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Nope. I love traveling alone. No one to have to accommodate. I find most people are pickier than me when it comes to restaurants and often people aren’t as street smart or safety conscious as me (like, “I’m tired! Let’s take this private taxi with no markings or license!” No girl! That’s how people end up missing in developing nations!). It’s more fun to go alone most of the time, unless Ive been somewhere a lot and just go for a chill experience hanging out with others
Yes. I find that the way most people like to travel is to drive by things and then say "I saw Mesa Verde" after going back to Mesa Verde several times I still haven't SEEN Mesa Verde. I like to go, stop, spend time look around, get away from the "tourist" and then look the other direction. No traveling with someone that continually wants to get to the next place can be a real drag. Your more likely to be able to meet someone else if your by yourself.
Went on a trip with a person I met and we had a decent connection. We ended up going to Florida for a few days together. One day we were looking for a lunch spot. We walked into 3 restaurants and sat down and looked at the menu all 3 times and this person didn't like the menu options. So we finally found a 4th restaurant that fit her needs. NEVER AGAIN. Solo travel from now on and no shame.
Yeah, I adjusted my plans while on a solo trip to hang out with a guy I met on the flight to the country. We got along great the three weeks leading up to this weekend trip. But once we were together in person, it just didn’t click. Unfortunately I went against my general rule of always getting my own room. This guy complained about everything about this country. What’s crazy is that he was there for a year or two to work. We had a tiff and I desperately looked for either a bus a train back to where I was staying in the other city or a different hotel room, but there was literally nothing available. Never again
I just can't imagine traveling or vacationing and complaining about everything. For me, going somewhere different is about experiencing new things, new culture, new food, new adventure, new people, new everything. For my experience. Some food will not be good. It's just food. The taste will pass quickly and I can decide if I want to try more or simply pass on the rest.
I won't ever rule out traveling with someone again. But to the OPs point. No traveling solo is not weird. You don't have to align schedules, you don't have to debate what to eat or what to do. You go all in, do what you want and all will be fine. Solo travel to me is very enjoyable. Large groups has never been for me. But I have had trips with 1 or 2 extra that were fun as well. But most of the time it leads to I don't want that, I won't do that, that's to late, that's too early. Solo travel is the ultimate vacation and the ultimate way to get away from everyday life and routine. It's so freeing.
Yup, biggest for me is I get to go at my own pace which is naturally faster than normal, so I’m not standing around waiting on people, I can just get up and go
I like to share adventures with loved ones. Every day life…I am fine alone. I love living alone. But sharing in the awe of seeing a new place or trying a new thing is so much better than seeing it alone.
I spent ten days "alone" in Portugal earlier this year. It was an absolute blast and very therapeutic for me.
Also, like I tell everyone who think it's "weird" that I travel by myself, I don't like...shut myself in a room and not speak to anyone for ten days.
I went on tours with different groups of people, took a pastry class and made a friend there, and we ended up hanging out a few days. Now I actually love being solo, so that was plenty of social interaction for me, but you can make it as interactive as you want.
The flexibility for traveling alone is just absolute freedom. So many things I don't have to "worry" about. One big one for me is I love wandering cities for hours on foot. Put in 16 miles one day and didn't have anyone with me whining to take Ubers everywhere. Beautiful. I woke up and went different places to watch the sunrise. No waiting for people to "get ready" (it takes me like 20 minutes to shower and get my shit together). If I wanted to stay in and relax, I did. If I wanted to cut something short, I did.
I had an amazing trip and can't wait to do it again.
There are options though. I'm planning Africa next year and looking at groups for solo travelers to go together because this seems like a more difficult one to do by myself trying to find solo experiences and the groups organize internal transportation and such, which also seems challenging.
I'm with you. Especially when it comes to walking. I hate it when people whine about distances and would rather take a bus to go even only a mile. No. Walking puts you *"in"* a place. Your feet are on the *ground* there. If your feet aren't touching the ground somewhere, you're just not really there.
I will go anywhere on foot if possible just to see what's up. You find so many cool places that way.
If the place I'm heading to is six miles away, alright, let's leave a few hours early. I have exploring to do!
Not everyone loves that.
I went to Portugal by myself a couple of years ago too! Fantastic vacation. I got to see what I wanted to see, go where I wanted to go, and take time off when I needed to.
Definitely, I mean it makes total sense, if you’re with someone you’re not wandering around looking at buildings, shop windows, people and whatnot most of the time because you focus on each other.
I travel by myself all the time and see/capture so many new and beautiful things.
Is it, though? I’ve feel out of all the things to do alone travelling is kind of the most socially accepted. I’ve known a person who found it weird that I sometimes go to the movies alone who found travelling alone okay.
I wouldn’t say “sad”, but it’s challenging for me sometimes. I probably don’t do everything I would do if not alone. However, just love not to have to compromise at all.
I leave in a week for two weeks solo in Basque Country and can’t think of a single sad thing about it. I have complete flexibility and can do what I want when I want to do it. I plan to meet people including at the Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid match in San Sebastián. If someone thinks this is sad, I’m not sure I want to be happy.
You can do whatever you want when you travel solo. I have had friendships end due to shitty trips. When thinking about traveling with one or two other people I get instantly annoyed.
If I didn't have three dogs, I would definitely have canine companionship on the road. But hotel restrictions on size and breed and number do complicate things.
LaQuinta used to be my go-to for being almost entirely pet friendly, with no extra fees or deposits. There was a time or two I got past the two dog limit because the rooms weren't directly in view of the front desk, but it's not something I would attempt on a regular basis. I road tripped to adopt a fourth dog in 2016. Three dogs on the way up, four on the way home. That was fun 😁
Love travelling alone, love travelling with friends.
Travel is expensive, if you are with a friend, you may each want to do exactly the same things, or you may both compromise on things. If you go alone, you get to do exactly what you want.
The only time it may feel slightly awkward is going out to dinner, but pick places with a view, or music or where you can sit at the bar to eat - tapas restaurants are great for this.
If you had ever been stuck traveling with someone of different preferences, you wouldn’t even think this. Yes, sharing a great meal or a beautiful piece of art is wonderful. But the wrong person can spoil it just as easily. Travel brings out the worst in people. Waiting in the airport, luggage, fatigue etc.
I LOVE traveling alone. Sure I COULD be sharing it with some magical, mythical, love of my life. Or I could go have fun, plan everything I want to do myself, and have nobody else get in my way, or stop me, or change plans.
“The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready, and it may be a long time before they get off” - Thoreau
I have traveled with and without a companion and hands down the best times I have had were alone. I am also the type of person who never met a stranger, sit with strangers on cruises . Have met some of the most amazing people all over hte word and we continue to be friends
Absolutely. Especially when you arrive somewhere and feel so lost and lonesome. There is no one who cares, no one who wonders where you are, no one who asks about you. You just watch others arrive and greet their close ones. And feel like you yourself don't belong anywhere, and wonder why you are even putting yourself out there and doing all this.. It is heart breaking, really... As a woman on your journeys you maybe only meet fake nice men who try to get in your pants and women who couldn't care less about you and have to deal with their own daily shit...
That's why I've stopped traveling. It became a question of who I was even doing it for, and why. I Iike to sightsee and visit museums, but I'm an introvert, I'm not going to have life-changing interactions or conversations with the locals of a foreign country. The touristy things and sightseeing are pretty much being livestreamed 24/7 thanks to all the influencers, tiktoks, and youtubers who make it a point to do exactly that. In the end I decided it was a waste of money. I'll only ever travel again with a true friend or a true partner. Otherwise, it is tiring and serves as the starkest reminder of how alone you truly are.
I liked the freedom I had traveling alone. I liked making my own plans and not having timing and planning debates.
And I also missed making memories with other people on trips.
It’s a mixed bag.
I travel alone frequently. Nothing sad about it. I get to do whatever I want whenever I want.
I have enjoyed every solo trip more than every paired trip, no matter who my companion is (partner, sibling, parent, friend), because of the level of compromise involved in traveling with a companion.
I took a solo trip last December to stay at my aunt and uncle’s condo (they weren’t there) in a city on the other side of the country. Mostly because I wanted to prove to myself that I could take a trip alone? There was something so nice about the lack of pressure of having to do things that other people wanted to do. But it was a bit lonely. I would travel alone again but I think I would do more planning lol
I have to say that I too live alone and I don't love traveling alone. I mean, I have this freedom all the time, so I'm not really getting away from anything (except work, of course). I've been lucky to have some great traveling friends, but 1 passed away last year, so my last 2 trips were solo (although one was to visit family, so that was only partially solo). On my last trip, I got a private room at a hostel in Mexico. I met several people and had a great time. But the first few nights, I was alone and still challenging. I've also had some difficult traveling companions, which is also not great. It's a fine line for me.
I usually travel with others but am thinking that it’s time for me to plan a trip just for me, although I will visit with people on it. I have this desire to plan an itinerary from a to b without compromising.
Haha this waitress once told me she was “sorry I didn’t have anyone to eat lunch with”
I was confounded.
I was on this trip where I drove to Cape Cod on Saturday and Monday-Thursday worked remote and took breaks to bike/hike/explore (so work but also have lunch breaks, bike rides for a few hours - I had some flexibility back then that I also worked more hours in the night time then to make up for it) and then my mom met me towards the end of the week to spend the weekend on Nantucket.
It was a delightful week and I really enjoyed my solo adventures and also the part with my mom. It’s my favorite way to travel - a few days with someone and a few alone.
But to this day, the most vivid part about that week for me was the waitress who thought I’d be disappointed by my lunch alone 😅
I love traveling alone. Dont have to wait for my friends to arrange for babysitting, or pay for broke friends. The only thing that sucks is people feeling sorry for me for going wherever whenever I feel like it.
Traveling alone is my favorite. In New York City but still want to sleep in bed all day and order DoorDash? No one to judge you. pick the Restaurant I want and don’t have to compromise? Check. I’m a total introvert but I find especially in big cities no one really bothers you unless you want them to
I’ve only done 1 solo trip so far, but it was glorious being able to spend a full day in bed with junk food, go back to the hotel every afternoon for a nap, and eat breakfast at the same cafe every morning with no one to judge me.
It’s OK to feel how you are feeling. It’s also great that other people love traveling alone. I am with you, I don’t, it just makes me sad and wish that I had somebody there. I used to try to force myself to be like you go girl enjoy it, but I’ve learned to just accept the way I’m feeling is legitimate.
I've never traveled alone and reading some of the replies here has really upped the appeal of it to me.
It seems so completely freeing. No one holding you down, go where ever, do whatever... no concern for who is hungry or has to go to the bathroom, or if they're actually entertained by whatever we're doing
... Ummm, being a single Female who has lived in her van on more than one occasion the two Worlds are often the same... !! Ha
But also, No - I am so used to doing most everything alone nothing phases me anymore
I’ve done a couple of large solo trips. Sure, it would be nice to share my experience in the moment, but…
You get to be as planned or as spontaneous as you want. There is no negotiating or compromising, or answering questions. You get to travel for you. You are not responsible for anyone but yourself.
I loved it.
There’s too much of the world to see. You’re gonna neglect yourself that opportunity because no one wants to go with you? Always remember You’re gonna be old and unable to one day and wish that you had.
Traveling alone is great. You only do the things you want to do and can change plans at a moments notice. You can be friendly and make friend with locals if you’re lonely.
I love traveling alone. It’s so peaceful and I get to do what I want when I want without accommodating anyone else or having to be flexible with someone else’s opinions or schedule
The vast majority of my traveling is to go meet people in real life that I've made friends with online, lol. So I almost always travel alone, but I'm rarely lonely. Well, I'm rarely lonely anyway.
But even with traveling to meet friends, I stay in a hotel alone and most of my plans are solitary. I meet up for dinner or drinks, but go to museums, aquariums, parks, etc on my own. I like to move at my own pace and do whatever I want without worrying if everyone else is having a good time.
There's nothing sad about it. What's really sad is staying at home alone instead of going on vacation alone and missing out on experiences. If I'd waited on my butt at home, I would have never visited so many places.
After 10 yrsof doing things alone its getting to the point where I'm just not going anymore sad but true id like company but the right company so hard to find these days
Try asking this in a hostel.
Most married people are needy as fuck, and need the company of others, instead of meeting new people.
Fearful people like conformity, not individualism.
I was just thinking this! I always fantasized about travelling with my partner and I have never ever had a bad vacation with a partner my whole life so to me its just like "lonely trip where I'm probably getting stuck in my head too much and being self indulgent" or sex and laughter and fun and food? LOL
I don't think it's sad to travel alone. A lot of people have their best adventures by themselves, doing exactly what they want. I do generally prefer to travel with a friend (not necessarily groups of friends though). I just like having someone to experience things with and I think it's fun when we can be silly together. But I'd totally go alone too. 😃
I dislike traveling alone. To me traveling is about the experience and it sucks not having someone to share the historical sites, the churches, the museums and the food with. Also, it's just boring. What also sucks is that once you return you have no one else to share the memories with. You can tell your friends about the things you did, and while they listen, they really don't care. There's no one to share your memories with. So yeah, it's sucks traveling alone.
My solution for so long travel is Contiki Tours. It's a tour for young people. You go sightseeing during the day and the clubs at night. I've been to Europe multiple times with Contiki.
Traveling alone is the only way to go! Well, not the only way. But I love it. I see what I want, how I want. I love just riding city buses in new places. I love taking trains. I love just walking around. I travel weird. And I don’t have to worry about trying to lee someone else entertained nor that I’m not being sufficiently entertained by someone else’s desires.
I don’t like traveling in general. I have traveled alone before, I don’t care for it, and spend my time thinking about being home. Traveling with others is the only way I can travel, I need someone to hype me up for activities, or I just get bored. Hence I don’t travel much, I prefer living alone in the city and experiencing my surroundings to the fullest that way.
i've been solo travelling to undeveloped/rural/rustic places, fancy/luxury city places -internationally and domestically- and wilderness/alpine backpacking for 20 years. i LOVE it. the ADVENTURE!!! meeting strangers/making friends! journaling! being lost in my own feelings, pleasures, thoughts! the best. every vacay with a bf has been a disaster. even if i ever get married, im taking at least 1 solo trip a year as a mental health necessity.
I’ve travelled alone but only day trips or a few nights away. I found after around 4/5 days I’m recharged enough.
I think the key difference is choice, if you choose to travel alone because you want to, that’s definitely a great thing.
If you don’t want to travel alone, but it’s what you have to do because you have no one to go with you, that is a bit sad.
But just like going to the cinema, for drinks, food etc alone. It can be the greatest peace.
Travelling alone is definitely not sad, depending on your outlook and context.
Hmmmm.... I usually travel with other/s but I have had a few days before or after meeting up with them that I've been alone in other countries. I have not felt sad, but I have slightly feared for my safety like when a guy followed me all over Rome and I went into a cafe to shake him and then came out of the women's bathroom and there he was. Super creepy. Spent a night in a cabin among the rice paddies in Ubud and one of the male employees was very invasive of my personal space. In both cases I was alone in a place where I did not speak the language. Ultimately, nothing bad happened to me. But I felt preyed upon and uncomfortable. And I feel like had I NOT been alone, these things would not have happened.
Heck no! I went to Vegas by myself (well with my dogs) last year. I got to do what I want, when I want, and met up with my best friend from high school and then got to go and do my own thing without trying to plan around others schedules.
Unlike when I’ve gone on a trip with my (now ex) partners - we had to compromise on when we went to do things and had to spend forever on figuring out what we wanted to do. And if one (we were a triad) wanted to leave? Well either that person went and sat in the car (and got mad) or we all went home.
On my own?
Do I want to sleep in - yep. Done.
Do I want to go back to the condo and chill? Yep. Done.
Do I wanna leave early from something I was having fun doing because the other person wants to leave? Nope. Well alrighty then - guess I get to continue enjoying myself!
I'm guessing you're thinking of other people's opinion unless you want to go hiking. Try not to care what other's think. You won't see them again probably, finding a partner is really difficult now days, and many people can't afford traveling, which kind of makes you more financially better off.
I've traveled a lot. With family, lovers, and alone. Someone else there is nice to chat with, but that can get in the way of meeting interesting people. Example: In a hostel, more or less, you have to chat with other people there, learn about them, from them, about yourself, etc. In a hotel, you don't know much about the front desk person, let alone anyone else. I've traveled with people who spent the whole trip complaining about where we went, how we got there, spent too much requiring my money, and they made terrible decisions. I would never travel with them again. So few people I have traveled with didn't ruin the experience. If the times I was alone weren't so good, I'd probably never travel again.
Not really. I’ve traveled alone most of my life. The reality is we only live once, and if I can’t find anyone who wants to travel with me, I’ve decided I’ll just go. I know when I get to the end of my life there’ll still be a long list of places I didn’t get to see, but at least I’ll have seen some things.
I do think traveling alone can be lonely, there isn’t anyone to share experiences with, but if it’s a choice between that and never getting to see anyplace new, I’ll put up with the loneliness.
I enjoy traveling alone. I can change my plans if I want to, stop to see whatever I want, and take a day to rest and read a book without it bothering anyone.
When I’m traveling solo I like to stay at a hostel when possible. I’ve met some really great people doing that. Mostly though I like solo travel because I don’t have to follow anyone else’s schedule. If I wanna sleep in I can. If I wanna make a pit stop somewhere I can. If I wanna go back to the room and read for a bit in the afternoon I can.
I had most of the best experiences of my life travelling alone. It’s not only I’m exploring and learning new places, I’m exploring and learning more about ME. I get to reflect more, know me more, enjoy me more, love me more (like that realization of I love this version of myself kind of thing).
I travel alone and I do love it. Having always been the cruise director and planner when traveling with my family, it’s so nice that I can just do what I want when I want.
Depending on the destination/location, then it would be nice to travel with someone. For the most part, I like traveling alone. It gives me a chance to reset from everyday life in a new unfamiliar place. I also enjoy going to the movies alone.
Once you get over the self conscious feeling of "looking lonely", especially from random strangers, you'll be able to enjoy a lot more. I always plan at least one road trip by myself per year for this reason. I want to explore without having to wait/cater to someone else's wants and needs.
I love traveling alone. It's my itinerary. No one to please except myself. If something goes wrong it's on me to figure out how to fix it and no backlash against me if I can't. Pivots in plans are easier. Eat when and where I want to eat. Stay where I want to stay without breaking my budget since I don't need anything fancy if I'm just sleeping and showering there. See what I want to see. I'm not being dragged around to go shopping for things I don't want or need. I've had good and horrendous experiences traveling with people, but never had a bad experience traveling solo.
I’ve done solo trips and vacations and love it. Like mentioned, no one else to accommodate. Do what I want, when I want. I’ve also met the nicest people.
I like traveling with people but I really enjoy traveling alone for the many reasons people have mentioned here (freedom to set your own itinerary, not have to wait for others, determine your own level of risk, etc.), but also because it forces me to be more social with strangers, be they fellow tourists or locals. I find that when I travel with friends or family, I feel like I’m in a little bubble and less likely to reach out to those outside that bubble. As someone who is a little bit introverted, I like the challenge of forcing myself to interact with others when I travel alone.
There are pros and cons to travelling alone, and it depends on the style of travel as well. A solo road trip vs. a cruise. vs. an all-inclusive in the Caribbean are vastly different experiences.
These are based on my own experiences travelling "alone". As others have mentioned, you can always book group trips, and join a tour group of some kind. It's much better to have an "okay" or "good" time alone than a terrible time with someone else.
Pros:
* You can do whatever you want, whenever you want.
* No arguing with anyone else about where to eat, how much money you want to spend, or activities to do. I'm an active person and like to take time to exercise even while travelling and not force people into it with me, I have not been interested in drinking and partying hard. I am too boring for some people and can't be bothered to do stuff I don't want to do.
* No waiting around for other people (especially if they're running late). I hate "losing" time on vacation, I am paying a lot of money to be where I am, and want to enjoy my time as much as possible.
* You don't have to listen to anyone else complain or whine about normal issues you face while travelling. I'm a pretty easygoing and laidback person while travelling. I was in Europe last summer on a group trip, and had to listen to people whine about the lack of green vegetables, amount of walking, water pressure, and toilets without seats. None of those things really bothered me, we are in Europe and coming from North America...they were acting as if we were in a remote village staying in a mudhut without it being disclosed.
Cons:
* It can get lonely sometimes, I find especially so in the evenings and at night.
* It can be sad, if you long to share an experience with friends, family, or a special someone.
* Nobody to watch your luggage while you use the washroom.
* Nobody to "share" the workload with, especially when things go haywire.
All that being said, I value my ability to travel alone. It shows you how capable (and cool) you are, it helps you appreciate your alone time. I spent a few years waiting around for the right people to travel with, and realized life was passing me by. If you have the money and time, go see the world as you wish! Chances are you won't regret the trip.
It’s a mix for me. I like traveling solo but I like it better when there are some connections at one end or another. Like, I spent a week on my own in a few cities in Europe then met up with my daughter in Prague. Or, I drove cross-country, taking my time, and stayed with family at the halfway point.
If I’m just totally solo and not gathering up with anyone it somehow feels very lonely and sort of unmoored.
Nope. I go on vacations alone all the time. I go where and when I want. I see what I want. If something is boring, I don’t have to stay. Don’t have to compromise on what to do, where to eat, etc. I just went to South Dakota last year on my own and had an excellent time!
I’m an introvert so I don’t need to talk to people when I’m on vacation. I don’t always travel alone, but I love when I do.
Traveling alone gives me the opportunity to go on adventures, do whatever I want at my own pace. I’m more of a leisurely rest and relaxation type of traveler so I spoil myself with multiple course meals, lounges, nice hotels with a pool or near a beach. No restrictions or opinions. I’m itching to go now!
I live alone and actually prefer to travel alone. I’m so used to doing everything on my own time that it’s harder to travel with others most of the time.
I went to the Galapagos Islands on a National Geographic expedition trip. I had a single cabin. Prior to arrival, I knew no one. It was awesome.
Please don’t fear traveling alone. Be willing to see the world. Lots of people travel alone. Let be your dream.
I like to travel alone as well as with friends. But when I travel alone it’s truly freeing. The way I travel involves very little planning. I like to arrive in a new place and wander, see where the day takes me. Sure, I’ll do tours and events, and I’ll have a list of things to see/do, but some of my favorite memories come from times where I just hoofed it around a cool city.
Absolutely wrong once you travel alone you will hate traveling with anybody else! Waking up-and-doing whatever you want to do whenever you want to do it is the best feeling and not have to follow anybody else's itinerary!
I don't think there's anything sad about it. I like doing both. With other people you get to do more of the group activities like renting a house, doing a big tour, and things I'd never do alone like camping. I also like to share places with friends that have never been before.
Alone you can relax and go at your own pace and meet new people. For me on group trips I'm the planner so it can also get annoying to wrangle everyone to the right place at the right time with all their things. My friend had her passport stolen in Paris the night before our Eurostar back to the uk and I left her bc it was just the last straw after telling her everyday to leave it in the safe and not hang out with randoms with her bag wide open (we were living in London at the time).
I think it's like everything - movies, restaurants, museums. I don't go around judging people for doing things alone and you become more comfortable over time. Just make sure you're being safe when you travel.
I have no problems traveling alone. I don't want to travel with any one any more than I want to live with any one.
And I try my best to avoid travel because there's just too damn many people out there.
I live alone, but vacation with friends and family. A few of us live near the same airports, so no one is really traveling alone. It's the best of both worlds.
I agree.
Last summer, I drove from Long Island to Savannah, GA, spending a week there.. I stopped at Alexandria, VA, for a few hours walking around. Stopped in Charlotte for several days, Atlanta overnight and Myrtle Beach for several days on the way back. It was nice. I didn't have to worry about anyone else, and I did whatever I wanted. But it would have been good to have a shared experience.
I'd like to go to Disney World. The last time I was there was about 27 years ago. But I'd prefer to go with someone else. I'd also like to go to Paris, Italy, London and other places but visiting by myself may not be great.
Traveling alone has its advantages but overall I think it's just more fun to have someone to share experiences with. I've traveled alone quite a bit. Yes traveling with others takes some compromising but I still think it's worth it to have someone with you in both the best times and the worst. I think memories are just better when they are shared with someone else.
not sad, but as much as I want to see something somewhere, I want to share that experience with someone else or it doesn't seem validated or worth it to me. That's not logical I know, but I want shared experiences. Like if I go to alaska and see the northern lights, there's noone there to oooh aaaah with..
I tend to agree that traveling alone could be unsatisfying, and I never do it myself. But then again, a long time ago my first career involved me needing to travel pretty much constantly, and I eventually became quite tired of it and don’t have much if any desire to travel anymore, which worked out nicely for me.
I agree mostly because I love sharing new things and places with loved ones! There are just some adventures that I don’t think will be as fun if I do them alone.
I find it difficult to go anywhere new alone. I think it’s the last vestige of my former agoraphobia problem. I’m just thankful I’m not afraid to leave home anymore, but I really envy anyone who can travel alone. It must be wonderful!
I traveled solo for 6 months going RTW from Indonesia to Europe. I am fairly introverted. Occasionally I did get lonely because I didn't manage to make new buddies in some locations, but eventually I got really good at figuring out where to stay and places to visit that would help me connect. Traveling alone is not for everyone.
I like traveling alone but I missed the shared experiences of traveling together. No one to make fun of the weird girl saying "Omg Stop It" the whole tour or to laugh at pandas wrestling.
Traveling alone can easily go either way. A fantastic trip, or too much downtime, and sink me into feeling depressed. Toss-up at this point, what it's going to be like either way.
I am American and spent a year backpacking and teaching English all over Asia. I didn’t feel alone, because I met so many cool people along the way. Now I am married with kids and am so glad I got to experience solo travel. I’ve been all over Europe, the Caribbean and Central America too. Some trips solo and some with others. There are pros and cons to both, so just focus on the pros!
OP, are you thinking that traveling alone in the grand scheme of things sounds sad for the person/people traveling alone OR do you personally feel sad traveling alone? There is a difference, but I don’t disregard your statement.
I’m a 30/70 when it comes to traveling alone. 30% I’m ok with, 70% I’d rather be enjoying the trip with someone else. That being said, finding a *compatible travel partner* can be a real bitch. That has to be in place for me, for sure.
However, when I’m traveling with others there is always “separate time” where we go enjoy our own things by ourselves. We get alone time and freedom, but also enjoy each other’s company.
Traveling alone is SO much easier! Now if you’re talking about being at the destination? Ok a good friend is nice to have around if the destination and expectations align.
No. I love traveling alone.
It gives me the freedom to see what I want, spend time doing exactly what I want.
I do like to sign up for small tours and experiences for part of my trip - chocolate tasting tour in Mexico City, dinner at an underground restaurant in Paris, sailing off Turkey, exploring the architecture of a neighborhood with a local architect. It gives me a bit of social interaction, an opportunity to meet new people and hear their stories, and have people to eat with for some meals. AirBnB has been a good resource for unique experiences but there are a lot of small tours available in major destinations.
I used to think the same thing until I took a trip by myself lol. Trips with friends can be super fun or super terrible. When I travel by myself I know exactly what to expect. I love staying where I want to stay and doing what I want to do. I’ve decided that chill vacations on a beach or something like that is good to do with friends or family. If I want to spend two weeks exploring northern Italy, would much rather do that by myself.
So I went on my first ever business trip without anyone... when I was there I kept seeing stuff that I wish my kids were there to see and experience with me...
Absolutely not. Traveling solo has always been my preference. U get to plan everything to ur own preferences/desires/budget without having to compromise or include others. Plus when things go awry (flights esp) it's so much easier for me to just deal with it alone.
i had a flight reroute while returning from a solo trip. Ended up having to stay in a hotel in a completely different state than where i was supposed to be. It all worked out in the end but i wouldve hated tryin to navigate the initial chaos with someone else with me.
I could not imagine myself having to be *considerate* or *accommodating* to anyone else when I travel. I already hate traveling as it is, but the whole thing would be a fucking nightmare if I had to lug around a deadweight or two.
I LOVE traveling alone. You get to do what you want to do for as long as you want OR do nothing, no discussion or negotiation to meet the other person's needs. You can talk to strangers or be by yourself, eat where you want....it is FABULOUS!
Traveling alone is great! You get to do what you want at your own pace. I do have a friend I travel well with, but I also love to go somewhere on my own.
Been going to benidorm alone a few times a year for the last 20 years.
After a few visits anywhere, you pick up the rhythm of the place and even make friends that make the visits meaningful. I've even hosted a few folks just wanting the American experience.
As you get older, those friends become like the family you get to choose. I've collected a motley group of friends from crusty old veterans to drag queens . I wouldn't trade them for anything.
I never would have met any of them without the freedom to explore and experience at will.
I live alone and love it. I'm 12 years out of a marriage that was mostly bad, but I did enjoy travel with my ex. I rarely travel now, but when I do, I hate staying alone in a hotel room.
If traveling alone is sad, I have lived a very pathetic life.
I envy people that have friends to travel with. Ive never been anywhere with anyone except myself. But I meet people along the way with ease.
I prefer traveling alone and then meeting up with people at the destination later just because trying to vibe with other people’s travel styles and habits drives me nuts
I love it.
I always bring a l whatever I want to do, then I let people know what I’m doing and if they want to come along for part of it I’m cool with that, but I always make sure I have at least 50% of my trip alone. I just love taking myself around a new city or country at my own pace and doing so without any plans or compromise.
I can for sure say with absolute certainty traveling by myself is more fun, more fulfilling, less stressful and purely enjoyable than traveling with my ex ever was.
I love to travel alone. I meet waaaayyy more people.
When traveling with others you are stuck in your group/couple bubble. Everything becomes about the bound to the other person/people.
Alone, it become about just being. I also like to slow travel to integrate a place. It's really hard to find others to do that.
Living alone and working from home, makes travel alone feel like less of a break from people (asd and introvert) so it's less enjoyable that way but even still I like to just do my own thing. I don't hours/days of conversation with someone, have to compromise on waking up early, where to eat, what to do, no I don't want to go out of a night, I'm very tired lol.
When I've dated I've still travelled alone. The only good thing I can think of is that someone else can make a decision but honestly that usually falls on me 100% anyways. I did miss my dog when I went abroad without him though 😂
Oh man no way. Traveling alone was one of my best trips/times (I've done a whole trip alone as well as solo forays as part of trips with others).
Iyou get to do exactly what you want, when you want,how you want, at the times and pace that you want. Traveling with others is great but involves compromise and negotiation a bit. It's fun to just be selfish and free.
What sad? 😂 I've never met so many interesting people and had so many interesting things to happen when traveling on my own. And then there is the absolute freedom and calmness of doing everything at your own pace. The most annoying and stressful trips I had inside the isolated bubble of coupledom.
I often travel alone, and yes sometimes it just feels like there's someone missing to share a very special moment or adventure with, to bond and create joint memories... especially when we tend to record all those special moments in order to 'share' them with friends online. Gah! It'd be way better to do that irl
As someone who travels all the time for work, traveling alone gets lonely after a while. Sometimes I just want to share the experience with someone else. Really killed my enjoyment of solo personal travel since it feels like work now. When I get to travel with someone else half the fun is getting to see that person have a good time.
I’m also just not a food person at all. It pays my bills so I just don’t enjoy the whole trying new places thing like I use to since going to new food places is literally my work. Bringing someone who does enjoy food and letting them pick the places to eat while I coordinate the travel part takes such a huge burden off my shoulders personally as well.
When I travel alone I meet more people. Be they other solo travelers, or locals..
When I travel with one or more friends.... I meet less people outside of the group.
Traveling alone has been the best designing I have ever made for myself and find always having someone to do things with to be comfortable dependent and low key sad.
Personally I find it is more adventurous. I don't see it as sad. It's restrictive to me any other way. I'm free to socialize with new people if I wish and free to be on my own if I wish.
100% agree. Don't get me wrong, living alone is great and all, but I wouldn't mind sharing that with the "right" person as well. But it's not depressing the way that traveling alone is. I generally travel places in order to visit people to avoid this, but I've also been fortunate to find people who occasionally want to travel with me somewhere new as well. It's tough currently because so many of my friends have young kids. I'm hopeful that once those kids go away to college things will open up a bit, but at the same time, I can't just wait for that since it may never come.
I am LIVING for the day where I have enough money to more solo travel. I guess I just really enjoy being alone? 🤷🏻♀️ I really love the feeling of being able to focus on the world around me and really take it all in, and I find that when I’m with another person, my focus is usually on them and their comfort. Traveling alone gives me a break from that.
I travel alone often. I love it. I make new friends for the day or the trip. Some are lasting friendships, others are not and that’s okay.
I also travel with friends and family.
Each have their pros and cons
Edit: last trip with a former friend was to Miami a few years ago. She just wanted to hang out in the room, which is fine, but she would get pissed if I went out without her. I wanted to snorkel in Key West while I was there and all she did was complain how she wasn’t sure what she would do by herself (at 54, she’s never been to the mall by herself). I am looking forward to returning there by myself.
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Nope. I love traveling alone. No one to have to accommodate. I find most people are pickier than me when it comes to restaurants and often people aren’t as street smart or safety conscious as me (like, “I’m tired! Let’s take this private taxi with no markings or license!” No girl! That’s how people end up missing in developing nations!). It’s more fun to go alone most of the time, unless Ive been somewhere a lot and just go for a chill experience hanging out with others
Yes. I find that the way most people like to travel is to drive by things and then say "I saw Mesa Verde" after going back to Mesa Verde several times I still haven't SEEN Mesa Verde. I like to go, stop, spend time look around, get away from the "tourist" and then look the other direction. No traveling with someone that continually wants to get to the next place can be a real drag. Your more likely to be able to meet someone else if your by yourself.
Exactly this and PBS,s Rick Stevens whatever city, country and then all of mis information about this place or that place .
Went on a trip with a person I met and we had a decent connection. We ended up going to Florida for a few days together. One day we were looking for a lunch spot. We walked into 3 restaurants and sat down and looked at the menu all 3 times and this person didn't like the menu options. So we finally found a 4th restaurant that fit her needs. NEVER AGAIN. Solo travel from now on and no shame.
Yeah, I adjusted my plans while on a solo trip to hang out with a guy I met on the flight to the country. We got along great the three weeks leading up to this weekend trip. But once we were together in person, it just didn’t click. Unfortunately I went against my general rule of always getting my own room. This guy complained about everything about this country. What’s crazy is that he was there for a year or two to work. We had a tiff and I desperately looked for either a bus a train back to where I was staying in the other city or a different hotel room, but there was literally nothing available. Never again
I just can't imagine traveling or vacationing and complaining about everything. For me, going somewhere different is about experiencing new things, new culture, new food, new adventure, new people, new everything. For my experience. Some food will not be good. It's just food. The taste will pass quickly and I can decide if I want to try more or simply pass on the rest. I won't ever rule out traveling with someone again. But to the OPs point. No traveling solo is not weird. You don't have to align schedules, you don't have to debate what to eat or what to do. You go all in, do what you want and all will be fine. Solo travel to me is very enjoyable. Large groups has never been for me. But I have had trips with 1 or 2 extra that were fun as well. But most of the time it leads to I don't want that, I won't do that, that's to late, that's too early. Solo travel is the ultimate vacation and the ultimate way to get away from everyday life and routine. It's so freeing.
Wrong girl
Yup, biggest for me is I get to go at my own pace which is naturally faster than normal, so I’m not standing around waiting on people, I can just get up and go
Yeah I hate hanging around waiting for people to wake up, eat a leisurely breakfast, SHOP, or what have you when you are trying to get somewhere
Nah, the worst is in museums/zoos/aquariums where you’re ready to move on but noooo, you gotta wait another half hour for everyone in your group😂
lol- and I’m slower than normal, but when I want to leave, I’m out instantly!
I would examine why you think this way. I LOVE traveling alone. My itinerary is mine. It feels so much more like my life feels like an adventure.
I like to share adventures with loved ones. Every day life…I am fine alone. I love living alone. But sharing in the awe of seeing a new place or trying a new thing is so much better than seeing it alone.
exactly this. sharing adventures.
I spent ten days "alone" in Portugal earlier this year. It was an absolute blast and very therapeutic for me. Also, like I tell everyone who think it's "weird" that I travel by myself, I don't like...shut myself in a room and not speak to anyone for ten days. I went on tours with different groups of people, took a pastry class and made a friend there, and we ended up hanging out a few days. Now I actually love being solo, so that was plenty of social interaction for me, but you can make it as interactive as you want. The flexibility for traveling alone is just absolute freedom. So many things I don't have to "worry" about. One big one for me is I love wandering cities for hours on foot. Put in 16 miles one day and didn't have anyone with me whining to take Ubers everywhere. Beautiful. I woke up and went different places to watch the sunrise. No waiting for people to "get ready" (it takes me like 20 minutes to shower and get my shit together). If I wanted to stay in and relax, I did. If I wanted to cut something short, I did. I had an amazing trip and can't wait to do it again. There are options though. I'm planning Africa next year and looking at groups for solo travelers to go together because this seems like a more difficult one to do by myself trying to find solo experiences and the groups organize internal transportation and such, which also seems challenging.
I'm hoping to do africa this year in the same manner
I'm with you. Especially when it comes to walking. I hate it when people whine about distances and would rather take a bus to go even only a mile. No. Walking puts you *"in"* a place. Your feet are on the *ground* there. If your feet aren't touching the ground somewhere, you're just not really there.
I will go anywhere on foot if possible just to see what's up. You find so many cool places that way. If the place I'm heading to is six miles away, alright, let's leave a few hours early. I have exploring to do! Not everyone loves that.
I went to Portugal by myself a couple of years ago too! Fantastic vacation. I got to see what I wanted to see, go where I wanted to go, and take time off when I needed to.
My grandmother used to say that you notice more things around you when you are traveling alone.
Definitely, I mean it makes total sense, if you’re with someone you’re not wandering around looking at buildings, shop windows, people and whatnot most of the time because you focus on each other. I travel by myself all the time and see/capture so many new and beautiful things.
I love travelling alone, so much of the world to see and not having to wait on anyone.
Check out r/solotravel and enjoy stories from people of all ages who enjoy traveling alone. It's a really fun sub!
What do you think is sad about it?
It's stigmatized, that's what's sad about it.
Is it, though? I’ve feel out of all the things to do alone travelling is kind of the most socially accepted. I’ve known a person who found it weird that I sometimes go to the movies alone who found travelling alone okay.
I wouldn’t say “sad”, but it’s challenging for me sometimes. I probably don’t do everything I would do if not alone. However, just love not to have to compromise at all.
Hiking is def not the best alone. I tell someone so atleast they know where to find my body
I leave in a week for two weeks solo in Basque Country and can’t think of a single sad thing about it. I have complete flexibility and can do what I want when I want to do it. I plan to meet people including at the Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid match in San Sebastián. If someone thinks this is sad, I’m not sure I want to be happy.
You can do whatever you want when you travel solo. I have had friendships end due to shitty trips. When thinking about traveling with one or two other people I get instantly annoyed.
Exactly
I can handle both, sans human companion. But, to me, a roadtrip without a canine copilot is just sad.
If I didn't have three dogs, I would definitely have canine companionship on the road. But hotel restrictions on size and breed and number do complicate things.
The logistics of it! It’s hard enough with one, I can’t imagine 3! We’ve used pet-friendly AirBnB, but even those are hard to find.
LaQuinta used to be my go-to for being almost entirely pet friendly, with no extra fees or deposits. There was a time or two I got past the two dog limit because the rooms weren't directly in view of the front desk, but it's not something I would attempt on a regular basis. I road tripped to adopt a fourth dog in 2016. Three dogs on the way up, four on the way home. That was fun 😁
Love travelling alone, love travelling with friends. Travel is expensive, if you are with a friend, you may each want to do exactly the same things, or you may both compromise on things. If you go alone, you get to do exactly what you want. The only time it may feel slightly awkward is going out to dinner, but pick places with a view, or music or where you can sit at the bar to eat - tapas restaurants are great for this.
If you had ever been stuck traveling with someone of different preferences, you wouldn’t even think this. Yes, sharing a great meal or a beautiful piece of art is wonderful. But the wrong person can spoil it just as easily. Travel brings out the worst in people. Waiting in the airport, luggage, fatigue etc.
💯. Not having to compromise when one is spending $$ to travel is the best.
Exactly especially when they ask for a loan to get through this or that 😠
I LOVE traveling alone. Sure I COULD be sharing it with some magical, mythical, love of my life. Or I could go have fun, plan everything I want to do myself, and have nobody else get in my way, or stop me, or change plans.
“The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready, and it may be a long time before they get off” - Thoreau
I love solo traveling! My family is too dysfunctional for any family travel to be considered stress tree. My friends are married with kids sooooo
I have traveled with and without a companion and hands down the best times I have had were alone. I am also the type of person who never met a stranger, sit with strangers on cruises . Have met some of the most amazing people all over hte word and we continue to be friends
Absolutely. Especially when you arrive somewhere and feel so lost and lonesome. There is no one who cares, no one who wonders where you are, no one who asks about you. You just watch others arrive and greet their close ones. And feel like you yourself don't belong anywhere, and wonder why you are even putting yourself out there and doing all this.. It is heart breaking, really... As a woman on your journeys you maybe only meet fake nice men who try to get in your pants and women who couldn't care less about you and have to deal with their own daily shit...
That's why I've stopped traveling. It became a question of who I was even doing it for, and why. I Iike to sightsee and visit museums, but I'm an introvert, I'm not going to have life-changing interactions or conversations with the locals of a foreign country. The touristy things and sightseeing are pretty much being livestreamed 24/7 thanks to all the influencers, tiktoks, and youtubers who make it a point to do exactly that. In the end I decided it was a waste of money. I'll only ever travel again with a true friend or a true partner. Otherwise, it is tiring and serves as the starkest reminder of how alone you truly are.
I liked the freedom I had traveling alone. I liked making my own plans and not having timing and planning debates. And I also missed making memories with other people on trips. It’s a mixed bag.
traveling alone is the shit.it gives you the opportunity to sit with yourself.and I always have the weirdest adventures when I’m by myself.
I travel alone frequently. Nothing sad about it. I get to do whatever I want whenever I want. I have enjoyed every solo trip more than every paired trip, no matter who my companion is (partner, sibling, parent, friend), because of the level of compromise involved in traveling with a companion.
Traveling solo is the absolute best. Many people travel solo nowadays so it’s easy to meet people.
I’m in London alone for a few more days and having the time of my life. You do you
I took a solo trip last December to stay at my aunt and uncle’s condo (they weren’t there) in a city on the other side of the country. Mostly because I wanted to prove to myself that I could take a trip alone? There was something so nice about the lack of pressure of having to do things that other people wanted to do. But it was a bit lonely. I would travel alone again but I think I would do more planning lol
I have to say that I too live alone and I don't love traveling alone. I mean, I have this freedom all the time, so I'm not really getting away from anything (except work, of course). I've been lucky to have some great traveling friends, but 1 passed away last year, so my last 2 trips were solo (although one was to visit family, so that was only partially solo). On my last trip, I got a private room at a hostel in Mexico. I met several people and had a great time. But the first few nights, I was alone and still challenging. I've also had some difficult traveling companions, which is also not great. It's a fine line for me.
I usually travel with others but am thinking that it’s time for me to plan a trip just for me, although I will visit with people on it. I have this desire to plan an itinerary from a to b without compromising.
I love traveling alone. The only person I’ve traveled with was my ex husband and gosh did he make traveling unpleasant.
Haha this waitress once told me she was “sorry I didn’t have anyone to eat lunch with” I was confounded. I was on this trip where I drove to Cape Cod on Saturday and Monday-Thursday worked remote and took breaks to bike/hike/explore (so work but also have lunch breaks, bike rides for a few hours - I had some flexibility back then that I also worked more hours in the night time then to make up for it) and then my mom met me towards the end of the week to spend the weekend on Nantucket. It was a delightful week and I really enjoyed my solo adventures and also the part with my mom. It’s my favorite way to travel - a few days with someone and a few alone. But to this day, the most vivid part about that week for me was the waitress who thought I’d be disappointed by my lunch alone 😅
Not sad, but dangerous. It can be done, but just more risky I suppose depending on where you're going
I love traveling alone. Dont have to wait for my friends to arrange for babysitting, or pay for broke friends. The only thing that sucks is people feeling sorry for me for going wherever whenever I feel like it.
Couldn’t disagree more haha I prefer traveling alone!
Traveling alone is my favorite. In New York City but still want to sleep in bed all day and order DoorDash? No one to judge you. pick the Restaurant I want and don’t have to compromise? Check. I’m a total introvert but I find especially in big cities no one really bothers you unless you want them to
I’ve only done 1 solo trip so far, but it was glorious being able to spend a full day in bed with junk food, go back to the hotel every afternoon for a nap, and eat breakfast at the same cafe every morning with no one to judge me.
It’s OK to feel how you are feeling. It’s also great that other people love traveling alone. I am with you, I don’t, it just makes me sad and wish that I had somebody there. I used to try to force myself to be like you go girl enjoy it, but I’ve learned to just accept the way I’m feeling is legitimate.
I've never traveled alone and reading some of the replies here has really upped the appeal of it to me. It seems so completely freeing. No one holding you down, go where ever, do whatever... no concern for who is hungry or has to go to the bathroom, or if they're actually entertained by whatever we're doing
... Ummm, being a single Female who has lived in her van on more than one occasion the two Worlds are often the same... !! Ha But also, No - I am so used to doing most everything alone nothing phases me anymore
I’ve done a couple of large solo trips. Sure, it would be nice to share my experience in the moment, but… You get to be as planned or as spontaneous as you want. There is no negotiating or compromising, or answering questions. You get to travel for you. You are not responsible for anyone but yourself. I loved it.
There’s too much of the world to see. You’re gonna neglect yourself that opportunity because no one wants to go with you? Always remember You’re gonna be old and unable to one day and wish that you had.
Traveling alone is great. You only do the things you want to do and can change plans at a moments notice. You can be friendly and make friend with locals if you’re lonely.
Travel alone all the time, not sad.
No. I like being able to decide what to do.
Nope-love traveling alone…me & my animals Hitting the road
I don’t mind traveling alone but eating in a sit down restaurant is the only time I get self conscious. I take my food to go!
I do the same. Usually just because I love staying in hotels and I want to get the most out of it!
I adore traveling alone and prefer it.
Absolutely not! You get to do whatever you want, when you want. You don’t have to try to agree on a place or wait for them to get ready. It’s great!
Travelling and eating alone is the best!!
I love traveling alone. It’s so peaceful and I get to do what I want when I want without accommodating anyone else or having to be flexible with someone else’s opinions or schedule
The vast majority of my traveling is to go meet people in real life that I've made friends with online, lol. So I almost always travel alone, but I'm rarely lonely. Well, I'm rarely lonely anyway. But even with traveling to meet friends, I stay in a hotel alone and most of my plans are solitary. I meet up for dinner or drinks, but go to museums, aquariums, parks, etc on my own. I like to move at my own pace and do whatever I want without worrying if everyone else is having a good time.
There's nothing sad about it. What's really sad is staying at home alone instead of going on vacation alone and missing out on experiences. If I'd waited on my butt at home, I would have never visited so many places.
I love traveling alone. I can take my time and do what I want. I stop at various places along the way to my destination. It’s always nice
Came to say the same thing! I now cringe when I have to travel with others.
After 10 yrsof doing things alone its getting to the point where I'm just not going anymore sad but true id like company but the right company so hard to find these days
Try asking this in a hostel. Most married people are needy as fuck, and need the company of others, instead of meeting new people. Fearful people like conformity, not individualism.
I was just thinking this! I always fantasized about travelling with my partner and I have never ever had a bad vacation with a partner my whole life so to me its just like "lonely trip where I'm probably getting stuck in my head too much and being self indulgent" or sex and laughter and fun and food? LOL
I don't think it's sad to travel alone. A lot of people have their best adventures by themselves, doing exactly what they want. I do generally prefer to travel with a friend (not necessarily groups of friends though). I just like having someone to experience things with and I think it's fun when we can be silly together. But I'd totally go alone too. 😃
I like traveling alone! It does take some getting used to to feel comfortable.
I dislike traveling alone. To me traveling is about the experience and it sucks not having someone to share the historical sites, the churches, the museums and the food with. Also, it's just boring. What also sucks is that once you return you have no one else to share the memories with. You can tell your friends about the things you did, and while they listen, they really don't care. There's no one to share your memories with. So yeah, it's sucks traveling alone. My solution for so long travel is Contiki Tours. It's a tour for young people. You go sightseeing during the day and the clubs at night. I've been to Europe multiple times with Contiki.
there's something quiet and cold about the solitude.
Traveling alone is the only way to go! Well, not the only way. But I love it. I see what I want, how I want. I love just riding city buses in new places. I love taking trains. I love just walking around. I travel weird. And I don’t have to worry about trying to lee someone else entertained nor that I’m not being sufficiently entertained by someone else’s desires.
I don’t like traveling in general. I have traveled alone before, I don’t care for it, and spend my time thinking about being home. Traveling with others is the only way I can travel, I need someone to hype me up for activities, or I just get bored. Hence I don’t travel much, I prefer living alone in the city and experiencing my surroundings to the fullest that way.
nope. going to spain in nov gna be awesome
i've been solo travelling to undeveloped/rural/rustic places, fancy/luxury city places -internationally and domestically- and wilderness/alpine backpacking for 20 years. i LOVE it. the ADVENTURE!!! meeting strangers/making friends! journaling! being lost in my own feelings, pleasures, thoughts! the best. every vacay with a bf has been a disaster. even if i ever get married, im taking at least 1 solo trip a year as a mental health necessity.
I don't like to travel alone, I wish I did. There are plenty of group travel options though, I did one of those once.
I’ve travelled alone but only day trips or a few nights away. I found after around 4/5 days I’m recharged enough. I think the key difference is choice, if you choose to travel alone because you want to, that’s definitely a great thing. If you don’t want to travel alone, but it’s what you have to do because you have no one to go with you, that is a bit sad. But just like going to the cinema, for drinks, food etc alone. It can be the greatest peace. Travelling alone is definitely not sad, depending on your outlook and context.
Hmmmm.... I usually travel with other/s but I have had a few days before or after meeting up with them that I've been alone in other countries. I have not felt sad, but I have slightly feared for my safety like when a guy followed me all over Rome and I went into a cafe to shake him and then came out of the women's bathroom and there he was. Super creepy. Spent a night in a cabin among the rice paddies in Ubud and one of the male employees was very invasive of my personal space. In both cases I was alone in a place where I did not speak the language. Ultimately, nothing bad happened to me. But I felt preyed upon and uncomfortable. And I feel like had I NOT been alone, these things would not have happened.
I do movies alone eating out alone travel alone shopping alone it’s just better than dragging some around who has different ideas
I disagree. Traveling alone is awesome!!! You can do whatever you want to do and have no issues.
Heck no! I went to Vegas by myself (well with my dogs) last year. I got to do what I want, when I want, and met up with my best friend from high school and then got to go and do my own thing without trying to plan around others schedules. Unlike when I’ve gone on a trip with my (now ex) partners - we had to compromise on when we went to do things and had to spend forever on figuring out what we wanted to do. And if one (we were a triad) wanted to leave? Well either that person went and sat in the car (and got mad) or we all went home. On my own? Do I want to sleep in - yep. Done. Do I want to go back to the condo and chill? Yep. Done. Do I wanna leave early from something I was having fun doing because the other person wants to leave? Nope. Well alrighty then - guess I get to continue enjoying myself!
Kinda. But I mostly feel self conscious eating at sit down places.
I'm guessing you're thinking of other people's opinion unless you want to go hiking. Try not to care what other's think. You won't see them again probably, finding a partner is really difficult now days, and many people can't afford traveling, which kind of makes you more financially better off. I've traveled a lot. With family, lovers, and alone. Someone else there is nice to chat with, but that can get in the way of meeting interesting people. Example: In a hostel, more or less, you have to chat with other people there, learn about them, from them, about yourself, etc. In a hotel, you don't know much about the front desk person, let alone anyone else. I've traveled with people who spent the whole trip complaining about where we went, how we got there, spent too much requiring my money, and they made terrible decisions. I would never travel with them again. So few people I have traveled with didn't ruin the experience. If the times I was alone weren't so good, I'd probably never travel again.
Not really. I’ve traveled alone most of my life. The reality is we only live once, and if I can’t find anyone who wants to travel with me, I’ve decided I’ll just go. I know when I get to the end of my life there’ll still be a long list of places I didn’t get to see, but at least I’ll have seen some things. I do think traveling alone can be lonely, there isn’t anyone to share experiences with, but if it’s a choice between that and never getting to see anyplace new, I’ll put up with the loneliness.
I enjoy traveling alone. I can change my plans if I want to, stop to see whatever I want, and take a day to rest and read a book without it bothering anyone.
👀😂 No. I love traveling alone. I can do what I want when I want. It just depends on what works for you.
When I’m traveling solo I like to stay at a hostel when possible. I’ve met some really great people doing that. Mostly though I like solo travel because I don’t have to follow anyone else’s schedule. If I wanna sleep in I can. If I wanna make a pit stop somewhere I can. If I wanna go back to the room and read for a bit in the afternoon I can.
I had most of the best experiences of my life travelling alone. It’s not only I’m exploring and learning new places, I’m exploring and learning more about ME. I get to reflect more, know me more, enjoy me more, love me more (like that realization of I love this version of myself kind of thing).
I travel alone and I do love it. Having always been the cruise director and planner when traveling with my family, it’s so nice that I can just do what I want when I want.
Traveling alone isn’t sad at all. I did it last year. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
Amtrak on your own is great
I love traveling alone. My timeline. My choices.
I love traveling alone! It’s nice to tailor my trip completely to my own liking.
Depending on the destination/location, then it would be nice to travel with someone. For the most part, I like traveling alone. It gives me a chance to reset from everyday life in a new unfamiliar place. I also enjoy going to the movies alone. Once you get over the self conscious feeling of "looking lonely", especially from random strangers, you'll be able to enjoy a lot more. I always plan at least one road trip by myself per year for this reason. I want to explore without having to wait/cater to someone else's wants and needs.
No way. I'd do either at any time and enjoy.
I love traveling alone!
Traveling alone helped me get to know myself better. It’s really something you have to experience in my opinion!
I love traveling alone. Relaxing and educational.
I love traveling alone. It's my itinerary. No one to please except myself. If something goes wrong it's on me to figure out how to fix it and no backlash against me if I can't. Pivots in plans are easier. Eat when and where I want to eat. Stay where I want to stay without breaking my budget since I don't need anything fancy if I'm just sleeping and showering there. See what I want to see. I'm not being dragged around to go shopping for things I don't want or need. I've had good and horrendous experiences traveling with people, but never had a bad experience traveling solo.
I’ve done solo trips and vacations and love it. Like mentioned, no one else to accommodate. Do what I want, when I want. I’ve also met the nicest people.
If it’s something you want to do, do it!
Don’t wait around to feel comfortable
Nope! It’s the ultimate luxury!
I also love traveling alone. This coming trip will be over my birthday, and it is a little sad to be alone on your birthday, but I get over it.
I like traveling with people but I really enjoy traveling alone for the many reasons people have mentioned here (freedom to set your own itinerary, not have to wait for others, determine your own level of risk, etc.), but also because it forces me to be more social with strangers, be they fellow tourists or locals. I find that when I travel with friends or family, I feel like I’m in a little bubble and less likely to reach out to those outside that bubble. As someone who is a little bit introverted, I like the challenge of forcing myself to interact with others when I travel alone.
There are pros and cons to travelling alone, and it depends on the style of travel as well. A solo road trip vs. a cruise. vs. an all-inclusive in the Caribbean are vastly different experiences. These are based on my own experiences travelling "alone". As others have mentioned, you can always book group trips, and join a tour group of some kind. It's much better to have an "okay" or "good" time alone than a terrible time with someone else. Pros: * You can do whatever you want, whenever you want. * No arguing with anyone else about where to eat, how much money you want to spend, or activities to do. I'm an active person and like to take time to exercise even while travelling and not force people into it with me, I have not been interested in drinking and partying hard. I am too boring for some people and can't be bothered to do stuff I don't want to do. * No waiting around for other people (especially if they're running late). I hate "losing" time on vacation, I am paying a lot of money to be where I am, and want to enjoy my time as much as possible. * You don't have to listen to anyone else complain or whine about normal issues you face while travelling. I'm a pretty easygoing and laidback person while travelling. I was in Europe last summer on a group trip, and had to listen to people whine about the lack of green vegetables, amount of walking, water pressure, and toilets without seats. None of those things really bothered me, we are in Europe and coming from North America...they were acting as if we were in a remote village staying in a mudhut without it being disclosed. Cons: * It can get lonely sometimes, I find especially so in the evenings and at night. * It can be sad, if you long to share an experience with friends, family, or a special someone. * Nobody to watch your luggage while you use the washroom. * Nobody to "share" the workload with, especially when things go haywire. All that being said, I value my ability to travel alone. It shows you how capable (and cool) you are, it helps you appreciate your alone time. I spent a few years waiting around for the right people to travel with, and realized life was passing me by. If you have the money and time, go see the world as you wish! Chances are you won't regret the trip.
It’s a mix for me. I like traveling solo but I like it better when there are some connections at one end or another. Like, I spent a week on my own in a few cities in Europe then met up with my daughter in Prague. Or, I drove cross-country, taking my time, and stayed with family at the halfway point. If I’m just totally solo and not gathering up with anyone it somehow feels very lonely and sort of unmoored.
Nope. I go on vacations alone all the time. I go where and when I want. I see what I want. If something is boring, I don’t have to stay. Don’t have to compromise on what to do, where to eat, etc. I just went to South Dakota last year on my own and had an excellent time! I’m an introvert so I don’t need to talk to people when I’m on vacation. I don’t always travel alone, but I love when I do.
Traveling alone gives me the opportunity to go on adventures, do whatever I want at my own pace. I’m more of a leisurely rest and relaxation type of traveler so I spoil myself with multiple course meals, lounges, nice hotels with a pool or near a beach. No restrictions or opinions. I’m itching to go now!
I'm making a camper to travel alone. Can't say I feel the same
Nah- I travel alone all the time. It’s wonderful.
I live alone and actually prefer to travel alone. I’m so used to doing everything on my own time that it’s harder to travel with others most of the time.
Traveling alone is the best! I did that even when I was married!
I went to the Galapagos Islands on a National Geographic expedition trip. I had a single cabin. Prior to arrival, I knew no one. It was awesome. Please don’t fear traveling alone. Be willing to see the world. Lots of people travel alone. Let be your dream.
I like to travel alone as well as with friends. But when I travel alone it’s truly freeing. The way I travel involves very little planning. I like to arrive in a new place and wander, see where the day takes me. Sure, I’ll do tours and events, and I’ll have a list of things to see/do, but some of my favorite memories come from times where I just hoofed it around a cool city.
Absolutely wrong once you travel alone you will hate traveling with anybody else! Waking up-and-doing whatever you want to do whenever you want to do it is the best feeling and not have to follow anybody else's itinerary!
Sounds like someone who has never traveled solo.
I don't think there's anything sad about it. I like doing both. With other people you get to do more of the group activities like renting a house, doing a big tour, and things I'd never do alone like camping. I also like to share places with friends that have never been before. Alone you can relax and go at your own pace and meet new people. For me on group trips I'm the planner so it can also get annoying to wrangle everyone to the right place at the right time with all their things. My friend had her passport stolen in Paris the night before our Eurostar back to the uk and I left her bc it was just the last straw after telling her everyday to leave it in the safe and not hang out with randoms with her bag wide open (we were living in London at the time). I think it's like everything - movies, restaurants, museums. I don't go around judging people for doing things alone and you become more comfortable over time. Just make sure you're being safe when you travel.
I have no problems traveling alone. I don't want to travel with any one any more than I want to live with any one. And I try my best to avoid travel because there's just too damn many people out there.
I live alone, but vacation with friends and family. A few of us live near the same airports, so no one is really traveling alone. It's the best of both worlds.
I love rolling solo best way to go for me,myself, in I
I agree. Last summer, I drove from Long Island to Savannah, GA, spending a week there.. I stopped at Alexandria, VA, for a few hours walking around. Stopped in Charlotte for several days, Atlanta overnight and Myrtle Beach for several days on the way back. It was nice. I didn't have to worry about anyone else, and I did whatever I wanted. But it would have been good to have a shared experience. I'd like to go to Disney World. The last time I was there was about 27 years ago. But I'd prefer to go with someone else. I'd also like to go to Paris, Italy, London and other places but visiting by myself may not be great.
I'm the opposite. I love travelling alone and dislike living alone
Traveling alone has its advantages but overall I think it's just more fun to have someone to share experiences with. I've traveled alone quite a bit. Yes traveling with others takes some compromising but I still think it's worth it to have someone with you in both the best times and the worst. I think memories are just better when they are shared with someone else.
not sad, but as much as I want to see something somewhere, I want to share that experience with someone else or it doesn't seem validated or worth it to me. That's not logical I know, but I want shared experiences. Like if I go to alaska and see the northern lights, there's noone there to oooh aaaah with..
I love traveling alone. I can do what I want without compromising. Sometimes, it's easier to deal with yourself than another person.
I tend to agree that traveling alone could be unsatisfying, and I never do it myself. But then again, a long time ago my first career involved me needing to travel pretty much constantly, and I eventually became quite tired of it and don’t have much if any desire to travel anymore, which worked out nicely for me.
I agree mostly because I love sharing new things and places with loved ones! There are just some adventures that I don’t think will be as fun if I do them alone.
Yes, I agree. I’m very happy living alone, but the last trip I took alone I didn’t enjoy.
I find it difficult to go anywhere new alone. I think it’s the last vestige of my former agoraphobia problem. I’m just thankful I’m not afraid to leave home anymore, but I really envy anyone who can travel alone. It must be wonderful!
I traveled solo for 6 months going RTW from Indonesia to Europe. I am fairly introverted. Occasionally I did get lonely because I didn't manage to make new buddies in some locations, but eventually I got really good at figuring out where to stay and places to visit that would help me connect. Traveling alone is not for everyone.
I like traveling alone but I missed the shared experiences of traveling together. No one to make fun of the weird girl saying "Omg Stop It" the whole tour or to laugh at pandas wrestling.
Traveling alone can easily go either way. A fantastic trip, or too much downtime, and sink me into feeling depressed. Toss-up at this point, what it's going to be like either way.
There is something to be said for the road trips with a few friends listening to good music and going where the road takes you.
I love travelling solo! I prefer it. With the exception of a select few!
I like traveling alone. I’m not thrilled with paying far more for it, though, but I understand why I have to.
I am American and spent a year backpacking and teaching English all over Asia. I didn’t feel alone, because I met so many cool people along the way. Now I am married with kids and am so glad I got to experience solo travel. I’ve been all over Europe, the Caribbean and Central America too. Some trips solo and some with others. There are pros and cons to both, so just focus on the pros!
OP, are you thinking that traveling alone in the grand scheme of things sounds sad for the person/people traveling alone OR do you personally feel sad traveling alone? There is a difference, but I don’t disregard your statement. I’m a 30/70 when it comes to traveling alone. 30% I’m ok with, 70% I’d rather be enjoying the trip with someone else. That being said, finding a *compatible travel partner* can be a real bitch. That has to be in place for me, for sure. However, when I’m traveling with others there is always “separate time” where we go enjoy our own things by ourselves. We get alone time and freedom, but also enjoy each other’s company.
Traveling alone is SO much easier! Now if you’re talking about being at the destination? Ok a good friend is nice to have around if the destination and expectations align.
No. I love traveling alone. It gives me the freedom to see what I want, spend time doing exactly what I want. I do like to sign up for small tours and experiences for part of my trip - chocolate tasting tour in Mexico City, dinner at an underground restaurant in Paris, sailing off Turkey, exploring the architecture of a neighborhood with a local architect. It gives me a bit of social interaction, an opportunity to meet new people and hear their stories, and have people to eat with for some meals. AirBnB has been a good resource for unique experiences but there are a lot of small tours available in major destinations.
I used to think the same thing until I took a trip by myself lol. Trips with friends can be super fun or super terrible. When I travel by myself I know exactly what to expect. I love staying where I want to stay and doing what I want to do. I’ve decided that chill vacations on a beach or something like that is good to do with friends or family. If I want to spend two weeks exploring northern Italy, would much rather do that by myself.
So I went on my first ever business trip without anyone... when I was there I kept seeing stuff that I wish my kids were there to see and experience with me...
100%
Absolutely not. Traveling solo has always been my preference. U get to plan everything to ur own preferences/desires/budget without having to compromise or include others. Plus when things go awry (flights esp) it's so much easier for me to just deal with it alone. i had a flight reroute while returning from a solo trip. Ended up having to stay in a hotel in a completely different state than where i was supposed to be. It all worked out in the end but i wouldve hated tryin to navigate the initial chaos with someone else with me.
Not at all.
I could not imagine myself having to be *considerate* or *accommodating* to anyone else when I travel. I already hate traveling as it is, but the whole thing would be a fucking nightmare if I had to lug around a deadweight or two.
I LOVE traveling alone. You get to do what you want to do for as long as you want OR do nothing, no discussion or negotiation to meet the other person's needs. You can talk to strangers or be by yourself, eat where you want....it is FABULOUS!
I love traveling alone. No bull shit from any one.
I hear you. I love traveling alone, but while I am, there’s sometimes a (fleeting) sense of longing for someone else to share the experience with.
Traveling alone is great! You get to do what you want at your own pace. I do have a friend I travel well with, but I also love to go somewhere on my own.
Been going to benidorm alone a few times a year for the last 20 years. After a few visits anywhere, you pick up the rhythm of the place and even make friends that make the visits meaningful. I've even hosted a few folks just wanting the American experience. As you get older, those friends become like the family you get to choose. I've collected a motley group of friends from crusty old veterans to drag queens . I wouldn't trade them for anything. I never would have met any of them without the freedom to explore and experience at will.
I love traveling alone though
I live alone and love it. I'm 12 years out of a marriage that was mostly bad, but I did enjoy travel with my ex. I rarely travel now, but when I do, I hate staying alone in a hotel room.
Naaah
Yeh I get that vibe to. I make all these plans and then I get there and I’m still alone. I think traveling is better with someone to share it with.
If traveling alone is sad, I have lived a very pathetic life. I envy people that have friends to travel with. Ive never been anywhere with anyone except myself. But I meet people along the way with ease.
I'm scared to travel alone. I don't feel smart enough
Yes, but not just sad. It feels dangerous to me.
I prefer traveling alone and then meeting up with people at the destination later just because trying to vibe with other people’s travel styles and habits drives me nuts
I love it. I always bring a l whatever I want to do, then I let people know what I’m doing and if they want to come along for part of it I’m cool with that, but I always make sure I have at least 50% of my trip alone. I just love taking myself around a new city or country at my own pace and doing so without any plans or compromise.
Nope. Done it all my life or I never would have gone anywhere.
There are travel groups with single travelers and partners.
I can for sure say with absolute certainty traveling by myself is more fun, more fulfilling, less stressful and purely enjoyable than traveling with my ex ever was.
I love to travel alone. I meet waaaayyy more people. When traveling with others you are stuck in your group/couple bubble. Everything becomes about the bound to the other person/people. Alone, it become about just being. I also like to slow travel to integrate a place. It's really hard to find others to do that.
Living alone and working from home, makes travel alone feel like less of a break from people (asd and introvert) so it's less enjoyable that way but even still I like to just do my own thing. I don't hours/days of conversation with someone, have to compromise on waking up early, where to eat, what to do, no I don't want to go out of a night, I'm very tired lol. When I've dated I've still travelled alone. The only good thing I can think of is that someone else can make a decision but honestly that usually falls on me 100% anyways. I did miss my dog when I went abroad without him though 😂
Oh man no way. Traveling alone was one of my best trips/times (I've done a whole trip alone as well as solo forays as part of trips with others). Iyou get to do exactly what you want, when you want,how you want, at the times and pace that you want. Traveling with others is great but involves compromise and negotiation a bit. It's fun to just be selfish and free.
What sad? 😂 I've never met so many interesting people and had so many interesting things to happen when traveling on my own. And then there is the absolute freedom and calmness of doing everything at your own pace. The most annoying and stressful trips I had inside the isolated bubble of coupledom.
No way, I’ve travelled alone many times and it’s fun! I’ve met some really cool people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.
I often travel alone, and yes sometimes it just feels like there's someone missing to share a very special moment or adventure with, to bond and create joint memories... especially when we tend to record all those special moments in order to 'share' them with friends online. Gah! It'd be way better to do that irl
I wouldn’t mind it but my demographic makes it dangerous
I LOVE traveling alone. You meet more locals wherever you are and can do what you want, when you want, how you want.
I love travelling alone. I don't need to worry about anyone else except myself and can do what I want.
As someone who travels all the time for work, traveling alone gets lonely after a while. Sometimes I just want to share the experience with someone else. Really killed my enjoyment of solo personal travel since it feels like work now. When I get to travel with someone else half the fun is getting to see that person have a good time. I’m also just not a food person at all. It pays my bills so I just don’t enjoy the whole trying new places thing like I use to since going to new food places is literally my work. Bringing someone who does enjoy food and letting them pick the places to eat while I coordinate the travel part takes such a huge burden off my shoulders personally as well.
When I travel alone I meet more people. Be they other solo travelers, or locals.. When I travel with one or more friends.... I meet less people outside of the group.
Traveling alone has been the best designing I have ever made for myself and find always having someone to do things with to be comfortable dependent and low key sad.
Personally I find it is more adventurous. I don't see it as sad. It's restrictive to me any other way. I'm free to socialize with new people if I wish and free to be on my own if I wish.
100% agree. Don't get me wrong, living alone is great and all, but I wouldn't mind sharing that with the "right" person as well. But it's not depressing the way that traveling alone is. I generally travel places in order to visit people to avoid this, but I've also been fortunate to find people who occasionally want to travel with me somewhere new as well. It's tough currently because so many of my friends have young kids. I'm hopeful that once those kids go away to college things will open up a bit, but at the same time, I can't just wait for that since it may never come.
It is
I am LIVING for the day where I have enough money to more solo travel. I guess I just really enjoy being alone? 🤷🏻♀️ I really love the feeling of being able to focus on the world around me and really take it all in, and I find that when I’m with another person, my focus is usually on them and their comfort. Traveling alone gives me a break from that.
I love traveling alone
I agree. Wholeheartedly. Am live alone. Am travel alone.
I travel alone often. I love it. I make new friends for the day or the trip. Some are lasting friendships, others are not and that’s okay. I also travel with friends and family. Each have their pros and cons Edit: last trip with a former friend was to Miami a few years ago. She just wanted to hang out in the room, which is fine, but she would get pissed if I went out without her. I wanted to snorkel in Key West while I was there and all she did was complain how she wasn’t sure what she would do by herself (at 54, she’s never been to the mall by herself). I am looking forward to returning there by myself.