Is it fun to travel alone? This is a very easy frequently asked question for me to answer and it’s an emphatic YES! As a solo travel expert, I’ve been traveling alone for more than 15 years (and nonstop). I can authentically say it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself. Plus, it’s not only rewarding emotionally and physically but life-changing at its core.

One of the main reasons I quit my job in the UK and went solo traveling in the first place was due to a lack of adventure at home. Of course, I love my country and the people. It was more the ‘same old thing’ feeling that I found challenging day-to-day. But I wanted fun on a new level. I wanted adrenalin and lots of it.

When I wanted to feel good in the UK, I would go out with friends, do sport, cook, etc. Being a very happy person naturally, I crave excitement and those good feelings, and honestly, I’ve always known that life is meant to be this way.

With that being said, if you’ve been asking is it fun to travel alone, here are 10 reasons why solo travel is exceptional.

A new environment different from home

Because you’ve never seen these places before, you find yourself walking around in awe of the sights. I recall this feeling eg when I first saw The Vatican and The Coliseum in Rome. It felt as if I was in a dream. I couldn’t stop feeling the wow wow wow in my head knowing the significance of these places historically. And it is magical and different seeing it with your own eyes compared to the TV or in a movie.

The taste of new food you’ve never tasted before

One of the most pleasurable experiences for me as a solo travel expert is eating new food (and let’s not forget the wine too lol)! If you love cakes, well get ready to be seduced. It has been one of the highlights of traveling alone. I love to just sit in a cafe and have some Italian coffee and a cake-loving made by the locals. ps check out Italian cannoli. DELISH!!!

There is no greater place on earth to sample the most mouth-watering food than in Italy. To Italians, food is a national obsession with a capital O! Just to sit and watch them eat lunch is very enjoyable. I love to chat with them too about food. Their passion just pours out of their lips and they’d feed you if they could. Yes, I’ve had that experience and it was hilarious. ps I will post about this soon!

The fun of shopping and buying new clothes

I know it may seem if you’ve read my solo travel blog, that I go on about Italy but credit where credit is due. I would buy all my clothes from Italy if I could. The Italians have that ‘je ne sais quoi’ about style and how to dress well. It’s in their blood and you’ll see precisely what I mean if you wander the streets of Rome. Gentlemen have that wow factor in the way they dress too and ooooze sexiness. Going shopping is simply magical and every shop is full of gorgeous creations for fashionistas.

Learning how to speak a foreign language

Being able to speak even a few words of a country’s language is appreciated globally. And you’ll find they’ll often want to reply in English just to enjoy the chance to speak too. I highly recommend doing some online classes or buying a book to learn some daily phrases you can use to get around. And if languages are not your thing, there is always someone who can speak English. With the amount of tech we now have, you also have apps that can speak for you.

Exploring without any agenda

There is nothing more fun than just going with the flow and letting destiny take you out for the day. Some of you will know what I mean by that. Some of the best experiences I’ve had have been the unplanned ones where I just went out to explore a place and found the cutest shops, cafes, markets, events, etc.

The fun of going on day trips from a base

Finding a good central location is useful if you want to do a day trip. One good example of this is in the Cote D’Azur in France. I based myself in Antibes so I could explore both east and west given I was close to Monaco and Cannes. Check out my recent blog post on this by clicking here.

When you wake up early to go away for the day, it gives such a feeling of excitement and adventure as if you’re going on vacation. And given you’re solo traveling anyway, it’s that feeling of having a vacation on a vacation. hahaha.

Finding secret gems

I’ve never been someone who craves the biggest tourist attractions as much I am finding those hidden gems that most people visiting miss. And you don’t find them by looking, they just appear when you go with the flow. If eg you go to Paris, look on the map for the quiet zones and just wander to see what you find. My intuition is exceptional and I just get a feeling which street to take. I’ve found the most magical places this way.

Enjoying an aperitif with the locals

Each destination has its own pace of life and daily rituals and having an apero is one of them that is a lot of fun. In France, having an apero is very much a sociable event when locals invite their neighbors and friends to their homes. It will usually have some kind of ‘nibbles’ like cheese, hams, and olives to soak up the alcohol. In Italy, an aperitivo is also a hugely enjoyable experience which they love and indulge in. Check out this delightful video made by Italians on the Italian Cocktail Hour Ritual.

The pleasure of local markets

Going to a local market to buy clothes and food is something not to be missed. It is theatrical in places and to see and feel the buzz of it is something you won’t forget. Markets are a place where you can find the most incredibly good quality products too eg with antiques. France is full of places selling old furniture and crafts of such good quality. Ps, You come to realize that going to a supermarket back home is boring by comparison when it comes to food.

The joy of people watching from a cafe

I LOVE sitting in a cafe or at some stunning plaza with a coffee or glass of wine just watching the locals live life. You come to the conclusion that you just don’t need much to have fun. We are all at times with too much phone time and to unplug and just watch the world go by will give you so much more lasting pleasure than any tech can.

Conclusion

There is so much fun waiting for you when you travel alone and I’ve mentioned only a few. Believe me when I say there are so many more.

I am eternally grateful to live this life by choice and to have fun daily. Nobody can ever take that away from me or my precious memories that bring the biggest smile to my face.

Solo travel is about to take on a whole new dimension globally! Watch this space!

If you are asking how do I now start traveling alone and want more on how to plan your very first solo travel adventure, please click on Solo Travel Masterclass here. I share my 15 years of experience and the mindset to thrive.

If You Like This Post, Also Check Out:

Traveling Alone: Top Tips From A Solo Travel Expert

Is Solo Travel Lonely? No. Here’s Why

A Few ‘Wanderful’ Links…

50 Best Trips For Solo Travel – Forbes

How To Travel Alone And Love It – Vogue