What Is Solocation & Why You Absolutely Need One
A solocation is a “solo vacation”, a trip you take alone when you need a vacation.
It’s a great way to break free from your routine and reconnect with your inner self without compromises that come with traveling in a group.
Why You Should Consider Going on a Solocation
I’m pretty sure everyone needs a solocation at one point or another. But if you do need reasons, let me name a few.
Solocations Build Confidence
This is my #1, because a solo trip can be a great way to push yourself.
Relying solely on yourself for navigation, decision-making, and problem-solving can significantly boost your confidence.
It can be a testament to your ability to plan, execute, and enjoy a journey on your own terms.
It’s Cost-Effective
Group travel often involves compromises that might lead to more expensive choices to satisfy everyone.
Solo travel eliminates this.
I’m not denying the fact that sometimes it may be way cheaper to book bigger accommodations and split the cost with a group. My point is that you only have to worry about your own expenses.
It Broadens Your Perspetive
Without the buffer of familiar faces you’re more exposed to new environments and you are more likely to interact with locals and other people in general.
By opening your mind you may end up creating some awesome relationships that could potentially impact your life in the future.
It Gives You An Opportunity To Engage In Spontaneous Activities
Unlike group trips, a solocation gives you the flexibility to make last-minute changes to your itinerary and pursue activities that you wish at any given moment without making any compromises.
You can truly embrace the spirit of adventure and spontaneity. If that sounds like you of course. If not, feel free to plan every minute of it. You do you.
You Get To Self Reflect On Your Life, Goals, And Priorities
Solocation gives you space to think and to reassess your life’s trajectory away from distractions of your everyday life.
You can finally focus on yourself and have some time for uninterrupted self-reflection.
You get to rediscover who you are, what you enjoy, and what you aspire to be, beyond societal expectations.
What To Do On A Solocation
Here are some activities you can engage in while on a solocation:
Explore Local Restaurants
Tasting the local cuisine is an essential part of the travel experience.
Even if you’re not a foodie, trying out new dishes is still exciting.
You can’t go wrong by starting with the most popular dishes.
Don’t be afraid to ask the waiters for recommendations and do some research before choosing a restaurant.
Visit Tourist Attractions
Whether it’s a museum, a historical monument, or a beautiful park, there’s always something to explore.
Take your time to explore the local scene.
Go Hiking
If you’re in a location that allows for it, why not go on a hike?
Hiking is an excellent way to clear your mind. You can either join a group or go alone.
Try Something That Scares You
Fear prevents the majority of us from doing things we know we should, even when we’re surrounded by supportive people.
But there is no greater source of excitement and confidence than facing your fears and completing an activity you’ve been avoiding, especially by yourself.
If you’ve been frightened to go bungee jumping or skydiving, a solocation is the perfect place to face your fears, as there will be no one around to judge you.
Best Places To Go For A Solocation
Here are some of the destinations that I love:
Barcelona
La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló are just a few of the famous sites that draw visitors from around the world.
There is an abundance of tapas bars in Barcelona where you can meet new people or simply enjoy a meal on your own.
When it comes to safety, Barcelona is generally safe for solo travelers as long as they practice common sense precautions such as not walking alone at night on La Rambla or Gothic Quarter.
It’s also important to stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts if something doesn’t feel right.
I have tons of posts about Barcelona for you to check out.
Lisbon
First things first, you’ll be obsessed with the colorful buildings. They’re all covered in these azulejos tiles. Every corner is like a postcard, so keep your phone handy.
You’ve got to wander through Alfama and Bairro Alto. These neighborhoods have this cool, kinda old-timey vibe, and at night, it’s all about Fado music. It’s really deep and emotional, just follow the music and pop into a bar.
Definitely hit up Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery – not just your typical tourist spots, they’ve got real history. And São Jorge Castle? The views are nuts. You can see all of Lisbon. Great spot for some me-time and just taking it all in.
If you’re into art, the Berardo Collection Museum and the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum are solid choices – they’ve got everything from really old stuff to modern art.
One thing that’s super cool about Lisbon is how friendly everyone is. It’s so easy to make friends, and locals give the best food tips. Speaking of which, you HAVE to try pastéis de nata.
And don’t skip the Time Out Market. It’s like this huge food hall with every type of food you can think of. Great for when you’re not sure what you feel like eating.
Lisbon felt really safe, and getting around was a breeze, even on my own. The trams are cute and super handy. The city’s got this laid-back, friendly feel that’s perfect for solo exploring. Trust me, you’re gonna have an awesome time!
Mallorca
Mallorca is another safe solo female destination with a well-established tourism infrastructure.
It offers numerous wellness options, including tranquil beachside resorts, yoga retreats, and spas. It’s an ideal place to unwind and rejuvenate.
It’s also a heaven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Check out our Mallorca posts for more info on what to do there.
Tips For The Perfect Solocation
The ideal solocation is dependent upon you and your goals.
But there are a few universal things to think about.
Pick the Right Destination
The destination can greatly affect your overall experience in a solocation.
So the first step in planning a solocation should be deciding what kind of experience you want to have, whether it be lounging on a beach or going hiking.
The destination you pick should provide these options. I know it sounds obvious, but it’s definitely worth mentioning.
In case you’re unsure about where to go, consider our list of top solocation destinations to kickstart your planning.
Set Realistic Budget
No one wants to come home from a solocation broke and stressed out.
That’s why it’s important to set a budget beforehand and stick to it.
Determine how much you can afford to spend on transportation, accommodations, meals, and activities.
This way you can enjoy your solocation to the fullest without worrying about the finances.
Really hope that helps. And can’t wait to hear about your experience. Share it in the comments below!
