We’ve normalised the idea that life is better when it’s shared. Holidays become group projects. Dinners require organising everyone’s schedule. Tickets sit in your basket while you wait for someone to say, “Go on then.”
But here’s a thought: what if you just… went?
Solo travel journeys aren’t just about boarding a plane by yourself. They’re about taking yourself out without apology. Booking the city break. Going to a gig or festival even if no one else fancies it. Exploring a new part of town just because you can. In 2026, that isn’t weird. It’s liberating.
Here are five reasons to make solo adventures your new normal.
1. You can do whatever excites you, on your own schedule
No compromises, no waiting on anyone else, and no guilt. Want to see the latest blockbuster, catch a festival, or hit a local gig tonight? Go. Fancy exploring a new neighbourhood, popping into a pop-up market, or taking a spontaneous weekend trip? Book it. Solo means your plans are entirely yours — you get to chase experiences that make you feel alive without being held back by someone else’s timetable or location.
2. Solo events can invite great things into your life
Going to concerts, festivals, gigs, movies, or other events alone doesn’t mean being lonely. You’re free to fully immerse yourself, enjoy every moment, and follow your own energy. And because you’re solo, you’re more approachable. Chats in line, sharing laughs with fellow attendees, or bonding over the same performance often turn into genuine friendships — sometimes even lifelong ones. Flying solo can turn any event into a social adventure in the best possible way.
3. You discover new and fascinating places
Solo travel lets you explore cities, countries, and neighbourhoods without being limited by anyone else’s schedule. Eating Pastel de Nata in Lisbon, wandering through the streets of Barcelona, hunt for street art in Berlin, or stroll through hidden corners of your own city you’ve never noticed. Even a weekend trip to a nearby town can feel like a proper adventure when you’re going at your own pace. Being on your own means following your curiosity, stumbling on unexpected gems, and collecting stories from places you might never have visited with friends. Every trip becomes uniquely yours.
4. It’s a mental health boost that actually works
Being on your own is energising, not lonely. It gives you space to recharge, reflect, and just have fun on your own terms. Whether it’s a movie, a coffee, or exploring a new city, solo experiences help you feel more centred, confident, and in tune with yourself — without anyone else’s expectations slowing you down.
5. You feel genuinely empowered
Booking the ticket, hopping on the train, standing front row at a gig, dancing at a festival, or exploring a new part of town alone — it’s a quiet power move. It shows that your life doesn’t need anyone else’s permission to be full, exciting, and meaningful. That sense of freedom spills into everything else you do, making you bolder, braver, and more ready to chase opportunities that excite you.
2026 doesn’t need to be dramatic. It can simply be deliberate. Go to the movies alone. Take the train to a festival. Explore that part of town you’ve always been curious about. Book the ticket. Sit in the front row. Order dessert without splitting it.
You’re not “on your own.” You’re adventurous, capable, and entirely able to create a life packed with stories, excitement, and friendships — all on your own terms.
ROARA Magazine 