The Pros And Cons Of Solo Travel

What is Solo Travel and Should You Consider It?

Solo travel is the experience of travelling alone, without a companion or group. It can involve everything from exploring new cities to going on an adventure in a foreign country. For solo travellers, the journey is not just about the destination; it’s also an opportunity for self-discovery, personal growth, and freedom. Does this sound like something you would like to do? Then keep reading as we look into both the pros and cons!

Being a solo traveller involves being responsible for your itinerary, accommodations, transportation, and decision-making throughout the trip. Whether it’s a short weekend getaway or a long-term backpacking adventure, solo travel should help widen your experience and assist you in becoming less dependent on others.

Ensure your solo adventure is unforgettable by checking out our top tips—plus the pros and cons of travelling alone.

Cons of Solo Travel:

1. Safety Concerns

Travelling to a country you have never visited before can be intimidating and you may wonder if the country you are going to is safe for solo female travellers. We advise you to always check the travel advice pages of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), or your country's equivalent government agency, for the latest information on safety and security risks. 

Make sure to pre-book travel insurance as health care abroad can be expensive and you don't want to spend all of your money on medicine and hospital bills. Things like packing suncream and medicine in your luggage will prevent you from spending more money and reduce the chances of being unwell or sunburnt. there. It can also be dangerous to travel alone as you could become a target for theft. An extra level of vigilance is necessary if you’re by yourself.

Yes, you have to be more aware of your safety whilst you are travelling solo, but bad things unfortunately happen everywhere, all the time, whether you’re alone or not. Keep your wits about you, but don’t let it stop you from living your life.

2. Higher Costs

If you’re on a budget, travelling with others- particularly regarding accommodations - can significantly reduce your costs. In some situations, you may spend twice the amount you would if you were sharing the expense with others.

When travelling alone things like hostel fees and taxis can become expensive so bear this in mind when saving money to go abroad. Only in Europe, the price for a single room differs from a double room. Everywhere else you pay for the room. No matter if you stay there by yourself or if you share it with another guest. You cannot share taxi fares, fees for drivers, etc. Unless you find another traveller – or even a couple or a small group – that is willing to share these costs with you.

When you visit a new country/city it's great to try lots of new dishes. This is much easier to do if you’re travelling with someone since you can order multiple different dishes, try a lot of different foods, and share the cost.

If you are worried about spending a lot of money on solo travelling then consider looking for more affordable flights to keep within your budget. Did you know that we offer Buy Now, Pay Later options? This payment option allows you to manage your budget by paying for your flight over time instead of upfront.

3. Limited Social Interaction

An undeniable con is feeling alone whilst travelling solo. If you are a very social person and rely on interacting with people day in and day out then remember, when solo travelling there may be periods where you don't speak to people and it could get lonely. In particular things like eating at a restaurant, long journeys or going on a walk as these activities normally you do with others.

This might be a huge step out of your comfort zone as you are visiting somewhere in the world that you've never been to and there isn't a friendly face to rely on. This could potentially turn into a good thing as you can interact with the locals and try and learn a new language whilst travelling.

One of the best things about travelling is making memories and it can feel lonely not being able to share these memories with others. Make sure you keep in contact with friends and family back home for your safety and to tell them about your adventures.

4. Emotional Support Is Limited

It can be common to get homesick when being abroad but it can hit harder if you don't have anyone to vent to or celebrate things with. If you're prone to anxiety, depression, or just overthinking, those emotions might intensify when you don’t have a support system around to balance them out. If you are worried about things not going to plan then we have written a blog on airlines with the lowest cancellation rate which may help you out when looking for flights.

Tough moments such as things not going to plan, flights being cancelled, getting unwell, restaurants being full or getting lost can feel much harder travelling alone. You could argue that being put in situations like this can make you more independent and thinking for yourself is a good thing however, sometimes it makes things better when you have a family member or friend when things go wrong. Consider booking flexible flights in case your plans change.

It doesn’t mean solo travel isn’t worth it—it just means being mentally prepared and finding ways to care for yourself emotionally (like checking in with loved ones, journaling, or even connecting with fellow travellers) becomes extra important.

5. Can Be Stressful

From booking flights and hostels to planning routes and excursions, travelling solo can be very stressful. You have to do all the decision-making and planning for yourself 24/7 and deal with any mistakes along the way by yourself. At the same time, you might feel like you need to be doing something amazing all the time because you’re travelling solo. This pressure to make every moment count can ironically make the trip feel more stressful than relaxing.

If you're in a country where you don’t speak the language, or you don’t have internet access, even simple tasks like ordering food or asking for help can become stressful fast. Use apps such as Duolingo to translate and Currency Converter to help you understand the currency better.

Always being aware of your surroundings, keeping an eye on your stuff, and trying to avoid risky situations can feel stressful, especially if you're in a place that feels less secure or culturally unfamiliar.

Pros of Solo Travel:

1. Freedom and Flexibility

Why should you miss out on a well-deserved holiday or travel somewhere you’ve always dreamed of going because you haven’t got anyone to go with? Take the opportunity and make the most of it by learning new skills, and having the freedom and flexibility to book your flights abroad at any time.

When travelling with friends or family, it can be challenging to agree on plans or activities. But when you're on your own, you have the freedom to wake up and decide what you feel like doing—no need to compromise or factor in anyone else’s preferences. Sometimes it is nice to do things your way such as eating what you want, spending your budget how you like, and choosing activities that genuinely interest you—whether that’s hiking at sunrise or just chilling at a café all afternoon.

Whether you've just finished school or left a job behind, travelling during this time brings a refreshing sense of freedom. With no major responsibilities holding you back, you can fully embrace the flexibility to explore and enjoy your journey on your terms.

2. Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

Sometimes we rely on others without really realising it, that's why it's great to get out there and travel solo as you can work on being more independent. You may discover a new skill you are good at or a hobby you love as travelling gives you new opportunities and opens your eyes from a different perspective. Those who solo travel often volunteer abroad whether that's teaching or caring for animals as It is an amazing experience to take part in and learn from.

Although you may not be confident to travel on your own at first, navigating new places, solving problems, and making decisions alone boost your confidence and independence. You start to realize you're capable of way more than you thought. Without the influence of friends, family, or routine, you get real clarity on what you enjoy, what stresses you out, and how you handle challenges.

A lot of people come back from travelling solo feeling refreshed, positive and not afraid to step out of their comfort zone. This is common for those pushing themselves to try new foods, navigating unfamiliar cities and making new friends. Travelling solo means you have a lot of time to think. Those quiet moments help you process thoughts, reflect on your life, and rethink your goals or priorities.

3. Make New Friends and Meet New People

Travelling by yourself doesn't have to be lonely, think of it as a chance to meet new people and make friends! The new people you meet might even introduce you to things you wouldn’t have tried alone—whether it’s a hidden local bar, a sunrise hike, or a spontaneous adventure. It's a great confidence boost to have a friendly face around you or just someone to do fun activities with.

If you are usually an introvert then it might be great for you to try and grow your confidence. Approaching new people, starting conversations, and connecting across cultures help you grow, be more outgoing, and adaptable. If meet other solo travellers then they are in the same situation and would probably appreciate the company.

See it as a way of expanding your social network. Travel becomes even more exciting when you know people in other countries. You might make friends for life, or at least friends you can visit in other parts of the world.

4. Escape from Routine

Sometimes travelling solo can help break you out of a boring routine and force you to try new and exciting things instead. Being at school or work can be repetitive and travelling abroad means that every day is different which has a positive impact on you and your mindset.

Instead of waking up each morning and slipping into a school or work uniform, you get to choose something from your suitcase—whatever suits your mood or the day’s plans. It’s a small change, but it brings a refreshing sense of freedom and ease. Make sure to pack light when travelling solo as you might buy clothes out there or just not want lots to carry around!

Escaping your daily routines and being pulled out of autopilot means you have full control of your time. Forget the schedules and deadlines. You get to decide what your day looks like—whether that’s a slow morning with coffee and journaling, or a packed itinerary of sightseeing and exploring.

5. Chance to Learn a New Language

Travelling alone allows you to learn a new language as you’re fully immersed in a different culture and often have to communicate on your own. Without a travel buddy to lean on, you’re the one ordering food, asking for directions, checking into hotels, and chatting with locals. That constant practice builds confidence and vocabulary fast.

It's a great skill to have and it makes travel a lot easier regarding road signs, menus, transport and casual conversations. Make sure to talk to hosts, waiters, and other travellers as this gives you more chances to practice and learn through conversation. If you are interested, we have a page where you can learn about multilingual airlines.

Don’t stress about making mistakes—learning a new language takes time, and it won’t happen overnight. But unlike in a classroom, you quickly learn the phrases that are actually useful in real-life situations, which makes them much easier to remember.

Key Things to Know Before Travelling Solo

Solo travel can be one of the most life-changing experiences, it requires careful planning and awareness. Here are important things to consider to ensure your solo trip is safe, enjoyable, and fulfilling. Since you'll be travelling alone in an unfamiliar place far from home, it's important to carry a mobile phone and stay in regular contact with friends and family for your safety. Make sure to do your research on the country you are visiting to find out helpful travel tips like the currency they use, the language they speak and if you'll need a visa.

Travelling to hot destinations or engaging in numerous activities can be tiring. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating nutritious foods to prevent dehydration and food poisoning. When travelling alone, you will be in charge of carrying all your baggage so make sure to pack efficiently so it's easier to get about.