5 reasons why solo travel is the worst

5 reasons why solo travel is the worst

We’ve all seen the inspirational quotes and articles touting the perks of solo travel flood our Facebook feeds.

“Why travelling solo is so important”

“Why you need to experience the freedom of travelling alone”

“How solo travel will change your life forever”

They wax philosophical about how being forced out of your comfort zone means you’ll make new friends, build up your self-confidence, and get to go wherever you want, whenever you want. Oh, and did you hear how it might even make you more employable, so you can earn enough money to eat all of the avocado toast?

I call B.S.

Seriously, have any of these people ever actually tried travelling alone? Because then they’d know it’s the worst, and the only “life-changing” thing about it is that it makes you hold on to your current relationships for dear life so you’ll always have someone willing to head off on an adventure with you. Even travel influencers who make a living off boasting about their solo trips around the globe aren’t usually alone thanks to well-planned meet-ups—just watch their Instagram stories for proof.

That time it looked like I had a Portugeuese palace to myself but there were actually about 450 other tourists right behind me.

I’ve given solo travel the college try, traipsing around spots like Panama, Spain and Belgium when I wanted to extend my trip longer than my travel companions could. Sure there were some bright spots, like the adorbs day trip I took to Zaanse Schans, spotting monkeys near the Panama Canal, and sampling Framboise and mussels in Brussels. But would I say those solitary experiences reshaped my entire outlook on life? Definitely not. Plus let’s be honest: as a female I have to put safety first, which means sometimes I’m more comfortable staying within the confines of my hotel versus wandering around a foreign city, which puts a serious dent in my ability to get to know a place.

Here are just a few of the reasons why I think solo travel is the worst.

1. It’s More Expensive

They’re the two words that make every solo adventurer shudder: “single-supplement.” Charged by the likes of cruise lines, resorts and tours that base their rates on double-occupancy, it means that solo travellers have to pay more for the exact same experience as their paired-up counterparts.

The single-supplement is just one example of how prices can quickly climb when there’s no one to split them with. Taxi rides, hotel rooms and rental cars cost the same regardless of how many people are using them, and are inevitable unless you plan on couch surfing and taking the bus everywhere. Math really sucks sometimes.

Shutterstock.

2. Eating Alone

This is hands-down the most annoying thing about solo travel IMO. I’m usually perfectly fine to check out landmarks and go on day trips alone, but when it comes time for dinner I’m a total wimp. I despise eating by myself, and a sit-down restaurant is typically not one of those places where people will just come up to you and start chatting. So, basically you have to saddle up to the bar and hope there’s a nice bartender to chat with, bring a book/phone to entertain yourself, play online games or simply stare into the distance until your meal arrives you can scarf it down and hightail it out of there.

I avoid all of those options like the plague, so if I have no luck lining up a dining companion ahead of time then I do the next best thing: hotel room service. There’s a reason it exists, and the best part is you can bring your own bottle of wine and no one will judge you. #Winning.

This is an inaccurate representation of what room service looks like when you’re flying solo. Unless you really want to #treatyoself.

3. Doing everything yourself

I consider myself an Independent Woman (cue Destiny’s Child track), but there’s no denying a lot of things about travel are just easier with a partner. Like the airport. How annoying is it when you want to use the washroom, and need to drag all of your bags into the tiny stall with you because you can’t leave them with someone else at the gate? Or in the airport lounge, when you have to try and balance a drink and plate of food in one hand, as you drag your carry-on luggage with the other?

RELATED: The 10 commandments of airport etiquette

And don’t even get me started on taking selfies. It’s one thing to whip out the tripod and self-timer when you’re hiking alone in a national park, but it’s downright embarrassing to attempt Insta-worthy solo shots when there are other tourists around. Multiply that by 10 if you’re also staring off into the distance wearing a floppy hat.

Lagos, Algarve, Portugal
Photo snapped by my hubby, which made it slightly less embarrassing to stand on the edge of a cliff hoping my hat didn’t fly into the ocean.

Also, no one is good at everything, which is why travelling in a group is handy for playing off each other’s strengths. For example, I’m a total disaster with maps and directions, so I always leave the navigating to whoever I’m travelling with. But as for actually booking things, watch out! I’m the Queen Bee when it comes to scoring an amazing deal on a luxe hotel room or getting our flights for next-to-nothing with airline points. When you travel solo, you have no one else to depend on for anything, which means there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself literally or figuratively going around in circles at some point (in my experience, typically on the New York City subway line).

4. Safety

There’s a reason they say there’s safety in numbers. Safety is always the top consideration when deciding whether or not to embark on a solo trip, and even more important if you’re a woman. There are usually a few things that men don’t have to worry about which women do, such as falling victim to unwanted advances or being constantly propositioned (which happened to me in such alarming frequency while I was simply trying to read a book in a park in Madrid, that I quickly gave up and went back to my hostel). In places like Caye Caulker, Belize, the men are known to catcall female travellers, which sure puts a damper on the “laid-back island” vibe. Both of those situations could likely be avoided by not travelling alone, particularly for women who also happen to be travelling with a male companion.

Unfortunately no one is immune to theft, which is a bad situation no matter what but even worse if you’re flyin’ solo. I know someone who had all his money stolen in Spain, but managed to salvage the rest of the trip because his pals covered his expenses along the way. If you’re travelling solo, it can be tough to get your hands on cash from afar (especially if you happen to be in a third-world country at the time), and it’s a whole other ballgame if you have the misfortune of being injured on the road and there’s no one to ensure you get the care you need.

Tip: Keep a piece of paper on you at all times with a scan of your passport, as well as important numbers like emergency contact information and embassy numbers.

5. Having no one to share your memories with

Finally, one of my favourite things about travel is that you get to share all of those crazy experiences with someone else, and laugh about them endlessly years later. Unfortunately, inside jokes aren’t quite as funny when you were the only one there. And really at the end of the day, isn’t travel all about creating memorable experiences?

Do you hate solo travel as much as I do, or actually (gasp!) love it? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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73 thoughts on “5 reasons why solo travel is the worst”

  1. Pingback: Top 10 most ridiculous travel accessories - Globe Guide

  2. Yeah, I agree I have to travel solo myself, on occasion, and as a man not as scary but boring. No one to talk to, or share anything. Plus as a single traveler I always get the worst hotel rooms, very old and the size of a postage stamp as far back in the hotel as possible as I assume that they think I am going to get some “company” for the evening.

  3. Interesting findings 🙂
    I usually travel with my wife, hence not much first hand solo experiences.
    I definitely agree with you on one thing – it is better when you have someone to share your memories. I meet a lot solo travelers on the road (mostly in hostels), and those are the people who always want to start a conversation or join for a tour or bar/dinner with somebody. That can be good and bad thing depending from the point of view 🙂

  4. I go both ways about solo travel. My greatest fear is having no one to share the amazing stories. Imagine seeing or experiencing something beautiful and then keeping all to yourself:)

  5. You’re missing all the fun of swiping right on the road. Seriously though, we’re a married couple and we couldn’t agree more with you about a couple of points. It’s so much more fun to eat together. We get to try twice the food with half of the guilt since we share plates. We also share the memories. It’s great having someone to reminisce with.

  6. Haha! I love this post. This is so true!
    Also: “as a female I have to put safety first, which means sometimes I’m more comfortable staying within the confines of my hotel versus wandering around a foreign city, which puts a serious dent in my ability to get to know a place.”

    I share the same sentiments. Also, who would take me awesome profile photos? And yes, it’s cheaper to travel with someone who can split expenses with you. One travel buddy who matches your personality will be great!

  7. Funny, I just wrote an article similar to this recently, but with a different twist. I gave the 10 benefits of Solo travel, and then said how I was tired of all 10. These are the flipside, and oh so true!!! After 3 years of solo travel, I’m so done with eating at fancy restaurants by myself, missing out on 2 for 1 specials, doing all the work and not having anyone special to share the moments and memories with. Safety is also a really important factor, although I might be lending the other side of it as a former security guard.

  8. I’m not the biggest fan of solo travel, for all the reason you mentioned – but I can see the value of it if you’re trying to work stuff out or just need some space. I have traveling with my partner for the past 9 years and following our split 3 months ago I went away on my own and enjoyed it. But I did know people in the area I went to so i could chose when I spent time with people and when I wanted to be alone. I guess it all depends on your situation at the time.

  9. Finally a post on hating solo travel!
    I agree on all points and the most is on eating alone. I dread that. Then having memories of loneliness. So painful.
    Other factors can still be done carefully.

  10. I do enjoy having my partner along with me on trips but don’t mind doing short journeys by my lonesome. It also helps to be a boomer – I’m practically invisible to the opposite sex unless it’s as an easy mark for theft. But that’s never been a problem as I’m experienced and trust my gut. I love feeling independent enough to go to far flung places by myself but flexible enough to play well with others. Either way – aren’t we lucky to even have the conversation?!

  11. I have travelled solo so much that I’ve adapted. But I hear you, squeezing into a stall with your carry-on is an art. And for me, a big part of travel is sharing the experience with others. When I’m solo, I often wish I could share the my experiences with my friends or family. The upside is that I often meet new people. I’m grateful for how travel enriches my life either way.

  12. I just read my book at restaurants or eat at the bar. I have met some amazing people by eating alone at bars.

    I have gotten over the embarrassment of getting my tripod out. I actually carry some of my travel blog business cards and have handed them out after people stop to ask what I am doing.

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  14. Though I see your point when it comes to most things on this list, I disagree. Eating alone doesn’t always have to be a burden (once you get used to it, it can actually be pretty great!), if you use common sense safety is usually not a huge issue in most places and on the road you meet so many people you’ll share memories with. And yes, sometimes being on your own does suck and shitty things do happen. But I think that’s when you learn how to deal with stuff yourself. I know that solo travel might not be for everyone, but still I think most of these points don’t have to be so negative if you shift your perspective a little. Interesting read, though.

    1. Thanks Elena, I know not everyone agrees with me, and frankly I’m pretty jealous of those who don’t because I wish I enjoyed solo travel! 🙂 If it wasn’t for the whole eating thing, I think I might actually be OK with it.

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  16. Just in my second week of my five week trip to asia. Was really looking forward to it.
    Although I’ve seen really nice places and spoken to some nice people, it hasn’t been quite as nice as I expected.

    I’ve been alone most of the time and I haven’t enjoyed that really much. I try to meet people but it hasn’t worked out that great yet.

    But I have still 4 weeks to go so maybe it will become better.

    Anyway, it was nice to read that I am not the only one feeling this way haha.

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  18. I am not sure if I agree to this article. I do get your point but, traveling alone do makes a difference in your life from since you get to think more, be creative and see the world differently than when you are with someone.

  19. This is what I have been thinking. I thought I would love traveling by myself because I can do whatever I want. The first couple of days were okay. However, as I travel more on my own, I found myself constantly thinking oh how this person would’ve enjoyed this and we would have so much fun and hahaha we would both be dyring from laughter right now. I am currently in Korea and I have about 6 months left. While I treasure all the memories I have made from traveling on my own, I will never do this again.

    1. Hi Destiny, thanks for the note and I want to give you kudos for continuing on with your trip! You’re so brave to be doing such a long trip by yourself, and it sounds like you’ll have quite a few adventures!

  20. Well I don’t feed off people’s energy so travelling works for me. I like to do things when and how I want it. Also I don’t like people disturbing me to take pictures every second to update on the gram it’s just exhausting for me. This year I’m planning to make my trips alone. Maybe when I have a partner but my current friends naaa I’d rather go alone

    1. Same! I just wrapped up my first solo travel and it was incredible. I got sick on my first day and all my plans got thrown off track, which was great because I roll with the punches so I did whatever i wanted, whenever i wanted. Stepped out of my comfort zone, talked to some locals, ate good food. Bonus was no people living the vacation through the snapchat/gram lenses and filters.

  21. Interesting post. I’m a single gay man and have been really wanting to travel, but the thought of dining alone, not sharing the memories, and conversing with people mostly to ask directions or order food sounds bloody depressing. Also one of the pleasures of travel is when someone you’re with discovers something unexpected. I was thinking of traveling in a way that wouldn’t include those things—so not being focused on food etc—but it sounds pretty pared down.

    1. True. I’ve been traveling for 3 months and the worst thing of solo travel is asking for a direction when you have zero clue and the language become a barrier as well. But, in my opinion as a gay man, solo travel kinda relieves me from people judgements. With traveling, it kinda lighten the weight of the world given to me, as you know it’s hard being “gay”. Plus, eating alone in a restaurants isn’t as bad as you think 🙂 If you’re considering on solo-travel, i hope you’ll have a great one.

  22. I travel alone for work often and recently travelled on my own across the world for two months.

    Travelling alone isn’t easy. It’s difficult to feel comfortable being on your own. But it feels difficult because humans are typically social creatures and it feels unfamiliar (how often in life are we forced to be alone for months ? Rarely … ).

    Initially when I started travelling alone for work, I hated it. But after a year of hating it, I decided that this mindset only made me miserable for the reasons you outlined above- so I told myself that I would enjoy it. I will make my trips worthwhile. And that’s when everything changed. When I didn’t wanna sit on my own for dinner, I sat in front of the kitchen or the bar and talked to the cooks, bartenders, or people sitting close by on their own. I discovered the ability to make conversation with anyone and everyone I matter where I went. So no longer did I feel alone, even though I was actually travelling alone.

    Fast forward approx 6 months, I booked my flight across the world and travelled to a country across the world from home for two months on sabbatical. It was the first time I was on my own for pleasure, instead of work. And I loved it. Granted I wasn’t always alone – I stayed in hostels, so I could easily meet other travellers, but I loved the ability to go anywhere I pleased, eat whatever I wanted, do whatever I want without negotiating or discussing my plans with another person. It was pure freedom. And when I wanted to socialize – I could. If I didn’t feel like it, I wouldn’t have to.

    So was I completely alone? No. I was enjoying the company of myself on some days… and on other days, I enjoyed the exchange of conversation with other strangers for 1 minute, 5 minutes, hours or a couple days before going off to another destination on my own.

    And that’s how I learned to love travelling by myself : if I want to be lonely and miserable, then I will. If I don’t, then change something about your circumstances or your perspective and everything else will follow.

    1. Hi Jean,
      So true! Where did you end up travelling on sabbatical?
      I agree with your tip about sitting at the bar in restaurants- that’s what I’ve started doing as well when eating alone, and it makes a big difference.

      1. I went to New Zealand and Australia 🙂 I’m from Canada. As a woman like you, safety is my first priority, so countries I considered had to have good and easy access to healthcare, civilized government, sanitary conditions, as well as good weather :p .

        Admittedly safety was still a concern even travelling there alone. I was always aware of where I was, who I was with, and refused to allow myself to become intoxicated and unaware. But it’s also responsible being anywhere, even alone in my own city. Despite that , I loved the experience and plan on traveling alone every year for personal holiday.

        If you haven’t been there, I hope you have a chance to go. It is backpacker paradise!

  23. I’ve been traveling solo since my late teens up to now in my happy years of retirement (that’s 50 years of travel!). My husband does not enjoy air travel, so when I get wanderlust, I simply book a ticket and off I go! I have been to every continent with the exception of Antarctica and it’s far from boring or unsafe. Of course you have to be smart and research beforehand. And yes, there will be mishaps. That’s where you discover self reliance, improvisation and smarts. If you find yourself bored or confined to your hotel out of fear, well that says a lot about you and perhaps you are simply not meant to travel solo.
    I have been all over the world and have met such interesting people, made friends I still have today, seen such breathtaking and amazing places and enjoyed simple things like sun rise on Mount Kilimanjaro, after reaching Uhuru peak to staying up all night and watching the aurora borealis in northern Finland and seeing the 7 wonders of the world and ticking off my bucket list some of the most wonderful Unesco World Heritage sites!
    Unglue yourself from your damn phones and see the world! Architecture, history, cultures, the arts, sports, shopping, volunteering or just plain taking in nature or local culture.

    P.S. And no, I am in no way a paid traveller or blogger. Just a lady, rebel, kid at heart and a happily retired paramedic and 9-1-1 supervisor. Namaste!

  24. Also, injuries can happen. I fell on a sharp rock and broke my ankle while travelling alone. No. Fun. Some kind people got me to the hospital and from there I was on my own, relying on hotel employees, cab drivers and airport personnel as I was in a wheelchair. So glad to get home and have my family meet me. Yes, injury can happen but it could have been worse. I could have been in a third world country or hiking or something.

    Before that I liked it for some places. In fact when traveling with others I often long to get away by myself for awhile but I agree that eating is the worst. I would just find a nice bakery and buy something for the hotel room.

    Some places are great for solo travel though, like cities where you want to do museums or shopping are great. Get a hotel room in the city and leave your stuff and you can wander around the city and museums. But the Caribbean or multiple destinations with island hopping or hiking? No.

  25. I definitely agree with your article. I traveled so once to Korea and Japan for a week (after departing from some friends in Thailand) and I was so lonely. No one to talk to or to experience things with! And I dreaded eating alone too, so I resorted to cheap but delicious street food. And whenever I got really tired because of constantly going all the time, I just went back to my hotel. That usually happened around mid afternoon… And then it was so hard to make myself go back out in the evening.
    I was thinking again of doing another solo trip but to Europe this time because none of my friends can go with me. But maybe not!

  26. Can’t agree with you more on the dining alone part. Even if you stay in hostels and made some friends, doesn’t mean they have the same appetite as you. I tried couchsurf, tinder, bumble to line up someone to eat with, and it was hard to match with another female or someone my age. My latest success was a local app in Bangkok called eatmatch…highly recommend it for just finding dining companion

  27. I wonder what century the writer thinks we are in! The world does not revolve around the ‘two by two ‘ model anymore.

    I have had more grief and dents in my confidence traveling with others.

    Don’t be a wimp live your own life on your terms not vicariously through the backdrop of others.

  28. This article makes some good points and I’ve had the opportunity to travel with people and alone. The thing I like about travelling alone is that it gets you outside of your “bubble” and you can focus more on meeting new people and learning their culture compared to if your travelling with friends or family. I find when I travel with a group of friends there’s so many limitations because not everyone agrees on restaurants/ excursions or entertainment. Travelling solo gave me so much independence too! Everyone can travel in a group but not everyone can go alone and I felt on top of the world when I decided to go with my gut! I still like your input and I totally agree with feeling uncomfortable eating alone!

  29. The only part I hate as a solo female traveler is the constant propositions by men especially in the Caribbean. I cant even enjoy a book on the beach. I made friends with a couple and for a few days was left alone by the beach hustlers. If I ever go back it will be to a high end resort for a shorter time to avoid the riff raff. I finally get it why people dont leave the resort.

    1. Sorry to hear about your experience Lorraine- I’ve encountered similar issues in Spain and it’s so frustrating! May I ask which islands in the Caribbean you’ve encountered issues at?

  30. I was fascinated to read about your reasons for not wanting to travel solo, as I too really like to adventure by myself. Either way, there are pluses and not so great aspects. For me, the biggest plus of going solo is following my heart and whims at any given moment without the need to compromise in any way. While many have mentioned the awkwardness of eating alone, I quite like it. I really enjoy food and find that I can savor it more fully when I don’t have to converse with a dining partner. The only real drawback I have found is that, while I love to snorkel, it is rather a risky thing to do when no one else is watching or snorkeling with me. At age 75, I am hoping to go to the Greek Islands this year.

  31. Nathan Bisonette

    Interesting read. After reading so many articles about solo travel being awesome I was curious if anyone felt the opposite way. I just did a 57 day European trip last year solo. I can understand why it’s not for everyone, but I had a great time. I kept myself very busy and meticulously planned out my trip. Being a man though means I can never know quite what’s it like to be a woman traveling solo. I can imagine it gets quite annoying to be catcalled and propositioned constantly.

    As far as baggage goes, I traveled light. I brought just one large backpack and a small day pack so lugging around my baggage wasn’t a huge chore. As far as eating and adventuring alone, I think we’re all very different creatures and I’ve always been super comfortable eating alone and doing things solo, but I totally know that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

    I stayed in hostels so I didn’t spend really any more than a group or couple would. I’ve never heard of single supplements, but so many travel bloggers have discussed them, that I have no doubt they exist. That would be very inconvenient indeed. I pretty much traveled from city to city in Europe via the railway system using my Eurail pass which was incredibly cheaper than taking even short hop flights.

    Overall, my trip was very rewarding. Europe is very much first world overall and incredibly easy to navigate in my opinion. Traveling to other places like Africa, Central America, South America, and Asia would be more challenging for sure. I haven’t done much research on traveling in those areas, but I am interested in doing so at some point. And judging by the comments there are other things that can make solo travel suck such as illness or injury.

  32. I just happened to stumble upon this article while planning my second solo trip. My first solo trip was in 2018 to Hawaii. I would’ve gone on another one sooner but Covid delayed that. In any event, I just wanted to share that for me solo travel has been amazing. Although I’ve only done it once, it was liberating and empowering. I met so many wonderful people who didn’t try to take advantage of me, and who were kind and helpful. One of the locals even gave me a Laku Hei as a gift when I saw it on her and inquired where I could purchase it. She kindly replied that her sister makes them, then a minute later she ran to me as I walked away and insisted I accept the gift. I have a picture with them of course :). I also took pictures with other people I met, and people were always willing to take a picture for me if I asked, like when I went parasailing and a family group shared the boat. I’m sure it might not always be that way, but nothing is perfect so why not be optimistic. Definitely planning ahead is the best way to be safe and have things to do. Having to always depend on others plans, schedules, mood etc. to travel is one of the things that made me decide to get up and go alone. I love hanging out with my friends and sharing memories sometimes, but I also have wonderful friends who are equally excited to see the memories I’ve created for myself when I show them. I certainly wouldn’t say solo travel is the worst, it’s just not for everybody and certainly doesn’t sound like it’s for you.

  33. I have to respectfully disagree! I actually just left from traveling solo. I don’t feel like I need others to tag along to create memories. I create memories with people I meet abroad and I develop an ultimate confidence to have the ability to travel alone. Have your finances in order, then cost wouldn’t be an issue. Take pics, smile and enjoy your peace. Learn more about yourself and how to operate in an environment with yourself. It’s definitely not for everyone and it’s subjective

  34. I am single and you might look down on singles.
    I love traveling by myself.
    When I was sick or got in trouble in my solo travel, people helped me…
    I have many great memories
    And you can share memories of solo travel to friends
    you assume like every one has to have partner or has to be married or, It’s normal to travel with someone or everyone love talking.
    The majority defines NORMAL but I don’t like talking.
    I love drawing and being quiet
    and love traveling by myself

  35. Sam Sciullo Jr

    I’m a male, early 60s, and I’ve been taking solo trips (for the most part) for roughly 30 years, and I love it. I suspect the reason so many are horrified by this is because they can’t imagine having or wanting to do it themselves, so they can’t understand how anyone else would.
    I get up when I want, eat when and where I want. I’ve eaten at many fancy restaurants by myself, and it don’t bother me in the last. I go to a restaurant to eat, not be judged or analyzed by a lot of people I’ll most likely never see again. My girlfriend during that she period is like me; she takes trips by herself, and has been all over the world. I realize that the travel industry is not set up to accommodate the solo traveler, and I do get curious looks at hotel registrations and restaurants, but so what. That’s for them to deal with, not me.

  36. I am currently traveling Varanasi, India. This is my life’s first solo trip and literally I am experiencing all of this. Whenever I traveled in groups, I got annoyed sometimes because others didn’t wanna go where I wanted to so I thought I should travel alone to avoid this. On my current trip, I am traveling to those nerdy places only I’d wanna go but I am feeling lonely. Like you said, eating dinner alone is so bad! I’m a guy and I still can’t go out in the middle of the night because everyone told me that robberies happen at night and I’m wondering how bad it is for woman. The expenses are still way less than what I spent in groups because I am staying at a backpackers hostel and I spend money only on extremely necessary things, in groups I had to pay more sometimes because my friends wanted to eat at a high-end restaurant.
    In my opinion, one should travel solo once for experience but otherwise do it only if you can’t find someone to go with you to a particular place. I am sure I will travel solo again but it will only be to nerdy historical monuments and museums where my friends won’t go. If others are ready to go with me, I will always prefer that.

  37. While all of your points are valid, I still prefer the flexibility of solo travel. I can do whatever I want, whenever I want and I don’t have to wait on people. And on top of that if the loneliness is really getting to you, stay in a hostel. If you don’t like staying in the bunk beds, you can always get a private room in a hostel. I see people of all ages staying at hostels and it is so easy to make friends and meet other people to travel with. And the best part is, if you don’t like their travel style you can always go separate ways with no hard feelings because in the end this is your trip and you can do whatever you want.

    Most of the people I’ve met that say they don’t like solo travelling haven’t put themselves out there and made an active effort to get to know other people. Meeting people is part of travelling, whether its the locals, expats or other travelers. All of the reasons you mentioned above become invalid once you start putting yourself out there and meet people.

  38. Hey this is amazing cuz just tonight I began wondering if my partner will be coming with me when I go home this Christmas..(I haven’t been home in a long time so having her with me will really help). Let me tell you that it’s so fun making all the plans and reservations for US..but if I have to take this trip by myself it’s going to make all of the fun plans meaningless and honestly I’m gonna feel like the biggest loser on earth traveling among couples and people together while I’ll be on my own, and say what you will but truth is people look at people who travel alone, ( guys mostly, not women) and quietly wonder if they’re a creep or if they have issues, so no points for solo travel from me, personally I think it’s demeaning and hope I won’t have to do it. It’s also a very real fact.. what’s the point of trying to have fun and make memories when you’re alone.. theres no one to share it with.. no ones gonna care, sad but true.

  39. Ugh I also completely agree with this. Coming back from a solo travel and felt like I was doing a bunch of things that should be cool but just feeling lonely the whole time, missing my husband, and just hoping I could make it home safely without losing any more belongings! Man I wish everyone would stop going around saying how great solo travel is. It’s kind of cool maybe when you’re young but even then it’s hard. I even did a group trip for part of my trip but everyone was so much younger, I didn’t really connect with them:( Done with traveling for awhile ha

  40. I traveled alone once. Never again. Felt very lonely and no one would talk with me, even when I tried to make conversation. Dining alone was awful because apparently in some form places, a lone female Diner is suspected of being a prostitute! Yeah no man ever approached me the whole time I was out there so I guess if that’s the case I failed at that “profession” haha seriously though i think solo travel is not for everyone. Being a female solo traveler is hard but try being a solo female traveler of color. That’s a whole set of problems that you need another blog entry to write about! The next time I travel it’ll be with a group tour.

  41. Hi, I am near the tail end of a solo travel session thru Mexico and Costa Rica. I’m a late 40’s male.
    I agree with a lot of what you said. I’ll have to say that as a guy (larger built) I’ve never had any issues with safety (touch wood!) only annoyance about locals is the constant “hey buddy I got weed, coke, whatever you need!) I think men get targeted a LOT this way.
    First couple months were fun. It was all new.. I really enjoy beaches/snorkelling etc, and I was so into the cuisine etc. I also did a few tours and had good chats. I spent a lot of time wandering, admiring sights and wildlife..
    I found that it was WAY easier to find a travel buddy like myself and do stuff with over those
    months, and also made friends with some of the owners/workers at local restaurants who spoke good “Ingles” .. but what I really find is a lack of women my age to meet/ potentially make a connection with. Seems to be loads of young female travellers or couples, mid aged couples and LOTS of older couples. I guess it’s possible it’s because of where I am travelling, but I am in fairly touristy areas at times.
    I think solo travel can be great in shorter stints before u kinda burn out and lose interest in always trying to find people to talk to🤣

  42. Tamara, as a solo traveling queen…former recovered insecure people pleaser.. I enjoyed reading your post- interesting perspective! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Eating alone, whipping out your tripod in public is super awkward, embarrassing, and uncomfortable – totally get it and I experienced this during my solo travels. But here’s what I’m going to leave you with-
    YOU need to remember that you are a beautiful female traveling and exploring an unfamiliar place worried about people around you who are literally strangers and you’ll probably never see them again… who cares what they think or if it’s “downright embarrassing” — they’re irrelevant. You aren’t doing anything wrong babe. who are these people? They’re complete strangers! why should their opinion matter? Are you being rude? Nope! If you want to take an insta-worthy pic just simply ask someone walking by to take one. Step out of your comfort zone and allow yourself to get uncomfortable!!! You’ll build REAL self-confidence and won’t give an F what people think! At the end of the day YOU live YOUR life for YOU🫶🏼
    Get uncomfortable break out of this cocoon you’re stuck in and allow yourself to just be free 🦋 you’ll feel like a total rock star and learn so much about yourself 🙂 cheers!

    1. Aww thanks Mimi!! I’ve definitely gotten better about this since I originally wrote the post a few years ago- mostly because I don’t have a choice, it’s my job! I still prefer travelling with someone else though, but at least I don’t dread it anymore!

  43. Very interesting article. I myself am a solo traveler (as well as single), but only because I have no other options. All my friends are married with kids & the odds of ever traveling with them are 0%. If they do travel with others, they only want to hang out with in-laws or other married couples they know while a single person like me feels non-existent to them. It took a lot of strength for me to want to travel solo. My first trip was to Hawaii and while I enjoyed doing things that I wanted to do, I also had plenty of moments when I hated being alone after seeing couples and families all around me. I’ve done quite a few trips to Europe on guided tours and have even met people on them, but it is still difficult to shake the lonely & single solo traveler doubts on occasion while again, surrounded by couples and families. I imagine that it is all about how you can cope with loneliness and wondering if this feeling will ever end (at least in my case). In the end, I do find that it is better to travel solo because staying home alone is worse for my mental health. I keep reading about solo travelers and I have been unfortunate in ever meeting any, so it always feels like I am a lone wolf who will never share any great memories with friends or family.

  44. Your take on traveling solo is subjective. No doubt, everything you have mentioned is true. However,
    exploring places all by yourself can give the freedom to explore anything the heart desires and grow
    in confidence.

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