40 best things about travelling on your own - including not having to compromise

11 January 2023 , 12:33

885     0

Over a third of holidaymakers prefer travelling alone rather than with others (Image: Thomas Barwick/Getty Images)

Making your own decisions, eating when and where you want, and planning your day just to suit you, are the best things about travelling on your own, according to a study.

More than a third (37%) of Brits prefer going on a solo trip over travelling with others, according to a poll of 2,000 adults – with two-thirds having travelled by themselves before.

Other top perks of independent holidays include going to bed when you want, feeling free, and not having to compromise with others.

In fact, a third of travellers (34%) claim they learned a lot about themselves by holidaying alone, while 39% said it allowed them to step outside of their comfort zone.

And three in ten enjoy being able to treat themselves – while 17% booked a solo holiday as a way to reconnect with themselves after a break-up.

Eight remote and beautiful but brutal jobs if you want to leave it all behind

One in five would go on a cruise by themselves, while over a quarter would opt for a city break (Norwegian Cruises)

Gary Anslow, head of UK and Ireland business at Norwegian Cruise Line, which commissioned the study, said: “We can see from the survey that enjoying the beauty of travel on your own enables a truly authentic experience, and provides for self-discovery and growth.

“Plus, meeting fellow solo travellers can even lead to long-lasting friendships.”

The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found that, of the 34% who are yet to travel alone, almost a fifth (18%) would like to.

A cruise (19%), a relaxing getaway (28%), and a city break (27%) score high on their wish lists.

Reasons for wanting to experience a solo trip included to treat themselves (43%), have a break from reality (38%), and to prove to themself and others they can do it (26%).

Looking ahead, 31% who have travelled solo before have booked another trip alone for 2023.

It also emerged that, on average, independent jet-setters have been on four trips alone – with popular destinations including France (16%), Spain (14%), and Italy (13%).

Outside of Europe they have visited North America (10%), Australia (10%), and Africa (9%).

But many still enjoy being sociable with other holidaymakers, with 29% claiming they’re still good friends with fellow travellers they met on vacation.

TOP 40 BENEFITS OF SOLO HOLIDAYS, ACCORDING TO TRAVELLERS:

Passenger spots graffiti begging Jet2 to stop playing 'moronic' Jess Glynne song

1. Making your own decisions
2. Doing what you want to do, when you want to do it
3. Eating where or what you want
4. Planning your day with no-one else to consider
5. Feeling free
6. Having the whole day to do what you want with
7. Taking your time exploring
8. Doing everything you want to do
9. Spending as much or as little money on what you wat
10. Not having to go somewhere just because someone else wants to
11. You can be as sociable or as anti-social as you want to be
12. Going to bed when you want
13. Not having to compromise
14. Not waiting around for others to get ready to go out for the day
15. Not having to commit to social plans with others
16. No annoying habits to put up with e.g. snoring, moaning about walking far etc.
17. Free time to reflect or think
18. Shopping without feeling like you're dragging someone else around
19. Stepping outside of your comfort zone
20. Waking up when you want
21. Watching what you want e.g. if having a night in watching TV
22. No drama or fallings out
23. Not having to be somewhere at a certain time
24. Increased self-confidence
25. Being adventurous
26. Meeting new people/fellow solo travellers
27. Being your true self
28. Feeling less stressed than when travelling with others
29. Learning to navigate by yourself
30. More cost efficient
31. Not having to share a bathroom
32. Napping when you want
33. Reading without interruptions
34. Only carrying your own bags/belongings
35. Booking onto group tours and meeting others
36. Silence
37. Improving your language skills
38. Ticking things off your bucket list
39. Getting freebies
40. Not having to be someone else's photographer

Martin Winter