travel alone or with companion essay

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Sample toefl paired choice essay – how do you like to travel, the question.

Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel alone. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

(Adapted from a question in the Official TOEFL Guide ).

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The Sample Essay

          These days tourism is bigger than ever, and everyone has their own favorite travel style. Personally, I think it is a really great idea to travel with a partner. I feel this way for two reasons, which I will explore in the following essay.

          First of all, going on a trip with a companion is more economical than vacationing alone.  As a result of leisure travel becoming more and more popular, hotel operators have raised their prices to astronomical levels.  Discounts for solo travelers are fairly uncommon nowadays, so sharing a room with a friend is an effective way to cut costs. Not only that, but people traveling in pairs have better access to package deals on tours, entrance fees and other activities.  My own experience is compelling evidence of this. When my girlfriend and I traveled together through Peru last year, we were able to rent an entire hotel room for less than the cost of two separate beds in a shared dorm. Over the course of our month-long trip, we saved several hundred dollars in this way.  Because we saved so much money, we were able to change our plans and extend our trip for almost an entire week. Had we not taken the trip together, we would not have been able to do that.

          Moreover, it is much easier to talk to local people when traveling in a pair, and this makes a trip much more rewarding.  While a lone stranger can be seen as intimidating, a traveling couple is often considered more approachable. For instance, when my girlfriend and I took the trip to South America that I mentioned above, we were often welcomed into people’s homes and businesses with open arms.  The individuals who invited us often pointed out that they were willing to do so because we looked so happy, friendly and cheerful spending time together. In contrast, when I visited Bolivia by myself the previous year, I wanted to make the same kinds of connections, but it was almost impossible to achieve my goal.  It is true that a solitary traveler may actually be quite kind and outgoing, this can be somewhat difficult to determine from a distance.

           In conclusion, I definitely prefer to travel with a companion rather than alone.  This is because there are significant financial benefits of doing so, and because traveling with a partner makes it easy to interact with strangers. (403 words)

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Travelling Alone or in a Group Essay

Which option is better: traveling by yourself or with friends? This essay answers the question! It focuses on the benefits and drawbacks of solo travel.

Introduction

• Pros & Cons of Solo Travel

Different people have different opinions regarding their travel arrangements. Whereas there are individuals who prefer to travel alone, on the other hand, others are more comfortable travelling in a group. Regardless of the option arrived at there are various advantages and disadvantages associated with either of the two options.

There is need therefore to explore whether it is better to travel alone or with a tour group. The essay shall endeavor to compare and contrast travelling alone with travelling in a group and uncover the benefits and drawbacks associated with both of these two forms of travelling.

Travelling Alone or in a Group: Pros & Cons

Traveling in a group allows one to meet new friends and exchange experiences. This helps to add fun to travelling because of the many new ideas that the individual members of the group comes with. In addition, diversity in terms of the experiences of the travelers enables one to appreciate their unique cultural heritage.

On the other hand, travelling in a group denies one the chance of being alone because you are always surrounded by other people. As such, one cannot avoid annoying travelers and you have to learn how to deal with them. In contrast, traveling alone gives one the freedom to explore new experiences without restrictions. As such, can do what pleases him/her without fear that others will criticize him/her.

Travelling in a group also limits one’s chances of meeting new people because it is far much easier to approach an individual as opposed to a group. Travelling alone enables one to become flexible in terms of for example how you spend your day, or what you eat. However, there is the danger of boredom and you have no one to share your experiences with.

Travelling in a group is also beneficial in that it allows you to lower your cost of travelling. This is because there is the possibility of sharing such facilities as the guest room, splitting food and drinks bills, and travelling costs as well. For example, it is much cheaper for a group of 5 travelers to split the traveling cost of hiring a cab, as opposed o a single traveler who would be expected to pay a similar amount for the same distance.

On the other hand, travelling in a group could result in an issue of conflict when it comes to the issue of offsetting bills. For example, some members of the group may decline to pay the stipulated amount of money because in their opinion, they have not incurred the costs that they are expected to foot. In addition, travelling in a group also denies one the flexibility of choosing for example where to stay or what to eat because you have to reach a compromise with the rest of the group.

Travelling in a group therefore puts one in danger of falling prey to a “herd” mentality whereby one ends up agreeing with the wishes of the majority as opposed to saying exactly what you want. On the other hand, travelling alone gives one the needed freedom to choose what he/she wants.

Moreover, traveling in a group allows one to enhance his/her communication and personal relations. Consequently, one gets to learn how best to get along with others, and this ensures that throughout the trip, you are never lost for company. In contrast, there are individuals who do not generally get along well with others and as such, they prefer to remain alone. They are therefore better off traveling alone to avoid straining their communication and personal relations.

Whether one is traveling alone or in a group, there are various advantages and disadvantages associated with each of the two travel arrangements. Regardless of the choice that an individual traveler makes, one should always ensure that they settle on the option that will result in the most fulfilling experience.

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IvyPanda. (2018, August 15). Travelling Alone or in a Group Essay. https://ivypanda.com/essays/travel-alone-with-a-tour-group/

"Travelling Alone or in a Group Essay." IvyPanda , 15 Aug. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/travel-alone-with-a-tour-group/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Travelling Alone or in a Group Essay'. 15 August.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Travelling Alone or in a Group Essay." August 15, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/travel-alone-with-a-tour-group/.

1. IvyPanda . "Travelling Alone or in a Group Essay." August 15, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/travel-alone-with-a-tour-group/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Travelling Alone or in a Group Essay." August 15, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/travel-alone-with-a-tour-group/.

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Ielts writing task 2 sample 162 - some people like to travel with a companion, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, some people like to travel with a companion. other people prefer to travel alone. which one do you prefer.

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• Some people like to travel alone, while others think it is better to go together with someone

IELTS Essay Question:

Some people like to travel alone, while others think it is better to go together with someone.

Discuss both views and include your opinion.

Travelling is always an enriching experience, an activity that most people love. Visiting beautiful spots truly beneficial to people whether exploring a new place for the first time or returning to favorite destinations. While travelling alone can be more rewarding experience, others prefers to travel with any body else.  In my opinion, travelling with companion is more entertaining and memorable. This essay will evaluate the two possible options and discuss why I believe that travelling with other people is better than being alone.

Nowadays, travelers mostly enjoy the trip alone than being with companions or in a group. In tourist places like famous parks and beaches, it is noticeable the increase of solo travelers. One reason for this is that the new breed of travelers are interested in home-away-from-home experience. They wanted to explore life away from bustling city and this can only be enjoyed if an individual become totally alone in a strange place. Being alone allows a person to follow their own interest, as opposed to traveling with somebody else. Moreover, solo travelling is a right time to reflect and to take a deeper look at individual’s personality. With it, people are able to refresh their perspectives in life and discover more of their personality while being away.

In contrast, travelling with someone is more compelling in other people’s views, as the world now is getting more unsafe. In every trip not everything can go fine, there are some instances that travelers can get involve in accident or crime. For example, during the lonely trip there is possibility that someone will get sick or encountered misfortunes. Furthermore, exploring new destinations with somebody is an experience in itself, having a partner on a trip will be more enjoyable experience. Tourist would not be lonely if they are travelling with someone else. Hence, visiting new places is more meaningful if it is shared with love ones, this is one of the best moment to strengthens relationship.

In summary, travelling solo does definitely help a person develop inner peace and explore more places of their interest. But there are consequences that need to consider while travelling, which is the safety and security while on a trip. In my view, a trip with someone else is more fascinating than exploring a new places alone.

When it comes to IELTS Test, vocabulary is one of the most important skills a test-taker must have. In writing section, having a good grasp of English vocabulary will help you frame and convey your ideas in words using an effective and varied vocabulary. Here are some tourism-related vocabulary words that will be useful during your exam.

• perspective
• fascinating

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Home → IELTS Writing Task 2

Ielts writing task 2 – traveling with a companion.

Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel alone. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

( 292 Words , 22 Sentences, 4 Paragraphs, Band 9)

Some people prefer to travel with a companion. However, other people like to travel alone. Personally, I think these two options have their advantages and disadvantages. I state my opinion on the following points.

From the one side, traveling with a companion can bring many benefits. First of all, traveling with a companion is safer for several reasons. If travelers got lost in a strange city it is easier to find a way back. They can support and help each other if something happened and one of them is hurt. As for me I prefer to travel with a companion if we travel by car. I think it is very dangerous to be on a strange road by one’s self. One more reason to have a companion in a car is that they can change each other if one of them is tired. Second of all, traveling with a companion is more exciting and interesting. They can share all beautiful moments and new experiences. Finally, it helps to save some money because companions can share all expenses on gas, hotels, etc.

From the other side, traveling alone can bring many benefits too. For example, one does not have to do things he does not want to. If one is tired he does not have to go to a bar with his friend only because he does not want to leave him alone. Moreover, sometimes I personally want to be alone and enjoy all beauty around me. I can relax and contemplate about my life sitting on a beautiful cliff.

To sum up, I think traveling with a companion is better. However, sometimes I prefer to be alone by my self in a strange city. It gives me the feeling of adventure and I like that.

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Do you prefer traveling alone or traveling with a companion Use details and examples to support your explanation

Do you prefer traveling alone or traveling with a companion? Use details and examples to support your explanation.

Traveling is an enjoyable event for most of the people. They need to travel for different reasons like trip, business tour or to meet someone who lives out of town. Some people prefer to travel alone while some people prefer to travel with companion. In my view, traveling with companion is better than traveling alone for some reasons.

Firstly, It is safe to travel with a companion. When there are more than one people, they can manage critical situation like accident. However, if a person travels alone and gets accident, it becomes tough to get immediate help. As we watch news on the television or newspaper every day, people get accident and lost their lives while traveling. So, it would be quite easy to save life if people have companion with them. Also, we get sudden health issues sometimes during traveling. In this situation, it is better to have someone with us. For example, while I was attending university in India, I was living out of town and traveling home in holidays. When I was coming to my home in a long break, my best friend was coming with me. I had fever and double vision while we were in train. I fall down from my seat and felt afraid. However, my friend has managed the situation. She called a doctor and gave me first aid. After some time, I felt quite well. So, I can say that if my friend would not there, I would not get immediate help. So, it is safe to travel with someone.

Secondly, It is more fun. We feel bored if we travel alone. In contrast, if we have someone with us while traveling, we can enjoy playing games or chatting. As a human, we do not like to seat ideal for a long time. Sometimes, we need to travel a lot for either business tour or a trip. Especially in this case, we do not like to travel alone when distance is far. For example, in last holidays, I went to Goa, which is the beautiful state of India. I need to travel for ten hours to go to that place because I live in another state of India. I was traveling with my family so it was easy for us to seat for ten hours in the train. We played games and talked so much about our friends. We share so many experiences with each other. However, if I were traveling alone, I would feel bored and could not travel for ten hours continuously. Therefore, I think that traveling with a companion gives more fun.

To conclude, there are more benefits of traveling with a companion over traveling alone. We would have safe trip and more fun if we ravel with someone. So, I prefer to travel with a companion.

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Full essay evaluations

flaws: No. of Words: 468 while No. of Different Words: 195

More sentences varieties wanted. Look, a lot of sentences start with subject 'I'.

Attribute Value Ideal Score: 20 in 30 Category: Good Excellent No. of Grammatical Errors: 0 2 No. of Spelling Errors: 0 2 No. of Sentences: 36 15 No. of Words: 468 350 No. of Characters: 1972 1500 No. of Different Words: 195 200 Fourth Root of Number of Words: 4.651 4.7 Average Word Length: 4.214 4.6 Word Length SD: 2.245 2.4 No. of Words greater than 5 chars: 114 100 No. of Words greater than 6 chars: 71 80 No. of Words greater than 7 chars: 51 40 No. of Words greater than 8 chars: 37 20 Use of Passive Voice (%): 0 0 Avg. Sentence Length: 13 21.0 Sentence Length SD: 4.41 7.5 Use of Discourse Markers (%): 0.694 0.12 Sentence-Text Coherence: 0.294 0.35 Sentence-Para Coherence: 0.395 0.50 Sentence-Sentence Coherence: 0.184 0.07 Number of Paragraphs: 4 5

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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel alone. Which one do you prefer? Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.

Write at least 250 words.

😩 Feeling stuck? View sample answers below ⬇️ or get another random Task 2 topic.

🤩 Sample answers

Model essay #1:, some people like to travel with a companion. other people prefer to travel alone. which one do you prefer.

Some people prefer to travel with a companion, while others like to travel alone. Both options have their own merits, but I personally prefer to travel alone. There are several reasons for this preference.

Firstly, when traveling alone, I have the freedom to make decisions without having to consider someone else's preferences. I can choose where to go, what to see, and how long to stay at each place according to my own interests. This independence allows me to fully immerse myself in the experience without any compromises.

Secondly, solo travel provides an opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. When I am alone in a new environment, I am forced to step out of my comfort zone and interact with new people, navigate unfamiliar places, and handle unexpected challenges. This builds my confidence and adaptability, helping me to become more independent and self-reliant.

Moreover, traveling alone often leads to more meaningful interactions with locals and other travelers. When I am not with a companion, I am more approachable and likely to strike up conversations with new people. This has led to some of the most memorable and enriching experiences during my travels.

In conclusion, while some people may prefer the company of a companion when traveling, I believe that the benefits of solo travel outweigh the advantages of having a companion. The freedom to make independent choices, the opportunity for personal growth, and the potential for meaningful interactions make traveling alone my preferred choice.

Model Essay #2:

While some individuals may prefer to travel alone, I personally enjoy traveling with a companion. There are several reasons for this preference.

First and foremost, traveling with a companion allows for shared experiences and moments of joy. Exploring new places and trying new activities with someone else can enhance the overall enjoyment of the trip. Whether it's sharing a beautiful sunset or trying local cuisine together, having a companion to share these experiences with can create lasting memories.

Additionally, traveling with a companion provides a sense of security and support. In unfamiliar environments, having someone by your side can offer reassurance and comfort. It also means having someone to rely on in case of emergencies or unexpected situations, which can reduce stress and anxiety during the trip.

Furthermore, traveling with a companion can lead to deeper connections and stronger relationships. The shared experiences and challenges of travel can strengthen the bond between companions and create a sense of camaraderie. It also provides opportunities for meaningful conversations and the chance to learn more about each other in a different setting.

In conclusion, while solo travel may have its benefits, I believe that traveling with a companion offers the advantages of shared experiences, a sense of security, and the opportunity to strengthen relationships. For these reasons, I prefer to have a companion when embarking on new adventures.

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Travelling with a companion

I’m Phuong, Quang’s sister, would you mind helping me correct the essay about the topic below? Thank you very much.

Topic: Some people like to travel with a companion. Other people prefer to travel alone. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice.

With the development of economy and the living standard being raised immensely, more and more people can afford to travel to different places in their vacation, expecting to see more of the world and meanwhile have a relaxation after a period of hard work. And generally, people prefer to travel with a companion, believing it would be more fun. Whereas other people choose to travel alone, maintaining that it offers more freedom and fewer restraints. According to my personality and fondness, I would certainly choose to travel with a companion. Numerous reasons can be cited, and I would in here explain a few most important ones.

First and foremost, traveling with companions can provide for all a good helping and the trip will be safer. Sometime unexpected troubles can happen and when you are alone on the city rather than yours, that will be a serious problem because you don’t know what you have to do. While traveling with your friends can make a big differences and trip will be easier.

Secondly, traveling with a companion is more economical than vacationing alone. As leisure travel has become more and more popular, hotel operators have started to charge increasingly high costs for accommodation. Single occupancy rates are fairly uncommon nowadays, so sharing a room with a friend is good way to cut costs. Not only that, but people traveling in pairs have better access to package deals on tours, entrance fees and other activities.

On the other hand, traveling alone, I can go anywhere I love and stay there as long as I want. I can spend more time learning about things that I really want to know and discover instead of being tired of waiting for others at some boring place. Having a trip alone means that I won’t have any friends who can take care of each other when one of us got sick or get into troubles. It will be a barrier for my trip, won’t it? By the way, I think that could be a very good opportunity to learn how to prepare and take care myself. How do I know that I can do something or not? The only way to know is to do it.

To sum up briefly, I definitely prefer to travel with a companion rather than alone. This is based on the financial benefits of doing so, and because traveling with a partner makes it easy to interact with local people. A companion can bring some help, save time and money; also you can feel human’s spirit in the same time. Your eyes not only see nice landscape of nature, but the beautiful landscape of human beings.

TOEFL listening discussions: What will the student try to do with his next essay?

Hi, I thought your writing was pretty good, but see my comments below about your third body paragraph.

Thank you for your comments.

20 Pros And Cons Of Traveling Alone

By Anna Dykeman. This guide to solo travel advantages and disadvantages contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

When deciding whether to travel solo or with a group, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of traveling alone .

The desire to travel solo is particularly prominent among women, who are increasingly interested in experiencing new cultures and meeting new people without waiting on their friends or family.

Remember that time when your friend or significant other backed out of a trip at the last minute, so you ended up missing out, too? Well, when you travel solo, you can go anywhere at any time without needing to wait for anyone.

Still on the fence about whether you should take the leap and venture out on your first solo trip? Check out some pros and cons of traveling alone that may make it easier for you to decide. These are based on my own experiences traveling the world solo.

Additionally, you’ll see why so many people recommend solo travel, while also understanding how to realistically prepare for potential setbacks.

Quick tip: When traveling solo, it’s smart to pack travel safety essentials . One top pick is the She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm , which is TSA-approved and can help scare away potential attackers. Other recommendations include Clever Travel Companion Pickpocket-Proof Garments and Speakeasy Travel Supply Hidden Pocket Scarves .

Table of Contents

Travel Solo With Confidence [Free Course]

But first, before we discuss the pros and cons of solo travel , I invite you to grab a seat in Jessie’s  free Savvy Solo Traveler E-Course .

The 6-day course is designed to help you feel confident about booking your first solo trip and exploring the world alone.

Lessons include:

• Common solo travel fears (like flying alone for the first time ) and how to overcome them
• How to choose your perfect solo trip
• How to tell loved ones you’re hitting the road solo
• Mentally preparing for your solo journey without losing your mind
• Essential steps for staying safe on a solo trip
• How to take amazing solo selfies

Once you’ve  grabbed your seat , read on to dive into our solo female travel guide .

The truth is, there are so many different solo travel pros and cons . Whether someone wants to make a case for why you shouldn’t travel alone or chooses to focus on the numerous advantages of traveling alone, they easily can.

Ultimately, though, it’s up to you to decide what is right for you, which this list can help you do.

That being said, please stick around until the end, where I give my opinion on what it’s like traveling alone as a woman (or man).

Spoiler: It’s pretty darn empowering, which leads us perfectly into…

#1 Pro – Finding Empowerment In Traveling Alone

Many people find empowerment in traveling alone — which is one of the biggest benefits of traveling solo . It gives you a sense of control and independence, which can be empowering in and of itself. 

One of the major points for women who travel alone is to get out of their comfort zone and into the unknown.

(Real talk: is that maybe what’s scaring you and you’re unsure how to address it? )

A solo travel trip is a one-of-a-kind lifetime experience that you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.

Consider this:

What do you have to lose by stepping outside of your comfort zone?

Worst case scenario, you won’t enjoy it and will continue to travel with others.

Best case scenario, you’ll develop solo-travel-fever ( yes, I totally made that up ) and won’t be able to get enough of the growth, opportunities, and empowerment you’ll experience.

#1 Con – The Increased Risks of Traveling Alone

One of the major cons of solo traveling and why many are scared to travel alone , is that it increases your chances of being in dangerous situations.

If something goes wrong, you’ll be on your own and may not have anyone to help you — so be prepared for the unexpected when traveling solo and arm yourself with some travel safety tips and potentially even some travel safety gear .

On a recent trip to Puerto Rico , I was exploring San Juan’s famous Old Town on my own when I realized my phone was about to die (which is what inevitably happens when you spend hours using Google Maps and snapping travel photos).

As my unfortunate luck would have it, I was also in a shadier section of the city and it was getting dark.

Thinking on me feet, I decided to quickly look up my hotel name and address as well as how to ask for directions in Spanish and the actual map directions so I would have a general idea of how to get back.

After getting lost twice and asking for directions three times, I finally made it back to my hotel — where I prompty kissed the floor (not really, but I wanted to!) and recharged my phone before heading back out to explore.

It was a scary situation that I had to navigate fully on my own, though luckily everything ended up okay.

By the way, if you’re searching for a portable battery bank click here to see the one I use . It has a cute paw that shows you how much energy is left in the battery bank. I recommend always carrying one of these in your bag so you never end up in the situation I just described.

#2 Pro – Flexibility With Travel Plans

Is traveling alone fun ? Absolutely — and you get to choose exactly how to have fun, too.

Another one of the major pros of traveling alone is having the ultimate freedom to explore destinations at your own pace without worrying about someone else’s schedule. This can lead to an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience that is 100% designed by and for you.

Remember last time you traveled with someone else? Your heart was set on visiting that one specific location; however, you had to compromise and didn’t end up going.

As a single traveler, you have the freedom to choose your own itinerary and really maximize your time on the road.

Despite the joy of spending time with family and friends when traveling, wouldn’t it be nice to have the freedom to go anywhere you want, whenever you want? No compromises, no arguments, no when’s and buts. I know that for me this is a major advantage of traveling solo.

Are you a business owner who wants to get back into traveling for more work-life balance? Check out my article on how to plan your time around doing both . Because, yes, you can have your cake and eat it too!

#2 Con – It Can Get Lonely

Traveling alone has both pros and cons, but one of the biggest cons of traveling solo is the feeling of loneliness .

Especially when going away for more than a weekend, you miss your loved ones. This may be particularly depressing if you’re in a new and unfamiliar setting — possibly even in a new country.

This may also be a significant factor for introverted travelers who have a hard time making friends or talking to strangers. If this is the case, consider joining travel Facebook groups, Meetup groups , or CouchSurfing forums — all of which can help you reach out to other women who live in that area or who are traveling there to meet up.

For many, this is probably the most impactful con when considering the pros and cons of traveling solo.

#3 Pro – Meeting New People

Worried about making friends while traveling solo ?

One huge pro when it comes to solo travel is that you have the opportunity to meet new people from all over the world.

Whether you’re looking for new friends, to interact with locals , or to find someone to share your experiences with, traveling alone gives you the chance to make connections with people from all walks of life.

And who knows? Maybe you will meet a new travel bestie, discover new business or employment opportunities, or even find love on the road !

#3 Con – Travel Expenses Can Be Higher

“ Why is it more expensive to travel alone? ” is a question many solo travelers wonder as they frustratingly find themselves paying yet another solo supplement or shelling out the cash for a hotel room with nobody to split costs with.

One of the major cons of traveling solo is that you have to budget for your own expenses .

A great benefit of traveling in a group or with another person is that you get to share costs. Expenses can quickly add up depending on your chosen destination and activities — which is definitely a disadvantage of traveling alone.

When traveling on your own, this may mean that you have to spend a bit more on food and lodging; but, on the plus side, it also means that you’re in charge of your own travel plans and can make the most of your time and money — making it possible to either spend more or less on activities or choose locations where your dollar stretches further.

#4 Pro – A Healthy Tech Break

For better or for worse, our phones are truly the remote controls of our lives. And after the last few years of endless Zoom calls and virtual workplaces, we have moved even further into the digital age than ever before.

On the one hand, it’s great that we can connect with people from all over the world virtually and instantaneously.

But on the other hand, it can be challenging to take a break from our screens and disconnect from reality.

This all being said, when considering technology use while weighing the various traveling alone pros and cons , this really may be an overall pro in your life.

When traveling solo, you have more opportunities to disconnect from technology and simply relax in your surroundings — whether you’re taking a long walk in nature, exploring your destination, doing a new activity, or just reading a book in your room.

Traveling on your own can take away the temptation of being on your laptop, phone, and social media, especially as you won’t have a travel partner constantly posting on Instagram or asking you to co-star in their TikToks.

I recently went on a solo trip to Stockholm — which, by the way, was absolutely gorgeous — and I made it a point not to post any travel photos or videos while I was there.

Instead, I waited until I was back home to look through all of the photos I had taken to carefully choose specific pictures I wanted to share on social media.

If you’ve never tried this, let me tell you that it’s pretty humbling to realize how dependent we are on social media, feeling the need to share everything right away instead of fully enjoying our experiences. 

I highly recommend that you maximize the benfits of solo travel by taking a tech break to truly immerse yourself in your trip.

#4 Con – No One To Share These Experiences With

While one of the primary benefits of traveling alone is that you don’t have to think about anybody else’s schedule or demands, you also miss out on sharing any memorable experiences.

Those exciting and unbelievable “Hey, check this out!” moments become reduced to a photo that will be emailed later.

So, while solo travel offers extensive freedom, it can also make it challenging to have such experiences without someone to share them with.

This one is linked to the biggest disadvantage of the pros and cons of traveling alone, which is being lonely.

At this point, you may need to consider how imperitive it is to share these moments with someone or if they’ll still have value to you if you experience them on your own.

On the flip side, traveling in a group also means enduring all of the disadvantages of traveling with others in exchange for these moments.

#5 Pro – Change Your Perspective Of The World

When you travel by yourself, you have the unique chance to experience the world from an entirely different perspective than you would otherwise.

Seeing how wealthy nations live may help you develop sympathy and empathy for individuals in less fortunate countries who may be suffering from poverty or who lack access to basic necessities.

On the contrary, seeing how people in rich countries live can make you want more from life. This form of travel may help you extend your viewpoint and better understand the world around you.

Moreover, beliefs and ideas that seemed strange when in your home country may make more sense, or at least become more understandable, once you hear them from the source.

Basically, when you learn about other people’s lives you may find yourself changing your own values and priorities.

#5 Con – You Come Back A Different Person

As noted in the previous point, when we travel a part of us changes, whether it’s your thought process, views, values, or even priorities. 

So, it’s not only that your perspective will change, but so will you. 

When looking at the various solo travel advantages and disadvantages , it can be hard to distinguish whether something is truly positive or negative. After all, this may also be a pro.

You may have learned new information that you can share with others, but you may also have changed in ways you are not totally comfortable with.

This is a valuable experience that may transform your life for the better. Still, it’s crucial to be aware of the possible implications before beginning this adventure.

This is especially important if you live in a culture with strictly-defined values; yet, your values may have changed as a result of seeing and experiencing something new.

#6 Pro – Solo Travel Can Help You Discover Your Purpose

This is a big one — especially for me.

Traveling can help you find your purpose in life. It can show you what you’re meant to do and how you can best use your time and energy.

You may also find yourself changing your priorities due to this journey, which means that you have adjusted your views on who should be and shouldn’t be in your life.

Personally, it showed me that my life’s purpose involves so much more than just working and living for my career.

It can even happen that you lose a little touch with reality and redesign your whole life. If you can go on your own somewhere else, who says you can’t do anything else you put your mind to?

Becoming so absorbed in a specific experience, culture, or country may just help you find purpose in your life, career, or relationship again.

And isn’t this what makes life worth living for; the experiences that change you?

#6 Con – Limited Space & Carry-Ons

While you divvy up who brings what when traveling with others, taveling alone means that you need to be more mindful of your packing and storage.

You also need to be prepared for situations where you can’t bring everything with you. This also includes hostels, small airlines, or even losing your big suitcase and being left with just your carry-on.

It’s happened to me before when my flight was canceled last minute, which caused my suitcase to be delayed as it was already packed on the original plane. Because I was traveling solo, I didn’t have anyone to borrow clothing or toiletries from.

Luckily, I had all my essentials packed in my carry-on ; therefore, waiting two days for my large suitcase to be returned wasn’t as catastrophic as I thought.

To help you plan for this, check out this article sharing my travel must-have’s — including a giant backpack that will fit under every airline seat (yes, Spirit and Southwest included).

I highly recommend that when traveling solo you pack two-to-three days worth of basics in your carry-on so that you’re always prepared.

#7 Pro – Get To Know Yourself Better & Reflect

Getting lost in your own thoughts or emotions while traveling alone is a common occurrence.

This might take you down routes you would never have imagined feasible if you weren’t accompanied by another person.

By being open-minded and exploring different interests, you may find new passions and hobbies you’d otherwise never explored or tried.

This is because you have more time to think about your ideas and emotions when you travel alone, as well as more opportunities for self-reflection and development.

Think: of out of sight, out of mind.

This can also mean processing past experiences and feelings, current issues, and maybe even tricky decisions about the future with a free mind.

Consider journaling, which is a great way to both process and appreciate your solo trip. Bonus: you can grab this free printable travel journal with 65 prompts !

#7 Con – Increased Anxiety & Overwhelming Moments

Traveling as a whole may help you feel more peaceful and relieve built-up tension; however, traveling alone in an unknown place can also raise your anxiety levels.

It is also possible to have periods of feeling overwhelmed or as if you are unable to do many tasks on your own.

Honestly, this is one of the reasons I generally stay out of grocery stores and instead opt to have them delivered.

As you can imagine, not every destination offers grocery delivery. When this is the case, I seek out open-air places like farmer’s markets, which don’t make me feel anxious.

The lesson: if you know you’ll be taken out of your comfort zone, consider creating alternative plans or learning coping mechanisms for these moments before you leave home. Just know yo may need to test and tweak your approach to find what works best for you.

Here is something else to remember:

Fear and excitement are both arousal emotions. Keep this in mind when traveling solo and stepping out of your comfort zone. When your palms start sweating, you can do an “anxiety reappraisal” and swap that “I’m so anxious!” with “I’m so excited!”

#8 Pro – Become A Pro In Problem Solving

One of the great benefits of traveling alone is that you get to learn how to solve problems on your own.

In fact, solo travel allows you to truly see just what you are capable of — because when forced to solve a problem or navigate a situation, you’ll have no choice but to figure it out yourself.

This may come especially in handy when you are back home and can suddenly get around without Google Maps, communicate with others who speak a different language, or keep everyone calm when something unexpected derails your plans.

Going back to my story above where I said my phone died while I was exploring San Juan solo, while it was an uncomfortable situation, I ultimately learned to depend on myself and formulate a plan.

Here are 2 problem-solving skills that I learned, specifically from this situation:

Communication

I’m not fluent in Spanish, but this scenario forced me to quickly memorize a few sentences on how to go back to my hotel. This is something I will likely not forget either — panic is a great teacher, ha.

You’ll have to learn to read maps if you don’t already know how. It’s one thing to rely on Google Maps for directions, but what if you, like me, find yourself in a position where your phone dies? All you’ll have left is the map provided by the hotel, which you need to be able to read — S, yes, always take those, even if you think you won’t need it.

#8 Con – Language Barriers

One of the biggest challenges and disadvantages when traveling solo is that you may not be able to communicate with locals.

This can be a problem if you are trying to authentically experience a culture — but can’t express yourself or understand other others when they share things with you.

For example, during a solo trip to Mexico I wanted to see the Maya ruins. Unfortunately, I couldn’t speak Spanish and didn’t know how to get there. Thankfully, some people were willing to help me out, and we went together.

While I was grateful for them, you can’t always assume you’re going to meet other helpful travelers. Instead, it’s wise to empower yourself to make things happen.

My strategy for this is to make sure I always have a working phone so that I can use a translator app (like iTranslate Translator) or even just Google how to say something.

Pro tip: Google Fi and T-Mobile both offer excellent unlimited cell phones plans for abroad, though you can also purchase a local SIM card in your destination.

#9 Pro – Gaining New Independence

One of the great things about traveling solo is that you gain a level of independence and freedom as you become fully reliant on yourself. Don’t be surprised if this also gives you a huge confidence boost ( another advantage of solo travel !).

Additionally, this allows you to discover a new part of yourself without feeling any guilt from others that may question your decisions.

Right now, you have possibly gotten so used to spending all of your time with your partner, roommate, or parents that you have forgotten how to be independent; but, going on a solo trip can help you remember.

Here is a personal story:

When I first started traveling solo, I was in a relationship where I was more codependent than I’d like to admit.

But, solo travel helped to strength my confidence and self-worth as I began to take on new challenges and everything else the world threw at me, all on my own.

This may seem like a far-fetched aspiration, but the experiences you gain exploring the world solo will change you and make you realize your full potential.

Honestly, out of all the traveling alone advantages and disadvantages on this list, this is probably my favorite pro.

#9 Con – Photography Is A Challenge

One of the biggest challenges that solo travelers face is getting great photos that they’re actually in.

It’s not easy to take great photos without someone else to help you out. This is even more complicated when you don’t know the language well enough to ask others for help and you haven’t brought a tripod (which can be annoying to travel with).

On the plus side, if you don’t mind not being in all of the photos, are okay with taking selfies, or are a master at self-portraits, this won’t be an issue.

And, in all honesty, this con really isn’t a huge deal and shouldn’t be the reason you miss out on a potentially life-changing solo trip.

#10 Pro – Work Through Your Fears & Challenge Yourself

One of the great things about traveling solo is that you have the freedom to explore your fears.

When you’re traveling by yourself, you can be more daring and take on new challenges that would be too risky or uncomfortable to try with someone else around, or that they wouldn’t be interested in trying.

This can lead to unique experiences and mental and physical growth.

Personally, I doubt I would have taken on one of my wildest travel adventures to date, rapelling down a 250-foot cliff in Puerto Rico, if I hadn’t been solo without friends to talk me out of it. Instead, I was able to focus on what I wanted to get out of my trip.

#10 Con – Culture Shock 

One of the biggest challenges that solo travelers face is culture shock , which occurs when you’re in a new place without any familiar landmarks or people.

For some it’s exciting , while for others it’s frightening.

Culture shock can be especially difficult to handle when you’re not used to the local language or the way of life — or when it’s your first time traveling alone and experiencing unease on the road.

Luckily, there are ways to help combat culture shock, the most important of which is researching the culture, customs, beliefs, and local area of the place you’re visiting so you know what to expect.

You should also look up local scams and issues to be aware of so you can avoid them, as well as how to behave so you don’t receive negative attention.

Here is another tip:

Accept that culture shock is a thing and welcome it as something that comes along with traveling solo to a new place.

Realize that with the discomfort comes chances to learn and experience new things, and that as you explore the destination and become familiar with it the negative feelings will go away.

Final Thoughts On The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Traveling Alone

While traveling alone can be intimidating and even scary, it may just be the best thing that has ever happened to you.

As you read above, there are many pros and cons of traveling alone to consider; however, with this knowledge, you can make the most of your single travel experience and enjoy yourself to the most extent possible.

As you can see, if you know what the potential challenges are ahead of time, you can plan accordingly and find a solution to them.

For instance, whenever I find myself interested in going to a place that is viewed as unsafe for women, I put additional effort into my research; I hunt for blogs or even Facebook groups led by women who have been there and can share their first-hand experiences.

Now, this whole idea of traveling solo may still be giving you anxiety. And you may be wondering:

What’s the worst thing that could happen if I choose not to embark on a solo trip?

Let me tell you: restlessness.

The likelihood is that you will develop an intense desire to try new things on a regular basis. Perhaps this is already your justification for wanting to go on a solo trip? 

If this is the case, I highly recommend heading out on a solo travel adventure and seeing just how incredible it can be.

Because remember: you can always book a flight home early if you truly hate it; but, if you never try in the first place, you might always wonder what could have been.

Is It Safe To Travel Alone As A Woman?

Absolutely! As long as you research your destination and keep everyday safety tips in mind — like never leaving your drink unattended at a bar, not walking alone in areas that aren’t well-lit at night, and keeping valuables hidden (or better yet, in the hotel room safe) — you can absolutely have a safe and fun trip as a solo female.

Not only that, but as you now know, there are many benefits to traveling alone . You truly can have ultimate freedom over your itinerary while growing your relationship with yourself and becoming a more confident and independent person.

This isn’t to say that there are no dangers of traveling alone; however, as you can see from reading the countless solo female travel blogs that exist online — including this one — traveling alone is a common activity and most trips are enjoyed without any safety issues.

Travel Insurance For Solo Travel

This all being said, you should still prepare for issues to arise, just in case! This is why it’s wise to get travel insurance before embarking on a solo trip.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Advantages and Disadvantages of Traveling Alone FAQs

Q) what are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling alone.

Some of the advantages of traveling alone include the flexibility to do exactly what you want, meeting new people, and becoming more independent and empowered. Some of the disadvantages of traveling alone include higher travel expenses (since there’s no one to split them with) and loneliness.

Q) Is traveling alone enjoyable?

Absolutely. Traveling alone can be just as enjoyable, if not more so, than traveling in a group or with friends. When you travel alone, you get to do and see what you want, when you want. What’s better than that?

Q) Is it risky to travel alone?

Not necessarily. While there are some added risks of traveling alone, as detailed above, solo travel itself is not risky. Just be sure to take some common sense precautions and do research in advance.

Bonus Solo Travel Benefits Resources:

14 Benefits Of Traveling Alone + Tips To Make It Happen

An Open Letter From The Father of A Female Solo Traveler

An Open Letter From The Mother Of A Female Solo Traveler

Black Solo Female Travel: An Eye-Opening & Empowering Guide

Tips For Convincing Loved Ones To Let You Travel Solo

How To Travel Solo Successfully: 31+ Important Tips

What pros and cons of traveling alone would you add to this list?

About The Author

Anna Dykeman is a traveler, blogger, and entrepreneur who can’t keep herself still. She’s always on the move, whether working hard on a new passion project or exploring a new city as a part-time digital nomad. Dare to keep up? Check out The Tatted Nomad for everything digital nomad, social media marketing, and travel (and to see her latest addition, Novah, her service dog and travel companion).

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Nice post. Solo travel can be rewarding, and I have enjoyed it at times, however I prefer a mixed solo/shared travel.

Travelling alone can be one of the most liberating experiences of your life. It completely changes your outlook on everything you do when you travel on your own.

It is a great experience to travel alone, it is a good moment of reflection and to find oneself, you just have to be encouraged.

Very informative. Alone time can lead to self-discovery and personal growth as you navigate unfamiliar situations on your own.

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