It’s near impossible. I’m finding that out since being married for the first time! We have so much fun together but there is something about navigating and conquering while traveling solo, and it’s in my blood.
Just discovered you and really appreciate this article, Livia! We share many commonalities regarding why we choose to travel solo. I just subbed and look forward to reading more from you!
haha thank you!! I usually ask a tour guide, driver or another tourist walking around — sometimes I'll make a friend during my travels and that helps. But I usually improvise! :)
I've travelled on my own almost everyway I have been and moved countries alone three times. It's hard sometimes but travelling solo makes you resilient and more resourceful.
Moving alone is so complicated, good for you!! Once you understand how much you're capable of, you learn to trust (and appreciate) yourself so much more.
I have traveled on my own at times and really enjoyed it, mainly when I needed to decompress and spend time just looking after myself for a while. And like you say you can set your own agenda and please yourself. I am now married but still travel occasionally on my own if my husband is working and can't get away. The nighttime can be a bit challenging then as I love going to nice restaurants and bars and miss his company. I would avoid staying out late when I don't have company.
I agree, evenings are the trickiest part — I usually opt for earlier dinners at casual places so I can be home before it's too late, but I do sometimes miss lingering over a meal with a glass of wine and great conversation!
I used to intentionally travel solo and loved it. Every trip I'd do I'd get that familiar feeling of when you're learning a new skill and feel totally lost. Navigating public transport in the new city, trying to make dinner reservations on your own in another language, etc. Something about doing it alone instead of having friends or a partner to lean on or share it with makes it more intimidating and equal parts empowering. You've inspired me to start prioritizing this again! :)
Thanks so much for your comment! I agree, it's overcoming the challenge that makes solo travel exhilarating.. I'm addicted and can't wait for more adventures!!
I'd add one key point to all of yours: Traveling and immersing yourself in other cultures with different kinds of people is the very best education you can receive.
I usually approach my trips as little projects — I pick destinations that I am genuinely excited to explore, I love taking lots of pictures and learning about the history and context of each place, and then sharing that in my writing or on social media. I embark on the trip for myself, but that element of sharing it keeps me engaged in the place and connected with others. Dinner is usually the hardest time but after a day of sightseeing, I'm usually happy to have an early dinner at a casual spot and head back to my hotel early (which is a great way to avoid potentially awkward solo dinners and also better for safety!).
Love this! And I LOVE traveling solo for all these reasons you’ve just articulated for me! Plus the one added by Rosina Rucci in her comment. Thank you!
Excellent and inspiring read. I prefer to travel solo and done so most of my life. It builds courage and is exhilarating.
Thank you!! I agree, solo travel is such a fun, empowering experience! Hard to go back once you've tried it :)
It’s near impossible. I’m finding that out since being married for the first time! We have so much fun together but there is something about navigating and conquering while traveling solo, and it’s in my blood.
Just discovered you and really appreciate this article, Livia! We share many commonalities regarding why we choose to travel solo. I just subbed and look forward to reading more from you!
Hi Charity, thanks so much for following along!! It's great to connect with other solo travelers 🥰
quick question, if u travel solo how do u get these amazing photos clicked?😅. great article btw!
haha thank you!! I usually ask a tour guide, driver or another tourist walking around — sometimes I'll make a friend during my travels and that helps. But I usually improvise! :)
I've travelled on my own almost everyway I have been and moved countries alone three times. It's hard sometimes but travelling solo makes you resilient and more resourceful.
Moving alone is so complicated, good for you!! Once you understand how much you're capable of, you learn to trust (and appreciate) yourself so much more.
I have traveled on my own at times and really enjoyed it, mainly when I needed to decompress and spend time just looking after myself for a while. And like you say you can set your own agenda and please yourself. I am now married but still travel occasionally on my own if my husband is working and can't get away. The nighttime can be a bit challenging then as I love going to nice restaurants and bars and miss his company. I would avoid staying out late when I don't have company.
I agree, evenings are the trickiest part — I usually opt for earlier dinners at casual places so I can be home before it's too late, but I do sometimes miss lingering over a meal with a glass of wine and great conversation!
Solo travelling has always felt so liberating to me. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
You're right, life is short, live it!
I got tired of people finding excuses for not planning trips with me so I also now prefer to travel solo.
Same!! It's so liberating :) I started traveling solo when it got too hard to coordinate with friends — now I just love it!!
Me too! And I need it, I call it food for my soul :)
I used to intentionally travel solo and loved it. Every trip I'd do I'd get that familiar feeling of when you're learning a new skill and feel totally lost. Navigating public transport in the new city, trying to make dinner reservations on your own in another language, etc. Something about doing it alone instead of having friends or a partner to lean on or share it with makes it more intimidating and equal parts empowering. You've inspired me to start prioritizing this again! :)
Thanks so much for your comment! I agree, it's overcoming the challenge that makes solo travel exhilarating.. I'm addicted and can't wait for more adventures!!
I'd add one key point to all of yours: Traveling and immersing yourself in other cultures with different kinds of people is the very best education you can receive.
It's liberating
how do you avoid feeling lonely on solo trips?
I usually approach my trips as little projects — I pick destinations that I am genuinely excited to explore, I love taking lots of pictures and learning about the history and context of each place, and then sharing that in my writing or on social media. I embark on the trip for myself, but that element of sharing it keeps me engaged in the place and connected with others. Dinner is usually the hardest time but after a day of sightseeing, I'm usually happy to have an early dinner at a casual spot and head back to my hotel early (which is a great way to avoid potentially awkward solo dinners and also better for safety!).
Love this! And I LOVE traveling solo for all these reasons you’ve just articulated for me! Plus the one added by Rosina Rucci in her comment. Thank you!
I also love traveling on my own. All of my jaunts for my Substack publications have been done that way except one!
Loved this 👏 👏 so insightful and wonderful to read