Solo travel can be an awesome way to meet people. I have really come to enjoy it. You are easier to approach alone and it also forces you to be more social with others. If you are not good at being social try solo travel, you will get better. I have not had much problem with crime as a solo traveler. What I think Is important is to pay attention to your surroundings. If you are going out to the bar you don’t have your friends to get you back. You cannot over do it on the alcohol. That being said there are a lot of benefits to being a solo traveler.
1) Making friends
As stated above I think this is one of the top pluses of solo travel. You will certainly make deeper connection than you would have otherwise. Normally for me this is with other solo travelers but not always.
2) Go where you want to
I used to not go places when I couldn’t get friends to go. I then slowly started to realize that I didn’t need to bring friends because I am going to make new ones wherever I go. This gives you freedom to go wherever you please and not have to compromise with anyone. Except maybe your new friend at the hostel, but even then you can just meet up later. If you wake up in the morning and say screw it I am going to a new city, nobody is there to stop you. You also get to eat whatever and whenever you feel like. Which is great, because every friend group has that one picky friend.
3) Learn to Enjoy time Alone
Although I meet friends almost anywhere there are places where I don’t. I think it is important to learn to enjoy time alone. Although extended time alone is not good. A few days alone can be a good way to organize thoughts and plan for the future. A good book is a good thing to bring. As well as somethings like podcasts and music. It is important to not use these in places where you would like to meet people. You are much less approachable when you have on headphones or are staring at a book.
4) You will notice more when alone.
When you are alone, you will pay attention to that sunset, or the mountain peak, or whatever is in you vicinity. You will enjoy what is there. I think solo travel is a good way to just learn to enjoy life.
5)Time alone will teach you to appreciate more.
You will appreciate both the friendships back home and the friends along the way. Somehow the friends I meet traveling seem to make lasting connections that I don’t thing I would make any other way.
If you are thinking about trying solo travel, do it. My suggestion is to research the hostels and the place. There are always plenty to do. Decide what would be best to do with a friend and without. For the days you meet a friend experience the later. For the things that you would enjoy just as much solo, save for the solo only days. Just remember that you will eventually meet friends if you try hard enough. But they shouldn’t be needed to enjoy yourself.
Live life and stop waiting for others. You don’t need them.