My first solo trip was an act of desperation. I’d traveled with friends to varying degrees of success. I traveled with a love interest that turned out to be a nightmare. Ultimately I realized what I needed was time with the one person who could lovingly challenge my choices, lift me up and give me the confidence I didn’t even know was missing: Me! Almost as if I were planning a heist, I quietly researched destinations, found affordable and safe accommodations then booked the trip that would change me forever. I confronted solo travel myths head on in real time and found the unexpected joy of going it alone.
Many of us have longed for the confidence to head out on a solo adventure. But something always stops you: the fear, the “What ifs,” the myth that going alone means being unsafe, lonely or out of your depth. The truth? Solo travel is booming. New data shows more people are choosing one-person journeys than ever before. Yet many potential travelers hold themselves back because of outdated ideas.
What if traveling alone isn’t the scary risk you’ve been told it is but actually one of the most empowering things you’ll ever do? By the end of this post, you’ll know how to address the myths, shift your mindset, and take your first solo trip with confidence.
In this guide, we’re going to confront five of the most common myths about traveling alone. I’ll give you actionable strategies to move past the fear, book your first trip, and enjoy the freedom you’ve been waiting for.
5 Myths About Traveling Alone and Why They’re Holding You Back
Solo travel isn’t the black hole that some think and is safer than most believe. Like any adventure you have to prepare smart and choose wisely along the way. That goes from the destination you select, the time of year you plan to go and where you plan to spend your time.
You’ve heard the warnings and have probably been guilted into taking trips with people that weren’t the best travel partners just so you wouldn’t be “alone“. Believe it or not, many of the things that have been holding you back are just myths. Let’s see what’s really true.
Myth 1: Traveling Alone is Dangerous
Many believe solo travel means major risk. But statistics and experienced travelers say otherwise. In fact statistical data shows that traveling abroad is not statistically more dangerous than being at home.
What is true is safety comes down to good decision making. Those decisions start long before you leave home. Things like the country, city and neighborhood you choose all can increase your level of risk.
Additionally how you handle yourself during the trip can also play a role in your safety. It’s never a good idea to walk alone at night down a dark street in a sketchy neighborhood (traveling or otherwise). So why do it when you’re traveling?
Here’s are 4 things you can do to minimize your risks. Check travel advisories for the destination at Travel.State.gov. If it’s red, just don’t go. And if it’s yellow, take a look at what the challenges are before you book your flight.
Look for countries with strong tourism infrastructure. They are used to tourist, have protocols in place to ensure they stay on the top of tourism needs and they make it easy for you to figure out areas that are safer to explore.
Next choose safe neighborhoods. Leverage online reviews to see what people are saying. And my favorite hack, choose accommodations in neighborhoods where you can also find the luxury brands. It’s unlikely that the Ritz Carlton or the Four Seasons will be in a shady neighborhood. You don’t have to stay at the lux hotel, just near them.
Finally, share your itinerary with someone. I know we like to “move in silence” but that’s not the best idea when you are traveling alone. Tell people where you’re going, where you are staying and how they can reach you. Set up check in times so there aren’t days that go by before people realize something is wrong. A step further than sharing your itinerary is sharing your location in real time with someone. Itineraries change but as long as there is a satellite signal, someone can find your location.
Ultimately, trust your instincts. If something feels off, make another choice.
Myth 2: You’ll Be Lonely the Whole Time
A common solo travel myth that stops people in their track is the idea of being lonely and isolated. The truth is many solo travelers find the opposite to be true.
In fact without the group dynamics, you get to engage with locals and meet new people. That is if, you look up from your book, computer, phone or whatever is hogging your attention to see them. You might just meet more people and feel more connected than in a group
There are few things more empowering than having total agency over your days itinerary. Want to sleep in? Do it. Feeling like a luxury dining experience? Book it. Want to be with people, book a walking tour, join a cooking class or stay in social accommodations to meet fellow travelers. The good news is, the choice is yours.
Traveling alone gives you the opportunity to do whatever moves you. The trick is to balance your solo time with intentional social opportunities. You choose when and how you want to engage with others and when you want to just be. Then let the universe put you where you need to be.
Myth 3: It’s Only for Young or Single People
Some people think the only time to travel solo is during your “gap year” with a backpack and a dream. The reality, people of all ages and relationship statuses travel solo.
Solo travel is about mindset, not age or relationship status. I traveled solo to St Lucia and while I was single at the time, I was well into my 30s. Read my blog on Creating Memories in St Lucia to learn about my adventures.
Identify your “why” (freedom, self-care, adventure) and tailor your trip accordingly whether you’re 25, 55 or 75. Choose activities that speak to you and bring you joy. Then you can be as young as you’d like.
Myth 4: It’s Too Expensive to Travel Alone
Ok in some cases this is true…but this is definitely not the rule if you know how to navigate the system effectively.
Single supplements are a thing of the past. Honestly you only really see this with tours that include hotels and cruise lines these days. I couldn’t tell you the last time I saw a single supplement on a hotel room. Unless it was an all inclusive and even then it’s not as common as it used to be.
You will find that it is actually easier to get into a restaurant that is booked out months in advance or buy a ticket to a nearly sold out show when it’s just you.
With flexibility and smart planning, solo travel can actually cost less. The trick is to use budget-friendly accommodations (Local stays, guesthouses), travel off-peak, and prioritize what matters to you (instead of splitting costs for someone else’s priorities).
Myth 5: It’s Too Scary to Start
I can name 20 things scarier than traveling alone without hesitation. The key is to do your research but don’t over think it. Fear is natural but totally becomes manageable with planning, mindset shift and a supportive community. In the end, learning more about the things that scare you becomes confidence.
Start small. Go to dinner or a movie alone in your own city. Then try a staycation where you spend a night or two in a local spot that’s just far enough away that you feel like you aren’t home.
If you pass the local test, then do a long weekend in a nearby country like somewhere in the Caribbean, Canada or Mexico. Treat these as experiments to help you build confidence and pretty soon, you’ll be galavanting all over the globe.
My Perspective
The truth is the biggest barriers to solo travel are mostly myths. With a little preparation, you can quickly move away from the things that have been holding you back and head out on your first adventure. Know that your mindset and prep will define your experience more than the destination. Embrace a conversation with a stranger or do that thing that no one wants to do with you all while celebrating you.
Action converts anxiety into adventure: One step leads to another… the first trip generates the second and before you know it you’ll be the pro providing advice to others.
It’s time to overcome your solo-travel fears and step into the adventure you’ve been dreaming about. So what are you waiting for? Make sure you subscribe and follow along for travel inspiration, safety checklists, and other confidence-boosting tips to get you on your way.
FAQs About Solo Travel Myths (and How to Overcome Them)
Is it safe for beginners (especially women) to travel alone internationally?
Yes. Traveling alone internationally is safe with thoughtful planning, choosing established destinations, staying in well-reviewed accommodations, and using common-sense safety practices. Solo travel can be as safe and rewarding as traveling with others.
How do I build confidence before booking my first solo trip?
Focus on small wins: choose a beginner-friendly destination, plan one activity you’re excited about, connect with a solo travelers’ group online, and prepare the tech and logistics ahead of time so you feel more in control.
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