I started solo traveling when I was 18, and over the years, it has completely transformed my life. Not only have I learned a lot about myself—my strengths, my limits, and how I handle the unexpected—but I’ve also gained invaluable insights into what it really means to travel alone.
Solo travel is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it’s not always easy. There are moments of pure exhilaration—watching the sunrise in a new country, forming deep connections with strangers, and realizing your own independence. But there are also moments of loneliness, uncertainty, and self-doubt. It’s a journey of highs and lows, and while the good almost always outweighs the bad, there are certain things I wish I had known before I packed my bags and set off for the first time.
Now, after traveling solo for three years and exploring over 30 countries, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that could have saved me a lot of confusion, stress, and even some money. If you’re thinking about embarking on your own solo adventure, here are 15 things I wish someone had told me before I took that first flight.
1. You’re Going to Be Around More People Than You Think
The idea of solo travel might make you picture long days of solitude, exploring a new city alone, or sitting in a café journaling with no one to talk to. But in reality, you’ll probably find yourself surrounded by people more often than not—especially if you stay in hostels, join group tours, or get involved in travel communities.
One of the best parts of solo travel is meeting like-minded individuals who are also out exploring the world. You’ll share meals, swap travel stories, and maybe even make friends for life. Some days, you’ll be more social than you ever expected, surrounded by fellow adventurers who turn into travel companions. And the best part? You always have the freedom to choose when to be alone and when to engage with others.
2. The Mental Exhaustion of Socializing
While meeting new people every day is one of the biggest joys of solo travel, it also comes with an unexpected downside—social exhaustion. As exciting as it is to connect with travelers from all over the world, share stories, and form quick but meaningful friendships, constantly introducing yourself can become draining.
We’re rarely in environments where we have to repeatedly explain who we are, where we’re from, how long we’ve been traveling, and where we’re going next. At first, it’s fun—there’s a thrill in swapping itineraries and learning about different cultures. But after weeks or months on the road, the conversations start to feel repetitive. Some days, you’ll crave solitude simply because you’re too tired to go through the motions of meeting new people all over again.
And then there are the goodbyes. This is, without a doubt, one of the hardest parts of solo travel. You’ll form incredible bonds, share once-in-a-lifetime experiences with new friends, and then—just like that—it’s time to part ways. Sometimes you’ll reunite down the road, but more often than not, it’s a farewell with no guarantees of seeing each other again. Saying goodbye over and over can be emotionally exhausting, and at times, it might make you question whether it’s worth it. But despite the tough goodbyes, the connections you make along the way will remind you why you set out on this journey in the first place.
3. The Exhaustion of Constantly Moving
One of the biggest challenges of solo travel is the sheer energy it takes to keep going. When you’re always on the move, you’re constantly making decisions—where to go next, how to get there, where to stay, what to see, and how to make it all fit within your budget. The freedom of not being tied to a rigid plan is incredible, but it also means that you’re responsible for figuring everything out on your own.
The excitement of new places, new cultures, and new experiences makes the movement worthwhile every single time. But there will be days when the thought of packing up, hauling your backpack to a bus station, navigating an unfamiliar city, and settling into yet another hostel feels exhausting. If you’re traveling long-term, it’s important to pace yourself—give yourself days to rest, stay longer in places that feel right, and remember that slowing down doesn’t mean you’re missing out.
4. Gaining a Sense of Independence That Stays With You for Life
No matter how short or long your solo adventure is, you’ll return with a deep sense of independence and pride in yourself. When you travel alone, every decision—from navigating a foreign city to handling unexpected challenges—is entirely up to you. You quickly realize just how capable you are, and that feeling stays with you long after the trip ends.
Solo travel teaches you self-reliance in a way that few other experiences can. You’ll face moments of uncertainty, situations that test your problem-solving skills, and challenges that push you out of your comfort zone. But with every hurdle you overcome, your confidence grows. This newfound independence seeps into all aspects of your life, making you feel stronger, more capable, and more secure in the choices you make—both on the road and in everyday life.
5. Learning to Be Patient and Flexible
Solo travel demands a level of patience and flexibility that you might not have needed before. From delayed buses and last-minute changes to language barriers and getting lost, unexpected challenges are inevitable. But the sooner you learn to embrace uncertainty rather than fight it, the more enjoyable your travels will be.
At first, it can be frustrating when things don’t go as planned. But over time, you’ll start to see obstacles as just another part of the adventure. You’ll learn to go with the flow, leave space for spontaneity, and accept that not everything will go perfectly—and that’s okay. Some of the best experiences come from unplanned detours, chance encounters, and moments of simply letting go.
Patience is also key for those long travel days—whether it’s a 12-hour bus ride, an unexpected airport delay, or figuring out how to navigate a new city on foot. Keeping an open mind and a flexible attitude will make all the difference in maintaining your morale and mindset throughout your journey.
6. You Will See Life and the World Differently
Traveling solo pushes you into unfamiliar cities, new cultures, and constant interactions with strangers, all while being far from the comforts of home. This experience naturally leads to deep reflection and growth, ultimately shifting the way you see both yourself and the world around you.
When you travel alone, you have the time and space to think about your life path without outside influences. You’ll gain clarity on what truly matters to you, what excites you, and what you want to pursue. Solo travel forces you to trust yourself, make decisions on your own, and embrace uncertainty—all of which build resilience and self-awareness.
Beyond personal growth, your worldview will expand in ways you never expected. You’ll develop a newfound appreciation for small, everyday moments—sharing a meal with a stranger, watching the sunset in a place you’d never heard of before, or navigating a foreign city with confidence. You’ll come to cherish different cultures, unfamiliar flavors, and new ways of thinking. And perhaps most importantly, you’ll return home with a deeper gratitude for what you have, while also realizing that the world has so much more to offer than you ever imagined.
7. Not Every Destination Is Ideal for Solo Travel
Not every city—or even every country—is perfectly suited for solo travelers, especially those venturing out alone for the first time. Some places may be incredibly safe but lack a social atmosphere, making it harder to meet fellow travelers. Others might have a vibrant backpacker scene but require extra caution when it comes to safety.
It’s important to recognize that just because a country is popular with tourists doesn’t mean every city within it is equally solo-friendly. You might find yourself in a small town that feels isolating or in a destination where transportation and accommodations cater more to groups. And that’s completely okay! Solo travel isn’t always about ease—it’s about embracing the challenge, adapting to different environments, and growing through the discomfort. The key is to research ahead of time, set realistic expectations, and remain open to unexpected experiences along the way.
8. Sometimes Solo Travel Can Be More Expensive
While solo travel offers freedom, it isn’t always the most budget-friendly option. Without a travel partner to split costs, certain expenses—like taxis, private rooms, or rental cars—can add up quickly. Getting from the airport to your accommodation, for example, is often much cheaper when shared with others. Similarly, some experiences, like boat tours or day trips, are more cost-effective when booked as a group.
That said, there are ways to work around these extra costs. Staying in social hostels can help you meet travel buddies to share expenses, whether it’s splitting a taxi or booking an Airbnb together for a few nights. In some cases, even private rooms become more affordable when shared between two people, costing less per person than dorm beds. Being mindful of these situations and seeking out ways to cut costs with fellow travelers can make solo travel just as budget-friendly as traveling with a group.
9. You’ll Have to Make Decisions All the Time
If you’re someone who struggles with indecisiveness or prefers following others’ lead, be prepared—solo travel is a constant exercise in decision-making. From choosing where to stay and what to eat to figuring out transportation and daily plans, every choice is entirely up to you. There’s no one else to consult, compromise with, or take the lead.
At first, this can feel overwhelming, but over time, you’ll become more confident and efficient in making decisions. You’ll learn that spending an hour debating what to eat or where to go isn’t worth the mental exhaustion. Instead, solo travel teaches you to trust your instincts, make quick choices, and embrace spontaneity. The freedom to decide everything for yourself is one of the best parts of traveling alone—it just takes some getting used to!
10. Strangers Will Help You More Than You Think
One of the most beautiful surprises of solo travel is discovering just how kind and generous strangers can be. It’s easy to assume that if you ever found yourself in a difficult situation—lost, stranded, or in need of assistance—no one would help. But travel has a way of proving otherwise.
Throughout my journeys, I’ve had strangers offer me rides, guide me when I was lost, check in to make sure I was safe, and even extend simple gestures like sharing a meal or striking up a conversation when I needed company. While it’s always important to stay cautious and trust your instincts, you’ll be amazed at how many people are willing to lend a hand and show genuine kindness, even if you’re a complete stranger to them.
11. It Will Feel Uncomfortable at First
No matter how adventurous you are, solo travel will feel uncomfortable in the beginning. Boarding a plane alone, navigating a new city by yourself, and even something as simple as sitting down for dinner solo can feel strange and awkward at first.
But here’s the secret: the more you do it, the easier it gets. The discomfort fades, replaced by confidence and excitement. Soon, the idea of eating alone won’t feel awkward—it’ll feel empowering. The thought of exploring a new place without a companion won’t feel intimidating—it’ll feel like freedom. Embracing that initial discomfort is what makes solo travel so rewarding. Pushing through those moments of awkwardness will ultimately lead to some of the most exhilarating experiences of your life.
12. Some People Won’t Understand Your Lifestyle
A tough reality of long-term solo travel is that not everyone back home will understand it. Friends and family may question your choices, make dismissive comments, or struggle to grasp why you’d rather live out of a backpack than settle down into a more conventional lifestyle.
Sometimes, their reactions stem from genuine concern. Other times, it’s jealousy or confusion disguised as negativity. People who haven’t experienced solo travel themselves may not fully understand the highs, the lows, and the personal growth that comes with it. And that’s okay.
The key is to surround yourself with those who uplift and support you. You don’t need everyone to understand your path—only the ones who truly matter. At the end of the day, your journey is yours alone, and the experiences you gain will shape you in ways that no one else needs to validate.
13. You Can’t Always Share Your Memories with Anyone
One of the hardest parts of solo travel is experiencing something incredible and realizing you have no one to share it with in the moment. Watching the most breathtaking sunset of your life, stumbling upon a hidden gem of a café, or having a moment of pure joy—sometimes, there’s no one beside you to turn to and say, Wow, did you see that?
Beyond that, when you return home, you may find that some people don’t want to hear your stories. Whether it’s disinterest, jealousy, or simply not being able to relate, not everyone will want to listen to your travel experiences the way you’d hope.
But solo travel teaches you something important: not every beautiful moment needs to be shared to be meaningful. Some experiences are just for you. Learning to enjoy those moments without needing external validation is part of what makes solo travel so transformative.
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