Solo travel has been rather popular lately, with tons of people packing their bags to explore the world on their own terms. You get to make all the decisions & go wherever you want—and find yourself along the way. However, there are a few downsides that don’t get talked about much. Here are twelve reasons why solo travel isn’t as amazing as everyone says.
Featured Image Credit: Elnur_/Depositphotos.com.
Safety First, But It’s Tricky Alone
When you’re traveling solo, you need to have eyes on the back of your head. Walking back to your hotel late at night or venturing into less touristy areas–it all feels a bit risky when you’re by yourself. Not having someone to watch your back really sucks. It’s even worse in places with a high crime rate.
Scammers Love Solo Travelers
Similarly, traveling solo makes you a target for scammers & pickpockets. Without someone to second-guess other people or watch your bag while you take a photo, you’re an easier target. You have to be on your toes constantly—that’s way too exhausting. Exploring new places is far less fun when you’re always on the lookout for the next person trying to rip you off. Is it really worth all that drama?
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
Paying More for Flying Solo
Have you ever heard of the single supplement? It’s an annoying fee that hotels & tour companies charge when you’re traveling alone. Such a fee means your dream trip will end up costing you a lot more than if you were with a buddy, which doesn’t seem fair. Something to think about if you’re trying to travel on a budget!
Decision Overload
Being in charge of your travel itinerary sounds great until you realize you have to make every single decision yourself. Where to eat, what to see next, how to get there—it’s all on you. After a while, all those choices start to wear you down. And let’s not even start on the pressure of trying to make the most out of your trip. You have to decide what to do while also worrying if you’re making the right choices. It’s too much stress and you’re better off asking someone to go with you.
Table for One, Please
Eating alone in restaurants is awkward because it feels like you’re on display. Sometimes, you just want to enjoy your food without feeling like you’re being pitied for being on your lonesome! You’ll also hear everyone else laughing & sharing stories while you’re just there with your meal and your thoughts. There’s no way to fill in the silence by yourself.
Selfie Stick Woes
If you want a picture of yourself in front of that famous landmark, then you should hope you’re good with a selfie stick. That’s about your only option. Sure, you could ask strangers to take your photo–but it’s not the same as having a friend who knows your best angles. You also can’t always trust strangers with your phone! What if they drop it—or worse, run off with it?
Getting Lost in Translation
Without a friend to help figure out directions, solo travelers often wander in circles because they have to do everything. Asking for directions becomes a game of charades. You’re not sure if the helpful local is sending you the right way or to their cousin’s souvenir shop! Sure, it might be another great story to tell. But during those times that you want to get to the museum before it closes, it’s just a waste of time.
Sick and Solo is No Joke
Falling ill or getting injured while traveling alone is the worst. There’s no one there to run to the pharmacy for you or help you understand a foreign healthcare system—it’s just you. You have to figure out how to get better while feeling miserable. And when you’re feeling under the weather, even simple tasks like getting food feel like a challenge.
Group Activities are Awkward
Lots of tours and activities are geared towards groups and this makes it awkward when you’re the only solo traveler. You end up being the third wheel—or maybe even being paired up with random people. This is enough to make some experiences far less enjoyable. There’s also that moment when the guide asks everyone to partner up but you’re left trying to look like you’re totally fine being the odd one out. Nobody wants to feel like an outsider!
Making Friends Isn’t Always Easy
People say solo travel is great for meeting new people but it’s not always that simple. If you’re shy or introverted, striking up conversations with strangers is way too difficult. It might even make you feel more isolated. There’s also no guarantee you’ll click with anyone when you do muster the courage to join a conversation.
The Baggage Ballet
Handling all your luggage solo is a real workout and especially if you’ve packed more than a backpack’s worth. You have to figure out the way through a crowded train station & keep an eye on your belongings while also finding your platform. And all of this without an extra pair of hands! Moving from point A to point B shouldn’t be so complicated.
The Constant “Why Solo?” Interrogation
As a lone traveler, you’ll have to answer a barrage of questions from curious locals & fellow travelers. “Why are you traveling alone?” “Don’t you have friends?” Of course, it’s usually well-intentioned—but needing to explain your choice to travel solo over & over gets old fast. You shouldn’t have to justify your solo adventure!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
Read More:
