Solo travel is a life-affirming experience that allows you to explore on your own terms. There’s no better way to gain independence and develop a deeper appreciation for the world around you.
For many, the idea of traveling alone can be daunting. But with just a little preparation and an open mind, you can embark on a journey that may just be the most rewarding of your life.
The benefits of solo travel
Of course, traveling with others has great appeal, from cost-sharing and a reduced planning burden to the sense of security and “strength in numbers” mindset. Plus, going on a trip can help create some of the most cherished memories between friends and family.
However, if an opportunity for solo travel comes your way, the upsides include:
- Flexibility — When traveling alone, you can go at your own pace. There’s no need to accommodate other people in your party, you can spend your time exactly how you see fit. You have the freedom to create your dream itinerary!
- Growth — As with many other aspects of life, the challenges of solo travel can lead to some of the most profound self-discovery. Think about a time when you successfully stepped outside your comfort zone, and how impactful that change was. Solo travel, especially if you’re going abroad, is the ultimate “outside your comfort zone” experience.
- Immersion — It’s much easier to be mindful and present in your travel experience when you’re on your own. Sometimes during travel, friends and family can act as a sort of buffer between you and authentic cultural experiences. By yourself, it’s a lot more likely that you’ll engage with local people.
Planning ahead for solo travel
Ensuring an awesome solo travel experience begins way before you depart. The best place to start is with some basic online research. The goal is to find a destination that offers a good balance of excitement, affordability, good transportation options, and tourist infrastructure.
For example, this list of the best places to travel solo includes Barcelona for having nice weather year-round, being easy to navigate without a car, and offering tons of unique experiences all within the city limits. But if you’re visiting from the U.S., keep in mind that a trip to Barcelona would likely be expensive and may present a language barrier. You might consider a domestic trip to somewhere like Chicago, where you may not scratch that international vacation itch, but can still enjoy one of the finest culinary cities in the world.
If you do decide on a trip abroad you could find a language exchange group like NYC Spanish/English Intercambio to help you prepare some helpful and polite phrases to open conversation with locals.
Make an itinerary that suits your style
Whether you’re a super Type A overplanner or typically more laissez-faire on vacay, it’s good to get some idea of the activities you’ll want to pursue. For starters, you can look up fun things to do in your destination city.
Many of the lists you’ll find will offer activities with the most broad appeal, so if you want to discover things off the beaten path, check out Meetup’s local guides. These are full of unique recommendations that get updated every month—plus each activity already has a Meetup event you can join!
Hang out with locals and expats through Meetup
There are thriving communities around the world that are perfect for solo travelers, if you know where to look. For example, if you take a trip to Mexico City, you could connect with the Mexico City Social Club. This Meetup group of more than 2,700 members is dedicated to hosting weekly events where visitors and locals mingle. You don’t have to feel like a stranger when you travel solo—you can create an unforgettable experience through day trips, parties, and more. They even have a Whatsapp group where you can make casual plans outside of group events.
If the travel bug only seems to be hitting you harder, communities like Expat Freelancer Berlin and Berlin Expat Finance Meetup Group can show you step by step how to take advantage of remote work and become a serious globetrotter.
To start planning your next vacation as soon as you get home, you can join a community for travel-lovers like Bold Travel Women Meetup (San Diego area). This Meetup group brainstorms dream vacations, offers “pack like a pro” online workshops, hosts a travel book club, and even takes trips together!
If you don’t see a travel community in your area, you can easily create your own Meetup group and invite others who see the beauty in breaking out of your comfort zone.
Last modified on June 27, 2023
