More Americans are finding joy and meaning in traveling the world alone.

• Why it matters: If it fits into your life at some point, going on a solo trip can teach you new things about yourself, boost confidence and zap stress.
• It's also a great way to meet new people — something you might not be motivated to do when traveling with friends or family.

🧮 By the numbers: Google searches for solo travel have jumped 223% over the last 10 years, Outside Magazine's Jen Murphy reports.

• 50% of Americans planned to travel solo this year, according to a report from Kayak and OpenTable.

Zoom out: Murphy, who is Outside's travel columnist and a frequent solo traveler, lists some of her favorite places to go it alone.

• Portugal for the affordability, Canada for the friendly locals, Costa Rica for the natural beauty and Bhutan for the spirituality.

🍷 Zoom in: You don't have to start with a multi-day international trip. Some of those key benefits of traveling alone can be gleaned by simply spending time with yourself.

• Here's a tip: Try having dinner alone at the bar of your favorite neighborhood restaurant. Then build up to a day or a half-day of adventuring in a city or town within driving distance.

This fiery shot of the Boston skyline at sunset was captured by reader Louise Farrell while taking a stroll with her daughter-in-law in Winthrop, Mass.