Solo travelling can be one of the best travelling decisions you ever make. However, there are certain cons when travelling alone, too.
Travelling is an immeasurable privilege in today’s day and age. With access to cheap flights to countries on the opposite side of the world to our own, travelling the world is as quick as the touch of a button.
While travelling in a group with your friends or with a partner guarantees a great time, there is something demonstrably different about solo travelling.
Just like anything in this world, there are also certain risks involved with travelling solo. So, let’s take a look at the five pros and five cons of solo travelling.
The pros – the benefits of travelling alone
5. Experience a new place for yourself – something that feels different alone
When you are travelling alone, you are not held back by the wants and desires of your group. If there is something that you want to do, you simply do it.
You don’t have to confer with the group or debate over what you’d rather do on this day or that day; you simply make a plan that fits your desires and do it!
Travelling alone can be the most eye-opening experience you’ll ever have.
4. The people you meet – you’ll meet people from all walks of life
When travelling with a group, a couple of friends, or a partner, you often don’t feel the need to socialise as you already have your tight-knit group or your other half to keep you company. This totally changes when you travel by yourself.
While some days you might enjoy the solitude of solo travel, other days you might feel like joining others for a day of fun. You’ll meet people from all different countries and walks of life when solo travelling, especially if you decide to stay in hostels!
We’re not saying you can’t do this when travelling with your friends, but the connections you make are certainly different when you’re on your own.
3. Finding yourself – discover who you really are
While it might sound cheesy, solo travelling allows you to fully discover your true self. When you’re not held back or influenced by the thoughts and opinions of others, you get to find out what excites you, what gets you down, and so much more.
2. Me time – no pressure to always be on the move
Sometimes when you’re travelling in a group, there is a lot of pressure to constantly be doing something, to always be on the move.
However, when you’re travelling alone, you get to decide when you wind down for the day and when the adventure begins.
This means there will be a lot more time to focus on yourself, whether it’s simply reading your holiday book, scrolling through your phone, or lying down to watch a good episode of something.
1. Break out of your comfort zone – release your inhibitions
If you’re invited to do something you’re not entirely comfortable with, like an experience or an adventure, when you’re travelling with a group, it’s so easy to just say no.
However, when you’re solo travelling, you truly release your inhibitions. You can break free from your comfort zone and take on new challenges you wouldn’t normally have if you weren’t alone.
Cons – there can sometimes be some downsides
5. Safety – a risk when solo travelling
Travelling alone will never be the safest option, especially for women who are solo travelling. Be sure to practice caution wherever you go, as no matter where you are in the world, some people don’t have the best intentions.
4. Loneliness – it can get a little overwhelming
Depending on the type of traveller you are, especially if you’re not the most extroverted person in the world, solo travelling can be quite lonely.
Perhaps you intended to put yourself out there on your travels and break free from your comfort zone, but it was all a little more overwhelming than you imagined.
3. Accommodation prices – a minor con
When travelling with a couple of people or a group, it’s always very handy to be able to split the price of your accommodation amongst a larger group.
Unless you have decided to stay in hostels, this can mean spending more from your budget on hotels and B&Bs. However, as long as you plan accordingly, this shouldn’t be an issue!
2. Worrying your family – an unavoidable burden
When you decide to travel alone, whether on an extended trip or a weekend away, your loved ones back home tend to worry about you. After all, safety is an issue when you’re solo travelling.
The only thing you can do is assure your loved ones that you will be as careful as you possibly can be! Some people, especially parents, just can’t help but worry.
1. You have to be extra cautious – think carefully about yourself and your belongings
When you’re travelling alone, you have to be extra cautious of your belongings, scams, and your safety in general.
You can’t go to the beach and leave your things with a friend while you go for a splash, and you can’t leave your phone on the table under the watchful eyes of a friend while you use the restaurant bathroom. These are all things to consider and get used to when solo travelling.