13 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before Solo Traveling

I started solo traveling when I was 18, and over the years, it has completely transformed my life. Not only have I learned a lot about myself—my strengths, my limits, and how I handle the unexpected—but I’ve also gained invaluable insights into what it really means to travel alone.

Solo travel is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it’s not always easy. There are moments of pure exhilaration—watching the sunrise in a new country, forming deep connections with strangers, and realizing your own independence. But there are also moments of loneliness, uncertainty, and self-doubt. It’s a journey of highs and lows, and while the good almost always outweighs the bad, there are certain things I wish I had known before I packed my bags and set off for the first time.

Now, after traveling solo for three years and exploring over 30 countries, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that could have saved me a lot of confusion, stress, and even some money. If you’re thinking about embarking on your own solo adventure, here are 15 things I wish someone had told me before I took that first flight.

1. You’re Going to Be Around More People Than You Think

The idea of solo travel might make you picture long days of solitude, exploring a new city alone, or sitting in a café journaling with no one to talk to. But in reality, you’ll probably find yourself surrounded by people more often than not—especially if you stay in hostels, join group tours, or get involved in travel communities.

One of the best parts of solo travel is meeting like-minded individuals who are also out exploring the world. You’ll share meals, swap travel stories, and maybe even make friends for life. Some days, you’ll be more social than you ever expected, surrounded by fellow adventurers who turn into travel companions. And the best part? You always have the freedom to choose when to be alone and when to engage with others.

2. The Mental Exhaustion of Socializing

While meeting new people every day is one of the biggest joys of solo travel, it also comes with an unexpected downside—social exhaustion. As exciting as it is to connect with travelers from all over the world, share stories, and form quick but meaningful friendships, constantly introducing yourself can become draining.

We’re rarely in environments where we have to repeatedly explain who we are, where we’re from, how long we’ve been traveling, and where we’re going next. At first, it’s fun—there’s a thrill in swapping itineraries and learning about different cultures. But after weeks or months on the road, the conversations start to feel repetitive. Some days, you’ll crave solitude simply because you’re too tired to go through the motions of meeting new people all over again.

And then there are the goodbyes. This is, without a doubt, one of the hardest parts of solo travel. You’ll form incredible bonds, share once-in-a-lifetime experiences with new friends, and then—just like that—it’s time to part ways. Sometimes you’ll reunite down the road, but more often than not, it’s a farewell with no guarantees of seeing each other again. Saying goodbye over and over can be emotionally exhausting, and at times, it might make you question whether it’s worth it. But despite the tough goodbyes, the connections you make along the way will remind you why you set out on this journey in the first place.

3. The Exhaustion of Constantly Moving

One of the biggest challenges of solo travel is the sheer energy it takes to keep going. When you’re always on the move, you’re constantly making decisions—where to go next, how to get there, where to stay, what to see, and how to make it all fit within your budget. The freedom of not being tied to a rigid plan is incredible, but it also means that you’re responsible for figuring everything out on your own.

The excitement of new places, new cultures, and new experiences makes the movement worthwhile every single time. But there will be days when the thought of packing up, hauling your backpack to a bus station, navigating an unfamiliar city, and settling into yet another hostel feels exhausting. If you’re traveling long-term, it’s important to pace yourself—give yourself days to rest, stay longer in places that feel right, and remember that slowing down doesn’t mean you’re missing out.

4. Gaining a Sense of Independence That Stays With You for Life

No matter how short or long your solo adventure is, you’ll return with a deep sense of independence and pride in yourself. When you travel alone, every decision—from navigating a foreign city to handling unexpected challenges—is entirely up to you. You quickly realize just how capable you are, and that feeling stays with you long after the trip ends.

Solo travel teaches you self-reliance in a way that few other experiences can. You’ll face moments of uncertainty, situations that test your problem-solving skills, and challenges that push you out of your comfort zone. But with every hurdle you overcome, your confidence grows. This newfound independence seeps into all aspects of your life, making you feel stronger, more capable, and more secure in the choices you make—both on the road and in everyday life.