Ever thought of taking a trip by yourself? You’re not alone. Solo travel is on the rise, with a quarter of travellers considering going it alone over the next few years.
It’s easy to see why: this sort of travel offers much greater freedom, flexibility and independence, as well as a healthy dose of self-confidence. Here, DK Eyewitness Project Editor Rachel Laidler reveals 5 reasons why you shouldn’t wait to book that solo travel adventure.
It’s easy to see why: this sort of travel offers much greater freedom, flexibility and independence, as well as a healthy dose of self-confidence. Here, DK Eyewitness Project Editor Rachel Laidler reveals 5 reasons why you shouldn’t wait to book that solo travel adventure.
Do exactly what you want
Travelling with others usually involves some sort of compromise, especially if you don’t have exactly the same interests as your travel buddies. You might find yourself agreeing to hit up a museum when you’d rather be lounging on a beach, or end up having a big night out when you’d prefer to get up early and catch a hilltop sunrise.
But with solo travel, you can decide to do exactly what you want, when you want to. Fancy spending an hour browsing that indie bookshop? No problem. Want to go snorkelling? The world’s your oyster. Fancy taking a mid-afternoon nap? Go right ahead. There’s a real sense of joy and freedom in not having to negotiate how you’ll spend your time – you simply pick the sight or activity you’re most interested in and get going.
This extends to getting away in the first place. With solo travel, there’s no need to liaise with a friend about their schedule, wait for them to save up enough money for a trip or even try to convince them to visit a particular destination. If you have the time and the funds, you can book that trip right away.
But with solo travel, you can decide to do exactly what you want, when you want to. Fancy spending an hour browsing that indie bookshop? No problem. Want to go snorkelling? The world’s your oyster. Fancy taking a mid-afternoon nap? Go right ahead. There’s a real sense of joy and freedom in not having to negotiate how you’ll spend your time – you simply pick the sight or activity you’re most interested in and get going.
This extends to getting away in the first place. With solo travel, there’s no need to liaise with a friend about their schedule, wait for them to save up enough money for a trip or even try to convince them to visit a particular destination. If you have the time and the funds, you can book that trip right away.
Make new connections
When travelling with others, it’s easy to get stuck in a bubble and only end up chatting to folk you already know. But when travelling alone, you’re much more motivated to talk to strangers, whether it’s a local vendor at a morning market or a fellow coffee-lover in a café. Going solo also makes you more approachable too, as people find it easier to strike up a conversation with one person rather than a whole group.
Speaking to new people not only opens your eyes to different opinions and ways of living, it’s also an excellent way to get travel tips or information on the area. Plus, it’s a great reminder that most people are kind, even if all they’re doing is offering you directions or telling you the best place to grab a taco. And you never know; you might make a friend for life.
Of course, initiating a conversation can sometimes feel a little intimidating, but that’s where solo travellers can get creative. Why not take a walking tour or a cooking class? Not only will you have some ready-made conversation topics, you might find another solo traveller or two along the way.
Speaking to new people not only opens your eyes to different opinions and ways of living, it’s also an excellent way to get travel tips or information on the area. Plus, it’s a great reminder that most people are kind, even if all they’re doing is offering you directions or telling you the best place to grab a taco. And you never know; you might make a friend for life.
Of course, initiating a conversation can sometimes feel a little intimidating, but that’s where solo travellers can get creative. Why not take a walking tour or a cooking class? Not only will you have some ready-made conversation topics, you might find another solo traveller or two along the way.
Live in the moment
While sharing travel experiences can be incredible, sometimes it’s easy to become distracted by other people, whether by listening to their opinions, thinking up replies or even worrying if they’re enjoying themselves.
With solo travel, though, there are no interruptions. It’s just you and the moment, making it easier to revel in the sights, sounds and smells that you're experiencing. Interestingly, the Japanese concept of “ma” (間) touches on this. Translated as “the space inbetween”, it relates to meditative pauses in time where you can truly be in the present, connecting to yourself and the world around you.
With solo travel, though, there are no interruptions. It’s just you and the moment, making it easier to revel in the sights, sounds and smells that you're experiencing. Interestingly, the Japanese concept of “ma” (間) touches on this. Translated as “the space inbetween”, it relates to meditative pauses in time where you can truly be in the present, connecting to yourself and the world around you.
A chance to decompress
In daily life, we can end up dedicating lots of time to our relationships, jobs or other responsibilities, with little time left for ourselves. It doesn’t help that we live in an age of hyperconnectivity either, making us always available to others.
Setting off on a one-person adventure can provide an antidote to this, especially if it’s blended with some form of digital detox. By taking a solo break from the usual day-to-day demands and obligations, you can free up space in your mind to work through anything that’s been bothering you, as well as giving you time to uninterrupted daydream about the future. Ultimately, you’ll get to know yourself a little better and enjoy spending time in your own company.
Setting off on a one-person adventure can provide an antidote to this, especially if it’s blended with some form of digital detox. By taking a solo break from the usual day-to-day demands and obligations, you can free up space in your mind to work through anything that’s been bothering you, as well as giving you time to uninterrupted daydream about the future. Ultimately, you’ll get to know yourself a little better and enjoy spending time in your own company.
Build confidence
It’s undeniable: solo travel pushes you out of your comfort zone. Away from your usual sounding boards, there’s no one to rely on but yourself. While this can be intimidating at first, it’s also one of the biggest reasons to take a solo trip.
Why? For the confidence boost that follows. After all, by travelling solo you’ll need to plan, problem-solve and be proactive on a daily basis, whether that’s navigating your way around a new city, ordering at a restaurant in the local language or working out how to pitch that one-person tent. Yes, it’s initially scary, but it’s amazing how quickly you become self-reliant and learn to trust your own judgement. Plus, you can take this new-found confidence with you, making you feel more independent and capable back home – a feeling that will only get stronger after your next solo trip.
Why? For the confidence boost that follows. After all, by travelling solo you’ll need to plan, problem-solve and be proactive on a daily basis, whether that’s navigating your way around a new city, ordering at a restaurant in the local language or working out how to pitch that one-person tent. Yes, it’s initially scary, but it’s amazing how quickly you become self-reliant and learn to trust your own judgement. Plus, you can take this new-found confidence with you, making you feel more independent and capable back home – a feeling that will only get stronger after your next solo trip.
