Is Solo Travel Worth It? A Digital Nomad’s Honest Take
I’ve been traveling almost exclusively solo for nearly four years now, but before I started, I asked myself the same question a lot of people do: is solo travel worth it?
For me, the answer is yes, even though it isn’t perfect, and to be honest, I still ask myself that question from time to time. It can still feel awkward and uncomfortable at times, even after years of experience, but it has become my preferred way to travel. I enjoy my own company and being on my own schedule, and that alone makes solo travel worth it to me.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
This quote has always stuck with me. I first read it long before I ever traveled solo, and in a way it’s come full circle:
oh yes
there are worse things than being alone
but it often takes decades
to realize this
and most often
when you do
it’s too late
and there’s nothing worse
than
too late.–Charles Bukowski
Yes, Solo Travel Can Be Awkward
I’m still not a huge fan of eating alone, and it’s easy to fall into an overthinking trap and worry that everyone’s staring at me (spoiler: they’re not). It does get easier over time, though, to deal with awkward feelings.
If the awkward parts of solo travel are what hold you back, these are the things that helped me the most:
Traveling solo? Here’s my solo travel survival kit:
How to Eat Alone in Restaurants Without Feeling Awkward
Guide to Making Friends When Traveling Solo
Traveling Solo as an Introvert
What I Wish I Knew Before Taking My First Solo Trip
Solo Hiking Tips Every Beginner Should Know
Why Is Solo Travel Worth It Anyway?
Even though it’s awkward at times, it’s still worth doing. Here’s why:
Solo travel forces you to get comfortable doing things alone
Have you ever not gone to something because you didn’t want to go alone? Once you start traveling solo, you tend to get over that feeling pretty quickly. You’ll learn to really enjoy your own company and not let the idea of doing something alone hold you back.
You learn what you actually like (and don’t like)
Maybe you’ll learn that you don’t actually like touristy activities or that bars aren’t really your thing. Or maybe the opposite will be true. You learn a lot about yourself when you’re not tagging along with someone else.
You stop waiting around for the “right time” to travel
No more waiting for others to come with you! It’s so freeing knowing that you don’t have to wait around for anyone and that all you need to do to check places off your bucket list is to just go.
You get to do things on your own schedule
Spend your time doing only the things you want to do and eating wherever you want. No more compromising on activities, and if you want to change your plans for the day, you don’t have to worry about the opinions of others.
Solo travel builds confidence
If you can travel solo you can do anything. You’ll learn to trust your gut and make decisions alone.
FAQ: Is Solo Travel Worth It?
Does solo travel get lonely?
If you don’t like being alone, you might feel lonely at times. I don’t find it lonely, personally, though–there’s always a new adventure to be had. Plus, having a dog helps.
Is solo travel safe? Are you ever afraid?
Yes, solo travel is generally safe as long as you use the same common sense you’d use anywhere else. I have never been afraid when traveling alone. I do my research, stay in good areas, and use caution.
Final Thoughts: Is Solo Travel Worth It?
If you enjoy sticking to your own schedule and don’t mind occasional awkward moments, solo travel might be worth it to you. And who knows, you may never want to go back to traveling with others!
Want even more solo travel tips? Get my guide below!
Like this post? Pin it for later!
