As an avid solo traveler I always say that "solo travel is not for everyone, but everyone should try it at least once", I even wrote a couple of articles on my travel blog about this: https://planetofadventures.com/solo-travel-things-to-know-before-traveling/ https://planetofadventures.com/why-to-travel-solo/ The main advice I give to everyone that is hesitant is to simply go for it! when you travel solo you become more approachable by the locals and you also approach them more. Normally this opens the door to magical experiences that you will cherish for the rest of your life. If there's something I have learned about my travels around the world is that there's a lot more good people than bad ones. And most cultures are hospitable by nature. The most memorable moments I've had around the world have been when travelling solo as when I've been with friends, more often than not, the locals tend to just leave you to yourselves. Whilst we're normally raised to fear the foreign (not the foreigner), the reality is that no one should be afraid of travelling solo. Can something bad happen? Yes, the same as it could happen in your own town/city. Can something good happen? Yes, the most wonderful connections, moments, experiences and adventures are just one trip away. What I have gained from solo travelling is that there's good reason to be optimistic about this beautiful planet of ours. The more we travel, the more we can see and experience life under different perspectives, nurturing a much need global empathy for less divisions caused by selfish interests.
Go for it! You will be so glad that you did. My advice to anyone hesitant to travel solo is to start small and trust yourself. I started off travelling on public transport in my own country and just visiting cities for the day, and I have grown my comfort zone ever since then. Now I've lived and worked abroad, even walking the Camino de Santiago in Portugal and Spain alone for a month last year. I don't regret any of it and have gained so many friends from all over the world. As a language lover, travel gives me the perfect excuse to practice with new people! Solo travel can feel intimidating at first, especially as a woman. Taking that first step, whether it's a weekend trip to a nearby city or a short getaway, can build your confidence and show you how capable you really are. When I first traveled alone, I was nervous about navigating new places and making decisions on my own. But over time, I realised that solo travel gave me a deeper sense of independence, adaptability, and self-trust. I learned to enjoy my own company, embrace new cultures without hesitation, and make connections with people I might not have met otherwise. Solo travel has taught me that I am resourceful, open-minded, and stronger than I ever thought. It's an empowering experience that helps you grow in ways you never expected.
Embracing Solo Travel for a Boost in Confidence and Self-Awareness If you're hesitant to travel solo, my best piece of advice is to leap, even if it's just for a short trip to start. I was once hesitant myself, especially when it came to exploring new places alone. But I decided to take a solo trip to a small town I'd never visited, and that experience changed my perspective. Traveling solo not only boosted my confidence but also helped me discover how much I could rely on myself. I learned to navigate unfamiliar places, communicate with people from different cultures, and trust my instincts in ways I hadn't before. Most importantly, I realized how empowering it is to set your own schedule and immerse yourself fully in the experience without distractions. Solo travel gave me the space to reflect and grow, and I returned with a deeper sense of independence and self-awareness. It's one of those experiences that helps you reconnect with yourself and build confidence in your ability to navigate life on your own terms.
Start small and build confidence through doing. My first solo trip was just a weekend city break, but it laid the foundation for bigger adventures. It's similar to when I first went independent in business - that initial leap feels scary, but each small success builds your confidence. The beauty of solo travel, like running your own business, is the complete freedom to make decisions. You'll be amazed at how capable you become when there's no safety net. Start somewhere comfortable, trust your instincts, and remember - the best stories come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
Having travelled solo for 10 years this year, my experience is that yes it may be scary and intimidating but it also allows you to be courageous and get out of your comfort zone. My tip is to just take a deep breath, and take the leap. If you're solo you have no choice but to speak with other travellers or tour guides which can open you up to unique experiences and even new friendships. Some of the closest friends I still have today are from people I met on my solo travels and, had I not been solo, I never would have put myself out there to speak to them. Hostels (yes some have private rooms) are a great place to start as you are usually not the only person also travelling solo. People are always open to meeting other travellers in the same boat.
If you're hesitant about traveling solo, my advice is to begin with a familiar destination to build your confidence gradually. Solo travel is deeply empowering, providing an opportunity for self-discovery and greater independence. In my experience, traveling alone has helped me develop resilience and meet people I wouldn't have encountered otherwise. Though I was initially terrified, now the idea of not traveling solo is even more daunting!
Traveling solo is a rejuvenating experience, you transform yourself and you discover a version of yourself you've never known. You discover new things, you meet new people and you have that full travel experience.