14 Disadvantages of Travelling Alone (and How to Cope with Them!)

I love solo travel, but it certainly isn’t perfect.  Sometimes I get lonely, I miss my friends and family, and paying for everything by myself takes its toll on my bank account!  Despite all this, I keep doing it!  For me, the disadvantages of travelling alone pale in comparison to the benefits, but I also want to be honest and share what solo travel is really like – warts, loneliness, boredom and all!

I took my first solo trip more than 20 years ago, and spend most of the time travelling on my own these days and I adore it, most of the time!  If you’re worried about travelling alone, then I hope reading this post will set your mind at ease.  These are the worst things about solo travel and while I certainly don’t want to put you off travelling alone, I want you to be prepared. 

Solo travel is the most fun, exhilarating and empowering experience but let’s discuss the disadvantages of travelling alone so you know what to expect!

Worrying About Safety

Let’s kick off with the biggest concern most people have about travelling alone, especially women.  For female solo travellers, the fear of theft, harassment, or assault can be daunting, especially in unfamiliar environments when you are far away from home with no one to call on for help.

While I can’t say that 100% all solo travel is safe, nor can I say that living alone is 100% safe, walking home alone is 100% safe or even taking a taxi alone is 100% safe.  Sadly, there is always a risk that something will happen to us, but that could just as easily happen in our own homes or our hometowns as it could on the other side of the world.

While safety concerns could be considered a disadvantage of travelling alone, I personally don’t see solo travel as any more dangerous than going about my daily life at home.

That said, it is essential to research your destinations thoroughly and understand that some countries, cities and areas are considered more dangerous than others, and avoid them or take extra precautions while travelling there.  

Make sure you are aware of local customs and laws, and take precautions such as avoiding isolated areas both at night and during the day, dressing modestly when appropriate, and trusting your instincts.  If something doesn’t feel right, get out of there as soon as you can.

Extra Safety Concerns at Night

Nighttime can be particularly intimidating for solo travellers, with potential risks seemingly multiplied as soon as it gets dark. Walking alone at night can increase the risk of encountering dangerous situations and unpleasant people so it is important to plan accordingly and prioritize personal safety over everything else.

For times when going out alone at night can’t be avoided, take a licensed taxi or an Uber to and from your destination, and share the details of your journey with someone else – either friends from home or even the hotel receptionist, so they know where you are going and what time you will be back.  

Have a backup plan in case the taxi doesn’t arrive, make sure your phone is charged and you have credit to call another taxi if needed.  You may also want to consider bringing personal safety items with you such as a rape alarm or pepper spray if it is permitted in that country.

Lack of Personal Security

While I’ve already talked about general safety concerns, travelling alone can make you more vulnerable to other potential dangers. Pickpocketing, scams, and other forms of exploitation can be more prevalent when you don’t have someone watching your back or with you to deter potential threats.

On the other hand, as a solo female traveller, I have found that every time I have been even slightly concerned for my safety, there are plenty of friendly people around to help.  I often feel better looked after as people seem to feel sorry for me or go out of their way to help me simply because I am on my own. 

I also find that because I am usually hyper-aware of everything going on around me that I am less of a target for thieves and pickpockets than a group of drunk friends – but you never know!  Either way, don’t let fear or safety concerns stop you from travelling alone!

Travel Safely

• Leave valuables at home and don't keep all your money and credit cards in one place.  I love hidden pocket clothing like this travel scarf for stashing my cash and passport or a belt with a hidden pocket.  Read more about how to hide money while travelling.
• Bring a water bottle with a built-in filter so you can safely drink water from any fresh water source while saving money and reducing plastic use.  I take my Water-to-Go bottle with me everywhere!

Loneliness and Isolation

While solo travel can be liberating, it can also be isolating at times. Without a travel friend or partner to share the experience with there might be times when you feel lonely.  It is nice to be able to share experiences with, to have a conversation or just to see a familiar face instead of strangers day in and day out.

However, you can minimize the feelings of being alone by seeking out social environments like hostels, joining group tours, or connecting with fellow travellers through online communities and making new travel friends with people you meet along the way.

However, I can’t deny that even being among people all the time it is still possible to feel lonely and homesick – especially if you are missing out on an event back home.  Sometimes I do get lonely, but luckily now with wifi everywhere the world is a lot smaller and I’m just a phone call or Whatsapp message away from my friends and family.

Feeling lonely occasionally is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about, but if you seem to have more days feeling alone and miserable than not, it is time to change something – whether that is your accommodation, the place where you are or even the country. 

While you should give things time to settle and not make any rash decisions, if you really are unhappy then sometimes admitting that and asking for help from someone around you, or even just heading home is the right thing to do.  Solo travel isn’t for everyone, and that’s ok!  

Dining Alone

I used to hate having dinner by myself but I have learned to love it.  It is still one of the things that many solo travellers find awkward and avoid whenever they can as it can be overwhelming.

Where should I go to eat?  Is it busy enough that it might be good?  Or so busy that they won’t want to seat one person by themselves?  And that awkward moment when the waiter/waitress brings two menus because he/she assumes your companion is in the bathroom or running late, and you have to explain to them that it is just you.  Dining alone.  A table for one.  Because you have no one to eat with.

Then comes the look.  That expression of pity mingled with a touch of surprise and even respect; ah a table for one?!  Of course madam, right this way….  And you wind your way through the tables of happy families and romantic couples and then face the indignity of the waiter clearing away the other table settings as you stand waiting alone.

Once that ordeal is over, then comes the quandary of what to order.  And how much to order?  And why are the tasting platters never for one person!? 

Over the years of having to face my fear and eat dinner by myself, I now enjoy going out to eat alone.  I get to choose where to go and how much to spend, there are no concerns about finding somewhere that suits everyone’s specific dietary requirements, and no argument about splitting the bill!  

Other people are far too self-involved to wonder what you’re doing alone so forget about everyone else and just enjoy the delicious food.  If you’re worried about what to do while waiting for your order, take a book or look through your travel photos to remind yourself of why you’re here and having an amazing time.  You can read more suggestions for how to rock solo dining here.

Decision Fatigue

One of the huge benefits of solo travel is that you get to decide exactly what to do, and when and you control the whole experience.  However, that can also be a big disadvantage of travelling alone because every single decision rests solely on your shoulders, from planning itineraries to choosing accommodations, transportation, and dining options.

This constant decision-making can become exhausting. It’s important to strike a balance between meticulous planning and leaving room for spontaneity without having to decide until the last minute. Research in advance, trust your intuition, and consider utilizing travel apps, guidebooks, and local recommendations to ease the decision-making process.

If you meet other travellers along the way, ask them to choose a restaurant for the evening, or have a night off decisions and just order a pizza takeaway! 

Giving yourself permission to not decide, or to not worry about making the right decision is vital – we all need a break sometimes.  Any decision you make is based on the information you have at the time, and when you travel alone, you’ll soon realise that it is actually very rare that you make a bad decision.  

Increased Responsibility and Stress

As well as making all of the decisions, travelling solo means taking full responsibility for every aspect of the trip, including logistics, planning, and overall enjoyment of the trip. The burden of managing travel arrangements, finding accommodations, navigating transportation systems, and organizing activities can be stressful when you have to do it all alone.

If you find yourself getting stressed, take a moment to sit down and breathe.  Ask someone for help, and if something doesn’t work out the way you wanted, don’t beat yourself up about it!  Sometimes sh*t happens and we can’t do anything about it.  

Make the best of the situation and learn from it for next time – that’s all you can do!

Limited Support System

Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong when we’re travelling.  It becomes crucial to rely on your own resourcefulness and problem-solving skills, but if something bad has happened you can suddenly feel even more vulnerable.

Maintaining communication with loved ones back home can provide a safety net of support, even if they are a long way away.  When I had my passport, wallet and laptop stolen I was lucky that I could call my dad back home and he cancelled my credit cards and helped to plan what to do next.

However, help can usually be found all around you.  The staff or other guests at your accommodation can often help with any problems (assuming they’re not the cause!), and many countries have tourist police who are assigned to help tourists and travellers. 

You should also familiarize yourself with local emergency services, and learn what to do in an emergency situation.  If you’re travelling somewhere where earthquakes are common then find out what to do and where to go if you have to evacuate. 

Keep important contact information readily accessible, and have a copy of your passport, travel insurance and credit cards online and in a paper version separate from the originals.  Being prepared can be a big help in tough situations!

Solo Travel Can Cost More

Travelling alone can be more expensive than travelling with a couple or with a friend.  Travel expenses like accommodation, hiring a car, and guided tours all have to be paid for by yourself, increasing the overall cost of the trip. Even worse, some hotels, cruises and tours might have a single supplement fee for solo travellers.

Do your research in advance to figure out a rough budget for your trip.  Consider cost-effective alternatives like staying in hostels, opting for public transportation, or finding free or low-cost activities to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

Luckily I am an expert in budget travel!  Of course, having some money to spend makes things a lot easier but I believe that travel should be for everyone so I’ve got guides to saving money for travel, tons of tips on how to save money while travelling and even how to travel for free!   Don’t let money worries stop your solo travel adventures!

Missing Out on Experiences

One of the main solo travel problems I have is having to miss out on tours or activities because they haven’t got the minimum numbers needed.  Tour companies rarely run tours for just one person, so I have to look for alternatives that are not quite what I wanted, or even miss out altogether because there’s no one else to join the tour.

There are places that it’s not possible to get to with public transport, but hiring a car or taking a taxi is just too expensive for one person.  That is an unfortunate reality but unless you have an unlimited budget it’s something you can’t avoid.

As well as missing out on experiences, when you do get to do something amazing travelling alone means you don’t have someone to share the memorable moments with. There might be times when you wish you had a travel companion to capture photos, engage in conversations with locals, or simply share the wonder of a beautiful view.

The best thing to do is to fully immerse yourself in the situation and make the most of it while you are there, whatever that might look like.  Accept that you can’t always do everything you want to, whether that is due to travelling alone, freak weather or a bus driver’s strike – sometimes things are beyond your control.

Travel is a special experience and even if it doesn’t work out quite how you hoped, it will still be wonderful in many ways.

Limited Local Insights and Cultural Exchange

Having a travel companion can make it easier to interact with other people, especially if you are shy.  When travelling alone, you might miss out on opportunities to connect with locals on a more personal level if you’re not brave enough to talk to them or to take part in an experience.

If you’re brave enough to travel alone in the first place, then don’t fear having a conversation!  I know from personal experience that is easier said than done though and there have certainly been times when I wished I’d had the confidence to chat away to someone and ask them about their culture, but instead snuck away feeling shy and disappointed. 

It really does depend on your own comfort level and confidence but I definitely recommend pushing yourself as far out of your comfort zone as you can to really make the most of the travel experience.

Overcoming Language Barriers

Communicating in a foreign language is even more challenging than speaking to someone new in your own language, particularly when you’re alone. Having a travel partner (especially one who speaks the local language) can be a big help when navigating language barriers, interpreting cultural nuances, and engaging in conversations with locals.

One thing I loved about backpacking solo in Latin America was the fact I could speak Spanish.  It always surprised the people there when I could talk to them in their own language, and I had lots of wonderful conversations that I never would have had if I didn’t speak Spanish.

Even if languages aren’t your strong point still try to learn at least a couple of words in the local language of wherever you’re travelling to.  Even a simple “hello” can have a big impact on how you interact with people – and how they react to you! 

Taking Photos Alone is Hard!

I have lost count of the number of times I have asked someone to take a photo of me and the result is a terrible picture that I have to delete anyway.  I know that photos aren’t the be-all and end-all of a trip, but having some memories to look back on is important, and yes, having photos to share on social media to make all your friends jealous too!

I now travel with a tripod that can also be used as a selfie stick, and I use that whenever I’m on my own and no one is around to ask for photos.

When I am with people like on a tour, or somewhere with lots of tourists I take a few minutes to watch who is taking photos and how they are doing it.  If they’re snapping away without any care or attention I don’t ask them for a photo, but ask someone who is taking their time and checking angles!

If you do end up with a less-than-ideal photo, don’t be afraid to hang around a bit longer and ask someone else to get the photo you want.  It’s also nice to find other solo travellers so you can take photos of each other without any fear of being a burden – everyone wants a photo or two of themselves!

The key thing is not to feel self-conscious, it’s your trip of a lifetime and you want photos to remember how amazing it was.  Did I feel slightly silly joining a broomstick flying class alone?  Yes.  Did I still ask some random for photos?  Also yes!

Facing Negativity and Judgement from Others

I saved this one for last as this can be a big problem for some people.  Young solo female travellers in particular often face challenges convincing their parents that they won’t be murdered as soon as they leave the country.  People still perceive solo travel to be dangerous, and no matter what you do to convince them otherwise they will still try to scare you and push their fears and negativity onto you.

While this often comes from a place of love – they only want you to be safe – it can be upsetting and frustrating when they can’t see that you want to travel alone and how important it is to you.  The only advice I can offer in this situation is to talk to them openly and honestly about where you have chosen to travel – including the risks – and what you will do to stay safe.

When I first told my parents I was going to South America for 10 months to travel alone they freaked out, but soon realised that I was going to do it no matter what they said, so in the end they didn’t try to stop me. 

In fact, they did everything they could to make sure I was safe while I was travelling – my dad researched the best travel insurance for me, found a travel sim card I could use to keep in touch, and checked in regularly to make sure I was ok.  As I said earlier, wifi access has made keeping in touch with family and friends much easier these days!

I know some women prefer to either not tell their families where they’re going, or to say they’re going with a friend when really they’re going alone.  It’s up to you how you manage that of course, it’s usually better to be honest but do whatever you feel you need to do.

As well as family and friends’ concerns you will also have to deal with basically every person you meet telling you either that you are very brave, or that it is very dangerous to travel alone.  It is tiring having to explain to everyone that you are travelling alone, no you don’t get lonely (much), and yes you’re quite alright not being married or not having children ta very much.

There’s not a lot you can do about this, unfortunately, just grin and bear it and shrug off their concerns. Most people who told me that Mexico is dangerous had never been there or had never even left their own country, so it’s hard to take that seriously!  

Of course, if someone gives you a serious warning about a specific place then pay attention to that and do some more research to make sure their warning is warranted.  However, in most cases, people’s concerns are based on their own fears, prejudices and misconceptions so don’t let them stop you.  

Overcoming the Disadvantages of Solo Travel

I hope all of this has helped to prepare you for whatever lies ahead on your solo travels.  Travelling alone can be challenging, but when you know what to expect you can deal with it much more effectively!  And the disadvantages of travelling alone really aren’t too bad after all!

More good news is that more people are travelling solo these days, so as it becomes less of a taboo subject and more people travel alone you will have more chance of meeting other solo travellers too.  According to recent research by Kayak, searches for single-person flights were up 36% for travel in 2023 compared to 2022, and I don’t see that travel trend changing any time soon.

So, while there are more things to consider when travelling alone, with some preparation you will still have a fabulous time, I am sure!  Good luck, and happy solo travels!

Want More Solo Travel Tips?

Check out these blog posts for more solo travel tips and inspiration, or click here to read all my solo travel blog posts.

• How to Travel Alone for the First Time
• 13 Benefits of Solo Travel 
• 14 Disadvantages of Travelling Alone 
• Staying in a Hostel for the First Time
• Tips for Solo Dining & Enjoying Eating Alone
• Tips for Going to the Beach Alone
• Tips for Flying Alone for the First Time

• Essential Solo Travel Safety Gear 
• How to find a Travel Buddy or Travel Friends
• Tulum Mexico Solo Travel Guide 
• Cozumel Mexico Solo Travel Guide
• Hiking Alone: Solo Hiking Safety Tips
• Camping Alone Safely – 7 Solo Camping Tips