For Jenny Lynn Anderson, traveling solo for the first time wasn’t just about seeing the world—it was about rediscovering herself in her mid-50s. “After 30 years of marriage and a few years post-divorce, I found myself standing at a crossroads. I had gone back to work full-time and needed a mental vacation from my busy job in marketing,” explains the 62-year-old travel expert behind the blog Jenny Lynn on a Journey. “I went to New York City for a long weekend, acted like a tourist and did everything from booking a trolley tour of the city to seeing Hamilton on Broadway. It met every expectation that I had dreamed of, and I felt like a bird being released from a cage.”
And she isn’t alone. Solo travel has surged in popularity in recent years, with the global solo travel market projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, according to Solo Traveler World. In fact, according to Airbnb’s 2026 travel predictions, “solo travel is experiencing a renaissance, fueled by online conversations that encourage self-discovery over relationship status.” And that’s just one of the many benefits of solo travel.
Here are eight of the biggest benefits of solo travel, according to research, experts and travelers who have experienced it firsthand. Read on to find out why you just might want to make your next trip a solo vacation.
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What are the benefits of solo travel?
What you get out of a solo adventure depends, in large part, on your personality and travel style. But there are a few benefits of solo travel that most people will experience, no matter who they are or where they go.
Total freedom to travel your way
One of the most obvious benefits of solo travel is the freedom to design your trip exactly the way you want. Research backs this up: An analysis of more than 1,000 Tripadvisor forum posts from solo female travelers found that the ability to make decisions independently was one of the most rewarding aspects of traveling alone. Without needing to compromise with travel companions, you can choose your own pace, interests and schedule.
For Brandon Gurr, 39, who likes to take his trips with solo travel company Flash Pack, that freedom is a major reason he enjoys going it alone. “It means less time managing others’ comfort and more time immersing yourself in the moment,” he says. It also eliminates the struggle of coordinating with friends’ busy schedules.
Traveling alone can also allow you to pursue experiences you might skip if someone else’s comfort or schedule were involved, adds Gurr. “I love traveling with my dad, for example, but I often hold back to ensure I’m not putting him in a position that strains him,” he explains. “When I’m on a solo adventure, I can head to the top of every temple.”
And sharing those experiences later can make the memories even sweeter. “I actually find that bringing those stories and photos back home to share with family afterward is often one of the best parts of taking the trip,” he says.
A major boost in confidence
Survey data compiled by travel platform Atlys found that 28% of travelers say solo travel increases their confidence and sense of independence. “It’s a guaranteed result of traveling solo,” insists Janice Waugh, the founder of solo-travel site Solo Traveler and author of The Solo Traveler’s Handbook. “In my 50s, traveling solo, I realized how much I had grown. When traveling with partners, growth is not apparent. Traveling alone, I discovered skills and abilities I didn’t know I had because I had to use them.”
Whether navigating transportation or handling unexpected travel hiccups, “we have no opportunity to sit back and let someone else figure it out for us,” says Charlotte Russell, a clinical psychologist and the founder of the travel blog The Travel Psychologist. She notes that stepping outside your comfort zone can also change how you approach future challenges. “We learn that we are stronger than we think,” she says, “and this makes us more equipped and confident to deal with unexpected challenges in the future.”
Anderson agrees. “Although I’ve been highly independent my whole life, solo travel has boosted my confidence immeasurably,” she says. “At age 62, I can travel the world solo—with a fearless spirit, a joyful strut that says my adventure is just beginning.”
Gurr experienced that confidence boost during a snorkeling excursion in Belize that involved jumping into a sea of sharks. “Standing on the edge of the boat, looking into water roiling with gray fins, I felt queasy,” he says, noting that he saw another traveler jump in and pushed himself to try. “Seeing her do it inspired my own confidence, and I took the plunge.”
Moments like that can stay with you long after the trip ends. “Overcoming that fear to be in the water with creatures that large was an unreal experience that words can’t fully capture,” Gurr says.
Stronger independence and adaptability
Trying new things doesn’t just give you a bump in confidence; when you have new experiences while traveling alone, you get a greater sense of independence as well. Russell says that by facing unfamiliar situations, whether navigating a new city or communicating in a different culture, you gain even more benefits of solo travel—namely, resilience and adaptability.
Gurr experienced that firsthand while exploring Petra. “The moment this really clicked for me was in Jordan,” he says. “I asked our ‘pack leader’ for a challenge, and he pointed me toward a rugged trail in Petra that climbed high above the crowds.”
He decided to climb the trail alone. “Standing there, I realized I never would have dragged a travel companion up that steep path in the heat,” Gurr says. That sense of independence made the experience unforgettable. “That total freedom was addictive.”
Renewed motivation and energy
Tourism psychology research suggests that navigating unfamiliar environments alone can strengthen independence, sharpen decision-making skills and leave travelers feeling energized with a fresh perspective on daily life. It might also give you a health boost, as an AARP travel survey suggests. It found that of the 73% of Baby Boomers who noticed health benefits after a trip, the most unexpected perks were better sleep (51%), more energy (50%) and increased productivity (46%). “You return to your day-to-day life with a completely different perspective,” says Gurr. “I’d almost describe it as a solo traveler’s high.”
After days spent exploring new places and meeting new people, you may hang on to the energy even once the trip has ended. “For me, there is a burning desire to keep that momentum going after I return,” he says.
A deeper sense of self
Many travelers say solo trips allow them to reconnect with themselves in ways that everyday life doesn’t. Russell explains that being alone removes the social cues that often influence how we behave. “When we are alone, it’s possible to listen to and go along with our own needs and preferences,” she says.
Stepping away from everyday roles and expectations can make it easier to reflect on what truly matters and who you truly are. “I feel like my whole life, I’ve been someone’s daughter, someone’s wife or someone’s mother, and even now, someone’s grandmother,” Anderson says. “When I travel alone, I become Jenny Lynn Anderson again, and I become me and do it my way. If I want to eat chocolate for breakfast, I do.”
Better mental health
Travel itself is often linked to improved mood and life satisfaction. According to a study published in Nature Neuroscience, it can increase happiness. “Our results suggest that people feel happier when they have more variety in their daily routines—when they go to novel places and have a wider array of experiences,” explains Catherine Hartley, PhD, an assistant professor in New York University’s Department of Psychology and one of the study’s co-authors.
Solo travel may amplify those effects. “It can also provide what we consider to be the psychological building blocks of well-being, which include providing positive emotions, engagement and both a sense of meaning and accomplishment,” says Russell. “I’ve traveled solo a couple of times after experiencing difficulties at work [that] have knocked both my confidence and sense of self.” The results? “Gaining distance from the challenges I’ve faced, having some space to reconnect with myself and taking some rest in beautiful places.”
Reduced stress
“When we are burned out, it is important to rest and to have some space away from the demands that led to us feeling this way,” explains Russell. And a solo trip can do just that.
“It’s not that this leads to particular changes in the brain,” she says, “However, when we believe in our own abilities, our nervous system is less likely to be disregulated by unexpected challenges in the future.” To put it another way, building confidence in our own ability allows us to feel calmer when dealing with future challenges, and we are usually more effective at problem-solving when we feel calmer.
A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health confirms that short, three- to four-day vacations can significantly reduce stress and improve well-being, with positive effects lasting up to 45 days post-trip. And according to the research review Psychology of Solo Travel: Mental Health Benefits and Personal Growth Outcomes, further studies suggest that the increased autonomy and reduced stress from social obligations that come with solo travel may lower stress levels even more.
A healthier brain
Yup, traveling alone may actually make you smarter in a way. According to Universitat Oberta de Catalunya faculty of psychology and education sciences instructor SÃlvia Sumell, solo travel can stimulate different cognitive areas. Navigating new environments forces the brain to adapt, improving decision-making and strategic thinking.
It also exposes us to new cultures, languages and surroundings, and it encourages the brain to build new neural connections. Plus, encountering unfamiliar sights and experiences can act as a workout for the brain, enhancing creativity and cognitive flexibility.
Are solo trips for everyone?
Solo travel can be transformative, but it may not be the right fit for everyone. Those who are uncomfortable with exploring the unknown, navigating unfamiliar places or managing their own safety may experience increased stress and mental distress. “I would never advise someone to push themselves beyond their comfort zone if they feel particularly anxious or are unsure that they have the skills to manage traveling alone,” Russell cautions.
Personality also plays a role. “People who are introverted tend to feel energized by spending time alone, and so naturally, solo travel may feel appealing to them,” she says. “That’s not to say that people who are extroverted can’t benefit, but it will be important for them to think about how they might meet their own needs for social interaction.”
How can you prepare for a solo trip?
If you’re curious about traveling alone but nervous about trying it, Russell advises easing into solo travel rather than pushing too far outside your comfort zone. Some tips:
- Start slow: “Stay within your own country or at least a country that speaks the same language as you,” says Waugh. “Go for a minimum of four days—it’s long enough to get past the ‘What was I thinking?’ stage and get into the groove of solo travel.”
- Practice logistics: “Use public transport and see whether you are able to navigate this by yourself,” says Russell. If that feels manageable, it may be a sign you’re ready for a bigger adventure. If you struggle, spend more time getting comfortable with this step, or travel with someone else in the first instance.
How can you choose the right solo trip for you?
Before you book that ticket for one, make sure you’re planning a solo trip that suits your travel style, experience and comfort. Here’s what the experts suggest:
- Match the destination to your energy level. If you like constant activity and stimulation, a big city with museums, restaurants and walkable neighborhoods may be ideal, says Anderson. If you’re craving rest or reflection, a beach town, mountain retreat or spa destination might be a better fit.
- Think about how much structure you want. Some solo travelers enjoy having plans, while others prefer to wander freely. If you like structure, look for destinations that offer guided tours, classes or excursions you can easily join, advises Gurr. “I’m so busy in my day-to-day life that planning a vacation can feel like just another big project at work,” he says. “That is why Flash Pack was so incredibly convenient; I knew once I stepped on the plane, everything else was on autopilot.”
- Choose a place that fits your comfort level. If it’s your first solo trip, you may feel more relaxed somewhere that’s easy to navigate and culturally familiar. As you gain confidence, you can branch out to more adventurous destinations.
- Consider how social you want the trip to be. Spontaneity and an opportunity to meet locals and other travelers were key for Waugh when planning her solo trips. If you’d like to meet people, choose destinations with group-friendly activities, like food tours, cooking classes or outdoor excursions where it’s natural to connect with other travelers.
- Start with a shorter trip if you’re new to traveling alone. A long weekend or short getaway can help you figure out what you enjoy about solo travel before planning a longer adventure.
- Decide what you want to get out of the trip. Whether it’s relaxation, personal growth, cultural experiences or adventure, knowing your goal can help you choose a destination that delivers the experience you’re hoping for, says Anderson. “Go into the travel open and approachable,” she says, “and some of the most unexpected connections can occur!”
About the experts
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Sources:
- Charlotte Russell, clinical psychologist and founder of The Travel Psychologist; email interview, March 9, 2026
- Janice Waugh, founder and publisher of Solo Traveler, author of The Solo Traveler’s Handbook and member of the Travel Media Association of Canada; email interview, March 6, 2026
- Jenny Lynn Anderson, travel advisor and blogger at Jenny Lynn on a Journey; email interview, March 11, 2026
- Brandon Gurr, frequent solo traveler; email interview, March 6, 2026
- Current Issues in Tourism: “Understanding online tourist–tourist interaction in solo female travel: a self-determination theory perspective”
- Nature Neuroscience: “Association between real-world experiential diversity and positive affect relates to hippocampal–striatal functional connectivity”
- New York University: “New and Diverse Experiences Linked to Enhanced Happiness, New Study Shows”
- Universitat Oberta de Cataluna: “11 Benefits of Travelling Solo”
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: “Short Vacation Improves Stress-Level and Well-Being in German-Speaking Middle-Managers—A Randomized Controlled Trial”
- ResearchGate: “The Psychology of Solo Travel: Mental Health Benefits and Personal Growth Outcomes”
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