Top 40 best things about travelling solo – including not having to compromise

Over a third of Brits (37%) prefer going on holiday by themselves rather than travelling with others – with the top benefits including making your own decisions, and simply feeling free.

Two-thirds of holidaymakers said they have taken themselves on a solo trip – and the poll of 2,000 adults revealed their favourite things about independent travel.

Being able to do everything you want to do, not having to compromise, and going to bed or waking up when you want to, also appeared on the top 40 list.

One in three like to go it alone just to have a break, while 34% claimed it helped them learn a lot about themselves – and 39% felt it helped them to step outside of their comfort zone.

And 30% enjoy being able to treat themselves – while 17% booked a solo holiday as a way to reconnect with themselves after a break-up.

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:

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

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