Going It Alone: Myths and Realities

Enjoy traveling alone?  If so, then you’re not, actually, alone.  While many people say that they prefer traveling with a companion (or companions) many people also attest to the benefits of going solo.  Just google “traveling alone,” and, well, you can probably guess the rest.  Lots of results. Lots of blogs.  Lots of opinions from both travel “experts” (think Rick Steves) and people you may have passed at the grocery store yesterday. 

Nonetheless, a lot of uncertainty still exists around the theme of traveling alone.  On more than one occasion, mentioning that I travel alone has elicited questions or comments based on beliefs that do not fully represent the realities of solo travel.  Some of those myths are busted below:

Myth: Traveling alone is inherently dangerous.

Reality: There are smart ways to go about traveling alone, and there are not-so-smart ways to travel alone, and bad things can happens no matter how many people you travel with.  Indeed, traveling in groups sometimes gives people a false sense of security, despite the fact that groups are usually more conspicuous (and, therefore, obvious targets) than individuals.  Numbers, in fact, do not matter as much as being aware of one’s surroundings and the threats that may be present.  Be prepared by doing research on the country and cities you plan visit, and then adjust your plans accordingly.

Myth: To enjoy traveling alone you are probably (select one) introverted/escaping from your past/a loner/depressed.

Reality: You don’t have to be in the midst of a personal crisis to reap the benefits of solo travel and be justified in a desire to take a vacation by yourself.  While it is true that traveling alone can give you more quiet and more autonomy than you have in the company of friends and family, traveling alone can also make it easier to meet new people and form new friendships. Even better is the fact that when you travel alone, you get to choose how often you embrace solitude and how often you spend time with other travelers.

Myth: It’s boring to travel alone. 

Reality: Being on your own allows you to experience a place in a way that traveling with others does not.  This is not to say that one way is better than the other.  Indeed, I have been on many trips with my family and now cherish the collection of shared memories that we have from around the world.  On the other hand, I also cherish the memories I have from solo adventures and I love the fact that they have a different quality than memories made on trips with my family.  These experiences are branded in my mind in a different way because they are deeply personal and, in some cases, may never have happened if I hadn’t been by myself.

Myth: Traveling alone is hard and nerve-wracking.

Reality: This is not entirely false.  It can be hard to not have a travel companion to keep an eye on your oversized bag that won’t fit in the bathroom stall with you.  It can stressful to be lost in a city at night and have no friend to consult about how to get back to your hotel.  On the other hand, it can also be hard and nerve-wracking to find that your travel companion doesn’t want to go to the same restaurants or museums as you and has a different idea of what constitutes a good vacation.

Being on your own allows you to experience a place in a way that traveling with others does not.

If you want to travel alone and don’t know how to get going, start small.  Take day trips by yourself, and then work up to overnight and weekend trips.  Try solo traveling on for size.  If you like the fit, a longer solo adventure may be in your future, and then you, too, can do some myth-busting.