Have you ever thought about traveling all by yourself? If the idea seems a bit daunting, stick around. From my own experience, I’m here to share why traveling solo can be a rewarding, exciting, and relaxing experience. Trust me, it’s not just about taking cool selfies in exotic places (though that’s a definite park). Solo travel is much, much more!

Reasons solo travel is great:

Complete flexibility: Be the boss of your own vacation.

One of the biggest reasons I love solo travel is the sheer flexibility it offers. Want to sleep in until noon? No problem. Prefer to go to bed early and see the sunrise? Totally your call (and you don’t have to wake anyone else up). Want to try new foods that your friends and family may not like? Try away! When you travel alone, you’re acting out a true “choose your own adventure,” and you don’t have to answer to a soul.

For people with anxiety, like me, there’s an extra bonus here: you can plan out your trip as detailed as you need to keep your anxieties at bay without overwhelming your travel group. You can plan out all the details up-front and not have the added worry of stressing others out!

Do what you love, and don’t worry about others having a good time.

Solo travel means you can tailor your trip around your interests, and you don’t have to worry about others enjoying themselves. Are you an aviation geek who wants to spend hours at an aerospace museum, but your loved ones may find that a bit nerdy or boring? If you’re traveling solo, you can take as long as you like to see the exhibits at the Museum of Flight outside Seattle (yes, I’m speaking from experience there).

With solo travel, whether you want to spend your days exploring museums, hiking through the wilderness, wandering a new city with your camera, sitting in a café people-watching, or even relaxing on a beach with a fruity drink in-hand, you can indulge your passions without worrying whether your travel companions are having fun.

Meet the best people humanity has to offer

While the idea of solo travel might sound lonely, it’s actually a fantastic way to meet new people. Being on your own often makes you more approachable. Whether it’s chatting with locals, joining a group tour, or even scrolling through a dating app to get ideas for activities, traveling solo opens opportunities to make new friends from around the world. And who knows: maybe meeting someone new will be your opportunity to find your happily ever after!

Cruising solo has even more opportunities to meet people. Most cruise lines have solo-traveler gatherings, LGBTQ+ traveler meetups, activities that foster interaction with strangers, and opportunities to dine with others (if that’s something you enjoy) every evening. I’ve met some true lifelong friends on my solo travels, and I’ve even had some pretty fantastic dates (though no Audrey Hepburn/Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday matches just yet…that I know of).

Personal growth, self-discovery, and places that matter to you.

Traveling alone pushes you out of your comfort zone and challenges you in the best possible ways. Every decision is yours to make, from navigating foreign cities to handling unexpected situations (traveling never goes 100% according to plan). These experiences can boost your confidence and help you discover strengths you never knew you had.

Additionally, some places may hold significance to you but not to others you know. Maybe—say—you were supposed to go on a Mormon mission to Norway when you were 19, but your mental health got in the way. And maybe—17-years (and an entirely different life) later—you want to symbolically conquer this mountain that changed everything in your life. Though others may want to travel with you, a solo trip may be the perfect way to honor your lived experience while finally reaching the summit you set out for a lifetime ago. (If you’re interested in how that goes…stay tuned! I leave for Norway in just over two weeks!)

Is it all rosy?

Solo travel isn’t always glamorous, and it can have its down sides. For instance, cruising solo often brings a 100% “solo supplement” cost, and hotel rooms cost the same whether you’re paying for it yourself or sharing the cost with a friend. Also, things may come up while you’re away that require a little support.

Enter: Your friendly personal travel agent (that’s Me!)

This is where I come in. As a travel agent, I help solo travelers find the best deals (including finding cruises that offer solo cabins, hotels that have single-bed (twin) room options, and sales that make the solo supplements seem like nothing). I’ll also give you recommendations on where to get great travel insurance in case the unexpected happens while you’re away. Plus I’m always here to support from planning your itinerary just as you like it to supporting and tracking your travels while you’re abroad.

Ready to embark on a solo adventure?

Traveling solo is an incredible way to explore the world on your own terms. It offers freedom, growth, and the chance to meet wonderful humans along the way. Yes, it comes with it’s challenges, but with the right approach (and travel advisor), these don’t have to get in the way. If you’re ready to take the plunge into solo travel, let’s chat! Together we can plan a trip that’s as unique as you are.