The fun of traveling alone is endless. There's something truly liberating about exploring new places alone. You can go where you want, eat when you want, and spend quality time without being disturbed. Interest in solo travel has been slowly growing for some time, but new data from UK-based travel organization ABTA shows that in 2023, 16% of travelers will holiday alone, compared to the previous 12 months. This was an increase of 5% compared to the previous year. . Furthermore, the number of solo travelers between the ages of 35 and 44 has increased significantly, with the number of solo travelers more than doubling from just 6% in 2022 to 13% in 2023.
With this change comes the need for deeper, slower and more connected movements. For many people, traveling alone is the perfect way to achieve this. It gives you the opportunity to trust your intuition, follow your intuition, and immerse yourself in the experience. You depend on yourself, not on the whims and desires of others.
But if you're not an experienced solo traveler, it can be daunting. In an age of constant connectivity, being alone for long periods of time is a complicated idea. Below, we spoke to travelers who frequently book solo trips about their golden rules for solo travel.
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It's not strange to eat alone.
For most people, the idea of eating alone is one of the biggest barriers to solo travel. But once you get over the belief that everyone is watching or judging you, it becomes a completely freeing experience. “Eating alone is not as unusual as you might imagine,” says Estee Lalonde, a creative director and influencer with a passion for solo travel. “Personally, I think it’s more of an effort! Sometimes I bring a book with me, or I put on my headphones and watch an episode of my favorite show on Netflix, but I just enjoy the atmosphere and end up sitting next to me.” Sometimes I end up chatting with the people at the table.”
fake it till you make it
Most people are nervous about meeting new people, and introverts in particular can have a hard time making the first move when arriving in a new place. But remember that everyone is in the same boat and most solo travelers experience the same emotions. Her first five seconds are the hardest, but once you finish introducing yourself, you quickly realize that it's not as big of a deal as you originally thought. You'll be blaming yourself if you let a little embarrassment ruin your trip, so use it as motivation to approach fellow travelers. And remember, if you pretend to be confident, it's obvious – fake it until you're convinced it's a reliable life rule to follow.
Reserve counter dining at a restaurant
If you don't feel comfortable eating alone, choose a seat at the bar or counter. It's much less intimidating than having the whole table to yourself, and you're more likely to end up chatting to the staff or the person sitting next to you. “The first time I ate out by myself, I went to JG Mellon on the Upper East Side of New York City,” Sarah James, associate digital editor at Condé Nast Traveler, said. I dragged myself to read the book,” he says. I took advantage of the bar stool for my burger, but ended up chatting with the attractive bartender, and the ladies sat next to me. Now, when I eat alone, I often choose to sit at the counter, and I no longer carry a book with me. Tell someone or just enjoy the peace, that's the principle I live by. We are all so wrapped up in our own lives that no one pays much attention to anyone else. ”
