What Solo Travel Can Teach Us About Being a 'Solopreneur'

Good to have you back again here at Travel Hi Five! This month, The Compass on VAX has an editorial focus of "solo travel," and it has my mind wandering (in a good way). Let me ask you dear reader, what solo adventures have you been on? For some of you the first step into going it alone was the choice to dine alone or maybe go to a movie alone. Sometimes we just have to test the waters and see how we feel about it. There are others among us who have no second thought about it and jump at the chance to get on a plane and do it . There’s something exhilarating about stepping off a plane alone in a new destination. No one else is responsible for your time, your decisions or your success. Truth be told, I am one of those people and my family knows it. I have sometimes announced I am heading off somewhere to just explore on my own. No one is ever surprised.

These same concepts about traveling alone could be said for launching a business as a solo entrepreneur. Whether you're navigating the streets of a foreign city or the challenges of growing a company on your own, the journey requires preparation, confidence, adaptability and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. We also have to acknowledge the potential comments you will get from the most well meaning of people (usually your friends and family). "You're going to go where?" "Alone?" "You're starting a what?" "Who uses a travel agent anymore?" 

Interestingly, curiosity in becoming a travel advisor and in solo travel continue to rise in popularity with industry reports identifying solo travel as one of the fastest-growing travel trends back in 2025 through today. All this considered, the parallels between traveling alone and building a business alone have never been more relevant.

Here are five key lessons that connect the adventure of solo travel with the realities of entrepreneurship, along with some practical tips for travel advisors serving solo travelers.

Planning Creates Freedom

Many people assume solo travel is spontaneous, but successful solo trips begin with thoughtful preparation. Travel Advisors who specialize in solo travel research destinations, transportation options, accommodations and safety considerations before departure. The same principle applies to entrepreneurship. A business plan, financial projections and clear goals create the freedom to make confident decisions when opportunities arise.

Travel Advisor Tip: Ensure solo travelers have a detailed itinerary, emergency contacts, travel insurance information and destination-specific guidance. The more prepared they are, the more confidently they can explore.

Risk Management Matters

When traveling alone, there is no built-in safety net. Solo travelers must think ahead about personal safety, travel insurance, backup payment methods and contingency plans. Solo entrepreneurs face similar challenges. There may be no partner to share responsibilities when unexpected issues arise. Cash reserves, business insurance and operational backup plans become essential.

Travel Advisor Tip: Recommend comprehensive travel insurance and encourage clients to share itineraries with trusted family members or friends. Safety and preparedness are often top concerns for solo travelers and contribute significantly to peace of mind. Side note: offering insurance on EVERY trip at the time you quote it can help the cashflow in your business since many pay commission sooner rather than later. Very smart move for your traveler and your business.

Flexibility Is a Competitive Advantage

Ask any experienced solo traveler, and they'll tell you that plans change. Flights get delayed, weather shifts and unexpected opportunities appear. The most successful travelers adapt rather than panic. You will often find serendipity in those moments. That feeling where you know if one thing had not happened you would not have the experience or feeling you are having now. Business ownership can feel that way too. Lessons emerge out of the need to flex our goals or plans. Entrepreneurs encounter similar situations daily. Market conditions change, clients shift priorities and new opportunities emerge. Flexibility often becomes a business owner's greatest asset.

Travel Advisor Tip: Build itineraries with room for personalization. Solo travelers often value flexibility because it allows them to follow their interests and travel at their own pace. Industry research shows that independence and scheduling freedom are among the primary motivations for traveling alone.

Connection Is Still Essential

Traveling solo doesn't mean being isolated. Many travelers seek opportunities to meet people through guided tours, small-group excursions, cruises or local experiences. In fact, many solo travelers report that meaningful interactions become one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.  Likewise, solo entrepreneurs may run their businesses alone, but they cannot succeed alone. Mentors, suppliers, strategic partners, clients and professional networks play a vital role in growth.

Travel Advisor Tip: Suggest experiences that balance independence with community, such as escorted tours, hosted cruises, cooking classes or local excursions. These options can help solo travelers enjoy both freedom and connection.

Confidence Grows Through Action

Few people begin their first solo trip feeling completely fearless. Confidence develops with each successful decision, each challenge overcome and each new experience embraced. The same is true in business. Entrepreneurs rarely feel fully prepared before launching. Growth comes from taking action, learning from mistakes, and continuing forward despite uncertainty.  Today's travelers are increasingly prioritizing personalized experiences, adventure and self-directed journeys, reflecting a broader desire for independence and self-discovery. The entrepreneurial journey mirrors that same mindset.

Here is what I feel is the takeaway here. Solo travel and solo entrepreneurship share a common truth: both require courage, preparation and trust in yourself. Success isn't about avoiding challenges, it's about learning how to navigate them. For travel advisors, serving solo travelers means more than booking flights and hotels, it means becoming a trusted guide who helps clients prepare, stay safe and travel confidently. For entrepreneurs, the lesson is similar. While the journey may be taken alone, success comes from thoughtful planning, smart support systems and the confidence to keep moving forward.

In both travel and business, the greatest rewards often begin the moment you decided to go it alone. I congratulate you for not listening to the voices that often say “no," you said “yes!"

Here is to your success!