable) to meet people during my travels. And there are so many ways to do this: by joining a free walking tour, visiting the local park, or simply staying in a hostel. But solo travel ultimately means you have complete freedom to do as you please! It’s deliciously hedonistic.
Isn’t it dangerous to travel alone? Who looks out for you? With a little bit of careful preparation ahead of time, and practicing common street smarts, solo travel can be just as safe as your normal day to day at home – especially if you live in the States, where the gun violence homicide rate is higher than that of any other developed country. The reality is that most people are altruistic – and exposing yourself to foreign places awakens you to just how similar we really are, regardless of origin. Knowing a light background of where you’re visiting, learning a few basic phrases in the local language, avoiding wandering alone at night, and not drinking too much are tried and true safety rules to adhere by.
Is a history of solo travel appealing to employers? To love interests? Heck, to random strangers? Yes – in my humble opinion – because it demonstrates independence, bravery, research abilities, and savvy budgeting! I’ve earned myself plenty of kudos from colleagues and friends, impressed dates with tales of past adventures, and shared laughs and commonality with randos at airports. It gives your grandmother bragging rights 🙂 Case in point, it makes you interesting.
Has it changed you as a person? Absolutely. Solo travel changes you for the better. It increases your confidence, awareness, and navigation skills. It challenges you to make new friends on your own and ask strangers for directions in unfamiliar places; you’re forced to conquer some fears head-on. It breaks you down before it builds you back up into a strong (but humbled) force to be reckoned with. And it instills pride in your self-reliance.
Characteristics of a Rewarding Solo Destination
It’s affordable. When traveling alone, you’re likely paying for accommodations, transportation, and activities by yourself, therefore it’s wise to consider your destination and its costs in advance. For instance, while air travel to Iceland is quite affordable, ground expenses can be astronomical. On the other hand, Prague has great food and beer (and spectacular sites) for some of the better prices in central Europe.
It’s safe. This is an obvious, especially for women traveling alone. I have been to some questionable places, but following general safety standards has kept me out of harm’s way. This means avoiding dodgy or poorly lit areas, dressing in a non-flashy manner, and wearing a cross-body purse. Be smart and don’t go to places where warnings truly exist for good reason. But certainly don’t miss out on exploring the world because you’re living in fear.
It excites you. Why go somewhere boring, where you would struggle finding ways to occupy your time? If you’re taking time off work and spending money, you want to be entertained and inspired! Some places are definitely more thrilling and interesting than others, which is something to consider in your initial trip planning. Is the destination worth your while?
It will provide an opportunity to make meaningful connections. Some of us, ahem extroverts, need social interaction and don’t do well when left alone for too long. I’ve visited destinations where an entire night went by and I didn’t talk to anyone (I’m looking at you, Paris). FOMO is a real thing! Some places have warmer atmospheres than others, and/or friendlier locals. This may not be a priority for all, but I personally thoroughly enjoy reflecting back on the memories made with new international friends.
Now for the fun part. Where to go?
I have to acknowledge that I’ve barely skimmed the Earth’s surface, so the suggestions below are simply based on personal experience. With that said, here are a handful of my favorite destinations for doing it alone:
1. Philippines – Perhaps don’t make this your first ever solo destination, but for experienced travelers, gift yourself the treat of roaming the Philippine islands by yourself. Filipinos are hands down the nicest people I’ve met on this planet. There are several reasons to love this southeast Asian nation.
2. Peru – I found clarity in Peru, hiking to Machu Picchu in solitude for much of the time. But I also met some fellow Americans right away when I went for dinner at Loki Hostel in Cusco, and was hardly without company during my 10 day trek.
3. Italy – There’s so much to see here that you’ll probably forget you didn’t bring a travel buddy! I stayed super busy but also met lots of nice people while there. Italy was part of the first solo trip I ever took.
5. Vietnam – Part of the southeast Asia backpacker trail, you’re bound to meet tons of other like-minded travelers, while seeing incredible sites. Vietnam is one of my favorite countries, even though I ended up in the Hanoi emergency room!
6. Nicaragua – With super affordable accommodations, nice locals, and fun activities at your disposure (like surfing, volcano hiking, and kayaking), Nicaragua has something for any traveler, experienced or novice. Be sure to familiarize yourself with Nicaragua’s current political situation before visiting.
7. Australia – Oz is easy to navigate with English as it’s primary language, and reliable public transportation. Also, its cities and nature are very impressive. One of these days I will blog about the time I spent in this amazing country!
If you haven’t traveled alone before, what are you waiting for? If it interests you, I challenge you to carve out a small chunk of time for yourself, and prepare for the experience of a lifetime. You’ve got this. Get ready to live your best life and come back a changed person.
Very cool