My very first solo trips were the result of studying abroad in England. On weekends, I would plan mini adventures by myself to see historic landmarks, museums, and events. After that, I started to plan solo trips any chance I could get. I learned the art of wandering a city, dining alone, and making every decision in my itinerary. It was sometimes challenging (missed trains, wrong directions, a lot of getting lost) but always so rewarding. To this day, I take myself on a solo trip every year, whether it’s close to home or a bigger excursion. Even when I’m traveling with friends or family, I like to plan at least one activity by myself. All this experience has brought me to the conclusion that solo travel is way more fun and fulfilling than going on a trip with a group.
Sure, girls’ trips and couples’ getaways are great, but here are eight reasons why a solo trip might be an even better use of your PTO:
1. You can plan your own itinerary—or none at all
With solo travel, you don’t have to worry about dizzying group chat discussions about what activities everyone wants to do. If you’re the type of traveler who likes to have something planned each day, you can do that. If you prefer to wake up and wander a city with no agenda, that’s absolutely possible. Your plans will be entirely flexible and personalized to you because you’re the only one weighing in. Having it all up to you may feel daunting at first, but it will actually open up more opportunities. When planning an itinerary just for yourself, you’ll discover all the possible adventures that you may not have ever attempted in a group.
2. You can set your own budget
There was one year in my life in which I attended a bachelorette trip almost every month. While I had a great time, the budget for each trip was often set by the person in charge of planning it, inevitably racking up bills that made it impossible for me to afford my own travel. With a solo trip, you can set your own budget and stick to it (or splurge if you want to!). Maybe you’re someone who likes to put a good chunk of your budget toward the place you’re staying. Or you might choose to stay somewhere more affordable and spend your money on experiences. No matter what, you get to decide. And if you change your mind when you get there, you can adjust your budget accordingly.
3. Restaurants are easier to get into without a reservation
One of my favorite things to do while solo traveling is to get restaurant recommendations from locals. And as a party of one, it’s much easier to squeeze in without a reservation, even if the restaurant is typically busy. I also like to try to get to places earlier than the normal dining hour, which ups my chances of getting a spot. I absolutely love sitting at the bar and enjoying a meal while reading a book or just taking in the ambiance of the restaurant. When dining solo, I find that I’m truly able to enjoy a meal and space without any distraction. Pro tip: Since it’s easier to get a spot, it’s also possible to restaurant hop if you want to try an appetizer or two at a few different places in one night.
4. You can try local classes or workshops that interest you
Taking a class while you’re traveling is a great way to get a feel for the local culture, but with a big group, it can be difficult to find one that interests everyone and has enough spots available. Whether you’re looking for a cooking class, an art workshop, a dance class, or something more niche, you’re much more likely to find a spot going solo. Want to take a new class every morning? Go for it. Want to sign up for an ongoing course while you’re there? Not a problem. You have full permission to lean into whatever interests you without having to accommodate anyone else’s plans or preferences.
5. You can more easily get last-minute tickets to local entertainment
Many theaters, event spaces, and music venues have rush tickets available the day of for popular shows, and if you’re walking up solo, you’re much more likely to get a ticket. Some of the best live shows I’ve seen were ones where I snagged a last-minute ticket—and then promptly squeezed into the front row or even the very back row of a venue. Watching something collectively with strangers can be a beautiful experience, especially if it’s something unique to the place you’re visiting. You might even chat with the people around you more than you would if you were with people you know. And because it’s easier to get in, it’s also possible to see a wider range of shows in a short amount of time.
6. Trying something new will not include an audience
One thing about me: I’m afraid of heights. And although I love taking in views from a scenic lookout, I might be clinging to the railing for a while until I adjust. When I’m solo, I can take my time, reset my nerves, and eventually enjoy the view—without worrying about being a drag on anyone else’s experience. The same goes for any activity that you might not be as confident with: renting a bike when you haven’t been on one in years, testing out some new language skills, or trying a stand-up paddleboard. There’s something about doing these things solo that’s both empowering and freeing. It’s great having friends or a partner there to cheer you on, but when you do something new truly on your own, it’s a reminder of how confident and independent you really are.
7. Feeling like a local will come more naturally
When you’re traveling in a group, it’s easy to stick out as tourists (or worse, a bunch of loud Americans). But if you’re on your own, you can blend in, people-watch, and observe much more than you would if you were in a conversation. IMO, these are the most satisfying moments on solo trips. Take a look around a local market. Grab a coffee at a cute shop and sit for a little while. Stroll through a park. When you do these things, you’ll see locals going about their days, working and relaxing, and you’ll get a much better sense of the vibe of the city or town you’re in. Enjoying and observing a new destination is the best way to learn about the people who live there and feel like you really experienced it.
8. You can get lost
If you’re staring at a map on your phone, trying to herd a big group to the next location, you’re going to miss what’s in between. Wanting to hit the major sites is only natural while traveling, but getting everyone from place to place becomes the challenge. When you’re solo, you can close out the map and wander. You will probably get lost, and that’s OK. It might even be preferred. You can see something beautiful or interesting and meander toward it without a plan. You can stop to take as many photos as you want. Sure, you could do all these things in a group, but when you’re solo, each step is of your own making, and travel becomes more about the journey, not the destination.
Want more solo travel tips? Try these:
- The Joy of Traveling Solo—And How to Feel More Confident Doing It
- I Travel Alone Extensively: Here Are 7 Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way
- 10 Solo Trip Destinations That Are Perfect for First-Timers
Michelle Lema, Contributing Writer
Michelle is a Los Angeles-based writer, performer, and on-camera host. She has worked in editorial and on-camera entertainment coverage with brands like Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.
We get it: Your PTO is precious. So when you finally set that OOO message, you deserve a trip that’s unforgettable—not one that makes you feel like you need another vacation to recover. We compiled our favorite travel destinations, must-have travel gear, and sanity-saving hacks to bring you The Everygirl’s Ultimate Guide to Travel, so you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking it all in.
