Solo travel, they said, is empowering.
And it is—don’t get me wrong. There’s something deeply liberating about booking a one-way ticket, wandering through foreign cities on your own terms, and discovering just how self-reliant you can be. You learn to trust yourself, make decisions on the fly, and take in the world with wide, open eyes.
But let’s talk about the part nobody really mentions: solo travel is expensive.
Romanticized Instagram reels won’t tell you that booking a hotel room designed for two costs the same—even when you’re just one. Or that renting a car, paying for daily tours, or even ordering room service means carrying the full bill alone. No cost-sharing. No “let’s split the Uber.” No travel buddy to take turns covering meals or taxi rides.
You pay for convenience. You pay for safety. You pay for space that’s rarely optimized for one.
A dinner for one in a tourist city doesn’t magically become cheaper because you’re eating less. A private guide doesn’t cut their fee because you came solo. In fact, some experiences are simply out of reach unless you’re part of a group. And ironically, many “single” packages come with a solo supplement—as if you're being penalized for choosing independence.
And yet… we do it anyway.
Why? Because the rewards, though costly, are priceless. Solo travel gives you something beyond money: clarity, confidence, and courage. But as more people—especially women—embrace the solo travel wave, it’s important to speak the truth.
Yes, it’s empowering.
Yes, it’s worth it.
But no, it’s not always affordable.
So, if you’re dreaming of solo adventures, plan smart. Budget generously. And remember—you’re not “just one.” You’re a whole experience.
"So, if you’re dreaming of solo adventures, plan smart. Budget generously. And remember—you’re not “just one.” You’re a whole experience."