Solo Travel

 

The Rise of Solo Travel and the Reasons You Should Try It

When you get off a plane with your backpack draped over your shoulder and realize you've reached a new place and are entirely alone, there's a subtly potent feeling.

Solo travel has grown from a specialized activity to a worldwide trend in recent years. More people than ever before are traveling alone, packing light, and purchasing one-way tickets. However, why? Why does traveling alone have such a profound impact on so many people?

Let's explore the enchantment underlying this expanding trend.  

 Here is Avantika’s Story with a few sprinkles and reflections from the author: Pratibha

Why did I choose to Solo Travel?

I never expected to travel alone. But there were places calling to me, places I had dreamed about for years and no one else in my life shared that same pull. Between mismatched schedules, tight budgets, and different priorities, it became clear that if I wanted to go, I’d have to go alone.

After landing my first job, I felt this deep need to do something for myself. Something that marked a new chapter. I finally had the time, the freedom, and just enough courage to take that leap. So, I booked the ticket not just as a getaway, but as a gift to myself. A way of saying, you’ve earned this.

How did I choose my first trip location?

England, Ireland, and Scotland had always held a special place on my travel bucket list. Their proximity made it easy to visit all three in a single trip, and as English-speaking, culturally rich, and relatively safe countries, they felt like an ideal choice for a first-time solo traveler.

Compared to other dream destinations of mine like Japan, Thailand, or Vietnam—these countries were much closer to the U.S., which meant less time battling jet lag and more time exploring. With only a limited number of PTO hours to work with, every minute of the trip needed to count.

In the months leading up to booking, I found myself constantly coming across TikTok showcasing these beautiful places, especially Edinburgh, dressed in twinkling lights and festive charm during the holiday season. That was the final push I needed. I wanted to see it all for myself.

I mapped out an 8-day itinerary that balanced adventure with ease: two days in London to kick things off, three days in Edinburgh to soak in the holiday spirit, and two final days in Dublin to round out the experience. It felt like the perfect blend of history, culture, and magic, just enough time in each city to fall in love with it.

What did I learn about myself during this trip?

One of the biggest things I discovered during my first solo trip was just how independent and capable I really am. Successfully planning and navigating the entire journey on my own gave me a real boost in confidence, especially in my organizational skills. Since then, I’ve even taken on the role of trip planner for my family, something I never imagined doing before.

Traveling alone gave me the space to tune into myself, to notice what I genuinely enjoy, what I don't, and how I prefer to experience new places. Without having to accommodate anyone else's preferences, I found a rhythm that felt natural and fulfilling.

It also made me much more aware of the many moving parts that go into travel. From packing smarter to planning more intentionally, I’ve become far more mindful and detail oriented. Now, every trip feels smoother, more efficient, and more aligned with what brings me joy.

Something that stood out to me during this trip was how often I found myself as the only person of color in the spaces I occupied. Whether I was flying business class, staying at luxury hotels, or taking part in high-end excursions, I could sense the curiosity and surprise from concierges, conductors, fellow travelers, and cab drivers. It was a mix of pride and discomfort.

On one hand, I felt empowered, I was the first woman in my family with the financial freedom to access these experiences, and that made me feel confident and accomplished. On the other hand, it was unsettling to realize how rare it still is to see young people of color in these elite spaces.

That’s why I believe it’s so important for more young people of color to travel solo and explore the world. Our presence needs to be normalized in places where we’ve historically been excluded, not just for ourselves, but for those who come after us.

How did I plan/prepare for my trip?

When it came to planning my trip, I wanted something that felt both safe and well-organized—especially since it was my first time traveling solo. My parents had previously booked trips through Costco Travel, and we’d had great experiences with their hotel options, excursions, and airport transfers. That gave me the confidence to use the same platform for my own trip.

I booked a travel package that included round-trip flights, a train ride, hotel stays, excursions, and complimentary airport shuttles. I chose 4-star hotels in each city to ensure a comfortable and secure stay and added two excursions while in London: the Warner Bros, a guided city bus tour that offered a traditional high tea onboard, something I had always wanted to experience.

For the journey from London to Edinburgh, I opted for a business-class train ticket. I wanted the peace of mind that came with added comfort and safety during the longer travel day.

I also took a few practical steps to prepare: I notified my credit card company about my international travel to avoid any payment issues, and I purchased an international phone plan so I could stay connected. While I didn’t carry any self-defense tools, I made sure my phone’s location sharing was always on, so my family could track my whereabouts throughout the trip.

Why will I continue to solo travel?

Solo travel brings me a sense of tranquility and peace that I rarely find elsewhere—and that’s what keeps drawing me back to it. There’s something incredibly empowering about planning a trip entirely around my own interests and preferences. From the places I visit to the pace I move at, every detail is my own decision, and that freedom is both exhilarating and deeply fulfilling.

Of course, traveling with friends and family has its own joys like shared laughter, built-in companionship, the comfort of safety, and memories created together. But traveling alone, especially as a woman, offers something different. It grants you a powerful sense of agency. You begin to trust yourself more, listen to your instincts, and move through the world with newfound confidence. It’s not just about seeing new places—it’s about reconnecting with yourself along the way.

I think the main reason why I will continue to solo travel is that it has helped me improve

my mental health. At times when life feels monotonous and maybe even bleak, travel

gives you a fresh perspective and pushes you outside of your comfort zone. This builds

inner strength, perseverance, and self-trust. After all these years, I find or remember a

piece of myself that I never knew existed or had forgotten every time I travel by myself. I

realize that there is so much yet to discover, both externally and internally.

 

Reflections from the Author:

So why is solo travel so popular?

Solo travel provides a subtle sense of independence that creeps into your bones the instant you realize you're the only one choosing the pace. No compromises. No need to coordinate with anyone else. Only you, your instincts, and a universe waiting to be discovered. Waking up when you want, staying in places that move you, changing plans on a whim—it's a kind of liberation that's hard to achieve in regular life, and even more difficult to imitate when traveling with others.
But solo travel is more than just where you go; it's also about what you discover along the way. Without anyone else's opinions in the background, you can hear your own thoughts more clearly. You begin to ask yourself deeper questions, such as, "What do I really enjoy?" What turns me on? Where do I feel the most alive? In the quiet moments—on trains, in cafés, while walking around strange streets, you discover aspects of yourself you have never encountered before. Traveling alone becomes a gradual blossoming, a lovely lesson in self-discovery.

And somewhere in between arranging your own tickets, navigating public transportation in a different nation, and deciding what to eat for dinner in a new city, you begin to realize how capable you are. Each modest win contributes to something bigger, a quiet confidence that lingers long after the journey is complete. Solo travel, particularly for women, may be a transformative experience. It's more than just freedom; it's about regaining your place in the world.
You understand that traveling alone does not imply being alone, especially when the globe is full of friendly strangers and kindred souls.
Surprisingly, traveling alone frequently allows you to connect more profoundly with people, places, and oneself. You are more open when you are not with someone familiar. You initiate conversations, share meals, listen more, and see others more clearly. You're not simply taking images; you're living the story.

And for many others, solitary travel occurs amid a period of transition. A breakup. A career change. A desire for change. There's something immensely restorative about getting out of your usual routine, watching the sun set over a new skyline, and breathing in air that isn't associated with recollection. In those moments, you are reminded of how wide the universe is—and how abundant second chances can be.

Solo travel teaches you that calm can be found in your own company, that adventure begins when you choose to be yourself, and that the most beautiful adventures often begin from within.

 

Solo travel Tips

· Research your destination’s culture, safety, and logistics beforehand.

· Pack light and bring only essentials.

· Choose safe, well-reviewed accommodation.

· Keep digital and physical copies of important documents.

· Stay connected with a local SIM or international phone plan.

· Trust your instincts and avoid uncomfortable situations.

· Dress respectfully to blend in with local customs.

· Plan your trip but stay flexible for surprises.

· Use reputable transportation options only.

· Share your itinerary or check in regularly with someone you trust.

· Carry emergency cash and important contact numbers