With the internet awash with adverts for luxury spa breaks and romantic getaways, you could be forgiven for thinking that when it comes to travelling, two is the magic number.
However, we disagree. In the interests of redressing the balance for anyone considering going it on their own, here are 10 reasons why you'll love travelling alone and why being single could be a match made in heaven.
1. The sheer freedom of it
Travelling alone can be an incredibly liberating experience, having the freedom to do exactly what you want to do, when you want. If you fall in love with Sydney (or someone called Sidney!), there’s nothing and no one to stop you staying for as long as you like.
2. You can plan YOUR perfect trip
Half the fun of travel is in the planning. No arguments, no compromises, no worrying about whether the food in India will upset your partner’s fragile constitution. Let your imagination run wild, think of all the places you’ve always dreamed of visiting, find an adventure tour and make it happen!
3. Making new friends is actually easier
When travelling, you are much more approachable as a single person than as a couple. You’ll also be much more inclined to strike up conversations with people you meet along the way.
4. You could start learning another language
To really make the most of your trip away, learning a bit of the local language can really help you get to know the places you are visiting and the people who live there. Travelling alone means you’ll be much more likely to interact with the locals and pick up some language skills along the way.
5. No annoying habits to put up with
Travelling with your other half can magnify even the smallest annoying habit. Travel alone and you won’t have to put up with any blanket stealers or snorers, nor will you have to endure arguments about who used the last of the toothpaste!
6. All the time in the world to reflect and think in peace
You’re bound to make lots of friends along the way, but when you want to be alone, you can be. This gives you a rare opportunity to take stock of your life and think about what you want your future to hold.
7. Travelling solo often increases your self-confidence
Travelling alone means you’ll have to make your own decisions, helping you become more confident, assertive and decisive as a result. There's nothing like over coming some obstacles and knowing you did it without leaning on someone else to make you feel stronger.
8. You'll have a greater awareness of your surroundings
You’re far more likely to notice things going on around you and have a greater awareness of your surroundings when you travel on your own, leading to a richer and ultimately more rewarding travelling experience. This moments spent gazing out of a bus or train window taking in every detail of the passing landscapes are moments that you can miss when you're chatting to a companion.
9. Self discovery
One thing you can be certain of is that by the end of your travels you’ll know yourself much better than you did at the start – hopefully that will be a good thing. You'll have a clearer view of what you enjoy and what you prefer to avoid, from your own first-hand experience, uninfluenced by what someone else felt.
10. Romance
I know this is a contentious one to introduce - and who knows what situation you're coming from, but having set off on your own so boldly... you still never know who you might meet along the way. It could be new life-long friends, it could be romance - either way, you're likely to meet people along the way who will add value to your trip in each place.
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