The Hidden Benefits of Being Alone on the Road

Being alone often gets a bad rap. But take it from me, when you choose solitude—as millions of solo travellers are doing—it can be a powerful tool for growth, calm, and connection. Here’s what the research says about being (and traveling) alone.

1. Solitude Isn’t Loneliness—It’s a Choice

A June 2025 BBC article titled “Humans Need Solitude: How being alone can make you happier” highlights how intentional solitude—choosing to be alone—is different from loneliness. When solitude is self‑chosen, it can enhance happiness rather than undermine it.

University of Reading researchers support this: everyday solitude can reduce stress and foster autonomy—but forced isolation may increase feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction.

2. Alone Time Deepens Self-Discovery

When traveling solo, you’re free from others’ expectations and agendas. This space for reflection supports identity-building and personal clarity. Solo travel gives room to explore values, strengths, and creative impulses away from social influence.

3. Solo Travel Builds Confidence and Resilience

Navigating challenges alone—language barriers, unexpected plans, or logistical snafus—forces adaptability and builds self-trust. That resilience often carries forward long after the trip ends. Therapists echo this: stepping outside comfort zones during solo travel supports emotional regulation and personal growth. 

I’ve certainly found that to be the case. Dealing with a flat tire on a rental car — alone in a foreign country — though intimidating at the time, helped me learn that I could problem solve and navigate the unexpected by myself. Ultimately, I’m now more confident driving in a foreign country because of that experience.

If you find that you’re uncomfortable doing things alone, consider the tips from this Time article: How to Get Better at Doing Things Alone.

4. Boosting Creativity, Mindfulness, and Empowerment

Time alone naturally promotes mindfulness—being more attuned to surroundings, sensations, and inner thoughts without distraction. Psychologists say that just 15 minutes of chosen solitude can lower anxiety, enhance emotional processing, and spur creativity—even among people who aren’t normally creative.

5. Freedom and Authentic Choices

Solo trips let you decide where to go, what to do, and when—without compromise. That autonomy fosters a strong sense of freedom and authenticity.

Over the years of traveling alone, I’ve become much more in tune to what things I do–and don’t–like to do. I’m much more apt to skip a “must-see” site or museum when I know it’s really not my thing, opting instead to spend time appreciating architecture or a good meal in a small cafe.

6. Meaningful Social Connection 

Paradoxically, solo travel often leads to more rich interactions. Without a travel companion insulating you, you’re more likely to connect with locals and fellow travelers—deepening empathy and broadening perspectives.

This has definitely been my experience. When I have a travel companion, I interact chiefly with that person. Traveling alone, I’m more likely to interact with others, whether it’s on a food tour, cooking class, or just waiting in line at a museum.

If you want to be inspired by real-world accounts of women enjoying solo vacations—underscoring how liberating and rejuvenating autonomy can feel, beyond daily routines and obligations—check out this article on TheGuardian.com.

Remember: solitude isn’t about isolation; it’s about empowerment. Choose it, embrace it—and it may just become your favorite way to travel.