Why I’ve chosen to travel alone as a women

Is solo travel really better?

Hello, I’m Molly and I write about my slow and simple life in the Scottish Highlands. Please subscribe to support my work and if you want to read more of my stories. You can also find me on YouTube and shop my Slow Scottish Store.

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‘So, you’re going alone? Why?’ This is the third time I’ve had this question since I’ve announced my intention to travel alone. Why indeed…

In all honesty, this was rather a spontaneous decision. Which is unusual for me!

I’ve booked a couple of nights away in a wee Shepard’s hut, perched right at the top of Scotland, in the village of John o Groats. And I will be going alone.

Before I met my partner, travelling alone was common for me. I spent my early 20’s travelling between work placements as I was at the beginning of my career as a wildlife conservationist.

This career has taken me to some weird and wonderful places. From the tiny Farne Islands, to the remote wilderness of Forsinard Flows, I never let my fear stand in the way of these amazing opportunities.

Me and a puffling (puffin chick). Covered in bird poo and couldn’t be happier!

Even before then, I was a frequent train traveller. This comes from going to university in England, when your family lives on a Scottish Island. Those were some long trips home.

I’ve had my fair share of dramas. Namely surrounding public transport failures. I’ve spent many hours stranded at various train stations and ferry ports. And worked up my steps running for trains. Trailing my various belongings behind me (I wasn’t always such a minimalist…).

There were numerous stressed phone calls home at the start when I was learning to navigate these difficulties. But over the years, my confidence grew and I learnt that I could manage just fine myself.

This trip was never planned purely to be a solo adventure. Part of this decision came down to practicalities. My partner had already planned some holidays with friends this month, so would find it difficult to take more time off work.

Meantime, I was really keen to book in break, after a few very busy months at work. I’d been dying to go back up north after our NC500 trip a few years ago. John o Groats in particular captured my heart and I couldn’t wait to return.

Pic from our last trip up North :)

The idea of solo travel has become more popular over the years, especially with millennials. A 2017 Princeton Survey Research Associates study revealed that 58 per cent of millennials are willing to travel alone, which is compared to 47 per cent of older generations.

No doubt spurred on by the images shared on social media, people don’t want to wait around for someone else’s availability to have their next adventure.

The same study found that 26 percent of millennial women have already travelled solo, whilst Hostelworld reported a 45% increase in solo female reservations between 2015 and 2017.

I’ll admit. I did have a moment of hesitation when booking this trip. I could feel the concerns start building up. What if I couldn’t navigate to my accommodation and got lost? Or couldn’t get in (I have a fear of locks!)? Would people wonder why I was going alone? What if I got a flat tyre? What if I couldn’t work the gas, shower, lights etc? Basically anything I needed to function.

In the end, it was these concerns that made me click book.

This trip is now about rekindling my confidence as much as it is about enjoying a holiday. My independence has always been very important to me. It just needs a wee boost now and again.

The sense of empowerment is one of the main benefits cited by solo female travellers.

Travelling alone means that you get to call all the shots. You have complete freedom on where you stay, what you eat, where you visit and even what time you get up in the morning. For an early bird like me, this is a definite perk!

Being alone means that you will have more time to reflect. Or, if you are more socially inclined, this can be a great way to meet new people.

Of course, solo travel has its risks, especially as a women. Its important to do your research and ensure you take all the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe.

If you are new to solo travelling, but this is something you would like to do more of, I’d suggest starting small. Try a few day trips first. Build you confidence and then gradually spread your wings to the odd overnighter. You’ll soon find that its not as scary as you thought and is, in fact, a truly rewarding experience.

For me, this trip is the ultimate form of self-care. I’m putting myself first. Investing in my confidence. Sparking my curiosity and creativity. Allowing myself some quiet to rest. I deserve it.

If you want to find out how I get on, I’ll be sharing my trip over on my YouTube, so make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss that!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you had experience of travelling alone? How did you find it? Would you like to do it more? Do leave your comments below.

Until next week,

Molly xx