The first time I traveled alone was in 2016. I was headed to present at a conference and it was the first time I’d be flying without my parents. What did I do as I was waiting for the boarding call? Anxiously cry my eyes out 😅😅. I understand how solo travel causes anxiety for folks. There are safety concerns, not knowing how to plan to have fun alone, overall feeling like you’ll look weird. I get it. What I learned during that experience is how amazing it felt to curate an experience based on what *I* wanted. Since then I’ve done plenty a “get up and go” without having to wait for someone to be able to accompany me. Here’s why I recommend having this experience, especially for us introverts.
Solo Travel is all about Pace and Prioritizing
You get to indulge in all the fun things at a pace YOU set, avoiding those moments when a group activity will catapult your insides into an anxiety twister. Traveling in groups can easily become one “take one for the team” after another. When it’s just you, you can pace everything from the drinks to the obligatory conversations you engage in. No need to frantically search for the exit. You handle as much as you can handle when you feel like handling it.
Do What You Really Want




The inherent compromise of group outings sometimes stops you from being able to indulge the way you want. My trip to Miami allowed me to do all the corny things and gift myself some nap time without feeling like I was putting a damper on anyone else’s good time. I saw a symphony orchestra perform with R&B great PJ Morton and didn’t have to convince anyone to skip the beach to watch violins.
Uninterrupted People Watching
Speaking of pace, which of us introverts doesn’t love a good dose of covert observatory research? Some good old fashioned blending in. While people interaction (that requires you to put out energy) is exhausting, people are still fascinating. I’m quite entertained by being in a space full of people doing peopley things. My recent trip to Miami Beach is one example. Nothing like Happy Hour at Mangos with live entertainment while scrolling on Instagram and swaying at the tunes.
Rejuvenate vs. Deplete
Especially for us introverts, leaving a vacation drained brings on automatic feelings of needing another vacation ASAP. When you can pace yourself, you don’t run into the issue of feeling completely lifeless at the end of it all. Scheduling excursions that you experience independently will recharge your introvert batteries. You won’t even have to hide under your covers to do it.
Introvert Walking Face Mask
.: 100% Polyester exterior
.: 100% Cotton interior
.: One size
.: Black outer edge and earloops
Solo Travel = Meeting New People
Bet you didn’t expect this to be on the list. But, yes. Solo Travel is fun for me as an introvert because I get to meet fun people who are also having fun while doing the things that I find fun too. Get it? Finding like-minded folks while minding your business is a great deal. Instead of finding the person to convince to do the thing, I chose the thing and then engaged with the folks who also liked the thing. AND (this is the best part) when the interaction is all said and done, I get to go back to my hotel room and be alone. Just, magical.
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I’m still in goal-setting mode for 2020, trying to think where I should go next for a solo excursion. I’ve been prioritizing wellness trips and taking in culture. I want to go to Ghana but I don’t even know where to start.
Anything else that should be on this list? Have you ever traveled solo? What were your reasons? What would you recommend for planning a solo trip?

I’ve always loved the way you structure your blog posts. They are easily digestible and the take away points are clear.
I have NEVER solo traveled in the 5 years I have been an adult. I don’t consider taking the bus to NYC from upstate “traveling,” but, I did recently experience the freedom solo traveling provides on two occasions, the first when I went to the Langston Hughes library literary festival and the second at AnimeNYC. I would have loved to attend with a friend, but I did not contact enough people ahead of time to make such plans (well, the one person i did meet up with fell sick and didn’t come back the next two days). Since I was on my own, I was able to plan my day (lol, not really), take breaks when I wanted to and attend the events I was interested in. And, as you mentioned, I did meet several nice people with similar interests and even came away with some social media contacts.
I would recommend that those considering traveling solo make a plan, but be flexible. Make relaxation your priority and allow your conversations to happen naturally. Think about exploring niche interests your friends may not share with you, and use that time to figure out what makes you tick. 😁
Thanks so much dear! And absolutely to your point of making a plan but being flexible. I also come with a loose itinerary with some things I definitely want to do and then the rest is up for grabs.
I am a thorough believer in doing things solo. Like you said you can just do what you want to do without impacting others. Great post!
Thank you!
These are great! I have decided this year I am going to start solo traveling and it looks like my birthday trip to Bali will be the first trip!
YES! Do it!!
In the past I had flew alone but always met up with friends. 2019 was the first year I traveled by myself, and vacationed by myself and it was not only fun, but liberating. You give some great information. It was good to read!
Thanks for reading!
I’ve always wanted to travel solo! I believe I will learn so much about myself I just need to make it happen
For sure!
This!! Solo travel is still one of my favorite things to do even as a mom now. Love it!
This is something I am considering! I think as an introvert I would love it.
I have travelled solo so often and you’re so right. One can relish in the peace and quiet of ones own mind to decide what “you” want to do! Usually the first activity I look up is the walking tours; I become orientated and get some local tips! And it’s a great way to meet other people doing the same thing…
Solo travelling is confidence building!!
I’ve yet to do a walking tour! Something I’ll definitely look into.
OMG I plan to take my first solo trip in 2020! I’m turning 30 and I couldn’t find anyone’s schedule that worked best with mine. Great tips!!! Did u use a travel agent or book these travels yourself?
That’s awesome!! I booked myself since they were in the US and I like to plan things lol. But for international travel, I’m looking into curated trips or going with someone who is from where I want to visit so they can give guidance on where to stay, etc. I know some people do like using travel agents but I’d rather have my hand in everything