Ever heard people say you can’t travel alone? Well, I’m here to tell you they’re wrong. I have plenty of firsthand experience traveling solo, and truthfully, you don’t need friends to travel. 

The notion of traveling alone can feel daunting, especially with the constant stream of warnings about safety and loneliness, particularly for solo female travelers. However, with proper planning, awareness and confidence, traveling alone can be not only safe but also incredibly empowering and fun. 

Let’s debunk the myth that solo travel is synonymous with danger and isolation. Yes, there are risks involved, just as there are risks in any adventure. But the fear of the unknown shouldn’t overshadow the incredible rewards that solo travel brings. And with tools like our phones nowadays, staying connected is easier than ever. 

My parents were always supportive of my travel plans. Even when I solo traveled through Southeast Asia, they trusted my judgment. To keep them updated on my whereabouts, I relied on Polarsteps.  

Polarsteps is a remarkable travel app that accurately tracks your location, enabling you to document your journey. It allows you to post pictures at various locations, known as “steps,” accessible only to those with whom you’ve shared the link. Impressively accurate, it meticulously recorded every route of my motorbike trip through the mountains of northern Vietnam. It’s also not hard on your battery. Additionally, it compiles a beautiful photobook of your travels for purchase. 

As a female solo traveler, I’m aware of the potential dangers, and I won’t deny that there were moments when I felt uneasy. Sometimes walking alone at night in certain parts of Java, Indonesia or dealing with taxi drivers hitting on me would make me uncomfortable.  

Thankfully, I never had any trouble with those situations. I usually avoided going out after dark or opted for a taxi instead of walking. When faced with unwanted advances, I politely declined, or when hit on in a hotel elevator, I left the elevator and took the stairs, making sure I wasn’t being followed. Honestly, just trust your gut. 

Another worry some people have is feeling lonely. Traveling alone for months can seem scary, but I recommend opting for hostels to address that concern. In hostels, you’ll encounter individuals with similar interests. Age varies widely; I’ve met fellow college students as well as a 40-year-old who’s been on the road for 12 years.  

I understand that the examples I’ve mentioned are all very exotic and far away, but I strongly believe that you don’t have to travel far to have fun. Especially in the USA, there are so many opportunities for adventure.  

For Spring Break, I went to Michigan by myself. It was my first solo road trip, and I had never spent that much time driving alone, but I had a great time. Sure, not everything was perfect, but that’s how you learn. Had I been with other people, I wouldn’t have struck up a midnight conversation with a local in Mackinaw City, who happened to be best friends with the bartender and invited me for a Jägermeister.  

Again, not everything went smoothly — my car got towed in Chicago, and I felt overwhelmed — but I was able to call a friend, and he helped calm me down. That’s the thing about traveling nowadays — it’s a lot easier thanks to technology.   

Now, I am not saying traveling with friends can’t be fun. If you are with the right people, it can be very enjoyable, and there are definite advantages such as splitting costs for hotel rooms. 

But here’s the thing: they have to be the right people. I’ve had positive experiences traveling with friends, such as my weekend trip to Prague with my best friend from Switzerland. Our interests aligned, and we were both flexible. However, I’ve also had negative experiences, like traveling with a fighting couple. What I’m trying to say is that when you travel with others, there are many variables to consider. However, when you travel alone, you’re the only factor to take into account. 

Solo travel is an empowering journey filled with opportunities for self-discovery and adventure. While there are challenges, the freedom to explore on your terms outweighs any concerns. So, don’t let fear hold you back — embrace the adventure and discover the world on your own terms! 

Lara Kilchenmann is an opinion writer. Contact her at [email protected].