The fear of feeling lonely can be common for first time solo travelers.
Let’s be honest, even seasoned solo travelers can have had a moment when the excitement quiets down and a little pang of loneliness sneaks in. It happens. It’s human. And it doesn’t mean you’re doing solo travel “wrong.”
The truth is, solo travel isn’t about always being alone. It’s about giving yourself the freedom to shape your experience your way. And sometimes that means embracing “solo’ish” travel, too.
Here’s how to navigate those lonely moments and even prevent them from taking hold in the first place.
First, Redefine What Solo Travel Really Means
Solo travel doesn’t mean you have to be by yourself every minute of the day.
It just means you’re in charge of how your trip goes.
That could mean:
- Traveling solo but joining a group tour during the day
- Spending the morning exploring solo and meeting a friend-of-a-friend for dinner
- Booking a women-only travel group for your first adventure to ease into the experience
Solo’ish is totally allowed. It’s all about doing what makes you feel empowered, curious, and connected, not proving anything to anyone else.
Choose a Solo-Friendly Destination
Some places are simply more welcoming to solo travelers. They’re walkable, have great public transportation, and offer plenty of things to do where you’re likely to meet others, especially fellow solo female travelers.
Look for cities or regions that are:
- Known for being safe
- Popular with other solo travelers
- Full of tours, classes, and cultural events
- In countries where English is commonly spoken (if that’s your language)
Our Just Go Solo travel tools and destination guides can help you find your perfect starting point.
Join Day Tours or Group Activities
If you start to feel a little alone, a short-term shared experience can make a huge difference. A few hours connecting over art, food, or adventure can be enough to lift your spirits and remind you that you’re not really alone.
Some ideas:
- Food tours
- City walking tours
- Cooking classes
- Photography walks
- Museum or street art tours
- Group hikes or outdoor excursions
- Dance or yoga classes
Great platforms to find these? Try Viator, ToursByLocals, GetYourGuide, or even local Airbnb Experiences.
Be Open to Small Moments of Connection
You don’t need to find a travel BFF to feel connected. A smile to your barista. A short chat with someone next to you at a museum. A shared laugh in a cooking class. These moments matter.
Bring a few light conversation starters with you if you feel nervous. People are often much friendlier than we imagine, especially to someone who looks open and curious.
Stay Connected While Still Being Present
It’s okay to text a friend or check in with someone back home if you’re feeling low. Or to spend 10 minutes journaling what you’re feeling. It can actually help the emotion move through you.
Want to feel part of a bigger community while still doing your own thing?
- Follow solo travel hashtags and groups on Instagram or Facebook
- Share a “hello from [city]” post in a women’s solo travel forum
Remember: It Gets Easier with Time
Solo travel builds confidence like nothing else, but it doesn’t all happen overnight. Every time you get through a little lonely moment, you build a new kind of strength. And with each trip, your style of solo travel will evolve. Maybe one day it’s “solo’ish” and the next it’s full-on solo. Either way, you’re doing it. You do you.
One Last Thing
If you feel lonely at any point on your trip, it’s not a sign you shouldn’t have come. It’s a sign you’re expanding your comfort zone, your experience of the world, and your connection with yourself.
Solo travel doesn’t mean you’re alone. It means you’re free.
Free to meet others. Free to be quiet. Free to try new things.
And free to feel everything, even the brave moments disguised as loneliness.
You’ve got this. And we’ve got your back.
Check out our women-only travel groups and tours or solo traveler tours if your want to ease into your next adventure with a more solo’ish type of travel experience.
