Is Solo Travel Lonely? Here’s What It’s Really Like

One of the biggest questions women ask before booking their first solo trip is, “Is solo travel lonely?” It’s probably one of the biggest concerns I hear from women. They wonder if they’ll feel alone or wish they had someone with them. When I tell people I travel by myself, they often don’t understand why I would want to.

But for me, I’m traveling alone, not lonely. Those are two very different things. I genuinely enjoy my own company and the conversations and connections I make along the way.

It’s a reasonable concern. We often picture vacations as something we do with family or friends, so the idea of traveling alone can seem isolating. The truth is that solo travel isn’t always lonely. Sometimes you’ll enjoy the quiet more than you expected. Other times, you may wish you had someone to share a meal or a beautiful view with.

In this article, I’ll share what solo travel has really been like for me, when loneliness can happen, and some simple ways to enjoy your trip even if you’re traveling alone.

Is Solo Travel Lonely?

Sometimes, but not in the way many people imagine.

Most solo travelers experience moments of loneliness from time to time. That’s completely normal. But feeling lonely for a few minutes, or even for an evening, isn’t the same as regretting the trip. In my experience, and from talking with other solo travelers, the freedom, confidence, and flexibility far outweigh those occasional moments. There are also plenty of ways to feel connected while still enjoying the independence of planning your own vacation.

Personally, there have been very few moments when I wished my husband was with me. Most of the time, I genuinely enjoy my own company and the freedom to explore exactly how I want. Then, when I return home, I’m excited to see my husband and family again. For me, it’s the best of both worlds.

In this article, I’ll share what solo travel has really been like for me, when loneliness can happen, and some simple ways to enjoy your trip even if you’re traveling alone.

Why Solo Travel Often Feels Less Lonely Than You Expect

Being alone doesn’t automatically mean you’ll feel lonely. That’s true whether you’re at home or traveling.

If you’re an extrovert and get energy from being around other people, there are plenty of opportunities to connect while traveling solo. You can join a tour, chat with other travelers, or strike up a conversation with a local. If you’re more of an introvert like me, you can enjoy the quiet moments while still getting out to explore your destination. There’s no right or wrong way to travel solo.

Of course, there may be times when you wish you could share a beautiful view or fun experience with someone you love. When that happens, I like to take photos, send a quick text, or even FaceTime my husband if the timing works out. It helps me share the moment while still enjoying the experience of traveling on my own.

You’re Busy Exploring

One thing that surprises many first-time solo travelers is just how busy they are. You’ll be enjoying your vacation, seeing places you’ve been dreaming about, and checking experiences off your list. Before you know it, you may not even be thinking about the fact that you’re traveling alone.

You’ll also be around other people much of the time, even though you’re exploring on your own. You might spend the day wandering through museums, walking around a new city, joining a guided tour, enjoying a meal at a popular restaurant, or taking photos to remember your trip.

Maybe you’ll spend an afternoon shopping, take a scenic drive if you have a car, or explore a national park or another beautiful outdoor area. Most days are full of new experiences, which leaves very little time to focus on feeling lonely.

Or you may enjoy doing some shopping, taking a drive if you have a car, or enjoy the outdoors like national parks, or the climate where you are. Most of your days will be fun and full.

You Notice More

One of my favorite parts of traveling solo is noticing more. Instead of spending the whole time talking with someone else, I pay attention to the little details around me. I even notice this when I’m walking by myself at home. I see things I never noticed before. Every walk can feel like a little adventure.

When you’re traveling on your own, you’re also free to change your plans in the moment. Maybe you spot a cute bookstore, a local bakery, or an interesting side street and decide to check it out. You don’t have to ask anyone else what they want to do or compromise on your plans.

I also enjoy people-watching. Whether I’m sitting at a restaurant, walking through a city, or relaxing on the beach, I love observing the little moments around me. Traveling solo helps me slow down and be more present. I think I appreciate my surroundings more because I’m not focused on keeping a conversation going or deciding what someone else wants to do.

You’ll Probably Talk to More People

One thing that surprised me about traveling solo is that I often end up talking to more people. Because I’m on my own, I’m more likely to ask questions about the places I’m visiting or chat with hotel staff for recommendations. Those small conversations can teach you things you might not have discovered otherwise.

Tours are another great way to connect with people if that’s something you enjoy. Your tour guide is often a wealth of local knowledge, and you may naturally strike up a conversation with other travelers along the way.

Even simple interactions can make you feel more connected. You might ask your server for a recommendation, chat with a shop owner while browsing, or ask someone for directions. These conversations don’t have to be long, and you certainly don’t have to exchange contact information or make new friends if you don’t want to. One of the nice things about solo travel is that you get to decide how much, or how little, you want to interact with others.

When Solo Travel Can Feel Lonely

My experience may be a little different from that of some travelers because I don’t get lonely very often. I genuinely enjoy spending time on my own. I love traveling with my husband and family, but I also love solo travel for different reasons.

That said, there have been moments when I wished one of them was with me. Maybe it’s a ride at Disney, a beautiful view, or a funny experience that I know my family would enjoy. I’ll usually snap a photo or send a quick text so they can share the moment with me.

Even if you do experience loneliness, it usually happens in specific situations rather than throughout your entire trip. Here are a few times when those feelings are more likely to come up.

Eating Dinner Alone

The first time you eat a meal by yourself at a restaurant, it may feel a little strange. That’s completely normal. Just like solo travel itself, it gets easier with practice. Before long, you may even find that you enjoy it.

Try not to worry about what anyone else is thinking because, honestly, they’re probably not paying much attention. Enjoy your meal, take your time, and appreciate the experience. If sitting at a table by yourself feels intimidating, consider eating at the bar or choosing a restaurant with community seating.

You may also be surprised by how many other people are dining alone. Once you start noticing them, you’ll realize you’re far from the only one. If eating alone still makes you nervous, I’ve shared more tips in my article, “Is It Weird to Eat Alone at a Restaurant?”

Watching Something Beautiful

Whether it’s a breathtaking sunset, a scenic overlook, or a peaceful walk through a national park, there may be moments when you wish someone you love could experience it with you.

When that happens, take a photo, record a quick video, or send a text letting them know you’re thinking of them. I often do this when I come across something I know my husband or kids would enjoy. It allows me to share the moment while still appreciating the experience for myself.

Holidays or Special Occasions

Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions can bring out stronger emotions than an ordinary travel day. Even if you don’t usually feel lonely, you may find yourself wishing you could celebrate with the people you love.

I remember one year my husband and I traveled together, but on my birthday he had to fly to a work meeting while I flew home by myself. It was a little sad to spend part of my birthday alone, but I was also grateful that we’d been able to enjoy a few days together in San Diego before heading home. That perspective helped me enjoy the trip rather than focusing on the few hours I spent alone.

If you’ll be traveling during a holiday, your birthday, or another meaningful occasion, think ahead about how you’d like to celebrate. A little planning can help you make the day feel special, even if you’re on your own.

Ways you can celebrate on your own:

• Book a special tour or experience.
• Treat yourself to a nice meal or dessert.
• Visit a place you’ve always wanted to see.
• Call or video chat with family.
• Buy yourself a meaningful souvenir.
• Watch the sunrise or sunset.
• Write about the day in a journal.

Long Evenings at the Hotel

After a full day of exploring, an evening back in your hotel room can be a time when some solo travelers notice feelings of loneliness. The excitement of the day has settled down, and you may find yourself wishing you had someone to talk to or share the day’s adventures with.

If that happens, having a few relaxing activities planned can make the evening much more enjoyable. Reading a book, watching a movie, journaling, or planning the next day’s adventures can help you wind down and give you something to look forward to.

Personally, this is one of my favorite parts of the day. I love getting back to my room, putting my feet up, and enjoying some quiet time after being out exploring. I’ll journal, work on my laptop, or watch a movie before getting excited about what I’ll do the next day.

How to Feel Less Lonely While Traveling Solo

If you do experience moments of loneliness, remember that they don’t have to define your trip. Those feelings usually pass, especially when you redirect your attention to why you wanted to take this vacation in the first place.

Here are a few ideas that may help:

• Give yourself grace if feelings of loneliness surface.
• Stay somewhere that feels comfortable and welcoming.
• Join a walking tour or take a local class.
• Eat at a busy café or restaurant.
• Call or video chat with family or friends if you’d like.
• Share photos or videos through text or Snapchat.
• Spend some time in a coffee shop or another place where people naturally gather.
• Start a conversation with a server, shop owner, or tour guide.
• Keep exploring instead of staying in your hotel room all day.

You planned this trip for a reason. If loneliness shows up for a little while, acknowledge it, do something that helps you feel connected, and then get back to enjoying your adventure. One brief moment doesn’t have to define your entire vacation. Take a quick phone call or take photos to share, then continue enjoying the trip!

You Don’t Have to Meet New People

Some solo travelers love meeting new people. Others prefer to keep to themselves, enjoy a quiet morning, visit museums, browse bookstores, and relax in the evenings. Neither approach is wrong.

That’s one of the things I love most about solo travel. It can be whatever you want it to be. If you enjoy talking with other people, there are plenty of opportunities to do that. If you’d rather spend the day exploring on your own, that’s perfectly okay too.

You get to travel in a way that fits your personality instead of trying to meet someone else’s expectations.

One Unexpected Benefit of Traveling Alone

One of the unexpected benefits of solo travel for me has been discovering how much I enjoy my own company.

When I first started taking trips alone, they were usually quick weekends where I could get a night or two to myself while my husband stayed home with the kids. Sometimes I would simply take a day to explore somewhere not too far from home. I found that those experiences filled me up in a different way than traveling with my kids or our whole family did.

You may discover the same thing, whether you travel for a few days or simply take a day for yourself once in a while. You may learn that you’re pretty good company! You may also discover how freeing it feels to stop waiting for everyone’s schedules to line up or to explore a destination exactly the way you want to, at your own pace.

Over time, solo travel can help you become more confident, trust yourself more, and discover new things you’re interested in. You also learn what works for you if a lonely moment does come up.

Taking time to travel on your own isn’t selfish. Sometimes, giving yourself that time and space helps you discover things about yourself you wouldn’t otherwise.

FAQs

There are many questions about traveling solo and what it’s like. Here are a few more answers.

Is it normal to feel lonely while traveling alone?

Yes. Many solo travelers experience occasional loneliness. It usually comes and goes, and it doesn’t mean you made the wrong decision. Each trip you learn more about what you like and what you need to feel comfortable.

How do I stop feeling lonely when traveling solo?

Stay active, explore your destination, join a tour, visit local restaurants, or call family if you’d like. Planning enjoyable activities often leaves little time to feel lonely.

Is solo travel good for your mental health?

Many people find that solo travel boosts confidence, reduces stress, and helps them become more independent. However, everyone’s experience is different, and it’s normal to have mixed emotions during a trip.

Do solo travelers make friends?

Some do, and some don’t. Many travelers enjoy brief conversations with other travelers or locals, while others are perfectly happy exploring on their own. Some travelers make friends and end up staying in touch with them after traveling solo.

Is solo travel worth it?

For many women, yes. The freedom to choose your own schedule, visit places that interest you, and prove to yourself that you can travel independently often makes solo travel a rewarding experience.

Final Thoughts on Is Solo Travel Lonely

You may be curious about traveling solo, but hesitant because you’re worried about feeling lonely. Don’t let that fear keep you from experiencing a trip you’ve always wanted to take.

Loneliness may show up for a few moments, but it doesn’t define the trip.

In my experience, the confidence, freedom, and memories last much longer than those brief moments ever do.