I still remember the first time I traveled alone.
It wasn’t planned. I was supposed to go with a friend, but a last-minute cancellation turned what was meant to be a duo trip into a solo adventure. At first, I was nervous—like, sweaty palms in the airport lounge nervous. But by the end of that trip, I had cried in the rain in a foreign city, eaten the best street food of my life on a stranger’s recommendation, and watched the sun rise from the roof of a hostel I almost didn’t book.
And I was hooked.
Solo travel is one of those things people hype up, but until you actually do it, you don’t get it. It’s not just about going somewhere alone—it’s about meeting yourself in new places. It’s about learning that you can order food in a different language, figure out bus routes, and yes, eat dinner at a table for one and still have a great time.
Let’s talk about why everyone should travel solo at least once—and more importantly, where to start.
The Magic of Traveling Alone
There’s something wildly freeing about being on your own timeline. No compromising on museums you don’t care about. No waiting for someone to wake up before you hit the trails. Just you, doing exactly what you want.
You learn to trust your gut more. You become your own problem-solver, cheerleader, and sometimes even your own comic relief when you get on the wrong train and end up in a town you can’t pronounce.
And weirdly enough, you’re never really alone. When you travel solo, you notice people more. You talk to locals, connect with fellow travelers, and have conversations you never would’ve had if you were with someone else. It’s kind of beautiful, really.
Where Should You Start?
If you’re thinking, “Okay, this sounds cool, but where do I even go?”—don’t worry, I’ve got you.
1. Ubud, Bali – For the Soul Seekers
Yes, it’s a bit of a cliché now thanks to Eat Pray Love, but Ubud still delivers. Yoga classes, rice terraces, art markets, and food that will change your life (hello, peanut sauce everything). It’s super solo-traveler-friendly, with tons of hostels, cafes, and community vibes.
And if you need a place to think, write, or just be, Ubud gives you that space.
2. Lisbon, Portugal – For the Chill Adventurer
Colorful streets, trams that wind through historic alleys, and pasteis de nata that make you rethink every dessert you’ve ever had. Lisbon has the charm of Europe without the overwhelming tourist crush. It’s safe, affordable, and walkable—perfect for solo wanderers.
Plus, locals are ridiculously friendly. I ended up being invited to a local fado music night that turned into one of the most memorable evenings of my life.
3. Kerala, India – For the Culturally Curious
If you’re looking for something deeper, something that touches every sense—Kerala is where it’s at. Backwaters, Ayurveda, lush greenery, and a culture so rich it feels like stepping into a Story Scape.
And if you’re wondering when to visit Kerala for the best experience, I’d say go between October and March. The weather’s just right, the landscapes are thriving, and the vibe is peaceful but still vibrant.
4. Kyoto, Japan – For the Quiet Explorer
If calm is what you crave, Kyoto is a solo traveler’s dream. It’s where tradition and modern life dance in perfect rhythm. You’ll find zen gardens, centuries-old temples, and sushi counters where sitting alone isn’t just accepted—it’s expected.
There’s a quiet confidence to the solo culture in Japan, which makes it easier to blend in and enjoy your own company without feeling out of place.
5. Medellín, Colombia – For the Brave Hearted
Medellín has shaken off its old reputation and transformed into one of the most innovative cities in South America. With digital nomads flocking in, the energy is young, artistic, and buzzing.
Take the metro cable up to the hillside barrios, visit Comuna 13 for some of the world’s best street art, and trust yourself to explore a place that surprises you—in the best way.
Is It Scary? Yeah. At First.
I won’t sugarcoat it—those first few hours (or even days) of traveling alone can be uncomfortable. You’ll question yourself. You’ll overthink what to do with your hands when you’re eating alone. You’ll wonder if everyone around you is judging you (spoiler: they’re not).
But then something shifts. You wake up one day and realize you’re completely okay. In fact, you’re more than okay. You’re thriving.
You start to crave the freedom. The ability to just go where the wind takes you. You realize you’re not afraid of being alone—you’re just afraid of not knowing what’s next. And solo travel teaches you to be okay with that uncertainty.
What You Learn from Solo Travel
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You’re stronger than you think.
When your phone dies and you still find your hostel? You feel like a superhero. -
You don’t need as much as you thought.
A small backpack, a decent pair of shoes, and a curious mind go a long way. -
Strangers can become stories.
Some of the best conversations I’ve ever had were with people whose names I never learned, in cafes I’ll probably never find again.
Final Thoughts: Just Go
Look, life’s busy. Plans change. People bail. But don’t let that stop you.
Solo travel isn’t about escaping life—it’s about stepping into it. It’s about peeling back the layers of noise and reconnecting with you. Whether you’re wandering through a quiet forest in Japan or navigating chaotic night markets in Bangkok, you’re creating a story that’s entirely yours.
And trust me—once you go solo, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
