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There are so many incredible benefits to solo travel: you can go wherever you want, whenever you want. You develop incredible confidence. You can change your plans on a whim. It’s easier to interact with locals and learn the local language. You can take the trip of your dreams and be whomever you want to be without catering to anyone else.
These are some of the reasons why I adore traveling solo. As much as I enjoy traveling with my friends, you can’t beat the level of freedom you get from traveling on your own.
But there are some unusual benefits of solo travel as well — the ones that nobody talks about. Ones that I enjoy greatly. Here they are.
1. Sightseeing at the Speed of Light
This is something I forget again and again — I’ll schedule three days in a city during a solo trip and find out I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do in a day and a half. When I’m on my own, I fly through sightseeing because I don’t spend a second longer than I want to.
When you’re traveling on your own, you get to whittle down the activities down to only what you want to do, including skipping the popular sights if they don’t happen to appeal to you.
Traveling with someone else is a constant game of compromise, even in the most symbiotic of relationships. Even if you both want to visit the Louvre in Paris, odds are you won’t want to spend the exact same amount of time at the exact same works of art. And then there’s waiting for someone else to get ready in the morning.
Travel alone and you’ll be given the gift of time — which means you’ll be able to fit more destinations and activities into a trip without feeling like you’re making a sacrifice.
2. Eating Healthy
The truth? The vast majority of travelers don’t make an effort to eat healthy while on the road. Many people see travel as an opportunity to indulge; foodies often prioritize the pleasure of food over health benefits. In short, the only people I’ve known to eat healthy consistently on the road are those who have long-established health and fitness habits.
I’ve tried to eat healthy while traveling with one or more companions, and it’s not easy. Discipline is one thing; discipline in the face of a group of friends chowing down on pizza is something else altogether. Especially if you’re trying to limit alcohol, as drinking’s such a social activity.
But if you’re determined to eat healthy, it’s so much easier to make decisions and stick to them when you’re traveling on your own. Whether you trade cappuccinos for sparkling water, go vegan or paleo for a week, or eat a big salad for a meal every day, it’s a million times easier to do so when you don’t have friends distracting you with their indulgences.
For what it’s worth, it’s easiest eating healthy somewhere like Japan, which has a more healthy food culture, or somewhere like the West Coast USA, with lots of healthy options. Good luck avoiding temptation in Italy!
3. Surprise VIP Treatment
What happens if you’re the only one to sign up for a group tour or activity? You might inadvertently end up on a private tour despite paying a group tour price!
Sure, some companies might have minimum quotas to meet before running a tour, and some will charge you a bit more if you’re the only one, but occasionally you’ll get to enjoy a group tour as the sole customer.
That means that if it’s a surfing or rock-climbing lesson, you’ll have 100% of the instructor’s attention — you’ll learn so much faster. On a history- or art-oriented tour, you’ll be able to have an in-depth conversation with your guide instead of getting a group lecture. And if it’s a one-person-at-a-time activity like zip-lining, you’ll be able to hop from line to line without for everyone else to go!
4. Reading Voraciously
If you don’t read as much as you used to but wish you could pick up the habit again, solo travel is the perfect opportunity! In my early solo travel days, I relied on used bookstores along the backpacker trail (and thus read quite a bit of Jodi Picoult); these days, I read whatever I want on my beloved Kindle Paperwhite.
When you travel with a companion, you’ll always be talking. When you’re on your own, you’ll have a lot of time to fill. And while you could spend it engrossed in your phone, scrolling through photos on Facebook, you could just as easily spend it reading a book.
When I travel solo, my Kindle is always by my side. Whenever I go out to eat, I try to stay away from my phone and spend the entire meal reading instead. Whenever I’m on (non-nauseating) transportation, I read for the entire journey. I love having a daily afternoon coffee break, and unless I’m wifi-deprived, I spend it reading.
When I’m traveling solo I often devour four, five, even six books in a month.
5. Sex. Crazy sex. And lots of it.
We live in an incredibly sex-negative society — much more for women than for men. And while in a perfect world we wouldn’t care what people thought of our private sex lives, most of us do care, at least a little bit.
It holds a lot of women back, lest she be labeled a slut for enjoying herself sexually. And because of that, some women end up having mediocre sex for the rest of their lives.
However, traveling alone gives you the ultimate freedom to explore sexually. If you’d be worried about how people will react, you don’t need to — nobody here knows you! Between anonymity and being in a new destination, there’s no chance the guy you picked up at that bar happens to works with your cousin.
And if you use it as an opportunity to do something different — whether it’s hooking up with someone completely against your type or trying something you’ve always fantasized about but were too shy to do at home — you could end up laying the groundwork for a lifetime of amazing sex that you never would have discovered if you hadn’t traveled solo.
Take steps to protect yourself, both physically and emotionally, never be with anyone you don’t trust, and remember that no sex is ever 100% safe. Beyond that? Go have fun.
Best of all, you only have to tell people about it if you feel like it. If it sucks and you never want to think about it again, nobody will know! (AND if it’s amazing and you want to share it with the world or keep it a deliciously dirty secret, you go ahead and do that!)
Just don’t do it in a dorm. Everyone’s got a phone with video these days.
I agree with all of them…only I’m not smooth enough to get number 5 to work for me! Lol Great list and I just told my friends I’m ready for another solo adventure.
Sex while traveling? I wish. I didn’t start any significant travel until I was 34 and the only problem with that is that the vast majority of other travelers are in their 20s. I’m not into younger dudes at all, not even for a night, lol. I’m 38 now and so they’re even younger. Sigh. You just don’t meet a lot of dudes in their mid- to late-30s or even 40s traveling alone. People in that age bracket that are traveling are almost always couples. Either that or sexpats wanting younger Asian women. I’m too old and white for their liking!
I’ve almost never *not* traveled alone, because most of my friends have kids and/or mortgages, things like that and can’t travel. Though as I said, I started the travel thing late in life and I’m sure I would have traveled with friends had I started in my 20s like everybody else. I’m so used to doing my own thing I can’t really imagine traveling with someone. That’s why I’m so sick of the “why you should travel alone” memes going around; it’s assuming we’re all scared clingy females and haven’t already traveled alone! In fact, I would love to have someone to travel with. I realize this post doesn’t fall into that category, but since I’m on my soapbox… well. 😉
You know, Dana, since you mentioned Asia, I think that may be a reason for your experience. Southeast Asia has a VERY young backpacker scene.
When I got to Central America this year, I was THRILLED that most backpackers were in their late twenties to late thirties. Being thirty now, it was great having people that were closer to my age, NOT SUPER YOUNG, and had more travel experience. I’ve heard the same thing about South America. Perhaps you should consider traveling in Latin America!
Thanks, Kate! I found the same thing in New Zealand, too (so many young backpackers). I went to Guatemala and Belize in 2011 and loved it and all your recent updates from Central America has me daydreaming about a return. Maybe it’s time! And South America is still on the list. 🙂
I think that would be a great idea for you!
Kate I am loving your blog! Each post I read inspires me to go and chase my dreams! I’ve only had one little taste of travel so far which was a Camp Counsellor placement on an underprivileged camp. I travelled in New York for a few days after and I totally agree that travelling with friends is a constant compromise!
Thanks so much, Laura!
You are very brave that you are traveling alone in strange places. I like what you wrote about freedom of sexuality , erotic adventures has a charm.
Great post here! I definitely gotta agree with a lot of these. I especially love the versatility of travelling solo. I live with a family who are much more the go do things than go sightseeing and art gallery viewing types – when I travel solo, I get to go where I want when I want!
I love your blog Kate but I have to disagree strongly with the last point. I almost always travel solo and never ever is it for sex. Nothing wrong with that just wanted to note so any creeps or randoms reading the blog don’t just assume that a solo female traveler equates to someone looking for a hook-up.
That’s fine, Jolie. I didn’t say that every woman seeks out sex on her travels. Far from it. Every woman should stick to her own personal comfort level on her travels, both when it comes to sex and otherwise.
I think I just wanted to note that especially because of a comment that was made to me recently. In the last 6 months, I visited the Dominican Republic & St Lucia solo (India with a partner) and one of my male friends made this quip that I must have a thing for caribbean man and even there, I felt like there was a LOT of attention sent my way (friendly and sexual) just because I was alone and was happy spending time with myself. I personally feel that people should be able to f*ck whomever, wherever they choose to without feeling guilty and not reserve that solely for travel opportunities. If it works out, great. If it doesn’t work out, who cares – move on! Anyways, just my rant.
Well, the Caribbean is actually one of the more popular destinations for sex tourism for women. So are parts of Indonesia, Africa, and the Middle East. So dealing with that kind of attention and assumptions is not unlike what a lot of single men experience in places like Thailand and Cambodia.
Kate, Thanks for bringing the topic of sex up, it’s a favorite of mine, & it needs to be out of the closet. Also, I had no idea that there is a sex tourism for women. I’d only heard about a cruise line, where the women (paying customers), are “romanced” by the male staff every evening..
Thank you so much for sharing! I love all of your pictures!
https://allpackedandreadytogo.wordpress.com/
Hi. I respect that people live their lives differently and gain happiness in different ways. Still I’d like to express my own view, as some readers, just like me, might feel saddened by such a world view as expressed here. At least then there would be one post these readers could relate to.
To me, living like this would give me the experience of a shallow and superficial spending of my precious time one earth. It would mean living for yourself, without having to care about others, without ever deeply connecting with another person, without experiencing the love and warmth of a relationship, without experiencing the deeper need most of us feel to mean something for someone else. To me, it feels like a form of extreme individualism and consumerism, as short-lived experiences stand above some deeper meaning of life. To me, it would mean having sex that would make me feel depressed, shallow and bored. It would mean getting intimate with lots of persons, without ever experiencing the feelings sex evokes when making love to someone you know, love and emotonally connect with over time.
To me, the few friends, family and love partner I have are the most important. Their warmth, laughter, jokes and hugs make my life worth living, not some individualistic experiences that I share with noone. I have travelled alot with friends and loved ones, and it was more than great. We saw the world, we smiled. We met people, we felt joy.
Besides this personal view on travelling solo, I do think your five points make no sense. The first four are perfectly compatible when travelling together; in fact, some might even be encouraged, like eating healthy, because you cook good food easier when you cook for two instead of one. Also, reading has nothing to do if your traveling alone or not, I actually read a lot when together, reading together is fun and relaxing. And the last point is also false. Having sex when travelling is great. You can get lots and lots of it with your partner; you try out new things and in new places. And all that, with a deep emotional connection! 🙂
I know everyone likes to harp on the sex issue. So taking that out, I have had fun traveling with family members because of our deep emotional connection.
But there is no doubt that my solo trips represent some of the high points of my life and can never be replaced
I wouldn’t say it was about comfort level… Btw I can’t seem to reply to that thread, I’m in a car driving through panama (since 8am…) with a guy from Couchsurfing.org who I shared a hostel room with. What I’m comfortable with and what I know to be the wisest decision are two completely different things. If you let your brain and intuition work, you make better decisions. It’s much less complicated when you are more discerning of who you have sex with. Doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with someone of the opposite sex. You can get to know them fine. And that’s what life and travel is about… Getting to know different people, different lives… But not in a way that is damaging to yourself if you can help it. Maybe I just have more respect for the act of sex and actually feel the attachments that form. I think a lot of us are able to shut that off and ignore it, if you do it enough. I went through that. But I much prefer it when I make better decisions for myself and others.
I’m considering my first solo trip (Barcelona) but I’m terrified at the same time. That being said I feel like it’s something I have to do. Thanks for the article, it’s what I needed
These are awesome! I love that you mention sex. Why are so many people afraid to admit this is such a great bonus of travelling alone? I do wish a few more people would follow your advice on the dorm though. Last night there were two people have sex on the floor in front of the toilet. It was one of those “How long do I wait to spoil their moment?” times….
They’re great points, especially the getting ready part! (Although i’m usually the one taking forever, i’m not a morning person at all and can’t focus until i’ve had a cup of tea!) x
All of these wonderful points Kate and I’d like to add that when when I’m travelling alone, I tend to get invited to random parties to spice up the exotic factor LOL!
A memorable one was when I was on my first solo trip in Asia. I was in Hong Kong and firstly, I was upgraded to an executive suite. Yay!
Secondly, I was looking for some excitement so I decided to gatecrash a party that I found in a Hong Kong society magazine. It was organised by diplomatic kids and once they knew I was British invited me to join them, so I did just like that! I didn’t know anyone, I’ve never met them before in my life, but I still went with them and went to some of the best parties and I mean PARTIES of my life. YOLO all the way!
Sightseeing at the speed of light is definitely something I appreciate when travelling solo… when you get bored of a museum or whatever it is you’re looking at! Not so sure I’m healthier on my own, but love the secret sex idea – its no one else’s business unless you want it to be!
Reading Voraciously – YES! I too am obsessed with my Kindle. I actively enjoy delayed planes, buses and trains, or extraordinarily long journeys, because it means I get to read more!
that’s awesome!! do you think the kindle is actually worth it? I always prefer paperback but it’s so heavy!
Well, thank you for sharing! i really enjoying your post, and fell oh yeah..its really great.
i will be travelling solo pretty soon to a surfing spot in the philippines and #5 LOL made me laughed my pants off…
Its funny you mention eating healthy.. totally agree especially in Asia! everything is so cheap and its easy to have a clean diet of rice, veggies and meat
Thanks for including the “sex thing”! Another thing to explore while traveling which most of people just dont talk about;)
It’s a real thing! 😉
Great post! I agree with it all. I love traveling solo and I find it easier to meet people along the way, especially while on long train rides. It’s much easier to strike up conversations when you are not in a large group of people. And as for eating healthier, it’s also cheaper to eat while going solo. For me, at least, I find myself shopping at local grocery stores and buying items to make easy meals with, which saves on having to eat out three times or more a day.
Also, I wanted to say that I enjoy reading your posts. I’m semi-new to the blogging world and I love your informative “how to” posts!
Oops, I wrote my comments, and then read yours. I could have just said ditto, ditto, to you, since we are on the same page!
Welcome, Debbie! Glad you’re here! 🙂
I just returned from a mini solo trip, and while on the road, I realized that traveling solo is much less expensive regarding meals. When traveling with others I fee obligated to eat meals out, to satisfy a companion’s need, when I can be just as happy spending two dollars on a yogurt & an apple. The 2nd realization is that I had the gift of time, when meeting new friends. It was so nice to not feel rushed, or pressured to cut conversations short, because someone was waiting. No doubt we all agree that connecting w/ others during travel is by far the richest part of the experience.
I love getting a yogurt and an apple for an occasional meal! Super cheap!
sugar in everything??? oh no! I was thinking the food in thailand is so healthy haha. Do you think it’s any healthier in Vietnam? xx
I’m actually not sure, but I would guess that it’s healthier — it’s less sweet overall.
“Sightseeing at the Speed of Light” YES. THIS. It also helps because before you leave, you can figure out how much time you personally need in each city and make an itinerary based on that. There will be no long lunches, no waiting for someone else to get ready, no mentally screaming “COME ON” as your travel partner lingers over something you could not possibly care less about. In and out. Easy peasy.
solo travel for me … it takes away the feeling of being held back and the feeling of holding others back 🙂
Yes! Yes! and Yes! I like being around people but traveling solo is the way to go. #1 is me totally. I can’t stand feeling like I have to spend more time doing a sightseeing something or another longer or shorter than my companion. So selfish but delicious. Reading and sex, absolutely!
A benefit I’ve found to solo travel is the ease with which I can meet people. It’s easy to meet people while backpacking in Southeast Asia.
I’ve parasailed, jet-skied and rode a boat for free during a solo travel! It all started from just chatting with some watersport operators..with no intention of hiring their services! I think people approach you more when you are alone..I’ve gained some cool friends during solo travels 🙂
Hey! I’m Sheila from Argentina. I really like your post! 🙂
I recently started a blog, in which I post my travel stories chronologically. If you want you can check it out,
I write there mostly to get all the stories off my chest, but I think it would be cooler to share them with the world.
Have a great day, hugs!
http://mappiness.weebly.com/
Hahah this is such a great post. Love that you can eat healthier and yes that VIP treatment for sure 🙂
I know what you mean about being solo and the only one to show up for a tour. I had a great private camel ride tour of a wild-life park here in central Florida. Also, got to feed the giraffes and lemurs all by myself. One of my best days ever!
Hi,
Solo travellers obviously taste the best of freedom where you can term that the whole world belong to them or none at all.
Yes, that’s the beauty and you are master of your own self.
Hi Kate, thanks for a great read. I went to South Africa,Tanzania and Kenya on a solo adventure and loved every minute of it.
I have created a blog post similar to yours about the reasons why solo travel should be done at least once in your life. If you want to check it out it is https://theexperiencesoflife.com/2017/08/09/top-5-reasons-to-travel-solo-once-in-your-life/
Thanks for providing great content:)
Number #5, is that really a benefit? lol
I still can’t do it with strangers without emotion. I would be embarrassed rather 🙂
Couldn’t agree more with everything you said. I love traveling solo and am so grateful I’ve been able to do it for the last 16 months!