What’s It Like to Travel Solo?

You’re by yourself? This is a question people ask me a lot while I travel solo. Whether it’s being the third wheel on a tour or requesting a table for one, people are always seem surprised to hear that I’m traveling solo. While I admit, it can be a bit lonely at times, and there are things that I’m not always comfortable doing on my own due to safety concerns, I really do enjoy traveling alone. I get to do whatever I want whenever I want, and I can’t imagine a better way to vacation. Follow along to learn what it’s like to travel solo.

• Cruising as a Solo Traveler
• Excursions as a Solo Traveler
• Dining as a Solo Traveler
• Traveling Solo is Empowering

Cruising as a Solo Traveler

Cruises can be a great and safe way to travel solo, although solo travelers often must pay a supplement as cruise lines structure their pricing for a minimum of two in most cabins. With some searching, you can find sailings with reduced or no solo supplements.

On some of their ships, Norwegian Cruise Lines offer what they call their Studio Cabins, which are meant and priced for solo travelers. They are small, interior rooms, but are well appointed and have everything you need. They also have a Studio Lounge where you can get coffee and snacks and where they hold a nightly meet up of solo travelers who may want to dine together as a group.

Excursions as a Solo Traveler

When on cruises, I also typically stick with excursions through the cruise line. This helps me feel a little safer and provides some insurance that I won’t be left behind in a foreign country if the excursion gets delayed and we literally miss the boat. I find the excursions can also be a great way to meet new people and get in a little socialization.

While on land, I feel pretty comfortable exploring cities on my own. I love to hike, and while I prefer to avoid crowds, I make sure to hike in areas where there are other people close by who could help if I find myself in trouble.

Dining as a Solo Traveler

Whether on a cruise or on land, dining alone does take some getting used to. I don’t always feel completely confident, but I decided years ago that life was too short to wait for someone to travel with. I would rather deal with the awkwardness of asking for a table for one than to miss out on experiences.

Bar seating is often a great option for dining alone, although I find it is not very prevalent in other countries. Often others traveling solo also favor bar seating, and many are up for a chat if you are.

When on a cruise, dinner seating tends to vary by the cruise line and whether or not you have a set seating or if the times are flexible. On cruises where dining times were flexible, and in those cases, the staff gives me my own table. In this case, I will usually bring a book to read while I eat. On cruises with traditional dining at a set time, I had an assigned table and seatmates. On my most recent cruise with MSC, I was at a huge round table in the center of the dining room with a dozen other solo travelers.

Traveling Solo is Empowering

Every time I take a successful trip by myself across the country or across the pond, I feel more empowered to visit new places on my own. I would rather people not even ask the question, “are you by yourself?”, but when I tell them that I am, I honestly think they are a little envious of the peacefulness of traveling alone and not having to consider the needs or wants of another person when making plans.

Have you done much solo traveling? Tell us about your experiences in the comments!