Table of Contents
Introduction
Is solo travel lonely? It’s a question I often see women ask online, and honestly, it’s a real question to ask. I get it. Going somewhere by yourself, to a new destination that is unfamiliar, can feel overwhelming, isolating, and yes, it can seem lonely.
Solo travel is often sold as the ultimate act of independence. You get to live your best life, follow your own spontaneous plans, and experience full freedom. You get to live life unapologetically. I’ve learned over time that this can also intimidate people, especially those with limited views about the world, people who can’t imagine going anywhere alone simply because they’ve never given themselves that kind of permission or opportunity. I think I’ve now travelled solo to over 25 countries, and I can honestly answer the question “Is solo travel lonely?”
For me? No. It gives me freedom. It reminds me that I can do things for myself, by myself. It assures me that I don’t need to rely on anyone else to figure out the itinerary, pick where to eat, or make plans. I don’t rely on external opinions either, because time for me in solitude is more time with God. And for me, that is gold.
Related – How to Travel Solo With Confidence: A Guide for Women Travelling Alone
Is Solo Travel Lonely?
Despite a growing number of men and women embracing solo travel, the question still lingers: “Is solo travel lonely?”
I wanted to share my honest account of what loneliness can feel like while travelling solo, and how I’ve learned to embrace it rather than run from it because, believe it or not, there are so many benefits of solo travel that people don’t discuss. I often wonder if it’s because people focus on the negative rather than the positive?
If you’ve ever wondered how to solo travel without feeling lonely, I hope this post permits you to believe that yes, you can.
Is solo travel for you? You are invited to the Solo Travel Challenge this September 2026. Here you will find the confidence (and community) to take that first trip solo. Sign up here
1. Loneliness Isn’t a Sign You’re Doing It Wrong
Let’s start here, because there’s a myth that feeling lonely on a trip means you’ve failed at solo travel. But honestly, it really doesn’t. Solo travel removes noise. It strips back distractions and gives you time to think, reflect, and feel. And hold yourself accountable.
I often feel that people who struggle with solo travel, even though they want to do it are not yet ready to reflect, sit with themselves, or sit in perfect silence.
But for me, having that time to reflect is what allows me to do the inner work. And that emptiness? It’s usually where healing, growth, and clarity live.
I’ve had moments in beautiful cities where I paused and thought, “Wow, I’d love to share this with someone.” But rather than see that as sadness, I choose to see it as gratitude for knowing me. I’m likely to go back to that city or destination again and have a fresh experience.
Travelling solo brings out your emotions, especially when you’re away from your usual routines and support systems. It becomes your own personal retreat where you strip everything back and make space to hear God.
Now, don’t get me wrong, you can meet with God anywhere. But when you’re in solitude and fully present, it becomes a different kind of encounter.
2. Fill Your Solo Travel Days with Purpose, Not Just Plans
When I first started travelling solo, I thought being constantly busy would keep the loneliness away. I packed my days with sightseeing and excursions. However, this was neither fun nor sustainable. I quickly learned that being busy isn’t the same as being present or living in the moment. Packed days only left me exhausted when I returned to my regular busy life.
Now, I travel with more intention, take in the environment. I ask myself, “What do I want to learn here?” Sometimes I take a day or two just to pray, worship, and reset.
That could mean:
- Staying in your hotel room for the day to fast, pray, journal, and worship
- Taking a local cooking or dance class
- Journaling in a café or at your hotel
- Starting your mornings slowly using the gym, enjoying breakfast, and doing nothing
- Wandering around a new neighbourhood with no set direction
Whatever works for you. Purpose anchors you. It gives your solo travel meaning and turns what could feel like loneliness into alignment.
3. Create Micro-Connections Wherever You Go
Solo travel doesn’t have to mean isolation. I’ve had the most heartwarming interactions while travelling alone. This has been with locals, other travellers, even taxi drivers or market vendors.
I think back to the early days of solo travelling when I stayed in hostels in South East and met some of the most amazing people. Or when I connected with travellers in Bali, Las Vegas or even Croatia after joining a group tour through Viator.
It might be one short conversation or a shared laugh, you never know. You don’t need to make best friends for a trip to feel full. You just need to go. And believe me when I say this, solo travel often makes you more approachable. You’re not hidden in a group; people see you. And 9/10, they want to know about you. Now, don’t go around telling them that you are solo and feeling lonley, please. It’s never the time. Read: Travel Solo with Confidence: 7 Must-Have Tools for Your Journey
Here’s what I often do:
- Book a GetYourGuide or Viator experience. They’re great for meeting like-minded people like yourself
- Stay in a boutique hotel or guesthouse (or hostel if you’re just starting out!)
- Smile first. I’m often told I have a nice smile, and it almost always starts a conversation
- Be open to spontaneous chats, especially great for introverts or ambiverts like me
Some of those five-minute connections have made me feel more seen than spending a week with people who don’t really want to understand me.
4. Build Your Own Rituals While Travelling
When you’re solo travelling, structure becomes your anchor. Having a few consistent rituals no matter where I am, helps me feel stable and grounded.
Mine include:
- Starting and ending the day with prayer, worship music, and journaling
- Sending voice notes or FaceTiming family and friends
- Leaving my phone in the hotel and going out for dinner without distractions
- Moving my body, even if it’s just a walk or a light stretch
Your rituals may look different to you. And honestly, that’s okay. But having something personal and consistent helps you move from solo travel lonely to solo travel rooted.
Conclusion – Is Solo Travel Lonely?
Is solo travel lonely? The simple answer is no.
Solo travel is one of the most powerful things you can do. It sets you apart. I understand it’s not always easy. There will be quiet moments. Silence. Which I LOVE. Deep reflection. And yes, maybe some tiny bit of loneliness. But those are the very moments that build something powerful inside of you:
Solo Travel is = Resilience. Trust. Peace. Purpose.
If you’ve ever felt nervous about travelling alone, I hope this post reminded you that you’re more capable than you think. And the fact that you made it to the end of this post? That tells me you’re ready.
Go. Travel solo. Do it boldly, wholeheartedly and do it now.
Does this resonate with anyone? Leave a comment, I would love to hear from you and share this with anyone that you think has the question in their mind, “Is solo travel lonely?”
Is solo travel for you? Join the Solo Travel Challenge this September 2026and find the confidence (and community) to take that first trip solo. Sign up here
Speak soon,
MBV x
