Having taken several trips by myself, I feel like I’m well qualified to detail solo travel pros and cons!
Solo Travel
It’s my understanding that more folks are interested in taking a trip by themselves in 2026. I started traveling by myself back in the early 2010’s. So, I feel like I have a good understanding of what it’s like to travel alone. As with most things, there are pros and cons to it. I thought I would attempt to provide a closer look at this topic by breaking it down into the good and bad.
My very first solo trip was the Green Giant brand trip I took for the blog back in 2011. Then, I started traveling to blogging conferences by myself. Then, I started visiting Walt Disney World by myself. In 2023, I took my first trip to Disneyland by myself before branching out to include Los Angeles by myself in 2024/2025. As you can see, I started by flying by myself and meeting up with people first before traveling completely by myself. I think that was a nice, gradual process.
Pros
- Do what you want – It’s so nice to be able to craft an itinerary that’s exactly what you want to do! Eat when and where you want.
- Cancel plans – Granted, this isn’t so easy at Disney parks. However, it’s much easier to make last minute changes to your schedule when it just impacts you.
- Go where you want – Unless you are meeting up with other folks or traveling for business, you can even change your mind and go to a different destination!
- Reservations are sometimes easier to get – It can be easier for a location to fit in one person (at a bar or for a show) than multiple people.
- Single rider lines – Those are often a good use of time in the theme parks when I’m alone.
- Set the pace – Somedays I’m out of the room and moving all day. Other days, I take a long break in the room. When you are alone, you can set the pace.
- Fun conversations – I’ve had some of the best conversations with strangers while traveling by myself. It seems like people are more inclined to speak to someone when they don’t feel like they are bothering them.
Solo Travel Cons
- Can be lonely – Sometimes, I will see something and wish I was experiencing this with another person. Other times, a dish or attraction will remind me of a loved one and I will feel homesick. I’ve learned to notice that feeling and let it sit for a moment. Then, I remind myself that I will be home soon and keep trucking.
- You have to handle everything – I’ve struggled with social anxiety my entire life. However, solo adventures have really helped me to overcome a good bit of it. It forces me to approach people to ask for help since no one else it going to do it. Although, sometimes I wish someone was with me to help with luggage or to make a phone call. Ha!
- Safety – I’ve been very lucky in my travels to generally feel safe. However, solo female travelers have to be aware of their surroundings at all times. Make sure you lock the door securely. Carry an alarm (not sponsored, I just received one as a Christmas gift in 2024) on your purse and/or pepper spray. I have my Lyft account set up to notify my husband of my location and driver to feel safer. It’s all about taking extra precautions to feel safer.
- You have to decide everything – I can be an indecisive person and have trouble deciding where to go or where to eat. That can make it difficult to plan a solo trip.
- It might be awkward – Most tables are set up for two or more people. So, it may initially feel awkward to go out to eat by yourself. However, you get used to it. Just tip the server well.
- People might ask questions – I don’t know why, but traveling alone sometimes makes others feel like the can/should ask me questions. Most of the time, it’s fine. Every once in a while, it feels judgmental and I try to end the conversation politely and move along.
Should you travel solo?
I think that most people are capable of traveling by themselves. However, I completely understand how it might be too much for outgoing folks. It’s also a little easier for men to do safely. I think as long as you have a plan with realistic expectations, then traveling solo is a great idea.
So, where are you traveling to by yourself?
