Is Solo Travel Lonely? My Thoughts After a Decade of Traveling Alone

I’ve been traveling solo for over a decade, and if there’s one question I hear constantly, it’s this: “Don’t you ever get lonely?” The short answer: Rarely. Does loneliness define solo travel? Absolutely not.

In fact, traveling alone has given me some of the most social, exciting and deeply fulfilling experiences of my life. If you’re wondering whether solo travel means feeling isolated or if it’s something you should try, here’s a breakdown of everything I’ve learned along the way.

The Fear of Loneliness: Is It a Reality?

Before my first solo trip, I had this vision of myself sitting alone in a restaurant, feeling awkward while couples and groups laughed around me. It never actually happened. But there were moments — long bus rides, empty hostel dorms, and rainy afternoons — when I did feel lonely.

The key is to embrace solitude without letting loneliness take over. And trust me, once you get comfortable with your own company, solo travel feels less like isolation and more like freedom.

Here’s the truth:

• Loneliness is a normal emotion, whether you’re traveling or at home, and almost half of all Americans experience it at some time.
• Being alone isn’t the same as being lonely.
• If you’re proactive, solo travel can be incredibly social.

The Myth of the “Solo” Traveler: Are You Ever Really Alone?

Despite what the term suggests, most solo travelers aren’t alone all the time. If anything, traveling solo makes you more likely to open up to strangers as you are freer to step outside your regular “friend” comfort zone. You may make new friends and learn to become more self-reliant, which empowers you to befriend yourself more.

If you ever feel lonely, it usually takes one small effort — a smile or a “Where are you from?” — to spark a conversation. As long as you don’t push people away by traveling with a barrier around you because you’re afraid, you can find connection and enjoyment. Ultimately, being alone and feeling alone isn’t the same thing, and it’s dangerous to assume that traveling alone means you’ll feel lonely.

Places you can naturally connect with others include:

• Hostels and shared accommodations: Discover instant travel buddies in common areas.
• Group tours and activities: Take up hiking, city tours and cooking classes, which all foster friendships.
• Coworking spaces and digital nomad meetups: Visit these venues abroad and enjoy the company of long-term travelers. I’ve had many fantastic experiences that started as a conversation about Wi-Fi passwords and connectivity using these digital nomad services in coffee shops. 
• Apps and social media: Use technology when you seek company as social networks like Meetup, Couchsurfing and even dating apps work for making friends. And while you’re at it, track your belongings with a GPS Tile, which helps you find lost luggage on the road. 

The Freedom of Being Alone

Here’s the beauty of solo travel: you get to do exactly what you want when you want. No compromise on activities, no waiting for travel partners to get ready and no worrying if someone else is having a good time. And if you’re worried about eating alone? It’s never as awkward as you think. A good book, a journal or simply people-watching can make it a relaxing experience.

Why solo travel is incredibly freeing:

• You eat where you want when you want.
• You change plans on a whim.
• You fully immerse yourself in your surroundings.

What to Do When Loneliness Strikes on the Road

Even the most independent travelers have moments when they crave familiar company. The trick is knowing how to shift your mindset and take action. Sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery or a simple conversation to shake off loneliness.

Ways to beat solo travel blues include:

• Video calls: Dial up a friend or family member, as a quick chat can reset your mood.
• Comforting activities: Try reading, writing or exercising — it helps.
• Push social interaction: Ask another traveler to grab a coffee or join a group activity.
• Switch up your environment: Move to a livelier area (a bustling café or a local event) so you can connect with people.

Does Solo Travel Make You More Independent?

Absolutely. When you travel alone, you become your own problem solver by developing mental flexibility and the ability to adapt. Once you’ve successfully navigated a foreign country alone, everyday challenges feel easier.

Skills you gain through solo travel include:

• Confidence: You navigate foreign cities, handle unexpected challenges and learn to trust yourself.
• Adaptability: Plans change and buses break down — you learn to go with the flow.
• Decision-making: Every choice is yours, and that’s a powerful thing.

A Balanced Perspective on Solo Travel Vs. Group Travel

Solo travel isn’t superior to group travel. It just offers different experiences. I’ve done lots of traveling alone as a woman and in a group, and there’s no “right” way to travel — just the right way for you. That said, prepare for little hiccups, and believe in your resilience. Learning along the way is normal, and you’ll be surprised how quickly you can pick up travel strategies that will make you a pro at solo transit. 

Solo travel is better when you:

• Want total freedom and flexibility
• Enjoy personal growth and introspection
• Prefer spontaneous plans

Group travel is better when you:

• Want shared experiences and inside jokes
• Enjoy splitting costs like bills and travel expenses
• Feel safer in numbers

The Unexpected Perks of Solo Travel

Beyond avoiding bad group dynamics and choosing your own itinerary, solo travel comes with some surprising advantages. Over time, solo travel shapes you in ways you never imagined. I can’t imagine myself or my development as a person without the years of solo travel I’ve enjoyed.

Things I never expected to love about traveling alone include:

• Being as social as I wanted: When you’re away from home, you can be as social or antisocial as you want. No guilt about skipping plans or deciding to enjoy room service instead of heading out to a busy market.
• Developing stronger intuition: Yes, there’s a dangerous aspect to traveling alone, but you become better at reading people and situations, which keeps you safer overall when traveling alone as a woman.
• Appreciating small joys more: A quiet sunrise, a peaceful meal and a random act of kindness. Out on the road and by myself, I have discovered to look between the busy moments of life, which has been a revelation to me. 

Is Solo Travel for Everyone?

Not necessarily. Some people thrive as solo travelers, while others prefer companionship. That said, you never truly know until you try.

You’ll love solo travel if you:

• Enjoy your own company
• Like making spontaneous decisions
• Want to take a break from social obligations

You’ll likely feel lonely when you travel alone if you:

• Need constant interaction and are used to having many people around
• Feel anxious in unfamiliar places
• Avoid making decisions at all costs

Solo Travel Horror Stories and Preparing Your Way to Travel Success

I won’t pretend every solo trip is perfect. But most “horror stories” you hear are exaggerated or rare. In over 10 years of solo travel, I’ve had way more incredible experiences than bad ones. However, I am a dedicated researcher, so I prepare like it’s the end of the world before I leave home.

Here are some of my best ways how to avoid common solo travel pitfalls:

• Do your research: Ensure you always become familiar with the area and study a street map before you head out alone. Google Maps is great, but you might not always have Wi-Fi, so get your bearings on landmarks like hotels and specific shops before you go exploring. 
• Stay aware of your surroundings: Basic street smarts go a long way. Avoid places that you know might not be safe, like clubs or bars. Make friends with locals, but avoid hanging out with them in private until you know them better. Inform a local server or barman if you feel unsafe in a club — they’ll have your back.
• Trust your gut: If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation. Check in with friends or family, letting them know where you are if you’re in an area that’s not as traveler-friendly. 
• Have backup plans: Beat the frustration of solo travel by preparing what to do if a flight is canceled or a hostel is overbooked. You choose to travel alone, which means you empower yourself to sort through challenges on your own instead of waiting for rescue. 

Is Solo Travel Lonely?

The bottom line? Solo travel isn’t about being lonely — it’s about being self-sufficient.

Yes, there will be moments of solitude, but those moments teach you how to enjoy your own company — something many people never learn.

And the best part? You’re never really alone. There’s always another traveler, a friendly local or a stunning landscape waiting to make your solo adventure unforgettable.

Do you love traveling solo? Please share your adventures on our socials.