5 Ways Solo Travel SUCKS | Downsides of Traveling Alone 

the sad thing is even my husband can't take a decent photo of me.

I went to New York City by myself...it was the BEST vacation I've ever had. LOVED it...Solo travel is so much better because no one is wanting to be here or there at a certain time...I slept in, ate at street vendors , and was on my own schedule.

Not mentioned- safety. I have done a lot of solo travel- and I always have check ins with someone at home, so they have an updated idea about where I am and if my itinerary has changed.

I actually prefer solo travel for taking photos. Yes, you have to get up early to get to landmarks before others so you can use your self-timer, but when you're there, you can take 100 pictures without anyone judging you. On a trip with my SO, I get maybe 2 shots before he is over it

I love traveling by myself. I’m Canadian but I study in England and I’ve been to many places by myself and it’s really been therapeutic to just zone out and go somewhere alone and do whatever I want. 😍

Little tip I have for people regarding the photos one: look for a friendly looking couple or family who are taking photos of each other and offer to help take a picture of all of them together (as they are likely unable to do so). If they say yes, put forth your most sincere effort in taking this picture (I am talking several different shots and poses, angles, the works). After this, when they are profusely thanking you and remarking on how nice the photos turned out as they skim through them, gently ask if anyone could take a photo of you. You may come across a few rotten eggs but most of them will be happy to oblige! Safe travels!

I got it in my head that I wanted to go to Disneyworld. No one could go with me so I went alone! It was a marvelous trip but it wasn’t until I got home and back into my daily routines that I realized how little I actually talked while on my trip. Neither good nor bad, just kind of strange.

Pluses of solo travel still FAR outweigh any negatives for me.

Very true! These points summarize all of the downsides of solo travel better than I ever could!

Please share the places you want to travel to in the next year! 😍📝 I feel like a travel inspiration board video from you would be amazing.

You are so right. Though I love traveling alone! Been doing for a bit. The only thing that worries me about traveling alone is safety. Especially when traveling places you don’t know. Bud hey I’m in Seattle too if you need a travel buddy. 🛖🏖🏕

Absolutely love the travel videos! Please keep them coming.

I have so much respect for you Allison that you are so confident in traveling alone! I would love to do a solo trip one day but I feel like I would get lonely eventually! ❤️

The strangers being robots rant, love it! 🤖 😂

TBH, as you said, solo travel is better than no travel. I've tried both but my two solo travels were just going to places on my own where I was sharing a place with others or visiting a family member who was only available after 6pm (i.e. I still had dinner with them). If solo travel isn't for you, it's still worth a try when you need a short vacation and no one is able to come along.

Thanks.. recording the solo travels via one kind of social app is absolutely a a good way to encourage myself to continue with solo trip .

I agree with you! I have not traveled “solo”. I have a friend that lives in another country and we meet up at a location. So, part of the travel is solo. Last vacation I got sick and had to go to the hospital, that was scary being by myself and navigating back to my tour group afterwards. It makes you stronger! Gives you confidence that you can do it! Photos! Biggest and bathroom are the biggest problems I I countered on the solo portion of my trip. Great video.

I have watched so many of your videos, it's so simple and informative. I like them, the content is nice, knowledgeable and well explained 🙌

I not long got home from my first solo trip! I was very inspired by your videos before I booked it, so thank you!

Another fab video Allison i love following you and keeping up with your travels. I definitely love solo travel but there are times when having someone else with you would really help! 😊 xo

Airbnb is a good option for places to stay for a decent price for most places

I dine alone most of time in the city where I live & have gotten used to it. I'm also ok with solo travel and do it quite a bit as well. For what it's worth, I wish I had someone like you to travel the world with. Life, and travel, is definitely worth sharing.

I sooo can relate to this. thanks, Allison!

#3 Taking pics of yourself - I always offer, if I see a group of people, to take a picture of them (so that the photographer can be in the picture), and they always kindly offer to take a picture of me in return. Also, I think mobile phones work better because the photographer can see the image right away. I also tell them they can take as many pictures as they want. Usually, the group and I check each other's photos that we have taken of each other. I have noticed that people become "pickier" with their images, which is a good thing, because people also then take a good photo of you. Don't be afraid to ask (but also, of course, be careful in general - I also usually have gadgets with my equipment to make it safer to carry if you are not used to it).

I just got back from Chicago! I am from Amsterdam and 19 years. I enjoyed it so much. I think it was the best holiday I have every had. I did not mind eating by myself. I also bought a tripod to take pictures of myself at “the Bean” and it was a tiny bit awkward but I didn’t get any weird looks. I would totally recommended traveling by yourself. Just don’t stay out too late and stay downtown 💫

I agree that group travel is difficult to set up. I'm going to Spain in October with friends and it was difficult to find the same plane ticket because we live in different cities and had to video chat. However, I am excited going with friends and sharing the memory with them.

Is there anything you've disliked about traveling alone?

So glad you made this video though bc I'm bouncing back and forth btw wanting to solo travel or tag a friend along with me!!! Love from another travel/fitness youtuber! 💗

Omg I didn't know you were from Seattle! I JUST WENT THERE for one of my first solo trips! I LOVED exploring the city by myself! It was so much fun! The Space Needle did not disappoint, and Gas Works Park was incredible. You're lucky to live there! :)

Hello, thanks for the video. I’ve just subscribed and I love your content. One thing I would like to add as a female solo traveller is that I’m very rarely ‘alone’ even when I travel solo. I always meet people when I’m there. That’s because I stay in hostels and they’re sociable environments that aim to integrate all travellers eg through activities such as bar crawls, evening dinners etc.

Thank you for making this, so interesting! And that stranger photo thing is so true lol

Agreed! I traveled Europe this summer solo and can vouch that all your top 5 are completely true. I enjoyed the independence but at the end of the day it was kind of lonely at times when hostel mates had departed their own ways.

Please do a video on upcoming travel! Or your foreseeable travel bucket list 🙂

I fear being too naive and being taken advantage of :c

At this point of my solo traveling career. I’m a bad group traveler. My friends invited me to go on a group trip to Vegas and 70% of the time I ended up doing my own thing.

I think you outgrow all those issues. I had the same issues when I started traveling alone, after many experiences I enjoy eating alone and even going to concerts, it gets to a point where the people you know don’t share your same hobbies so you have to do it alone.

My last trip alone was just a weekend away near by during Easter break .. didn’t enjoy it 2 weeks ago I return from Canada in a tour of 11 people, Enjoy and have great time. Still want to keep traveling in my own specially when going overseas. All depends of actitud the freedom to travel alone cannot be compare.

I know! but eating alone I love! since I just eat and go! and I do get it, the tripod thing! and worse, if you love taking pictures you do not want to give the camera or phone since they will take a crappy picture.

Bang on. You just hit all of my downsides to solo travel. However; the good far out weighs the bad. Going to look for your link to loosing your wallet my ultimate nightmare. So scared of loosing my life lines. I avoid pickpocket destinations to avoid the stress.

You inspired me to solo travel and I love it! I haven’t gone anywhere too far I started at my grandmas cabin in a dif state that I had visited before with my fam but I stayed a week by myself! And I loved it! I met so many people but the one thing I hated (wait hated is strong word I guess that I disliked) was that at some restaurants people were taken aback that I was by myself. Now I got great service but I felt so judge and Ik it wasn’t in my head. I learned to not care but it’s still irritating when something isn’t an issue to you but everyone is make a big deal about it. Like every server was like youre by yourself? Why? To which I was like I wanted to travel and enjoy so me time and no one was able to come (the last part wasn’t true I didn’t invite anyone)(and I was mad at myself for trying to make excuses but it’s honestly quicker to end the convo to just lie)

I love solo travel! My Bahamas trip was so fun!

Definitely the eating out thing. Well, specifically, eating out at nice places. I am at the point where I can do most things by myself, and can eat at "normal" restaurants alone no problem, but I really love fancy restaurants and that is just way too intimidating to do solo - and even if I could muster up the courage, like you said it's just one of those things that is better shared with others. But I hate that I may never go back to some of these places, and might have missed my only chance to go to a restaurant I've always wanted to try.

I usually LOVE solo travelling and do it a lot. However, right now I'm in NZ for 6 months and I'm the saddest, loneliest and most down I've been in a very long time. I don't have my warm soothing comforting group of friends and family. I won't see them for another 3 months and I've never missed home so much. I think it's good to know your limits when it comes to how long you travel for.

When you are in the restaurant or take a boat ride or even on the train, and everyone is married or in love and you are alone.

For eating alone - this isn't necessarily true if you stay in hostels instead of hotels and meet people to eat with

One of the reasons I enjoy solo travel is because there are days, sometimes, when I just want to sit in a cafe and read or write. If I was with someone else, they'd likely guilt me by saying, "We're in [insert country]! You can sit in cafes at home"...well maybe I want to sit in a cafe in [insert country]. Also, when I go to art museums, I like to go at my own pace. If I'm liking the museum, I can be there for up to 3 or 4 hours. If I'm not really feeling it, I'm in an out within an hour or less. If I'm lugging another person around with me, I may need to stay in the museum for more time or less time than I want to.

What I relate/agree the most with is #1. Eating alone. The good thing with a companion is the ability to try more foods, especially since you're traveling to a different country you want to sample that cuisine better. To remedy that a bit is instead of ordering one appetizer and an entree, I would get three appetizers.

Allison, You are amazing girl. Love you from Iran 💓💓💓💓💋

I never even realized that reminiscing with someone is so important but I do it with my mom who wasn’t on the trip all the time. Personally I would travel with one other person who shared common interests if it were up to me

Eating alone is a BIG one for me

Want to travel solo but not travel alone? Travel to Europe and do one of many pilgrim routes of a camino ending in Santiago, Spain!! You are never truly alone, whether it be on the camino path or spending a night in an alburgue (backpackers). Those on their own, vs traveling with friends, are more likely to make traveling companions along the way, aka a camino family. At alburgues, they have communial kitchens and dining rooms., so you can eat amongst other people. You might even spend the evening with a group sing-a-along.

Getting sick while solo traveling was the worst minus for me, there was nobody who could go get me some medicine or a soup and that was miserable 2 days in Peru

I not a traveler as to going places far way i guess, but being close to home kinda i can handle as to planning and all. i use a tablet for pics and a plus is u can reverse the view so no need for timer and can move the tablet so u see u and the place u try take pic with at same time and hit button for pic. just gotta as u say wait till out of traffic and timing to take pic at time. i not a shutterbug so to speak where i take alot pics, but i do try do so at time when i see a chance or really want a pic of what or whoever it is at time. but in general traveling alone if plan ahead can be fun since u are on ur clock and not gotta stress meeting everyone or anyone at certain times and can just roam around and enjoy what u do and see.

I agree that there are downsides to solo travel, I don't particularly like eating by myself but I still love it

I haven’t taken a picture of myself in years ... and when I travel I never take photos of myself in those places .. is that’s weird?

I'm still bitter about the time i asked a guy to take a photo of our family in front of the Haleakala NP entrance sign. He took a minute to do it, so i thought it was fine. I get back in the vehicle and I look at my camera -- not only was it bad-- there was NO PHOTO!!! He didn't even take one!! Luckily i took one of the sign with no people, but dang. I won't ever get that opportunity again. Ugggh. Always check right away! I was worried i already kept the group waiting, so i hurried too much. 😩

6:17 travelception!!!!!

Hi! Could you please do a video of places to visit in Seattle? I’m going in September and i would like you’re input. Thanks!

I guess no one has heard of A monopod or a tripod to take a solo photo or take a selfie. LOL Great video.

The biggest issue i have with solo travel is the fear of losing all my money/cards. I do split up my stash but still, the thought of it happening is quite terrifying. How do i get money if i lost all my card and cash? Or worse and phone!!!!!

i totally understand and face the same issue about the photo :( and i feel bad to ask stranger to take picture again so i end up with less photo :(

when I went to Japan #3 for me was hard and I felt bad asking people to take a photo of me when they are taking pictures of themselves, I have a tripod but it gets annoying taking it everywhere with you, so I just have to make do with what I have.

Yes the thank you for pointing out the downsides. Regardless I will always solo travel. I usually sit at the bar and end up striking a conversation with someone and then its like I'm not eating alone. And yes the hotel costs! Ahhh the one thing that really sucks. As far as pictures I have always managed to find someone to take my picture. I just look for the ones that look like they know what they are doing and gotten some amazing photos I could never take Lol. Omg yes solo travel you dont have a buddy to help with directions or anything. And I had a similar experience in Germany where I could not get money from my card and had run out of euros or had no local currency in Czech Republic and my cards were not up to date then with the chip. Omg I had so many issues and even thought I was going to end up doing dishes at one restaurant when my card would not work luckily I found €10 and managed to pay the bill. Walked away embarrassed but I have stories to tell for days!

Hi Allison who is your TRIPOD from. I already know the camera you use from a prior video.

The food thing is definitely still a struggle for me. I feel like such a loser eating all by myself!

Sometimes I would sit at the counter or at the bar so I am not alone when I eat.

There is one serious thing about solo travel, it is the second best choice. First is travelling with a nice person you get along, second is solo travel, then the others options, going with someone just for the sake of not going alone, with a group you don't get to do much or not going at all. So solo travel is in a very well position.

I am a person who always hesitate to travel alone 😪 but I'd love to travel anywhere if I have friends with me.. ❤️ I hope I could go for solo travels in the future.. Loved your video and your way of talking, And lots of love from Kerala, India. 🥰 (Try to visit kerala once, you won't regret! This is god's own country!)

So honest! It's only you and nobody else :-) :-D

#4 is the biggest for me

Eating alone doesn't bother me, but it does get annoying in places in Europe and Asia where there are types of cuisines that are meant for you to order a lot of plates and share them. Another person to work off of is also a biggie. My navigational skills are terrible, so it's nice when I'm traveling with my partner as she notices things in the environment, whereas when I solo travel I'm constantly checking Google maps every block.

How do you feel about singles travel tours?

i DID A trip with a friend and sure, we split the bikk at hotel and it was so cheep!! at hostel prices I was in good hotels! but in many ways I did miss solo travel, even do she is a very nice person to travel with, we were together 5 days and never got into arguments or any bad, but I just want my next trip to be a solo one. I have like a rule now, one trip with family (my dauther) and one solo or with friends, just so I do not forget what it feels like to travel with somebody... I know, it is not them, it is me.

The hotel costs is a killer, so many costs scale down with single travel. Alas hotels..no. And pictures... nightmare. I tend to end up with a lot of vlog footage and a lot less pictures 😀😁 Yes, just remembering stuff and not forgetting things. You have to account for everything yourself. It can get a bit tiring. I'd add another one, though this may be one instance where men do worse - customs. Specifically US customs for certain destinations are triggered by men entering the country alone. And yes, the camera is often the person I am with when I solo travel.

ok

Am used to being alone have not had a partner or friend to go with but what the hell ... used hostels and small hotels .. tried group travel but wasn't that great as kind of received negative comnents when they knew I had travelled alone .. India Thailand Morocco was easy enough to budget with accommodation .. yes found it hard to get good photos .. when people offered they could not get it right but never mind haha .. it can be lonely but no more than usual .. still had a great time for 7 months and 2 other holidays . was ready to go again after sacrificing and taking crap work .. but now looking at 2021.. yes toilets difficult when alone .. you have to bring with everything with you and on return can find your seat taken!! I have spent a good 2 weeks of 7 werks inside on ldown looking at my photos and post up 1 year ago etc on facebook my story etc ...

For me personally some of the best memories of travel was sharing it with someone. Otherwise you’re just a lone stranger in a strange place looking at buildings and things. Maybe some enjoy that, but I know it’s not for me. However, that being said, I love having like a day to myself while traveling with someone else. Like if I’m in New York City I love just wondering the streets by myself. But a day usually fills that requirement and then I enjoy company for the rest.

totally agree on the strangers taking your picture thing.. and one more downside for those of us who only have a limited amount of vacation per year and don't live close to friends and family: doing something solo means losing vacation days to be with friends and family, which is why I only do long weekends solo except for two years ago where I did the traditional california road trip in a week by myself because none of my friends had time to take vacation.

I LOVE traveling by myself....I don't like eating by myself...so I have to have a newspaper or internet accesss. I cannot stand eating without some kind of reading material.

Lol, Im not pretty enough to start a RU-vid channel, but Ive definitely thought about it

lol they're definitely all tourist bots. I usually seek out women my own age to take my photos when I'm in a crowded place and tell them it's for Instagram. They take it very seriously - gotta get that shot!

OMG! Yes... The fact of not having someone to take pictures is the top downside for me :(

When you set your camera with a tripod aren’t you scared somebody will just walk by and steal it and take off ?? That is always my worst fear !! It’s not so much setting it up and taking it yourself but there is always that ‘chance’ someone will steal it !!

I don’t have social media, so I really wouldn’t have an “outlet” for solo travel. How would you recommend getting over this? I think not having an outlet or someone to share the experience with is what is holding me back the most.

Hi Allison! As a fellow engaged lady, could you talk about how you approach solo travel in your relationship? Maybe your family/friends are more open-minded to it, but I’m from the Midwest and I feel like some would find it odd that I’m not traveling with my fiancé or that I’m trying to “escape.” Idk. Hope that’s making sense! :) I’d love your perspective on how you and your fiancé approach the topic. Love your videos ❤️

Ask me to make a picture of you! I give my best for travelers who wants pictures!! 😂

Solo and looking for some buddies ;)

I'm on my first solo trip. It feels kinda awful, I'm in amsterdam and I've my hostel room all to myself so I can't even chat with anyone. Also amsterdam is super difficult to navigate for small town ppl

You mention most pics you take yourself, but do you hire a photographer from that area? Lots of the pics look super professional.

Sounds like the negatives are more serious than the positives,

I might be one of the few people that rarely take pictures of myself in front of a landmark. I just want to capture the landmark, not me....

5 years now travelling solo aaaand even your partner wouldn't be able to take a good picture of you, i can say i prefer eating alone but the rest is pretty sad though.

I'm so glad I hate myself and therefore have no need to be in any of the photos I take when I travel solo.

i also travel solo !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NMP

As a 60+ woman 'on my own', I have experienced this over the past two decades. On flights you always get put with two strangers, I sure do feel awkward eating alone, and that I stick out in general. Even on organized day tours, it's hard to make conversation. I have not found people strike them up or respond much whenever I try. Checking into an Airbnb or hotel alone, REALLY sucks ( also paying full price) ( I just hate that word), but it describes the feeling so well. Also the need to entertain myself, decide where to go, what to see, when and how. It has worked out and I've had some enjoyable and successful trips, but every time I think of another destination, these thoughts kind of turn me off... have to basically force myself to go, while I can still get around, because it's the one thing I love!

Another downside to solo traveling is that you end being the one taking other people's photos.

You are so very gorgeous 😍❤

When I solo travel, I go out and have a few drinks when I'm happy. But when I am feeling lonely or down, I smoke a joint. That's really enhanced my solo travel. Just my two cents.

For me travel alone has more against than pros. For a introvert person, most of times travel alone is a pitty shape of travel.