Traveling is usually thought of as a group activity. After all, you probably spent your childhood on trips with your family or perhaps later hitting the beach on spring break with your college buddies. Though some may not agree, we think traveling alone can be one of the best, most fulfilling things you can do for yourself.

While traveling solo might seem a little daunting, the world is a much friendlier and more hospitable place than the headlines would have you believe. Gay solo travel has numerous benefits, from discovering something about yourself to going to that club your friends refuse to visit. If you’ve never thought about it, consider making your next trip drama-free and all about you with these 18 compelling reasons to give solo travel a try.

It’s empowering

If you’re used to traveling with others, or following plans you didn’t make, the power of being in charge of yourself is amazing. When you’re traveling alone, every good choice you make and every plan that goes right is all because of you, and that feeling of success is fantastic.

Personal growth

From increasing your confidence and learning how to problem-solve, gay solo travel gives you the time, space, and opportunity to develop as an individual and have a fantastic time while you’re doing it.

You’ll see a place in a different way

Traveling alone gives you the opportunity to really see a place without the distraction of another person. You’ll have more time to watch the locals, soak up the atmosphere, and get under the skin of a new and exciting destination.

Go to that club

You know that club that you wanted to go to in Berlin that your friend would be too scared to visit? Not a problem.

Planning is easier

Love traveling but hate planning? Travel alone. No one else can give you opinions about sleeping options, travel methods, destinations, or anything else. When you travel on your own, you’re the only one you need to plan for. You can simply start your vacation by rent a Ferrari and traveling around the place without having to worry about anyone else.

You can travel however you want

Some people hate buses. Some hate flying. Luckily, when you’re traveling alone, what other people think about travel means absolutely nothing. Whether you want to backpack or fly first class, the choice is yours and yours alone.

Save money

Finding that slim window when you and your friend or partner can travel together always seems to be when the flights to your chosen destination are at their priciest. If you only have to work around your own schedule, then you can normally source a much cheaper deal and save some money for the trip.

Stories to tell

One of the best facets of traveling is regaling your friends and family with the sometimes hilarious, sometimes horrifying stories of your trip. Not only are solo stories more interesting, but you can also throw in a few extra details for dramatic effect and nobody need ever know.

Meet cute boys

Gay solo travel permits you to do what you want when you want. If you happen to fall in love over a sangria in Spain and want to spend the rest of the trip cocooned in your holiday fling’s apartment, who’s stopping you?

It fosters independence

When you have another person around who can make choices for you, it’s easy to fall into a rut and let them do all the deciding. When you’re traveling alone, you’re forced to be independent and come to your own conclusions. After all, you’re the only one in charge!

Be the enigmatic solo traveler

Traveling alone permits you to be that enigmatic character, sitting alone in a cafe, looking calm, cool, and collected – even if, in reality, you are nursing a biblical hangover wishing you were in bed. There is something utterly liberating about traveling alone, and you increase your chances of meeting new people.

Make your own schedule

There’s nothing worse than dragging yourself out of bed with a hangover when all you want to do is sleep off last night’s mojitos. Traveling lets you curate your own itinerary and utilize your time as best fits your preferences. Want to see the Eiffel Tower instead of the Vatican? Done. Prefer a villa in Greece over a chain hotel in Portugal? No problem. When you’re the only one traveling, you’re the only one whose ideas matter. Without a companion, you can be sure you get a chance to see everything you want.

You can explore your own interests

Even your best friends or significant other may not share all of the same interests with you, and that’s okay. When you travel alone, you can let your inner nerd out full force. If you want to spend three days in the catacombs in Paris because you think they’re incredible, there’s no one to convince you to stand in the crowded lines at the Louvre instead.

No judgment

Have that second piece of cake or that second bottle of wine – the only person there to judge you is you! Without another person to keep tabs on, you can indulge as much as you see fit, do what you want, and visit the things that matter most to you. There's no need to fear criticism or snarky comments.

Improve your mental health

Studies have shown that traveling alone can actually improve your mental well-being. Having time to reflect, appreciate your own company, and interact with new people can all increase your sense of fulfillment and happiness.

You can keep yourself company

Whether you know it or not, you’re great company. The chance to explore some of the world’s wonders without any outside distractions allows you to explore your inner self in a way that is challenging in your busy day-to-day life. Without the need to entertain others, you can truly get to know yourself.

No drama

If there’s no one with you to cause drama, you’re guaranteed a relaxing trip. Instead of bickering over restaurant choices, seat assignments on the plane, or who gets the good side of the bed in the hotel, you can enjoy an experience free of drama.

Easy to meet people

It’s easier to meet people when you’re alone. Traveling with a friend, significant other, or a large group can be intimidating for locals and other travelers, but you’re more approachable alone. You also have more motivation to meet others in hopes of meeting a new friend, travel buddy, or a local that can give you insider tips on their city.

Have you ever traveled alone? What was your experience? If not, would you consider doing it? Let us know in the comments below!