7 Realities of Solo Travel: What Traveling Alone Is Really Like

As an avid traveler, most often on my own (cause I wait for nobody to see the world), I’ve compiled the following list of seven realities of solo travel. This list is intended to allow you to go in with your eyes all the way open, even when uncomfy.

I’m a massive proponent of solo travel, for both yourself and your existence in the world (because after you solo travel, your life, how you see it, and how you treat others will never be the same – I swear it).

Whether you’re road-tripping through Scotland, backpacking South America, or spending a weekend a few hours away from home, getting out of your comfort zone makes a difference.

Let me tell you, whether you navigated an hour away or across an entire continent, you will feel like an absolute badass simply because you proved to yourself that you could, with no one’s help.

The Realities of Solo Travel No One Talks About

Remember that nothing worthwhile is always easy. Part of the joy of solo traveling is the struggle.

There are some realities to solo travel that I don’t believe are talked about as much as they should be. As a society, we can easily romanticize things or make “empowerment” claims without giving people the context they need to actually make it happen for who they are as humans.

We’re all different, right? For me, I like to know what I’m getting into. So use these details to empower yourself, push past your nerves, and book that ticket! 

1. You Might Get Lonely

Why solo travel can feel isolating at times

It can be so freeing to take your itinerary into your own hands. But, sometimes, you’ll find that having a buddy to ooh and ahh over sights or sharing a gelato with would be really nice. 

Also, it’s easy to feel like you stand out, alone. Having a travel partner can ease some of that stress that you might feel when dining out or exploring a new town.

How to cope with loneliness while traveling alone

First, remember how much social interaction you get on a daily basis. It’s easy to miss what we don’t have in the moment, but find a way to ground yourself in the reality that is your actual life.

Travel is only for moments of it. The breather you get from coworkers, partners, kids, and even sometimes friends doesn’t happen often. Enjoy it.

Secondly, solo traveling is the best opportunity to push past your discomfort and meet new people. Do I hate those initial interactions with a stranger? Absolutely. Do I love having a new travel buddy to share experiences with and stay connected to for years to come? 100%.

2. Learning to Enjoy Experiences on Your Own

Finding joy without someone to share the moment with

You know that feeling at a concert, when you’re screaming the lyrics to “Fix You” beside one of your best friends? And the moment is even more fun because you get to feel all the feels together?

Those feels are all yours when you travel alone. Be in the moment and enjoy them.

Why solo moments can become your favorite memories

Experiencing those moments alone oftentimes makes for absolute magic, in my opinion. Remember, you often have to make many compromises when traveling with someone else (or a group) based on everyone’s different interests.

There are so many things you enjoy that might bore a travel partner or that you wouldn’t be able to do because the itinerary is too full of the group’s interests. Learning how to enjoy these moments on your own will make sharing them with someone in the future even more special.

3. You Are Fully Responsible for Yourself

Safety awareness when traveling solo

Getting on the plane, finding a taxi, checking in, that’s all on you. This is also true just for overall safety. There’s no one there to watch your back or your backpack. 

The realities of solo travel will sharpen your street smarts, as few things will. Plus, while it might make you a little more standoffish out of protective defenses, it will also teach you to be alert to everything around you. 

Handling logistics without a travel partner

Always have someone (I like at least two people) who knows where you are and where you’re going. Apps like Find My for location tracking and a simple Google Doc for your itinerary can keep everyone’s peace of mind, including your own.

Additionally, being organized is your greatest asset when traveling alone. I like to use digital documents to link to my hotels, activities I’m interested in, and more, that I can access from anywhere in the world (without having to carry them).

4. Solo Travel Can Be More Expensive Than You Expect

Why traveling alone can cost more

It’s realllyy nice to split that road trip gas bill or hotel room with someone. Sadly, with solo travel, that Airbnb is all on you baby. 

This doesn’t mean you can’t find amazing deals and travel solo on a budget. You definitely can. But that can often come with some comfort sacrifices.

I mean, I’m in my thirties and just backpacked around South America, staying in hostels the majority of the way. I know how to pinch a penny.

How solo travelers can budget smarter

Traveling solo is about to make you a budgeting, money master when you realize how quickly you could burn cash if you’re not careful. So put that cruise control on and get money-conscious so you can do more fun things!

This also makes you a lot more aware of the next time you travel with someone. Sometimes, the five dollars you owe them from that morning mocha does make a difference.

5. Mental Fatigue Is One of the Common Realities of Solo Travel

Decision fatigue while traveling solo

You and you alone get from one stop to the next. There is no one else to lean on, no one else to feel your “pain,” no one to navigate pitfalls in real-time with. And that can really suck. 

When your train is now boarding 20 minutes early on a track far away will teach you to always plan ahead. When you don’t speak the language and desperately need directions, you’ll remember that when you’re back home and come across someone in the same circumstance.

These moments will make you an even better traveler (and human).

When to slow down or take a rest day

Solo travel can wipe you out really quickly, just from a mental standpoint. Plan for rest days. Days when you don’t have anything on the agenda, or maybe just one or two small things, and can take it easy.

If your trip is short, planning a go-go-go itinerary might be fine, but even then, prioritize some early nights in or slow mornings.

6. You Carry Everything Yourself (Literally)

Packing smarter for solo travel

I would love a travel partner for the simple act of not having to take my bag(s) to the toilet while waiting for our flight to board. Whether it’s a bathroom break at the airport or the cobblestone streets and steep stairs in Europe, pack wisely, my friend.

Why lighter luggage makes solo travel easier

Since you’re in charge of getting your bags from point A to point B, pack as light as your trip allows. I also try to leave extra space to bring back souvenirs, though knowing I have to carry any the remainder of the trip helps keep my swiping in line.

7. You Become the “Travel Expert” in Your Circle

Why people look to solo travelers for advice

This one might be the most annoying realities of solo travel of them all. I love to travel, that is no secret. But do I always want to be in charge of every trip I go on? Nope.

Sometimes I would love to sit back and let someone else take the reins. To be honest, most of my family and friends aren’t big travelers, so often, instead of contributing, they look to me to make the decisions.

The stress of other people’s enjoyment weighs heavily if you’re in charge of the plan and can feel unavoidable. 

On the positive side, you now have someone to split that tank of gas with and gasp over sights! You’re also helping someone see more of the world, who probably isn’t going to do so without you to lean on.

Setting boundaries when planning trips for others

Find ways to set some travel expectations before a trip. What are “musts” for you vs the group? Does anybody have budget restraints? Who’ll be the most elite copilot?

Getting on the same page with the travel partner/group can get everyone on the same page, ahead of your adventures. Also, dividing responsibilities where possible ensures it doesn’t all fall to you.

Is Solo Travel Worth It?

1000000000000%. I could add more 0s, but I think you get the point.

Personally, I think solo travel is one of the most impactful life experiences a person can have. You’ll become a kinder, more considerate citizen of the world, both on a trip and in your day-to-day.

Traveling solo will not only strengthen your confidence in yourself but also teach you life skills and new ways to appreciate the world around you, which you simply will not get if you only travel with a group.

FAQs About the Realities of Solo Travel

Is it safe to solo travel?

It’s absolutely safe to travel alone, but remember that you have to look out for yourself on your trip. This is a chance to hone some of those street smarts, but ultimately, use common sense.

Also, if something feels off, always, ALWAYS trust your instincts.

What should I know before traveling solo for the first time?

Knowing these realities of solo travel – from bouts of loneliness to decision fatigue to the absolute joy and satisfaction a solo trip will bring you – before your trip, will make it so much more fun.

Packing well will also save you stress, money, and time. Check out my packing lists for road trips, backpacking, and more here!

Can introverts enjoy solo travel?

As an introvert, I can confirm that solo travel is an absolute blast. It will also push you outside of your comfort zone in ways that will build your confidence and see that, maybe occasionally, leaving the cozy comfort of being alone isn’t all that bad.

What is the hardest part about solo travel?

This answer really depends on the trip and where you’re at in life. Personally, I’d say it’s often those big “ah-ha” moments that you want to share with someone that can be the hardest.

How do you meet people when traveling alone?

Honestly, it’s fairly easy to meet people when traveling solo. Depending on where you’re staying and your activities from day to day, you’ll often meet other travelers – either solo or in pairs/groups.

Unless they’re on a romantic vacation, most travelers are game to meet new people and make friends.

What is the best part about solo travel?

For me, I’d say one of the best realities of solo travel is the confidence boost. From something as small as getting to your connecting flight on time, to navigating a country with a native language that you don’t speak, each moment sparks that “wow, I really can do this (and so much more)” reminder.