Depending on who you ask & where they come from, you will get a difference of opinion on whether or not there is a stigma attached to traveling on your own. While we live in a time when we are largely free to live our lives as we please, we are not free from thoughts & beliefs of others about the things we do. Yes, we shouldn’t worry about the opinions of others & we should do what makes us happy. However, believe it or not, there is still a stigma attached to solo travel.
How can you tell there is a stigma?
When you tell a friend about a place you visited & they respond with “Oh… you went by yourself.” in a surprised voice. Maybe that person didn’t know or maybe they were genuinely concerned for your safety, but that fact shouldn’t be any more surprising than going on a trip with other people. Since we can’t seem to help ourselves from over posting our travel pictures on social media, you might find a comment on Facebook or Instagram to the tune of “Who are you there with?”. These comments imply that a person should be on a trip with someone else & that just simply isn’t true.
There’s this idea that people who travel alone are only doing so because they have no one to go with, that they are antisocial or that they are in need of some serious personal breakthrough. Perhaps these are reasons that some people might choose to venture off alone, but most solo travelers opt to do so for other reasons. These reasons are numerous & range from preferring to do things at your own pace to meeting new people or maybe even to experience the emotional high that comes with challenging yourself in new ways.
I’m not saying solo travel is better than any other kind, but we need to lose this idea that it happens as a last resort or is reserved for sad single people. Maybe the next time someone tells you they travelled alone, hold back on telling them how scary or lonely that is & take a moment of appreciate they’ve stepped out of their comfort zone & done something they wanted to do.
Keep traveling, keep safe.
DanVenture Travels
DanVenture Travels 
Totally agree! I too plan to travel solo someday soon just for sake of experiencing freedom. It’s time we break such social stigma that stops us to enjoy our lives fully
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Yes Solo travel is what I want to do in the future god willing. My pace my interest and only ME
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I’ve always preferred traveling solo. As an introvert, I like taking the road less traveled and being spontaneous which doesn’t often suit others. I never get lonely and when I feel like spending time with others, there has never been a problem meeting someone new and getting to know them and their stories. As a therapist, I’m a good listener and most of the people I meet, have interesting stories to share.
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I know lot of people from western country travels alone compared to asian countries when it comes to tourism. The stigma of being loner and “thats why traveling alone” is more to do with the country culture. In Asia people are more socially bonded with everyone, so when they travel alone to another country for tourism, people stigmatize it. However in most western countries people prefer individualistic life. So it is less stigmatized there i guess.
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I agree with this so much! Some of my best trips have been solo, and it is an experience I recommend to EVERYONE, no matter how many people you have in your life who are willing to travel with you. It is a learning experience (in addition to a damned good time)!
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I’s travelled alone before and it was amazing! Noone to stop you doing what you want to do and when you want to do it!
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I love this. So relatable. Thank you 🙏🏾
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OH gosh. I never thought about a possible stigma. I’m so used to exploring on my own now, BUT…I guess you made me stop to think that sometimes some people do say, “Don’t you ever get lonely?” Or some people will offer to go with me. That actually makes me panic. There’s a freedom and a bravery that comes from solo travel. And also a peace. Yes, there are times I wish I could share whatever experience I’m having BUT…that’s what photos and videos are good for right? And if it’s that cool, it will warrant a return trip. Great post!
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I admire people who can travel alone! I have done it a few times but personally enjoy company 💕
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As an Indian woman who travels solo at least once annually, I know this stigma so well. Nobody’s ever said anything outright frightening but I’ve got that shocked look many a times. Other sightseers have been curious – “Where’s your husband?”
A few would ‘compliment’ – “You’re brave to travel alone!” But I’ve learnt to enjoy these reactions now. & I hope more Indian girls find the courage to travel alone seeing me.
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Great post, solo travelling is something every travel lover must experience.
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I get this frequently. In fact, I just went to dinner this evening and the hostess said, “Take-out?” I said, “No, a table for one.” They’re always confused when I’m alone!
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I traveled for the first time quite late in my life, and I had a choice – go alone or stay at home ( my ex wasn’t interested to travel). I chose to go on my own, and I loved every minute! I have since flown to Canada 4x on my own. Maybe not quite the same as traveling alone – I went to visit my daughter and her family. But given the choice – go alone or don’t go at all – I’ll choose traveling on my own everytime!
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Just discovered your blog! I love my alone time…including travelling alone. Thanks for sharing your story.
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Hey there! Thank you so much for stopping by. I’m glad my thoughts resonate with you. Take care
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My thing would be safety, that’s all. But, personally, I have issues with even eating out alone at a restaurant. LOL
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As a women who solo travelled to Australia and then Spain in her early 20s (10 years ago now) I can relate. in subtle nods I would be ask about getting a real job? And hunter at that Settlerling down and getting married would be harder for me as a well travelled and older woman
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Solo Travel is such an amazing growth experience.
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Traveling is traveling! I guess it depends on what kind of travel experience you are on…beach or city explorer. Personally, I wouldn’t care what others said to me! If I had the means and time to travel by myself, I would do it!!!!
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Most of my travel has been with someone so I had never considered this. However when I think about conversations around travel we would always talk about who you went with.
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I am one of those people who always tells myself i cant or don’t want to travel alone, I really admire those who do. But the person who has the most judgment on me is myself. Then add the additional judgment from others and you have mess🙃 After i got married i thought i didn’t need to worry about traveling alone, but now that i am almost divorced I should really step out of that comfort zone. Thanks for your post.
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What a great post . Thanks for sharing. Traveling alone is very hard for me, I hope I can step outside of my comfort zone.
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Travel as mush as you can and don’t mind anybody who says you shouldn’t. You are courageous and that’s something you have to be proud of. Kudos!
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Love this. So many times I want to take a trip and ask in my mind “who will go with me”, as if I cannot go if someone else isn’t there. Interesting take!
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Nice Content. The topic is particularly interesting. Travelling alone for me depends on the goal and the type of person you are. But it’s a good way to meet people, interact sometimes find love.
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Great blog, thank you! my friend went on holiday by herself last year and spoke about how great it was and how much she learnt and developed as person from travelling solo. Since then, its something I have really wanted to do and is my challenge to do when travel is back on the cards. Would be hugely out of my comfort zone, but know I need to do it for myself!
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As a solo traveler, I have to say that I agree wholeheartedly! This is beautifully put!
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I get ‘oh by yourself’ all the time with people forgetting you need to have friends to travel with haha! Great read!
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It’s all about the ‘Wanderlust’, some people just don’t have it.
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I appreciate your post. I travel alone as often as I can. Although I love traveling with my spouse and daughter when we all can get together, it is the trips I have taken by myself that I find most relaxing, enriching, and exciting. After all, if I get lost in a new city, it’s up to me only to find my way. I love the challenge!
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I love traveling alone! Well meeting up with people abroad but, I’ve always enjoyed taking flights, trains, buses and navigating alone since college. Hope to travel again soon! Great post!
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Maybe traveling solo is a matter of trade-off. When you travel on your own, your energy is focussed on how you fit into the spaces you find yourself in and your relationship to these. When you travel with others you share your energy with your companions; logic says that when do this, because it could be unrelated to the space you in, you may miss opportunities provided in your space. Lastly, I would not give a toot about anyone raising their eyebrows at my travelling solo! Fine article Dan.
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Reblogged this on SirPeterJames.com and commented:
Great explorers in history traveled solo – how about you?
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traveling solo is the best. full freedom to go anywhere
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Great job Dan. Travelling alone sometimes is about finding yourself and finding ways to deal with issues of your life meeting new people and experiences.
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Nice post. I have met many thru-hikers who choose to trek solo. You make thoughtful points about the experience.
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I just discovered your blog! Great articles. Yes, there seems to be this stigma. I find traveling alone gives me time to think/reflect and go at my own pace. I think sometimes people ask these questions because they are or would be scared themselves…I feel they are often talking more to themselves than me.
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I loveeeee solo traveling. I went to Japan alone it is the best thing ever!
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I travel alone all the time and love it. It gives me the freedom and flexibility to allow me to do what I want in the moment. The only time I had a hint of regret traveling solo is when I was standing before the Eiffel tower 🗼for the first time, and saw all of these couples, young and old, together holding hands 👫 and smooching. Definitely felt like the odd man out, but quickly got over it and walked down a quaint little side street without another tourist in sight. Bliss.
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