Solo Travel – Yes or No

If you’ve been reading my blog, then you know that I started it when planning my three-month solo trip to Italy fifteen years ago. Since then I have traveled solo and with others, friends, family, tour groups, and even a press trip. In fact, I based my first book on that three-month adventure, and in 2014, Memoirs of a Solo Traveler – My Love Affair with Italy won the Bronze Award in the travel category from the Florida Writers Association.

As someone who has traveled solo and with others, I have some thoughts about the pros and cons of solo travel versus traveling in a group. Perhaps these reflections might help you decide whether traveling solo is for you or not.

When I decided to go to Italy alone for those three months, I based my decision partly out of necessity. I was still working at the hospital as a critical care nurse, and I knew that my friends would not be able to take that much time off. Also, I didn’t know anyone else who could afford the expense of a trip that long.

Rather than abandon the dream of going, I chose to travel solo. Once I obtained permission from my nurse manager to take an extended leave of absence, I began to plan for the trip. For a year and a half, I saved money, made an itinerary, and studied Italian. I decided to make it happen.

If you Google solo travel, you’ll find numerous posts which list the pros and cons, so I’m not trying to duplicate those articles. Instead, this post is more about my own experiences and opinions. You can decide for yourself whether solo travel would work for you. So let’s dive right in.

Benefits

• I value the freedom that comes with traveling alone.

One thing I like when traveling solo is that I make all the decisions. I don’t have to check with anyone else, or compromise on where I want to go. I’m the only one I must concern myself about. The carefree agenda is very liberating, and any choices I make don’t have to be explained or agreed upon by someone else. Along with those choices comes accountability, so any mistakes are solely my responsibility.

• I like creating my own itinerary, deciding where I want to go and what I want to do.

I’ve always enjoyed researching places I’d like to visit and what kinds of things I’d want to do there. As the only one to create the itinerary, solo travel allows me infinite choices, and no need to convince anyone of my plans.

• I appreciate the lack of stress caused by an argument with travel companions.

I remember walking out of a restaurant and witnessing a couple having a major argument, right there on the sidewalk. As I walked away from them, I felt sad that they were here in Italy, and couldn’t even enjoy that moment. And I thought how fortunate I was that I didn’t have to deal with anything like that, since I was traveling solo.

• I abhor being guided around in a large group like a herd of animals.

If the only way I could travel was to join a large group where the guide carries a flag and herds the group around, I would stay home. How is that fun? You can’t hear sometimes, and even with an audio device, you’re far enough away that what’s being explained doesn’t match where you are. No thank you.

• I believe that traveling solo can be very empowering, especially for women.

The unique thing about solo travel is knowing that you are the one who must make things happen. While that choice belongs strictly to you, so does the responsibility.

Traveling solo requires an ability to adapt and the determination and perseverance when things don’t work out exactly as planned. Resilience and the willingness to ask for help are key requirements for the solo traveler. And of course flexibility. This blog is full of stories where I have had to make changes and be flexible, because crying and going home simply isn’t an option.

If I’m in a place where I’ve made friends, sometimes I meet up with them for a cappuccino, gelato, or lunch, which can be a welcome diversion after traveling alone for several weeks or months. And the chance to meet new people from all over the world is always an added perk.

Other Options if Solo Travel Is not for You

Maybe solo travel isn’t your thing, or you’re afraid to go alone. Perhaps you’re married or in a relationship and prefer to travel as a couple. Or quite possibly you are already part of a group who travels together, either as family or friends.

• Sharing the accommodation costs can lessen the overall expenses.

No doubt about it, when staying in hotels or other accommodations, splitting the cost of a room saves money. And if you’re on a budget, this is particularly important.

• Splitting fees for taxis, car rentals, and gas can save money.

If you plan on renting a car the costs are significantly cheaper when traveling with others.

• Having someone around to share in the excitement and joy of your experiences is a huge plus.

I remember wishing I was with someone special a few times when I traveled solo and saw couples sharing romantic dinners together. Eventually, when I had my own “someone special” to travel with, I think I appreciated those times even more.

• Feeling safe in case of emergency illness or other unforeseen circumstances.

Seven years ago, I had my passport and wallet absconded by a pickpocket in Piccadilly Circus in London. Like an idiot, I hadn’t separated my cash, credit cards, and passport. Fortunately, I wasn’t traveling alone, and thanks to my partner Richard, I was able to pay for a new passport at the US Embassy and enjoy the remainder of the trip. It would have been much worse of a nightmare if I were a solo traveler on that trip. Lesson learned though. Always separate these items mentioned before going anywhere.

 

If you prefer to travel with others and do not have built-in travel companions, many options are open to you. Join a travel group or sign up for a small-group tour.

For a more personalized travel itinerary, contact my good friend Victoria DeMaio, an experienced Italy Trip and Tour Designer. You won’t be disappointed.

I’d love to hear your comments from traveling solo or with others. Please consider leaving a comment.

Grazie and Ciao.

A two-week Italy trip with my eighteen-year-old granddaughters prompted me to write my latest Italy travel memoir, Italy at Eighteen. It was honored as semi-finalist in the prestigious Royal Palm Literary Awards Competition of the Florida Writers Association!

 

 

If you haven’t had a chance to read it, it’s available in paperback, kindle, and audiobook!

You can check it out here: Italy at Eighteen

 

Learn more by clicking on the link below.

 

ITALY AT EIGHTEEN