Men do travel solo and here's why
My social media feed is inundated with photos and stories depicting solo female travel. Based on Google searches and industry statistics, the numbers don’t lie: For every four women who travel solo, there is one male, which roughly equates to an astounding 85% of all solo travelers that are female.
But why is it that no one makes a big deal about men traveling solo? Do men not have the same wanderlust?
To get some answers, I met with three solo male travelers to pick their brains about the reasons why they prefer traveling solo. Spoiler alert. It’s about a love for travel, culture, nature, and personal fulfillment. Pretty much the same reasons as to why women go it alone.
It’s not just about the trip.
It’s about independence and the opportunity to learn about yourself as you discover the world. Travelers today (especially post-pandemic) are seeking an experience that goes deep — one that changes them in ways they may not even be aware of. Call it emotional recovery. Call it travel with purpose. Regardless, this philosophy crosses genders.
Winging it is Elie Abou-Jaoude’s go-to… spontaneously packing camping gear and driving to the countryside — letting only intuition guide him. “I usually stay three to four days and hit up all the secret hiking spots with gorgeous landscapes and views,” says Elie, explaining that he embarks on these short but life-changing trips to heal, get grounded, reconnect, and become whole.
“I use these quiet solo times to reflect and let go of the things that no longer serve me.” This may sound spiritual. And it is. Because that’s Elie. Spirituality is the lens through which he sees the world and makes choices that are authentic.
“My spiritual worldview is holistic or multi-disciplinary. When I travel, I engage every aspect of my being and surrounding environment into the present moment. There is a sense of oneness with the rest of the Universe.”
Like Elie, Tom Gambs concurs that solo travel allows him to venture inwards and grow as a person, adding depth to his interests in the world and the people he meets.
“My life is very much rooted in relationships — both in my private and professional lives. It’s important for people to understand who I am, who I want to be, but mostly how I can work on being a better person.”
And although meeting new people and travel go hand-in-hand, Tom admits he’d rather walk alone on streets made for a crowd or sit alone at a café table for two and contemplate life.
That said, travel does motivate him to escape out of loner boy mode. “It’s easier to have interaction with the world [read discover people] when you travel solo. Plus I am able to switch my people skills on and off on my own time.”
With his faithful companion (camera) in hand, Alessandro Capoccia makes a career out of travel spending most of the year on the road. Traveling solo.
Yet this wild and free lifestyle comes at a price, he says.
“You’d think that I have it all figured out since travel is my livelihood. It’s so easy to fall into slumps of unhappiness and anxiety. Mindset plays a huge role. I’ve developed deep introspection while on the road, examining the good, the bad, and the ugly of a situation.”
Traveling solo has also taught Alessandro the art of letting go and appreciating just being.
“When I feel that things are starting to crumble, I reach for my camera. Photography is my cure, my therapy, my yoga. It sets my mind free and opens the door to truly living in the moment.”
The eureka effect.
Travel is a very personal experience – even when you travel with someone. But doing it alone offers up all the feels for becoming better equipped to deal with the BS life throws your way.
“Yes, travel drops you out of your routine and into unfamiliar territory,” says Elie. “But it has taught me to go with the flow and let things unfold without the fear of what may happen next.”
Tom takes Elie’s thought one step further adding that solo travel has allowed him to venture into the unknown and come away with priceless moments shrouded in mystery and discovery. “You can’t help but learn about yourself, your vision of the world, and how you relate to other people.”
Time, notes Alessandro, is probably his most valuable takeaway. “When you travel alone, you have time to completely be yourself without any judgment from others. You can spend as much time as you need thinking about life, work, or whatever you want.”
The biggest gift Alessandro has learned, however, is to accept his flaws and recognize his talents.
“Travel far enough, you meet yourself,” quotes author David Mitchell. It’s rare to have precious time not only to be with yourself but to be yourself. Solo travel affords you these privileges.
Still on the fence? Elie, Tom, and Alessandro share advice for those wanting to take the leap of faith and travel solo.
Elie: “Don’t overthink. When a thought pops into your mind about where to travel, listen to what your intuition is trying to say. What kind of experience are you looking forward to? How do you want to feel? Who do you want to meet? Your mind and body have needs, and maybe this trip that you envision is exactly what you need!”
Tom: “I won’t mince words. First, plan your trip. This lessens the stress factor. Second, do your best to meet people. It helps to hide your aloneness. Third, embrace this time alone. Use it for emotional recovery and learning about yourself.”
Alessandro: “Try not to let fear keep you from your dreams. It will wound your soul. Take baby steps and start with a short trip somewhere familiar or close to home. Bring a book, sketchbook, camera, furry friend. Forget about your phone and listen to the noise of the city, feel the nature around you. The world is your canvas. Let your imagination paint the best possible scenario.”
Photo credit: Alessandro Capoccia
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Italian-born photographer Alessandro Capoccia never stops exploring — the world is his oyster. You can find his portfolio here.
Elie Abou-Jaoude is a certified life coach who brings a transpersonal and holistic approach to his sessions. His heart lies forever in Egypt.
Tom Gambs is a Parisian by birth, but whose spiritual home is the South of France.
