What Is Solo Travel?

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Solo travel: loosely defined, is embarking on a trip – with no specific requirements as to time or place – by yourself, with the option of continuing solo for the duration of the journey.

This last part – "with the option of continuing solo for the duration of the journey" – is probably the most important. Traveling solo does not mean that you will spend every moment in some form of solitary confinement, with no companionship or hope for someone to pass the hour with. On the contrary, solo travel is – ironically enough – one of the best ways to meet people on the road. Travelers often tell us that traveling solo has been the best way for them to meet locals and travelers. Why? Because when you're alone, you're easier to approach, as opposed to, say, a big group of backpackers herding about everywhere.

Solo travel isn't easy. No one else is there to look out for you, or to motivate you, or to help relieve you a little when things are frustrating or you aren't feeling well. There are challenges; but travel itself is a challenge – and no matter what, it's better to go, than to just stay home and watch TV, right?

Solo travel

challenges you because it's totally up to you to make your trip happen
can help you meet people and make new friends, which might not have happened in a group or even a couple of people
is a chance to do exactly what you want to do on your trip, without having to consider or compromise with someone else
keeps you even more flexible for those little unplanned, impossible-to-foresee opportunties that make travel so memorable and worthwhile

Article added on March 02, 2005

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