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It may seem like we live in a couples-based society, or, as Michigander Laura McCort puts it, “a Noah’s Ark world where all are expected to be paired up,” but traveling solo is a growing trend that appeals to many people.

When I travel alone, I have the freedom to choose — my schedule, sites to see, food to eat — without negotiating. I enjoy quiet time to muse and watch the human parade go by. Sure, companionship is nice, but it’s not always possible to have a compatible travel partner. There’s a big world out there, and going it alone should not be an obstacle to exploring it.

No arguments

One of the most obvious benefits of solo travel is that you don’t have to do things that don’t interest you or drag your companion to places they don’t want to see. “No arguments!” a friend exulted.

“Traveling alone affords you the luxury of adding or subtracting things from your itinerary to suit your preferences at the time without inconveniencing a travel partner,” said Lynn Thompson from Plano, Texas, who went to Portugal solo.

Carmelita McAllister, a Takoma Park retiree, agrees. “I am not a joiner,” she said. The best part of traveling alone? “The versatility. I want the choice. I like to pick and choose what I want to do. I am my own best friend.”

A solo vacation might also prove more restful. After all, when traveling alone you can sleep in and do nothing, if you choose. You can indulge in idleness without guilt, and recharge. When by yourself, you don’t have to courteously gab.

Then again, solo trips are often a way to meet more people, because you’re more apt to talk to fellow travelers or locals.

For instance, on African safaris, singles are incorporated into the larger travel group, according to Vicky Kohler, a Vermonter.

“Most of the safari camps usually have around 14 people, and usually everyone is friendly to a single person. If not, I don’t need to talk when viewing rhinos, giraffes and elephants. More often than not, I get invited to sit with others there or someone from the camp will have meals with me.”

New confidence

Taking off alone can mean adjusting your mindset, especially if you’ve been accustomed to a long-term partner or traveling companion.

“My advice on traveling alone is to be open and prepared for new adventures and people,” Thompson said, quoting a widower who said, “This upheaval in our lives forces us to reinvent ourselves and to prepare for novel experiences.”

Taking a trip by yourself may reveal resources you didn’t know you have and build confidence. When you navigate a trip on your own, you expand your comfort zone and learn to adapt to — and even enjoy — unfamiliar situations.

“Traveling alone bolsters my self-confidence,” Thompson said. “I can care for myself, take calculated risks and find that, in conquering them, you gain the motivation to do and be more.”

A solo trip may make you feel young and adventurous again, and that feeling can nourish a bright outlook.

Some downsides

Among the top negatives solo travelers cite are feeling lonely, eating alone and being unable to chat as couples do. You won’t have a partner to help analyze situations, suggest new adventures or make observations.

On occasion, it may be harder to problem-solve on your own. You may be in situations like a train station in another country, unable to speak the language, for instance. You may have to find transportation, a museum or a doctor on your own. Many times, the kindness of strangers may surprise you.

Seasoned solo travelers and travel experts offer these tips:

• To overcome reluctance, take a weekend trip alone not too far away.
• Keep safety and prevention at the top of your mind and in your preparations.
• Stay off the streets at night. For instance, because Johannesburg, South Africa, was reputed to be unsafe, I booked a hotel with an on-site restaurant. To limit my time walking after dark in Auckland, New Zealand, I booked a hotel with a good Japanese restaurant next door.
• Keep your belongings safe using suitcase and backpack locks.
• Be aware. While being safety-minded is important for any traveler, it’s especially important for solo travelers who don’t have a second set of eyes. A person alone can be at a higher risk of petty crimes like pickpocketing. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. In a bar, don’t leave a drink unattended.
• Buy travel insurance, especially for trips abroad.
• Leave your itinerary and contact information, including hotels, with someone at home.
• Make copies of all important documents and leave a copy at home and another secure in your belongings.
• Research your destination, the logistics and plan ahead. Book reservations ahead of time. Consider buying an international phone plan.
• Pack as lightly as possible so you don’t have to lug heavy luggage.
• If traveling internationally, register for free with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program before you go. This allows U.S. embassies to contact you if there’s a natural disaster, civil unrest or family emergency. Visit mytravel.state.gov/s/step.

Group trips

If you don’t want to venture out alone, consider taking an organized tour with a company like Intrepid, Smithsonian Journeys or G Adventures.

Road Scholar, which specializes in group travel for older adults, has two types of trips for solo travelers. On their Go Solo trips, everyone in the group is single (some are women-only) and everyone has their own room, which is included in the trip’s price.

On their traditional group trips, since hotel room and ship cabin charges are based on double occupancy, solo travelers typically pay extra for a room alone, but Road Scholar offers a roommate-matching option.

As with all travel, unexpected things sometimes happen, whether you are traveling alone or in a group.

“If things get screwed up, like airlines,” Kohler said, “I just deal with it.”