Solo travel is liberating and frustrating. It’s helped me know myself better—and enjoy myself more. 

The travel bug bit me hard and early. I grew up in a traveling family, with parents who pushed me out the door after high school to experience the Big Wide World. Since then, I’ve spent much of my spare time and income traveling. And I love it. 

New cultures, new foods, new people, new adventures—what isn’t there to love about traveling? Well, one thing: being by myself. 

Solo travel is both liberating and frustrating. Thrilling and terrifying. It’s one of my most complex relationships but one I keep coming back to. And for good reason. It’s helped me know myself better—and enjoy myself more. 

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Solo travel tears: the moments when I wanted to quit

My solo travel experiences have ranged from a few days in London to a few weeks in Portugal to a few months in Central America. When I go back to read my journals from those trips, I’m struck by all the angst: 

• the phone call to my sister regretting my decision to stay in a hostel dorm with 12 other people—and me asking her if I can come home
• the stress of trying to navigate in another language, another city, another culture
• the frustration of not finding a restaurant for dinner—and settling for eating peanuts in the hotel instead
• the emotional roller coaster of being alone with my thoughts all day.

It’s enough to make me ask: “Do I even like this?”

Solo travel triumphs: the moments that inspire more trips

You better believe there were a lot of tears shed on these solo trips. But there was even more growth. Even more empowerment. And even more adventure. 

Because what I really remember about those solo travel experiences is singing karaoke with the homestay family in Costa Rica. Making ceviche in Mexico. Navigating the London tube without getting (too) lost. Joining a food tour in Portugal and eating octopus. Talking to the Uber driver 100% in Spanish in Guatemala. Climbing a volcano in Nicaragua. 

“There were so many experiences I wouldn’t have had if I had stayed scared of doing things alone.”

There was self-growth. There was self-empowerment. And there were so many experiences I wouldn’t have had if I had stayed scared of doing things alone.

Solo travel has been a big catalyst for self-discovery; it’s expanded my mind and worldview. Doing things on your own is liberating. It shows you what you’re capable of and how you handle challenges and problems. 

It also exposes your needs, wants, and desires. Without the input of other people, it’s all you, baby. 

Where do you want to eat for breakfast? What activities do you actually like doing? Want to read by the pool all day instead of hiking a mountain? Do you. 

When you remove outside input, opinions, and persuasion, how can you not deeply and profoundly learn about yourself while traveling alone? 

Mindset matters: solo travel tips & tricks

How do I embrace solo travel despite the struggles? I think there’s a secret to it: Choosing to value your own company and find peace and contentment doing your own thing. 

Here are a few ways to embrace this Merry Loner Mindset : 

1. Eliminate barriers 

If you’re a new or first-time solo traveler, start small and start easy. This will remove some of those logistical hurdles that become major barriers to you enjoying your time. 

Consider choosing a destination where you: 

• Speak the language. This makes it so much easier to navigate around. 
• Can explore in just a couple of days. Weekend trips can be an awesome first solo trip experience.
• Already know the terrain. You can dive deeper into an area you love where you know you feel comfortable. 
• Don’t have to go far. Start by exploring locally. 

2. Plan, plan, plan! 

Yes, one of the big benefits of independent travel is you can do whatever you want, however you want. But one of the challenges is that you can do whatever you want, however you want! 

That’s a lot of decisions to make, and it can become overwhelming. 

My advice is to plan ahead. Look into your destination and figure out what kind of things you would enjoy doing there. This ensures you have joy-inducing activities lined up and takes some of the decision fatigue away. 

3. Go ahead, dine alone

If you’re like me, food is a big part of traveling. That’s why you’ve got to get comfy with dining alone. It may feel unnatural at first, but let me remind you that eating is the most natural thing in the world—and I’m not going to let you miss out on the delicacies of life because you don’t want to say, “Table for one, please”! You’ve got this.

If you’re feeling awkward, take something to read with you. This helps you connect with and enjoy the present moment. IMO, scrolling on your phone does the opposite and you may miss out on what’s in front of you. 

4. Mind your mind 

The way you speak to yourself matters, so mind the influences you’re letting in there. 

If you’re full of negative self-talk—like, “This is too hard” or “I’m not cut out for this”—check it, squash it, and replace it with something better. 

Repeat mantras. Journal positive thoughts. Get a pep talk from your friend—whatever you need to do. The key is to fill your mind (and social media feed) with positive empowerment. 

5. Take the first step

Solo travel can start small. You can build up to your dream trip. But you have to take a step, no matter how small it might be. 

Your first step might be exploring why you’re afraid to do things alone or taking yourself on solo dates around town. 

Or, if you’re already comfortable hanging out by yourself, it might be researching a trip you want to take. It might be telling a friend you’re planning a trip. It might be booking the flight or Airbnb. 

I’ve always loved the famous quote by French writer André Gide

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” 

Raise the anchor, loosen the ropes, and cast off from shore—you’ve got to take that first step to start sailing anywhere. Your solo travels and independent adventuring are waiting for you to do so. 

Remember: Solo travel doesn’t have to mean international travel

I acknowledge the time, financial, and passport-power privilege I have to travel abroad. I’m grateful for this and recognize there are very real barriers that prevent people from doing the same.

But even if traveling internationally isn’t an option for you right now, the power of solo travel and doing things alone is still available to you. Traveling is simply exploring a new place, which you can start doing in your own backyard.

You might book a night at a hotel in a different neighborhood so you can catch a play or movie and eat at a trendy restaurant. Or, enjoy a solo trip to a neighboring town for a change of scenery—grab your book or other solo hobbies, bookmark some cute cafes to check out, and make a weekend of it.As your confidence grows (and time and finances allow), consider short flights within your country or nearby international destinations.

It truly doesn’t matter where you end up, as long as you intentionally embrace the freedom and growth that come from taking that first solo step outside your everyday environment and exploring somewhere new.  

Travel or not, all solo adventures lead to self-growth

I may love traveling, but I know it’s just one path to empowerment and confidence.

I firmly believe this self-growth happens when you do anything alone. Exploring new places and doing things on your own—no matter how big or small—helps you learn more about your interests and capabilities while fostering inner peace and contentment. 

Feeling Loner Curious? Some intro solo adventures may be

• reading a book at a new cafe
• going shopping alone
• visiting a museum in your city

Once comfortable with that, you could sign up for a hobby class (like cooking or pottery), take a day trip to another neighborhood or town, or eat at a restaurant by yourself, sans reading safety blanket.

It doesn’t matter where you start—doing anything solo is one step towards independent happiness.

What’s your next step? Take it. We’re right here with you!

Recommended Reading:

• No Date? No Problem—A Guide to Dating Yourself in 2025
• How to Live a More Analog Life: 5 easy, cheap (or free) ideas
• Food Editor Ally Mitchell on the Power of Taking Risks Alone
• In Defense of Laughing Alone
• Accepting Your Fate (Finding Acceptance Alone)

Alyssa Wiens is a freelance content writer and editor from Vancouver, Canada. Between trips, you can find her working in cozy cafes, kickboxing, and growing her houseplant collection. You can follow along with her work on her website and Substack.