It’s Not All Bliss: The Downsides of Solo Travel
Solo travel has so many rewards—freedom, self-discovery, empowerment—but it’s also important to acknowledge that it isn’t all sunsets and serendipity. Traveling on your own can come with challenges that are worth preparing for, especially if you’re just starting out or planning a longer trip. Recognizing the hard parts doesn't mean you shouldn't go—it just means you can be better equipped when they show up.
Here are some of the less-glamorous sides of traveling solo.
Loneliness Happens
Even the most independent travelers can feel a pang of loneliness when there's no one to share a meal with, no familiar face at the end of the day, or no one to turn to when things go sideways. There may be moments when you’re surrounded by couples or families and suddenly feel your solo status more keenly.
My first scouting trip to Spain to consider places to live kept me busy each day, but evenings in my hotel room were harder. I wanted someone to talk through what I had seen and heard, to help process what I learned. Furthermore, that loneliness made me want to give up: to hide in my hotel room, eat leftover chips for dinner, and rethink my life choices! While I believe dining alone in your hotel is a great way to regroup on solo trips, that particular time I chose to go out and find a local restaurant. A good meal and the waitress’ smile helped immensely with my mood.
It’s okay to feel lonely on a solo trip. You’ll learn coping techniques, like taking a night to chill in your hotel room and regroup.
That said, loneliness doesn’t have to last. Connecting with locals, taking group tours, or just chatting with other travelers can help you feel part of something again.
All the Decisions Are Yours
At first, the idea of doing whatever you want, whenever you want, is exhilarating. But after a while, decision fatigue can creep in. From picking the right train to choosing where to eat (again), you may find yourself overwhelmed by the constant need to plan and decide.
For me, the fatigue comes from constantly checking Google Maps to figure out how to get from one site to the next, then to a restaurant, then back to the hotel. At the end of the day, I often find myself wishing for a travel companion to share the load.
It helps to plan ahead. Pre-booking a few things, keeping a flexible itinerary, letting a cab driver do the navigation, or even planning a “lazy day” can give your brain a rest.
Safety Concerns Are Real
Traveling solo means being more aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar places. It can be frustrating to feel like you need to be extra cautious when you just want to relax and enjoy yourself. While many destinations are quite safe, the mental load of constantly evaluating risk can be tiring.
Once in Lisbon on a tour, our group was at a Fado performance. The performance ran late, and I ran out of steam, so I opted to head back to the hotel early. I walked on my own back over to the Metro stop, which was completely empty at that time of night. I’d been assured by the restaurant staff that it was perfectly safe, but being alone underground felt eerie, to say the least. In hindsight, a cab might have been a better option, if only for my peace of mind.
Having safety systems in place—like checking in with someone back home, researching neighborhoods ahead of time, or carrying a whistle—can offer peace of mind.
Sharing the Wow Moments
Sometimes you’ll stumble upon something extraordinary—a breathtaking view, a funny sign, a perfect plate of food—and wish someone were there to share it with you. Sure, you can take a photo or post it online, but it’s not the same as turning to a friend and saying, “Can you believe this?!”
While traveling in Lisbon, I was struck by the Church of Sao Roque, the earliest Jesuit church in Portugal and one of the first Jesuit churches in the world. I wished some of my Jesuit family members or friends were there with me to appreciate it. I sent photos back to family, but it wasn’t the same as having them there with me.
Over time, solo travelers often learn to savor those moments differently. Writing about them, posting on social media, sending a message to someone who gets it, or even just soaking it in fully can help you feel connected, even when you're alone.
You’re Your Own Backup
When something goes wrong—a missed connection, a lost item, or a bad bout of food poisoning—there’s no travel companion to help troubleshoot or just hold your bag while you run to the pharmacy. That can be stressful and exhausting, especially if you’re already tired or dealing with a language barrier.
Years ago, I rented a car in southern Spain. When I went to pick it up, the GPS I had reserved wasn’t available. I had a highway map and a map of Seville, but there was a disconnect between the two: I got lost trying to figure out how to get into the center of Seville. I couldn’t seem to identify where I was on the Seville map, partly due to the lack of street signs. I had to just keep driving toward the tall buildings, hoping eventually I would find a street name that was on the map. But I really wished I had another adult there with me.
The upside? These moments often build resilience and remind you how capable you really are.
Solo Travel Isn’t Always Easy—But It’s Worth It
Being honest about the downsides of solo travel doesn’t make the experience any less rewarding. It just paints a fuller picture. For many of us, the challenges are part of what make solo adventures so meaningful. They stretch us, teach us, and remind us that we’re stronger than we think.
Getting lost in Seville taught me that I could get lost and then figure it out on my own. Forcing myself out of my hotel room for dinner reminded me that being around people energizes me. Empowering experiences like these, as much as the beautiful sites of Europe, are what keep me coming back for more.
