Whenever I tell people I’m traveling alone, the response is often the same: “I could never do that!” or “I can’t believe you’re going by yourself.” For some, the idea of solo travel feels intimidating, even lonely. But for me, traveling solo has become one of my absolute favorite ways to see the world.

After my divorce and a few years of living on my own, I learned to love my solitude. That time taught me how to enjoy my own company. I truly embraced being alone—not just in life, but in travel too.

Why I Love Traveling Solo

One of the biggest joys of solo travel is the freedom it gives me. I can go where I want, when I want, and for as long as I want. No compromises. No discussions. No worrying about whether the other person prefers Italian or sushi for dinner. It’s all about my own preferences, whims, and cravings.

And the best part? Plans can change in an instant. If I feel like skipping the museum and heading to a local café instead, I can. If I want to sleep in, I do. If I want to spend hours wandering aimlessly through a new city, no explanations are needed. Traveling solo allows me to truly go with the flow and follow my instincts.

Another thing I love is having experiences that I might not have if I were traveling with others. I visited Phoenix for my birthday this past December and went to an NBA game by myself. I wanted to see two of my favorite players play each other. It was such a great experience! I connected with the people sitting around me, bonded over our shared love of basketball, and got swept up in the energy of the game.

In Savannah for my birthday in 2022, I spent hours strolling the beautiful streets and popping into little local shops. I loved discovering hidden treasures and exploring at my own pace. It was the kind of experience that felt so personal, like it was designed just for me.

Grace, Not Perfection in Solo Travel

Even with the freedom of solo travel, things don’t always go according to plan—and that’s okay. One of the most valuable lessons solo travel has taught me is how to embrace imperfection and give myself grace.

I’ve gotten lost. I’ve miscalculated time. I’ve even made mistakes that disrupted my plans. But I’ve also learned that I have the ability to pivot, trust myself, and figure it out. Those moments of redirection have become some of the most rewarding parts of my travels. They remind me that life—and travel—isn’t about perfection; it’s about how we navigate the unexpected.

Addressing Safety Concerns

Of course, traveling solo comes with its challenges—especially when it comes to safety. While I’ve never let fear hold me back, I’ve learned to take precautions to make sure I feel secure. Here are a few things I always do when traveling alone:

• Share my plans and travel itinerary with trusted family or friends.

• Avoid telling strangers I’m traveling solo.

• Stay aware of my surroundings and trust my instincts.

So much of life is about doing it afraid. Fear is natural, but I’ve found that the most rewarding experiences often happen when I push through the fear and go anyway. Solo travel has taught me that I’m capable of handling more than I give myself credit for.

Making Solo Travel a Tradition

Over the past couple of years, I’ve done two fully solo trips and a few semi-solo ones. I’m working on making it a habit to travel to a new place on my own every year for my birthday. This past year, I spent three incredible days in Phoenix. In 2022, it was Savannah, Georgia (which I highly recommend as a solo travel destination).

For my next birthday? I’m setting my sights on something bigger—solo travel out of the country. The idea of navigating a new culture, language, and landscape on my own is exciting. It’s also a little nerve-wracking. But that’s part of what makes solo travel so rewarding.

Why You Should Try Solo Travel

If you’ve never traveled alone, I encourage you to give it a try. Start small—a weekend trip to a nearby city, maybe even just a day trip. You might be surprised by how freeing it feels to have that time just for you.

Solo travel isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the journey of getting to know yourself better. It’s a chance to embrace your independence, follow your instincts, and create memories on your own terms.

For me, solo travel is an act of love—love for adventure, love for discovery, and love for myself. It’s also a reminder that grace, not perfection, is what makes life so meaningful.

Have you ever traveled solo? If not, would you consider it? Let’s talk about the joys (and maybe the fears) of experiencing the world on your own. Drop a comment with your thoughts!