5 Surprising Truths Every Solo Traveller Discovers on Their Journey

Before I embarked on my first solo trip, I was both excited and nervous. I’d always had this itch for new experiences and solo travel seemed like the perfect way to scratch it. I expected to feel a mix of freedom and maybe a bit of isolation, but I didn’t expect how much being a solo traveller would open my eyes to the world in unexpected ways.

While I’m still early in my solo travel journey, with my first big backpacking trip just a few months away, I’ve already encountered some surprises that have both challenged and enriched me.

From moments of empowerment to a few emotional curveballs, here are the experiences I found surprising on my solo travels—ones that I hope will help you prepare for your own journey, whether you go alone or with others.

The Freedom (and Overwhelm) of Complete Independence

Surprise: The Empowerment of Control

The first thing I immediately realised was how liberating it felt to do exactly what I wanted. No need to plan around others, make compromises, or fit in activities that didn’t interest me. As a solo traveller, every choice was mine to make, and it was thrilling!

I visited Lisbon on my first solo trip, and it changed my perspective on travel completely. Looking back, it feels like a pivotal moment, especially since I was just 20 at the time. Solo travel is transformative, and it might surprise you how much it can shift your outlook!

Unexpected Challenge: The Responsibility

Of course, with all that freedom came complete responsibility. There was no one to lean on if I got lost, struggled with the language, or stayed out a bit too late. Keeping safe became a personal responsibility in a way I hadn’t experienced before.

This doesn’t mean solo travel is something to fear—it just means it’s important to stay mindful and aware of your surroundings.

Takeaway/Advice: Maintain Balance

My approach to this newfound independence is to keep things balanced. The excitement of solo travel can be overwhelming at first, so I try to stay level-headed.

Having some structure, while allowing room for spontaneity, helps me enjoy the freedom without feeling adrift. For anyone starting out, finding that balance will make a huge difference to your experience.

Unexpected Bonds with Fellow Travellers

Surprise: Easy Connections

If you’re nervous about meeting people, trust me—you’re not alone. I quickly realised that connecting with others while travelling solo happens almost effortlessly. Hostels, for example, are designed to encourage socialising, so it’s easier to strike up a conversation and make friends.

Before long, meeting new people abroad starts to feel natural. It’s like a crash course in social skills, especially if, like me, you’re a bit reserved back home.

Unexpected Challenge: The Time Limit

The flip side of these quick connections is the bittersweet parting. Just as you start to enjoy someone’s company, it’s often time to go separate ways.

These short but intense friendships can leave a mark, and saying goodbye feels oddly sentimental. Even though social media helps keep us connected, it doesn’t always capture the shared experiences that made those connections so special.

Takeaway/Advice: Embrace Spontaneity

Over time, I’ve learned to enjoy the spontaneity and temporary nature of these friendships. Instead of focusing on the end, I’ve started to savour the moment.

Practising mindfulness has helped me stay present and appreciate the here and now. Embracing each interaction, no matter how brief, has enriched my travels in ways I didn’t expect.

Moments of Loneliness

Surprise: Crowded Loneliness

Something I didn’t expect was how lonely I could feel, even when surrounded by people. Exploring a new place on your own can bring about a strange sense of isolation.

It happened to me in Berlin—I was exhausted after days of exploring and socialising, but suddenly felt a deep, unexpected longing to share the experience with someone else.

Unexpected Challenge: Recognising Your Emotions

Learning to understand and accept these feelings is a big part of solo travel. Loneliness often creeps in subtly, whether during a quiet meal alone or while wandering unfamiliar streets. It takes some introspection to identify what you’re really feeling and why.

You might miss the familiarity of home, or simply crave a friend’s company to share the moment.

Takeaway/Advice: Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness has been invaluable in helping me navigate moments of loneliness on the road. Understanding and accepting my emotions helps me stay grounded. I’d highly recommend Headspace for anyone interested in mindfulness.

The app has taught me how to be present, which has transformed how I view solo moments—making them less daunting and more enjoyable. Try practising mindfulness regularly; it will help you embrace both the highs and the lows of travelling alone.

How Self-Reliance Made Me More Confident

Surprise: Discovering Personal Resourcefulness

When you’re a solo traveller, you quickly find yourself relying on your own abilities in ways you may not expect. Navigating unfamiliar streets, overcoming language barriers, and solving problems on the fly can feel like small victories—and they build confidence in ways you’ll carry beyond your trip.

Travelling alone showed me just how resourceful I could be. On my travels, I’ve had to think on my feet and figure things out on my own. There’s something empowering about knowing you can handle yourself in any situation, no matter where you are. It’s given me the confidence to take on other challenges in my life, too, and I’ve become the go-to planner among my friends.

Unexpected Challenge: Tricky Situations

However, travelling solo also means handling the unexpected without anyone to rely on. From something as small as losing a bus ticket to bigger challenges, like language barriers or travel disruptions, solo travellers often have to think fast. I’ve been fortunate not to face any major setbacks, but I know that challenges can arise at any moment.

When you’re on your own, even a small issue can seem big, especially if it’s something you haven’t dealt with before. But each time I work through a tricky situation, I feel more confident for the next one. It’s all part of building resilience.

Takeaway/Advice: Calm Down and Trust Yourself

No matter what comes up, trust yourself to handle it. Staying calm and confident, even when you’re not feeling it, goes a long way. If you’re struggling, remember that every solo traveller has their own stories of unexpected mishaps, and it’s these experiences that make each journey memorable. Over time, your resourcefulness will grow—and so will your confidence.

Seeing Familiar Places (and Yourself) Differently

Surprise: Seeing the World Differently

When I started solo travelling, I was initially struck by how my view of home subtly shifted with each trip. While I haven’t been on extended journeys just yet, I’ve noticed from conversations with seasoned solo travellers how transformative long-term travel can be, especially when it changes one’s perception of the familiar.

For me, just a few solo trips have already made me more aware of what I appreciate—and maybe question—about my routines back home. Hearing others’ stories about adjusting to life after travel has given me a lot to consider as I plan for future trips. It’s like a preview of the ways travel, especially as a solo traveller, can shape how you see the world.

Unexpected Challenge: Transitioning Back to Routine

The transition back home can be more complicated than I expected, even after a shorter trip. Other travellers I’ve met describe a real mix of feelings when re-entering their old routines after months away—a blend of excitement to be home and a longing for the spontaneity of travel.

While I haven’t felt this intensely yet, I imagine it’s something I may experience as I take longer trips.

Takeaway/Advice: Go Easy on Yourself

I’ve come to realise that travel leaves its mark, whether it’s after a weekend away or a year-long adventure. Embracing these changes and insights, even on a small scale, helps us grow. I’ve written about how travel transformed my sense of home in this post and find that even short trips influence my outlook.

Conclusion

Solo travel has left an incredible mark on my life, even at this early stage in my journey. Each trip, whether it was a short city break or an extended stay, brought unexpected insights that challenged and inspired me. The freedom, the friendships, and even the moments of loneliness have all taught me something valuable about both the world and myself.

As I’ve mentioned throughout this post, being a solo traveller isn’t just about ticking destinations off a list—it’s about learning to adapt, becoming more self-reliant, and opening yourself up to new perspectives. While the road isn’t always smooth, the rewards make every challenge worthwhile.

If you’re considering taking that first solo trip, my advice is simple: go for it. Step out of your comfort zone and embrace the surprises that await. And remember, you’re not alone in these experiences. Feel free to share your thoughts or reach out—I’d love to hear about your own solo travel stories or any questions you might have.

Safe travels!