Why Don't Men Travel Solo Like Women?

Why Don't Men Travel Solo Like Women?

You might be surprised to learn that a staggering 85% of solo travelers are women. So, where does that leave men? Simon Parker, a writer and long-distance cyclist, has traveled alone to over 100 countries. He shares his experiences and insights into why many men shy away from this path.

One rainy day, Simon ducked into a small café, craving a hot cup of coffee, some crispy bacon, and a fluffy pancake. A woman from a nearby table looked up and smiled, asking, "Aren't you the guy we just saw on the highway?" Simon, feeling cold and weary from his solitary journey through the Rocky Mountains, replied, "Yes, that’s me!" He sighed, his feet soaked in muddy puddles. The woman quickly poured him a cup of coffee and brought over a stack of warm pancakes. After a moment of hesitation, Simon went from being a stranger to a friend in no time.

Embracing Special Opportunities

Over the past two decades of exploring the world on his own, Simon has learned to embrace invitations like this. He has been invited to parties by people he had just met, treated to meals by those who noticed he was hungry, and offered temporary lodging when it was clear he needed a place to rest. Simon realized that wonderful things often happen when he welcomes the unexpected.

However, it’s worth noting that numerous studies indicate men are less likely to travel solo. Some reports suggest that only 15% of solo travelers are male. Why is this the case? James Johnston, a 46-year-old accountant living near Cambridge, UK, shares, "I think there’s a societal stigma surrounding men traveling alone. They often have this image of being strong. It could be a societal issue or even a problem rooted in social media."

Psychological Barriers for Men

James admits that, as a single guy in his twenties, he felt constrained by the belief that vacations needed to be shared with friends and family. While everyone around him wanted to lounge by the pool for weeks, James craved more adventure.

“I got tired of waiting for others to want to go somewhere. One day, I decided to challenge myself because life is short, and you never know what the future holds.” Since turning 30, he has embarked on ten trips with Intrepid, visiting places like Everest Base Camp, Egypt, and Costa Rica. Notably, his trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania was not just about the stunning views but also about the friendships he forged along the way.

Exploring New Connections

Despite some skepticism around solo travel, why don’t men seize these opportunities to connect with others? A report indicates that 27% of men have only six or fewer close friends, compared to 55% in 1990. Some psychologists suggest that the nature of male friendships often revolves around sports and other activities.

Richard Watson, a filmmaker from Zimbabwe, also felt guilty about spending money on himself, which limited his travel experiences. “I’m not very confident but want to focus on my work. There’s a part of me that always strives to be productive and purposeful,” he explains. Richard acknowledges feeling anxious about being alone and prefers to travel with friends, although those trips often have specific goals.

Traveling Solo Doesn't Have to Be Lonely

The truth is, small group travel offers fantastic experiences for solo travelers and creates a sense of camaraderie and warmth. Many people, even when traveling alone, find connections and friendships within the group, illustrating that solo travel doesn't have to be lonely. This is a common question Simon receives: “Do you feel lonely?” His answer is, “Sometimes, but honestly, not very often.”

Simon believes that whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, you’re often just next to people you haven’t talked to yet. The biggest challenge is opening up to new conversations and experiences. Every friendship starts somewhere, right? Thanks to these new connections, Simon has enjoyed incredible adventures from Machu Picchu in Peru to the summit of Toubkal in Morocco, turning strangers into lifelong friends.

A Desire for More Exploration

I’m not the type to lounge around by the pool,” Richard says. “I prefer vacations with a specific goal and shared experiences.” He happily engages in activities like fishing, camping, or hiking because they are more exciting. Although Richard still wants to challenge himself more in the coming years and try solo travel, he recently booked a week in Thailand alone to see how stepping outside his comfort zone would affect him.

“I’ve immersed myself in photography, which is fantastic,” Richard shares, looking for a creative outlet during his travels. “But I find more joy when I’m with friends.” Yet, there’s something intriguing about having a group of others by your side. You never know what might happen until you step outside your comfort zone.

Embarking on Your Solo Journey

Start your solo travel adventure by joining a small group trip with Intrepid. You’ll discover amazing opportunities, not just for experiences but also to connect with new friends every day.