7 Benefits of Traveling Solo

Solo travel is having a major moment, and we’re totally on board with this empowering movement (hello, Explorer Chick was born from solo trips!).

Gone are the days of waiting around for friends or partners to align schedules and travel styles. More and more adventurous souls are breaking free from the “norm” to explore the world entirely on their own terms.

And — although statistics wasn’t our favorite math class back in the day — we can’t deny this one: according to Solo Traveler World, a whopping 64% of all travelers worldwide are women, with 84% of these being solo female travelers!

It’s no surprise this trailblazing trend has taken off in such a big way. When you ditch the travel buddies and go solo, you unlock a realm of invaluable personal growth, uncompromising freedom, and opportunities for authentic self-discovery that simply can’t be matched.

Imagine waking up each morning with the power to construct your day’s itinerary from scratch, tailored entirely to your specific interests and whims. No more settling for “meh” activities or putting the group’s needs first (it’s OK to be selfish every once in a while!).

As a solo traveler, every experience is 100% about pursuing your curiosities to the fullest.

Then there are the countless moments of empowerment that come from conquering new challenges independently – navigating unfamiliar cities, adapting to cultural hurdles, and forging unexpected connections with locals.

With every obstacle you overcome alone, your confidence will soar.

And we haven’t even touched on the incredible self-reflection and identity insights awaiting along your solo journey of exploration! When you strip away travel companions, you’re free to fully immerse in new environments through an unobscured lens. It’s the ultimate chance to reinvent your perspectives and discover new layers of yourself!

So, below we’re rounding up alllllll the benefits of traveling solo to inspire you to take the leap!

When you’re venturing out into the world on your own, you want to pick destinations that are going to make your solo adventure as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. Here are some of the top countries that tick all the boxes for an epic solo travel experience:

Scotland

With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and famously friendly locals, Scotland is a solo traveler’s dream. From the bustling cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow to the otherworldly Isle of Skye, there’s no shortage of beauty and culture to immerse yourself in.

The small-town vibes make it easy to strike up conversations with locals at pubs. And with efficient public transportation, you can explore the highlands and islands with ease. Scotland’s overall safety ratings are also a major plus for solo explorers.

Utah

Utah’s national parks offer a solo traveler’s paradise with their stunning landscapes and diverse natural wonders. From the iconic arches of Arches National Park to the rugged canyons of Zion, there’s endless beauty to explore. The well-marked trails and visitor centers make it easy to navigate as a solo female hiker, while the solitude of the wilderness provides moments of reflection and connection with nature.

*Discover more amazing US destinations for solo women.

Iceland

For the intrepid solo traveler, Iceland is pretty much a magical wonderland. This small island nation is overflowing with jaw-dropping natural scenery from the Blue Lagoon to mighty glaciers and waterfalls galore. It’s a heaven for pictures!

Despite its remote location, Iceland ranks extremely high for safety and even has a Hitchhiker’s Highway built exclusively for budget solo travelers to easily get rides. The gender-equal society and English proficiency also make it an appealing solo destination.

Croatia

With its stunning Adriatic coastline, remarkable history, and proven reputation for safety, Croatia is a dream for female solo travelers in particular. From wandering the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik to sailing the idyllic islands, there’s adventure around every corner.

The country’s well-trodden backpacking trail has created an infrastructure perfectly suited for meeting up with fellow solo explorers. Not to mention, the Croatian locals are known for treating visitors like family.

*Discover more amazing European destinations for solo women.

Solo travel doesn’t have to break the bank! Here are some budget-friendly accommodation options that are perfect for solo travelers:

Hostels

Hostels are a great option for solo travelers looking to meet new people and save money. Hostels offer dorm rooms with bunk beds, which can be very affordable if you’re looking to cut costs. Hostels also usually have a common area for travelers to hang out and meet each other and many offer social activities and guided excursions.

But hot tip for those who shudder at the thought of sleeping in a room full of strangers (like us… we’re not 22 anymore, unfortunately). Most hostels also have private rooms available, which are a good option for solo travelers who want a bit more privacy but still want to enjoy the social atmosphere of a hostel.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a smaller, more intimate alternative to hotels. They are often family-run and offer a more local experience. They sometimes include meals and your hosts are likely to be super familiar with the area and can help you book tours, transportation, and more. We love staying at small guesthouses when solo traveling because the hosts are usually super kind and will keep an eye out for you.

Here are some additional tips for finding budget-friendly accommodation as a solo traveler:

• Consider the location: Staying in a hostel or guesthouse in a less touristy area can be significantly cheaper than staying in the city center.
• Book in advance: Especially during peak season, hostels and guesthouses can fill up quickly. Booking your accommodation in advance can help you ensure you get a bed and avoid paying more for a last-minute booking.
• Look for deals and discounts: Many hostels and guesthouses offer discounts for solo travelers or for longer stays. Be sure to check the website or ask about any deals that may be available.

Let’s be real – solo travel isn’t always a non-stop thrill ride of exploring and meeting new people. There will be challenging moments when you’re confronted with loneliness, confusing situations, or even brushes with culture shock.

But like all the best personal growth opportunities, it’s about embracing those tough moments and using them to build one’s resilience.

Maybe you get hit with a pang of homesickness settling in at your new Airbnb. Or perhaps you temporarily misplace that important travel document and have a mini meltdown. When you’re on your own, those feelings can be amplified tenfold without a travel partner to commiserate with.

But overcoming hurdles like these is where the real personal growth happens. It’s a chance to cultivate some serious self-reliance and mental toughness. With time, you’ll reap all the benefits of traveling alone!

You learn to soothe your own worries, problem-solve efficiently, and push through moments of discomfort. With each challenge conquered, your confidence soars.

By the end of your solo adventure, you’ll emerge as a goddamn phoenix – resilient, independent, and brimming with self-assurance about your ability to handle literally anything. That newfound inner strength is something you’ll be able to draw upon for the rest of your life’s journey.

While solo travel is an incredibly empowering experience, it’s always wise to prioritize your personal safety.

Here are a few important safety tips to keep in mind:

At the end of the day, solo travel is one of the most rewarding acts of self-love and personal growth you could ever gift yourself. From the unparalleled freedom to the deep connections formed, the benefits of solo travel are simply too empowering to ignore.

Just think about it – how often do you get to kick ass, take names, and live entirely on your own terms without making a single compromise? When you’re traversing the world as a badass solo traveler, every single experience is 100% about following your curiosities and desires to the fullest.

Along the way, you’ll cultivate resilience by conquering unexpected challenges head-on. You’ll gain confidence from navigating the unknown.

You’ll shatter personal limitations and expand your horizons in ways you never imagined possible. And who knows, you may even forge some incredibly special bonds with locals and fellow adventurers. The benefits of traveling solo are endless. 

The personal transformation awaiting you through solo travel is profound and unmatched. You’ll return home with a kaleidoscope of perspective-shifting moments, a suit of armor made of courage and self-reliance, and a lust for life that can only come from taking the road less traveled by yourself.

So what are you waiting for? The world is your oyster, solo travel squad! Embrace that undeniable calling for adventure and hit the road to seek out all the magic, growth, and empowerment this life has to offer. Craft your own incredible solo travel story – you won’t regret it.