Why Do I Travel Alone?

Traveling alone was never a dream or a goal to achieve. On the contrary, for years, I didn’t travel because I was waiting for someone to go with me. But it was never easy: I was single, and my friends were often in relationships, or not available to travel far, or they didn’t have the desire or the budget.

As a consequence, I often postponed my travel while waiting for the right person. At the same time, I admired those who managed to travel alone. I admired them, but I couldn’t identify myself with them. I always found something to differentiate myself from them and to reassure myself that it wasn’t for me, that it wasn’t possible. I always found an excuse, and money often came first.

Then one day, I took the plunge. There was this guy, this complicated relationship where I wanted to prove what I was capable of. Prove to this guy, to others, and to myself that I was capable of spontaneously traveling to the other side of the world, all by myself. Maybe I wanted to impress, maybe I wanted attention — I don’t really know. All I know is that at the time, the idea filled me with joy and excitement. When I realized it was entirely up to me to buy that plane ticket to Peru, I felt alive, powerful.

Suddenly, I understood that I held the cards to my own life and that only I could make my dreams and desires come true. So, I bought the ticket.

I had no idea what to expect. I left with no expectations. I hoped to see some sights and have good weather, maybe meet a few locals, and that was it. I wasn’t against the idea of meeting other tourists, but it wasn’t my main plan. To me, I was doing something wild that few people had done before.

In fact, as I left in August 2021, in the midst of the COVID pandemic, it turned out that very few people were traveling like I was at that time. Later, I would come to understand that backpacking across the world isn’t as extraordinary as I thought. That’s why I believe it’s important to “travel for yourself” and not to prove something, because even in the most remote places on earth, another traveler or another French person will have already been there before you. But trust me, it doesn’t make the experience any less special.

Why on earth would I sleep in Hostels ?

On the advice of some traveler friends, I decided to try out hostels for the first time, with dorm beds and shared bathrooms. Honestly, it stressed me out a bit. I took the time to carefully read Google reviews to pick the one with the best rating, especially in terms of cleanliness and safety. After three years of traveling, I can say that hostels are undoubtedly the best places to meet people. While they may not always be synonymous with peace and cleanliness, they are, in my opinion, essential for any solo trip.

Why? Because they’re full of other solo travelers who are in the exact same situation.

They want to explore the country or the region where the hostel is located and are looking for people to share a visit, an activity, or simply a drink at the bar with. (Another article on hostels is coming soon!)

When I travel alone, I don’t set out to stay alone. Honestly, I can’t go more than two days without talking to someone (it’s happened in some cities, and it wasn’t fun). No, when I travel solo, it’s with the idea of meeting new people throughout my trip.

In fact, I think it’s much easier to meet people when you’re alone because 1) You’re more open to meeting others to chat and exchange and 2) Others approach you more easily; they’re less afraid of bothering you since you seem more approachable.

When you meet people while traveling, you already know you have something in common: you’re both travelers. You’ve both been drawn to the same country, at the same time, and probably have the same list of places to visit in the city or region. Without knowing each other or speaking the same language, you already share that, and it’s a lot. There’s no reason to be shy or to think others are cooler, because you’re both in the same place at the same time. You’re on equal footing, so you might as well enjoy it and take advantage of what the other can bring to your experience, which makes me feel comfortable enough to talk to strangers. After all, I have nothing to lose.

So, my advice is: Don’t hesitate to talk to others, don’t be afraid! You’re a super cool person, and the other person in that room or at that bar is probably just as cool. Why not be cool together? 

Share your experiences or your next destinations. Take an interest in the other person, in what brought them here. Maybe they’ll have information you don’t! Or, on the contrary, you might be able to help them by sharing your experience. A lot of information (tips, safety advice, etc.) is shared by word of mouth among travelers!

At best, you’ll have a great evening, make new connections, and create amazing memories. At worst, you move on to the next person!

Don’t forget about the volunteers working in hostels who are often travelers too. They’re just volunteering for a few months in exchange for a free bed. If you’re interested, I suggest checking out Workaway!

Moments When I’m Alone

Of course, despite meeting people in hostels, during excursions, or at events, there are still times when I find myself alone — either because I’m heading in a different direction, because I just arrived somewhere, or because I haven’t met anyone I clicked with. It’s bound to happen, and that’s okay! As always, it’s up to you to make the most of it.

If I'm in a city, I look into the evening activities available, like a cooking class, a dance class, an event at a bar, a rooftop, or a nice restaurant, either online or at the reception of my hotel/hostel. I’ll ask the locals directly to get their recommendations and feedback.

Often, when I spend the evening alone, I treat myself to a special night. I go out for a cocktail or dine at a chic rooftop, somewhere where I can enjoy the atmosphere. I get ready as if I'm going out (after all, you never know), and it puts me in a good mood.

Sure, I’m sitting alone at my table, but I can assure you of one thing: no one cares! Once you're seated, no one is watching you. You're the only one judging yourself, so Enjoy !

Solo Me Living My Best Life in Peru

Really, don’t miss out on experiences just because you don’t have someone with you. Life is short, way too short to wait! Just go for it!

You might meet someone nice at the bar counter or on a restaurant terrace. The more you do it, the more comfortable you'll become. Reach out to others—you have nothing to lose! Be cautious, as you would anywhere, but don’t be overly vigilant.

A woman traveling alone is often seen as impressive, and people will likely ask you a lot of questions. But that doesn’t mean they’re interested in more than just a conversation, and don’t hesitate to set your boundaries if you feel uncomfortable. Personally, I’ve never had a bad experience.

No bar tonight ? That's also Ok!

If I’m tired, in a remote place where there’s really nothing around me (no hostel or bar, which has rarely happened to me!), or if I just don’t feel like going out, it’s also a good chance to hit the gym or relax with a good series or book :).

In summary, why do I travel alone?

Because life is too short to wait.

I'm free, I can decide where, when, and how I travel.

I can change my mind at the last minute — it only affects me.

I can meet people more easily.

So, don’t hesitate, just go for it! Whether you’re shy or not, whether you speak English or not, nothing will prepare you better for this experience than living it. So just go for it! Trust me, there are plenty of shy people, plenty of French people who don’t speak English. The world is small, and you’ll surely meet people you connect with, even at the other end of the world.

Trust yourself, it’s going to be fine! You’ve survived everything so far, you can do this! Listen to yourself, listen to your desires. Don’t try to prove something to yourself. If you’re not having a good time, change places, prioritize your well-being and comfort, and everything will be fine! ☀️

Comment this post if you think the same !

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See you sooon!