Solo Travel – Is it for you?

Updated on February 26th, 2025

For the last 10 years I have been part of a team organising a charity walk to help raise money for charity. Usually, I oversee the walkers as they set off and return, co-ordinating everything on the day. Hard work though it is, it is an environment I thrive in. Especially the “hosting” aspect of the event.

However, after our chairperson pulled out, it has also now fallen to me to walk all the routes, checking the accuracy of the instructions we provide.

So, this week I have walked, and walked and walked some more. At the weekend, I had the company of my partner but for the last few outings it has been alone.

I hike alone a lot. The experience is not a new one for me.

I find hiking gives the best and worst of the solo travel experience. When hiking I feel equal parts powerful and vulnerable. The power comes from navigating the route alone. I always feel triumphant when, despite regularly getting lost, I have always found my way home. Somehow.

The vulnerability is the fear of something happening, like a fall or an injury and not having anyone to help me close at hand. Literally being alone in the world and often without anyone knowing anything about where I am.

I have loads of examples if you would like to read more. There were my experiences over three days on the Quilotoa Loop in Ecuador where I met my Guardian Angel.

Quilotoa Loop in Ecuador

Or numerous times during walks in the Peak District in England where I got lost and found again.

Peak District in England

Or the time in Grenada, when I hiked to Hog Island but didn’t realise how hard it would be to get back again.

Hog Island

Or the many incidents which prompted me to write a whole blog post on hiking alone, so you can learn from my many scrapes along the way.

hiking alone

On my final walk, alone in the countryside with just my instructions, a pen and my thoughts, I came up with the idea for this email. How do you juggle the triumphs and challenges of solo travel? What are the pros and cons of tackling the world alone? And considering all these, is it for you or not?

So, let’s start with the challenges:

Increased Vulnerability
Traveling alone can sometimes feel less safe, especially in unfamiliar or potentially risky areas. As a solo woman traveller, you always need to be more cautious and vigilant. You don’t have someone to watch your belongings, provide a second opinion, or help you out if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation. Sometimes this can feel a little overwhelming.

Increased Vulnerability

Loneliness and Isolation
While solo travel offers plenty of opportunities for self-reflection, it can also feel lonely, especially if you’re away for an extended period. There may be moments when you miss the comfort and companionship of having someone familiar with you or feel that some experiences are simply more enjoyable when shared.

Loneliness and Isolation

Higher Costs
When you travel alone, you bear the full cost of accommodation, transport, and meals. Without someone to split expenses with, travel can become more expensive. Then there is the issue which really annoys me, that of single supplements where hotels and tour operators charge an additional fee for travelling solo. This one is a particularly bitter pill to swallow.

Higher Costs

Decision Fatigue
When you are alone, every decision—from where to eat, to how to get around—is on you. This can lead to decision fatigue, where the constant need to make choices becomes exhausting. Having a companion can help lighten the mental load.

Decision Fatigue

All sound too much? Well lets even things out as there is a lot to love about solo travel too, such as:

Complete Freedom
When you travel on your own, you have the freedom to create an itinerary that’s 100% tailored to your interests and pace. You can change plans on a whim, linger in a place you love, or move on quickly from a place you don’t. With no need for consultation, solo travel allows for more spontaneity.

Complete Freedom

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
Traveling alone can boost your confidence as you navigate new places, overcome challenges, and rely entirely on yourself. This independence can be incredibly empowering.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

It also allows you ample time for self-reflection. Whether it’s journaling in a cafe or contemplating life on a serene beach, this time alone can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth.

Easier to Meet New People
I always think it sounds counterintuitive, but I genuinely meet more people when I travel solo. When you’re alone, you’re often more approachable and open to engaging with others you don’t know. Whether it’s chatting with locals or fellow travellers, solo travel can lead to more meaningful connections.

Easier to Meet New People

Enhanced Focus on Your Surroundings
Without the distraction of a companion, you can fully immerse yourself in your surroundings. You’ll have more time to observe, listen, and engage with the culture and environment. Solo travel also offers the chance for deep reflection and personal connection with the places you visit, leading to a more introspective and meaningful travel experience.

Enhanced Focus on Your Surroundings

Whether you choose to travel alone, with a companion or a group is a very personal decision. If you value independence, self-discovery, and complete control over your travel experience, solo travel might be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer sharing experiences, feeling more secure, and enjoying the companionship of someone you trust, traveling with a companion could be the way to go.

I’ll be honest, I love both. But do you know what I love the most?

Having the freedom to choose!

If I had never travelled alone, I would always be waiting for someone else.

Waiting for a friend to find some spare time in their busy schedules.

Hoping that they want to do the same thing as I do.

To go to the same place, for the same length of time.

On the same budget.

That all takes a lot of negotiating, consulting, and compromising.

But embracing the opportunity of solo travel enables me to go where I want, when I want, for however long I want, while doing the things I want.

And what is not to love about that?

So, what do you think? What draws you towards, or turns you off about solo travel? Have you travelled alone yet? If you haven’t but want to know more about how you could, put your name on the list for my upcoming webinar all about “How to Travel Alone Without Being on Your Own.” And get ready to embrace that freedom too! Just hit reply to this email or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook,
Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to be the first to hear all the details.

Did you find this email useful? If so, why not forward it to a friend?

Until next time,

Safe Travels

Sue x

PS I’ve decided, with all the changes over the last year that Twitter no longer aligns with my values, so I’ve come off the platform. If you were with me there, then please follow me elsewhere as I’d hate to lose you!

Twitter

This newsletter may contain affiliate links. By using these, Sue Where Why What may receive a small commission for which I say thank you, but you will not pay any extra charges for this. My opinions remain my own.

More of my Adventures…

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10 Top Tips for Hiking as a Solo Female Traveller

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Peak District Itinerary – Your Perfect 6 Day Road Trip

Peak District Itinerary – Your Perfect 6 Day Road Trip

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Video – Hiking to Hog Island in Grenada

Video

– Hiking to Hog Island in Grenada

– Hiking to Hog Island in Grenada

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