Solo Travel: Why I Love Travelling Alone

Why I Love Travelling Alone

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It was October 2016, and I was setting off alone for the first time to Porto, Portugal. Little did I know, those few days in the charming, autumnal streets of Porto would ignite an insatiable desire to explore new horizons on my own.

Before that trip, solo travel had never crossed my mind. I didn’t take a gap year or participate in an exchange programme abroad, so my travel experiences were limited to holidays with a boyfriend, each trip requiring careful negotiation over dates, budgets, and destinations. Porto wasn’t even meant to be a solo venture, but when plans fell through, I found myself at my desk, contemplating whether to cancel the flights. A quick Google search reassured me—Porto was not only safe for a solo female traveller but also home to some of the world's best hostels according to HostelWorld. "Screw it, I'll book the mixed dorm," I decided, and before I could second-guess myself, the trip was on.

Fast forward to 2024, and I've now ventured solo to more than 10 countries—and counting. While this might not seem like a lot, for me, it’s a collection of memories, each destination adding a new layer to my understanding of the world and myself. When people ask about my favourite destinations, I often find myself reminiscing about the places I explored alone: Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Guatemala, Mexico… and so many more that I can’t even begin to list. It's not that I don’t enjoy travelling with others—I do—but the experience of travelling alone is unmatched.

When I’m alone, every sensation is heightened; there are no distractions, just me and my thoughts. Solitude makes me braver, more curious, and more proactive in reaching out to strangers, even if it’s just to ask them to snap that perfect Instagram photo. In those moments, I realise how independent I’ve become, how confident I am in navigating new places, and how easy it is to connect with others if you're willing to smile and start a conversation.

Lowering your guard may feel unfamiliar, especially if you’re accustomed to the fast-paced life of cities like London or New York, where everyone is caught up in their own hectic routines. However, beyond the bustle of these urban jungles, the world is, in fact, a surprisingly welcoming place. Of course, it's essential to remain vigilant and continue practising your usual safety measures.

And then there’s the unparalleled freedom that solo travel offers. Imagine being able to do whatever you want without needed to ask someone else?

When I’m off alone, I eat when I’m hungry, explore when I’m curious, and change plans on a whim. If I want to take a taxi across the city just to dine at a restaurant someone recommended, I do it—because, let’s face it, a great meal is worth the journey. If I feel like wandering through a new neighbourhood or walking 30,000 steps a day just to justify indulging in local delicacies (my routine in Tokyo), I have the freedom to do exactly that. Travelling with friends is fun, but have you ever tried to get a group to agree on what to eat? It’s a battle I’m happy to avoid.

But the best part? I come back from every solo trip with a treasure trove of stories—tales that I’ll one day tell my grandchildren. I want to be the cool grandma with a lifetime of adventures to share.

Of course, solo travel isn’t without its challenges. There are moments when loneliness creeps in, like when you’re seated at a table set for two, facing an empty chair. But even then, the feeling is fleeting because you’re never truly alone; the world is full of people, and many of them are just as eager to connect as you are. As clichéd as it sounds, these experiences have shown me that there’s still a lot of love in the world, a realisation that's easy to miss in the fast-paced, often isolating city of London. Stepping away from the familiar chaos, from a place where I know everyone but also no one, to find solitude in a foreign land has a way of resetting everything. I often return with a renewed appreciation for London—the diversity, the culture, even the London Underground, which I usually take for granted.

So, here’s what I’m trying to say: everyone should experience solo travel at least once, particularly if you find your travel dreams constantly deferred by the conflicting plans of others. Yes it is full of surprises and at times with many unexpected challenges, but those moments of uncertainty have taught me more about myself than any class or relationship ever could.

As Henry David Thoreau wisely said,

“The man who goes alone can start today, but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready.” -- Henry David Thoreau, author & poet

So, embrace the unknown, step outside your comfort zone, and try something new. Please?

Verna x

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