Here’s Why You Should Go On Your Next Trip Alone

The coolest way to travel right now? Alone. According to Google, in January 2025, ‘solo travel’ was searched more than ever before – and the trend continued through to March. The UK in particular is searching for solo travel more than most places in the world, beaten only by Singapore and Ireland. So if Instagram’s picture-perfect romantic trips or your friends’ blow-out multigenerational trips have you itching to escape, it’s time to go it alone.

Need convincing? We asked the experts why people travel solo – plus why it is even more enriching than the alternatives.

Why Should I Solo Travel?

‘People solo travel for many reasons,’ says Zina Bencheikh, managing director of Europe, the Middle East and Africa for small group adventure travel company Intrepid Travel. ‘You can experience a destination differently than travelling with a group, planning a holiday at a pace that suits you and doing exactly what you want to do, with no compromises.’

Natalie Bannister, founder of Gutsy Girls, which arranges women-only adventure retreats, agrees. ‘Solo travel allows you to do things your way,’ she says. ‘No waiting for others to be ready for the trip, no compromising on what you want to do, where you want to go. It’s an opportunity to do something truly for yourself. It’s an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and try new things, you’ll build independence, confidence and discover new things about yourself.’

What Are The Benefits?

‘Solo travelling is a great way to make new friends,’ Zina says. ‘You may be more likely to put yourself out there and introduce yourself to new people, whether its locals or other fellow solo travellers, and create new connections all over the world.

‘We hear from some of our customers that they travel solo to grow and challenge themselves in a new environment different from everyday life,’ Zina says. ‘You can have once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tackle travel challenges like language barriers and foreign public transport systems on your own, pushing yourself outside our comfort zone. It can be very empowering!’

‘I’d say one of the best parts of Gutsy Girls is hearing how our trips played a big part in shaping our guests’ confidence in solo travel and adventure,’ Natalie adds. ‘Guests often share how it’s given them that much-needed push, either in booking their next solo adventure, getting out of their comfort zone, or just believing in themselves more in their day to day. And it’s wonderful to hear about friendships made that last beyond the trip.’

Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Cambodia (Intrepid)

What Are Some Common Misconceptions Of Solo Travel?

‘People have this misconception that solo travel means being lonely.’ Natalie says. ‘But it’s actually quite the opposite. You’ll naturally meet new people and make new connections as you go. And you don’t need to be an extrovert in order to make social connections while travelling!’

One way to guarantee that you meet people is to join a group trip, like those arranged by Gutsy Girls and Intrepid Travel (more on that below). But if your heart is set on self-organising and travelling completely alone, Natatlie recommends you ‘sign up to activities, guided walking tours, wine tasting, a cooking workshop’ or other activities to meet new people. ‘With the rise in solo travel, you won’t likely be the only one signing up on their own,’ she says. ‘You’ll connect over the shared experiences.’

Another common misconception is that solo travel is reserved for young people, Zina points out. ‘At Intrepid, since the pandemic, we’ve seen a 22 percent increase in women in their midlife travelling solo with us,’ Zina says. ‘These travellers have spent years focussing on their career, raising a family and now want to take time for themselves.

‘It’s a misconception solo travellers are always single, too,’ Zina adds. ‘Some just have different travel interests to their partners and prefer going alone.’

Another factor to consider is the money question. But is it actually more expensive to travel solo than in a group? ‘There are ways to keep costs down,’ Zina says. ‘Some group trips, like with Intrepid, have no extra costs for travelling by yourself. Rooming is organised on a twin-share basis, and we pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender. If solo travellers do want a room of their own, there’s an optional single supplement.’

Is Solo Travel Safe For Women?

‘Definitely!’ Natalie says. ‘Solo travel is about making choices that work for you – and because you make the decisions, you feel safe. For centuries, women have been exploring the world solo, and in this day and age, solo travel is more accessible and safer than ever. It’s all about smart decision-making: educating yourself, making informed choices, trusting your instincts, and having solid backup plans. And with the technology we have available at our fingertips, we have access to a lot of safety tools like Google Maps offline mode, location sharing, and the like. Be confident, educate yourself, stay level-headed, and make smart choices. And you’ll be more than fine!’

‘It’s important to take measures to ensure you’re travelling safely while alone,’ Zina adds. ‘Doing research about the destination you’re travelling to and being prepared can help. Take time to plan how you’re getting from A to B and the best routes and transport to get to your next spot.

‘Read blogs, forums, and social media reviews on accommodation and destinations to get top recommendations and advice beforehand for navigating different countries,’ Zina adds. ‘Research doesn’t have to take the spontaneity out of a trip, it just means you are better prepared if something doesn’t go to plan.

‘You could consider booking onto a small group adventure, like Intrepid,’ Zina adds. ‘All Intrepid trips have a local guide who can support you on the ground and help with all logistics and travel questions you might have. It’s an added safety net for travelling solo.’ In 2024, 41 percent of Intrepid customers joined a trip on their own. Of that number, 71 percent were women, showcasing the rising trend among women.

Huilloc Community in Peru (Intrepid)

How Can Solo Travellers Benefit From A Group Trip?

‘Group tours give solo travellers the added confidence to go to adventurous destinations they may not feel comfortable travelling to by themselves,’ Zina says. ‘You have the support of a local guide if you need it and a group of readymade friends to explore with. Intrepid trips have a good balance of planned activities and spare time too, so you have time to relax and do your own thing.’

And group trips aren’t just for solo-travel newbies: ‘Many of our customers don’t have time to plan their trips because of busy jobs and lives, so book with us to have the logistics sorted,’ Zina says. ‘Mixing independent travel with group travel during a longer trip can also be a great way to break things up a bit and give you a break from planning.’

‘Small group trips remove the stress, anxiety and intimidation from travelling solo and importantly all the organisation involved!’ Natalie agrees. ‘Our itineraries are extensively researched, activities tried and restaurants tested – hard job, I know! We manage all of the logistics so our guests can relax into the experience.

Joining a group trip is a great way to meet like-minded people, too. Guests on group trips have ‘the added benefit of instant new travel friends,’ Natalie says. ‘Within the first few hours you’ll feel like you’ve known each other forever!’

Gutsy Girls arranges all-women trips, and the majority (85 percent) of guests arrive solo. ‘Our trips are crafted for independent women who long for adventure but also love the idea of connecting with fellow likeminded solo travelers as they take on new experiences,’ Natalie says.

And that likeminded element is built-in: ‘the other guests [on the trip] have been drawn to something about that trip just like you, so you’ll already have something in common,’ Natalie says. ‘And with all of the aspects of the trip organised already, you can focus on the experience and making new friends.

‘If the idea of the constant socialisation of a group trip sounds draining, look for itineraries with a balance of downtime and activities,’ Natalie recommends. ‘You’ll have time to recharge, and freedom to do things alone too.’

Where Should I Solo Travel?

According to Google, the top five destinations being searched for with solo travel on a global scale are Thailand, Japan, Bali, Iceland and Scotland. But where do the experts recommend?

‘I’d recommend Norway as a great first destination for a solo trip,’ Natalie recommends. ‘There’s excellent public transport, and you can access wild and beautiful places by train, so there’s no need to hire a car. Norwegians are great English speakers, so help is never far away if you’re a little lost. The cities feel safe and you’re never far away from breathtaking views!’

‘Japan is a great destination for solo travellers,’ Zina says. ‘It’s one of the safest countries in Asia – and the world – and has low crime rates. While it’s important to still take safety precautions, this is reassuring if you are travelling alone. Japan also does well to accommodate solo travellers; they even have female-only capsule hotels in some cities. The country is also easy to get around on your own because of the great high-speed rail system to get around.’

Vietnam is another popular one at Intrepid. ‘English is widely spoken, and there are tourist routes to follow which are well connected,’ Zina explains. ‘It’s also good value – meaning you can get single accommodation options for cheaper prices.’

As well as its standard group tours, Intrepid offers a range of Women’s Expeditions to the likes of Nepal, Morocco and India, and these are especially popular among solo travellers. ‘These are designed exclusively for women and led by amazing women guides from around the world,’ Zina says. ‘They open up local experiences that would otherwise be off-limits to regular mixed gender group departures, like travelling on a women-only metro in India.’

‘For those who are new to solo travel, it’s all about choosing destinations and activities that are easy to navigate and not straying far from your comfort level,’ Natalie adds. ‘Perhaps choose active or adventure holidays with a balanced program and comfortable accommodations. At Gutsy Girls, we have trips that are perfect for beginners or novices, whether it be in a particular type of adventure or in traveling solo itself.

She particularly recommends ‘something like our paddle boarding in Sardinia SUP and Yoga holiday. It’s beginner-friendly, with no prior experience needed, and the accommodations provide the essential comforts of home while being in a whole new locale.

‘Or shorter trips like our weekend cross country ski adventure in Norway,’ Natatlie adds. ‘Guides help you learn the basics of the sport while you stay in a cosy mountain hotel, all in a shorter span of time, saving your annual leave for more trips – whether solo or maybe with your new travel friends!’

Tortuguero, Costa Rica (Intrepid)

Solo Travel Tips

Education

First thing’s first: educate yourself, Natalie says. ‘Read up and do your research, from possible destinations to activities to transportation to the local culture,’ she suggests. ‘They say knowledge is power, and it’s true. Equip yourself with the essential information.’

‘It’s always good to learn a few words of the local language, too,’ Zina recommends. ‘This can help you connect with the locals, travel to more off the beaten track spots and communicate in different situations.’

Smart Packing

Packing for a solo trip ‘is all about figuring out what you really need,’ Natalie says. ‘Remember that you’ll be carrying all that baggage with you – literally. So make it count. Lightweight gear, multi-purpose clothing, proper shoes, power banks – those things should be on your list.’

‘Research about the destination you’re travelling to so you know local cultural expectations and can bring the right clothing,’ Zina adds. ‘For instance, it’s almost always required for women to cover their shoulders and knees in temples, so you should carry a sarong and/or a shawl if you plan on going into one.’

Insurance

‘Two words: travel insurance,’ Natalie says. ‘Yes, it’s boring paperwork. But it’s absolutely essential. You’ll thank yourself for having that safety net in case things go sideways.’

Stay Connected

‘As smartphones become more and more of a necessity for travellers, getting a local SIM card can be a great tool to keep you connected – both for convenience and safety,’ Zina says. ‘Always make sure your friends and family know your travel plans, too.’

‘Whatever you plan to do, make sure you let a family member or a friend know your general plans,’ Natalie agrees. ‘It’s just good sense, and an added safety measure too.’

Be Open

‘Be open – with caution,’ Natalie says. ‘Say yes to new experiences, meet new people, try new things, but do not be afraid to say no if something doesn’t sit right with you.’

Trust Your Instincts

‘You know yourself better than anyone,’ Natalie says. ‘If a situation feels sketchy, off or uncomfortable, it probably is. Make a graceful exit.’