I still remember the moment I booked my first solo trip—a one-way ticket to Lisbon, Portugal. My heart raced, equal parts excitement and fear. As the confirmation email landed in my inbox, I wondered if I’d just made a huge mistake. Could I really travel alone? Would I get lonely, lost, or worse—regretful? That first solo trip turned out to be one of the most transformative experiences of my life, but it didn’t come without challenges and surprises.
Looking back now, there are things I wish someone had told me before I set off alone. If you’re considering your first solo adventure, here are the 7 things I learned the hard way and how knowing them in advance can make your journey smoother, more enjoyable, and less intimidating.
1. It’s Okay to Feel Scared (But Don’t Let It Stop You)
Before my trip, I was filled with doubts. What if I didn’t know how to navigate a foreign city? What if I got sick or hurt and had no one to help me? What if I felt lonely and miserable the entire time? The fear was almost enough to make me cancel everything.
But here’s the thing: feeling scared is normal. Traveling solo is a leap into the unknown, and it’s perfectly okay to feel anxious. The key is to acknowledge the fear and then do it anyway. I learned that the things I feared most—getting lost, feeling lonely—were challenges I was fully capable of handling. In fact, facing those fears head-on made me feel more empowered and confident than ever.
I still get a flutter of nerves before every solo trip, but now I know it’s just part of the adventure. The excitement of possibility always outweighs the fear of the unknown.
2. You Will Get Lonely (And That’s Okay, Too)
I didn’t expect to feel lonely on my first solo trip. I imagined meeting people at every turn and filling my days with activities. And for the most part, I did. But there were moments—quiet dinners by myself, long train rides with no one to chat with—when loneliness crept in.
I wish someone had told me that loneliness isn’t a failure; it’s just part of the solo travel experience. Instead of resisting it, I learned to embrace it. Those quiet moments gave me time to reflect, journal, and truly connect with my thoughts. Plus, feeling lonely made me more proactive about putting myself out there—joining walking tours, staying in hostels, and striking up conversations with strangers.
Loneliness doesn’t last forever, and sometimes it leads to the most meaningful connections.
3. Planning Is Important, But Overplanning Will Hold You Back
For my first solo trip, I created a detailed itinerary. I knew where I was staying each night, what I’d eat, and which museums I’d visit. I thought having everything planned would make me feel secure. But by the third day, I was exhausted from sticking to such a rigid schedule.
I realized that the beauty of solo travel is the freedom to be spontaneous. Some of my best experiences happened when I deviated from the plan—like stumbling upon a street festival in Lisbon or joining a group of fellow travelers for an impromptu day trip to Sintra.
Now, I plan the essentials—accommodation for the first few nights and a list of must-see spots—but I leave plenty of room for spontaneity. Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you didn’t plan for.
4. Trusting Your Instincts Is Your Superpower
One of my biggest worries before my first solo trip was safety. How would I know if a situation was dangerous? How would I protect myself?
What I discovered is that my instincts were sharper than I realized. When I walked down a poorly lit street in a new city and my gut told me to turn around, I listened. When a stranger’s offer felt too good to be true, I politely declined.
Your intuition is your best defense when traveling alone. If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut, even if you can’t explain why you feel uneasy. It’s better to be overly cautious than to ignore that inner voice.
5. Eating Alone Can Be Surprisingly Wonderful
I used to dread the thought of eating alone in restaurants. The idea of sitting at a table by myself, surrounded by groups of friends and couples, made me anxious. I imagined people staring at me, wondering why I was alone.
But when I finally did it, I realized no one cared. In fact, eating alone was liberating. I could take my time, savor my food, and people-watch without distraction. In Paris, I spent an entire afternoon at a sidewalk café with a glass of wine, a notebook, and a plate of the best croque monsieur I’d ever tasted. It felt indulgent and peaceful.
If dining alone makes you nervous, start with a café or a busy market. Bring a book or journal, and remember that you’re there to enjoy the experience—not to worry about what others might think.
6. Solo Travel Doesn’t Mean You’ll Always Be Alone
One of my biggest misconceptions was that solo travel meant constant solitude. But the truth is, you’re only alone if you want to be. Hostels, group tours, cooking classes, and even random encounters on the street offer endless opportunities to meet people.
In Chiang Mai, I met a fellow traveler at a night market while we both debated which street food to try. We ended up exploring the market together, sharing dishes, and swapping travel stories. By the end of the night, we were planning a day trip to the nearby temples.
Solo travel opens you up to new connections. All you have to do is be open and say “hello”.
7. You’ll Come Back a Different Person (In the Best Way)
I didn’t expect my first solo trip to change me, but it did. Traveling alone forced me to rely on myself, to solve problems, and to step outside my comfort zone. It made me realize I was stronger, more capable, and more adaptable than I’d ever thought.
When I returned home, I felt more confident in every aspect of my life. Decisions that once seemed daunting now felt manageable. Challenges that used to intimidate me no longer did. The independence and resilience I built during that trip stayed with me long after I unpacked my bags.
Your First Solo Trip Awaits
Taking your first solo trip can feel scary, but it can also be the most rewarding experience of your life. You’ll learn to embrace fear, enjoy solitude, and trust your instincts. You’ll meet people who enrich your journey and discover a version of yourself you never knew existed.
So, if you’re on the fence about traveling alone, take the leap. Buy the ticket, pack your bags, and trust that you’re ready for whatever the world has to offer. The adventure of a lifetime is waiting for you.
