Solo travel offers an incredible sense of freedom, where one travels at will, sets their own pace, and make decisions on the spur of the moment. There is no need to compromise on anything with a travelling companion, and hence one can focus sole attention to the journey, experiences, and your growth. For many, this independence is the most tantalizing element of solo travelling. It is empowering, exhilarating, and deeply rewarding.
But in all the freedom of solo travel, there are also moments of loneliness. Of course, if a person is left alone in unfamiliar places can lead to feelings of isolation, no matter how beautiful the location may be. It’s all about learning to balance the freedom of solo travel with the inevitable loneliness.
The truth is, solo travel and loneliness aren’t enemies, they go together hand-in-hand, and learning to know them both is the secret to having a much richer, complete travel experience. In this article, we will go over freedom during solo travel, how to embrace loneliness, and practical ways of balancing both during your adventures.
I’ve been a travelling the world for years often backpacking thorough hostels and hotels, and while that sense of independence was one of the biggest gifts, those lonely moments have also cropped up. Somewhere in these experiences, I learned how to turn loneliness into an opportunity for growth and connection. Let’s dive into it.
Freedom with Solo Travel: Why It’s Worth It
There’s something undeniably liberating about solo travel. Without anybody else’s opinions or schedules to consider, you are free to explore a destination on completely your own terms. Want to spend all day at the beach? Go for it. Want to sleep in, then literally do nothing for a few hours? Not a problem. That is the beauty with solo travel-you are in complete control.
Create your own schedule: Probably the most freeing thing about travelling by yourself is you get to create your own schedule. You get to wake up each and every day and say, “I’ll do this today,” or “I’ll do that today,” and you literally do not have to take into consideration anybody else. It’s all about you, about what you want to see, what you want to do, or what you want to experience.
Change on a whim: Because you’re alone travelling, you can be as spontaneous as you like. Coming across a local market or having another traveller mention a nice destination to see, it’s relatively simple to change your mind and go and take a look. Solo travel offers the opportunity to follow instincts and make decisions in the moment.
Know about personal growth: Travelling alone makes you dependent on yourself. Be it navigating a new city, overcoming the problem of language in communication, or solving on-the-go problems, you will a growth in confidence and independence within yourself. This form of personal growth is one of the most rewarding things about travelling alone.
One time being in Tuscany Italy, waking up in the morning, and quite literally having nothing planned. So I thought I’d take a trip through the streets of Florence for discovery. One of my greatest days was spent simply meandering around, sampling the local food, enjoying the feeling of freedom from having no schedule at all.
The Inevitable Loneliness of Solo Travel
While solo travel is liberating, there are moments when loneliness will creep in. It can feel sometimes that being alone in a foreign country, especially for an extended period, makes you disconnected from other people, or even a bit vulnerable. Not to say solitude is beautiful, feeling lonely is a natural part of the solo travel experience.
The difference between being alone and feeling lonely: It is important to know that being alone and feeling lonely are not the same thing. Many solo travellers find that they enjoy their own company and relish the quiet moments of reflection that come with solitude. But when loneliness does strike, it can be overwhelming, especially when you’re a long way from home.
Loneliness to be expected: The truth is, at least for me, loneliness is part of travelling alone. It is not something to be feared or run from; it’s just something to be expected and prepared for. Knowing you will feel lonely at times helps you to be ready for those moments when they come along, rather than being caught by surprise or discouraged.
Loneliness as an opportunity for growth: Admittedly, loneliness can be uncomfortable and can also come on suddenly. On the other hand, it’s the best opportunity to develop your inner self. You are obliged to accompany your thoughts in those lonely moments and therefore understand yourself, think over your experiences, and come out with a deeper realization of self-awareness and emotional resilience.
On a solo trip to Poznań Poland, I found myself sitting alone on a bench in the city centre, people watching and admiring the architecture. As beautiful as it was, I just could not shake feelings of loneliness that settled over me. But rather than letting it ruin the moment, I reflected on why I felt lonely, and realised it was because it reminded me how much social interaction matter. That was a lesson worth its weight in gold and something I needed to build on in the future.
Managing Loneliness When Travelling Alone
Fortunately, there is a plethora of treatments for loneliness when travelling alone. You can reach out to other travellers or locals, or simply find beauty in the moments of solitude and balance that freedom without feeling isolated.
Stay in social accommodation: This could staying in hostels or guest-houses. These are great ways to meet other travellers. Many hostels have shared spaces that people naturally gravitate to, and because of this, it’s pretty easy to strike up a conversation. You don’t have to stay in dorms if that’s not your thing. Many hostels offer private rooms but obviously still provide access to social spaces.
Use group tours/classes: If lonely, join a group tour or take up a class locally. Anything from walking tours to cookery classes to day trips. Whatever it is, it is one way to ensure structured opportunities for meeting other travellers while maintaining the desired freedom of solo travel.
Connect with locals: One of the most rewarding elements of solo travel is engaging with locals. It can be to ask for directions, breakfast or dinners at a restaurant, or even attend some kind of community event. Interacting with the locals makes you feel connected with the place you are visiting. These conversations give you insights into the culture and often create meaningful memories.
Travel apps and social media: Countless travel apps and social media platforms provide a conduit for finding other travellers. Apps such as Couchsurfing allow one to find local events, meetups, or even companions to travel with. Alternatively, browse some travel-related Facebook groups or follow travel hashtags on Instagram to connect with similar travellers in the same area.
On my solo tour in Tenerife, Spain, I joined a walking tour that took us through the city’s hidden gems and historical sites. Meeting other solo travellers from around the world, we bonded over shared experiences. By the end of the tour, I had made a new friend whom I bumped into again in the resort over the next few days.
The Joy in Being Alone: Embracing Solitude
While loneliness is part of solo travel, there’s also beauty in embracing those quiet, solitary moments. Learning to enjoy your own company is one of the most valuable life lessons. Whether it’s watching the sun set all alone or having a quiet meal in a new city, solo travelling teaches you to appreciate those moments spent in solitude. These can be some of the most meaningful experiences on your journey in moments of reflection.
Quiet time: Solo travel allows the time to slow down and be present. Whether it’s spending an afternoon at a café, hiking through nature, or just taking a walk through a new city, these quiet times allow one to truly appreciate whatever is around. Slow travel can bring an appreciation level deeper in regard to places visited and experiences.
Reflect on your journey: Use this solo time to reflect on your travels. Journaling or vlogging may be a good way to process what has been happening and document your thoughts. You can make more sense, in words, of any loneliness you are experiencing, or at least understand how you’re growing through your journey.
Take time out for self-care: Solo travel gives you the chance to take extra care of yourself. Give yourself a pampered day: get a massage, read a good book, or sleep. Solo travel allows giving all attention to your needs without feeling any guiltiness about it.
While solo travelling in Scotland with a trip through the Highlands I took a road trip through the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Along the way, I met friendly locals in a the cosiest pub Dores Inn, Loch Ness while exchanging travel stories.
Balancing Freedom and Connection
While solo travel means embracing your independence, it is also about finding a balance. One can appreciate the freedom of being alone without neglecting seeking contact when needed. Finding this balance will allow you to make the most of your solo adventures without isolating yourself.
Alternate social time and alone time: When you travel alone, it is important to listen to your body. Some days you will want the freedom of doing things alone; other days, you will want to share with others. That way, you are able to enjoy both the independence of solo travel and shared experiences.
Be Open to new contacts: Among the best things about travelling solo are the new people you get to meet. Be open to locals and other travellers, and this may bring in added richness to your journey, even if it’s just a peek into their worlds. Whether it is a small and quick interaction with an owner of a café or a longer friendship with another traveller, these new interactions can add an extra richness to your journey.
Join travel communities: Many online communities exist, where people connect with each other, share helpful tips, and sometimes meet in person. Whether through social media, using travel forums, or even apps like Meetup, you’ll find fellow solo travellers who wish to connect through the community.
During a solo trip in Amsterdam I made one day my own to explore historical sites, free to roam around at my personal pace, and the following day doing a group bike tour where I met other solo travellers, strike that perfect balance between solo time and social connection. I came away with both a deeper appreciation for the crowded city and a new friend.
Using Loneliness as a Tool for Self-Discovery
While loneliness may be something to be avoided, it actually can be a powerful tool in self-discovery. By learning to sit with your loneliness and understand it, you can gain insights into who you are, what you want, and how you connect with the world around you.
Understanding your emotions: When you travel solo, you often face your emotions in ways that everyday life doesn’t typically allow. Loneliness can be a feeling of vulnerability, but at the same time, it can help you understand those buried needs for connection, purpose, and fulfilment.
Being comfortable with discomfort: Loneliness is uncomfortable, and learning to be OK with that discomfort is a valuable life skill that teaches you not every moment in life needs to be filled with social interaction or distraction. Learning to sit in silence, or in the quiet, uncomfortable moments will help you develop emotional resilience that serves well both on the road and at home.
What matter to you: Solitude provides time for reflection on what is meaningful for you. Away from the influence of others, you can reflect on your values, passions, and goals. Solo travel often leads to epiphanies and self-discovery that change lives.
Love your freedom: When feelings of loneliness arise, remember how free you actually are because you are travelling alone. You can go wherever you want at any time you wish. Being in the driver’s seat, totally in control, is something to be savoured, even on those moments when you feel alone.
Growth Opportunity: The feeling of loneliness is always uncomfortable, yet it provides the chance to grow. By learning to embrace moments of loneliness, one deepens the connection with oneself and the world around them. Solo travelling urges you to allow those moments and view them as an opportunity, rather than a painful experience which is to be avoided.
On my recent solo trip to Greece, I spent several days alone in remote islands. Sure enough, there were feelings of loneliness, but towards the end, I had a clearer vision of what I wanted from life. The time alone gave me the time to think about my goals and the motivation to follow new opportunities once I got home.
Finding Joy in Both Loneliness and Freedom
Both freedom and loneliness go hand-in-hand when it comes to solo travel. Learning to embrace the duality is perhaps the key to thriving as a solo traveller. Exploring on your own terms is empowering, and moments of loneliness can become opportunities for growth, reflection, and self-discovery.
By balancing the independence of solo travel with intentional connection be it to fellow travellers, locals, or yourself a rich experience is created that’s fulfilling far beyond the traditional way of travel.
So, if you’re ready for the freedom of solo travel, take a leap. Lean into the journey. Lean into loneliness. Discover incredible freedom exploring the world on your terms.
