10 Reasons to Take a Solo Trip (At Least Once in Your Life)
“One solo trip can shift your perspective, reset your priorities, and open up a whole new way of seeing the world and yourself. And if nothing else, it's an opportunity to reinvent yourself, even for a small period of time.”
There’s something quietly powerful about booking a trip with no one but yourself in mind. No group chats, no shared itineraries. Just you, your suitcase, and a whole new place to explore. Solo travel* might sound intimidating at first, but ask anyone who’s done it and they’ll tell you: it’s one of the most freeing and fulfilling experiences you can have. If you’re looking to recharge, reflect, or just wander on your own terms, here are ten reasons why everyone should take a solo trip at least once in their life.
*Please make sure you read my note at the end about solo travel safety.
1. You get to do exactly what you want, when you want.
Let’s start with the obvious: solo travel means no compromises. Craving sushi at 3pm? Want to spend two hours in a bookstore or skip that popular museum entirely? Done. You don’t have to factor in anyone else's preferences, energy levels, or bedtime routines. It’s freedom in its purest form, and let me tell you, it's incredibly relaxing.
2. You’ll become more comfortable in your own skin.
There’s something powerful about spending time alone, by choice, especially in a new place. You’ll learn to enjoy your own company, trust your instincts, and move through the world with more confidence.
3. You’ll meet incredible people.
When you're not focused on friends or family, you're naturally more open to connecting with others. You'll find it's quite easy to strike up conversations with locals, fellow travelers, even the stranger who offers to take your photo. Some of the most genuine conversations and unexpected friendships happen when you’re traveling solo.
4. You’ll be more open to spontaneity.
Without a fixed plan or someone else’s schedule to stick to, you might say yes to a last-minute walking tour, join a group for dinner, or end up at a hidden beach you didn’t even know existed until the hotel concierge tells you about it. Solo travel invites adventure because you can more easily say “yes” to things that pop up.
5. You’ll learn so much about yourself.
When things go right, and especially when they go wrong, you’ll notice how you react, what brings you joy, what stresses you out, and what matters most. Travel heightens emotions, and solo travel puts you right at the center of that growth. You'll love and hate yourself so much on one trip. It can be quite the emotional roller coaster!
6. You’ll check off more from your list (and discover new things too).
There’s no waiting around or compromising with someone who doesn’t want to do that thing you’ve been dreaming about. You move at your own pace, which often means seeing more and doing more than you imagined. You'll be amazed at how many miles you can cover in a day when it's just you setting the pace.
7. You get to be the ultimate date to yourself.
Take yourself out to a long lunch. Book that sunset cruise. Dress up for dinner even if no one’s joining you. Solo travel is an invitation to treat yourself exactly the way you’d want a partner or friend to. You need to love yourself the most, and this is a great way to show it!
8. You’ll pay more attention to your surroundings.
Without conversations or other distractions, you will start noticing the little things: the way the light hits the buildings, the rhythm of daily life in a new place, the smells from the street vendors. Solo travel sharpens your senses because you're extremely tuned in to everything around you.
9. You become more resilient and resourceful.
Whether you're navigating a missed train or figuring out how to order dinner in another language, you’ll surprise yourself with how capable you are. Every challenge becomes a confidence boost.
10. It might just change your life.
I'm not exaggerating. One solo trip can shift your perspective, reset your priorities, and open up a whole new way of seeing the world and yourself. And if nothing else, it's an opportunity to reinvent yourself, even for a small period of time. Take that week (or longer) and be who you've always wanted to be.
You don’t need to go far. You don’t need to plan every detail (I encourage you not to). And you definitely don’t need to wait for someone else to go with you. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime journey, a solo trip gives you the space to tune in, take up space, and show up fully for yourself. If you’ve been waiting for a sign…this is it. Book the ticket. You’ll never regret the time you gave yourself.
*A Quick Note on Solo Travel Safety
Solo travel can be deeply rewarding, but it's important to stay safe, especially if you're a woman. Always share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member, and check in regularly during your trip. Turn on location sharing if possible, and make sure someone back home knows where you’re staying. Do your research ahead of time: read travel advisories, check local safety guides, and know the emergency numbers for your destination (it's not always 911). If you're new to solo travel, consider starting small. Try a nearby city or a short overnight trip before planning a longer, international or more remote adventure. Keep in mind, there will be places that are never a good idea to go solo. If abroad, it's also imperative to know where your nearest embassy or consulate is, just in case. I promise that smart planning won't take away the magic. It will actually give you more space to enjoy it.
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Agree with all this 100%. I love solo travel and much prefer it to travelling with someone.
That's a great note you added at the end re: safety. Whenever I preach the joys of solo travel, I always think of how challenging it must be for women. I wonder, does that limit some destinations you can safely visit?
It is one of life’s greatest joys, and it makes you really selective about who you are willing to travel with!