12 Truths of Solo Travel

12 Truths about solo-traveling

In honor of May 16th—a full year since I took one of the biggest risks of my life—I wanted to share 12 truths I’ve learned through solo travel, one for every month that has passed since!

1. You can make the time to travel.

So many people treat travel as a shiny reward waiting at the end of the 9-to-5 grind—but it doesn’t have to be that way. You don’t need to postpone everything until “the right time,” because that time might never come. Life only gets busier. Instead, look into weekend getaways, trips around holidays, or in-between seasons if you're looking to save money. The time is there—it's just waiting for you to claim it.

2. You will be fine navigating transportation alone.

Yes, it can be overwhelming to figure out buses or trains in a new country and language—but it’s absolutely doable. With all the transportation apps, travel blogs, forums, and Google Translate at your fingertips, getting around has never been easier. You’ve got this.

3. You won’t actually be alone the whole time.

Solo travel doesn’t mean isolating yourself. In fact, I’ve met more people traveling alone than I ever did with company. Whether it’s through hostels, local events, or friend-meeting apps, there are endless ways to make connections—if that’s what you’re looking for.

4. You can’t plan for everything—and that’s a good thing.

You can try, but the “perfect trip” doesn’t exist. And honestly, it shouldn't. The more you talk to locals and fellow travelers, the more you’ll want to switch things up. Let your plans be flexible—that’s where the real adventure begins.

5. You probably do have the finances to travel.

Travel isn’t just luxury hotels and tourist traps (unless that’s your thing!). There are immersive, cost-effective ways to travel that can be even more rewarding—think work exchanges, seasonal jobs, house-sitting, or slow travel. There’s no one right way to explore the world—just find what fits your lifestyle, budget, and goals.

6. You’ll experience the traveler’s time warp.

One day you’ve just arrived, and the next you’re wondering how two months flew by. Around the one-month mark, things might feel overwhelming, especially if you're adjusting to a new culture. But give it time. As the weeks go by, you'll find your rhythm—and you’ll be amazed at how much you've grown.

7. You don’t have to explore 24/7—rest days matter.

This was a hard lesson for me. I felt pressure to constantly be doing something because I was in a new place. But burnout is real. Some of my best days were the ones I spent resting, journaling, or doing absolutely nothing. Your well-being is just as important as your itinerary.

8. Most people would rather help you than hurt you.

Before I left, much of the input I'd received about solo-traveling was: “Isn’t that dangerous?” “Aren’t you scared?” But the reality is, most people are kind—or indifferent at worst. I stayed safe by setting boundaries: no going out alone at night, sharing my daily plans with someone I trust, and staying aware of my surroundings. But truly, the world is not as scary as people make it seem.

9. Learning even a little of the language goes a long way.

Whenever I knew even a bit of the language, my travel experience got so much richer. Language opens doors to culture, humor, history, and connection. I think it also reflects to others that you care—and often, people really appreciate the gesture.

10. Hostels aren’t as scary as you were led to believe.

Hostels have a bad rep for awhile now—but honestly, most of the ones I've stayed in were clean, safe, and actually fairly cute. Many offer same-gender dorms, lockers, and fresh bedding. Most of the time you can also rent out a private room, so you don't have to stay in a room with other people. Platforms like Hostelworld make it easy to find highly rated spots, read reviews, and even see who else will be staying there. Hostels are especially perfect for solo travelers in their 20s looking to make friends.

11. You’ll get to know yourself—and others—really well.

Solo travel throws you into situations that stretch your comfort zone. You'll learn how you handle uncertainty, discomfort, joy, and solitude. It’s not always easy—but it’s deeply rewarding. You’ll meet others on a similar path, and those friendships sometimes even feel deeper than others, because they’re grounded in shared curiosity and an eagerness to see the world.

12. Solo travel is one of the best experiences you’ll ever have.

I’ve never felt more inspired or more me than when I’m solo-traveling. The people I've met and the countries and cultures I've got to experience have all contributed to my substantial growth as an individual. I feel endlessly grateful for every opportunity I’ve had—and even more excited for what’s still to come.