Solo travel doesn’t have to mean “solitude.” It’s definitely normal to have a case of solo travel loneliness at times, but there are ways around it.
As someone who’s spent decades exploring the globe on my own — from backpacking through Egypt in my 20s to savoring gluten-free tapas in Spain in my 50s—I’ve learned that the secret to traveling alone and thriving is intentional connection.
I’ll share with you how I build community, stay safe, and create unforgettable memories even when flying solo. If you have a fear of traveling alone, these tips will help you master the art of being alone but not lonely!
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Start with a Food Tour (Seriously, Do It on Night One)
When I land in a new city, the first thing I book isn’t a museum ticket or a spa day—it’s an evening food tour. I usually look for a highly rated tour on Viator.
Why?
If you’re traveling alone, you might want to go to dinner and have the chance to talk to somebody else. You can hear about other tourist experiences and might even make plans to meet up with them later.
On your first night, you might meet people who’ve already been there a week or people who also arrived that day. They may tell you about amazing things to do that you haven’t heard about yet!
Food tours are the ultimate icebreaker. You’ll bond over shared dishes, swap stories with other travelers, and get insider tips from your guide, especially if they’re a local.
Pro tip: Ask your guide for their favorite non-touristy restaurant or bar. Nine times out of ten, they’ll scribble a local gem on your napkin!
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Master the “Bookending” Method
I rarely travel 100% solo these days. Instead, I “bookend” group activities with my solo time. For example:
- Solo: Wander Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter for 3 days.
- Group: Join a 4-day catamaran trip along the coast.
- Solo: Explore Valencia independently afterward.
This is a great way to combat solo travel loneliness. You get to meet more people immediately without making any effort. By putting your group travel in between solo portions, you can fill up your social meter and be rejuvenated before finishing your trip solo again.
Small-group excursions (think: cooking classes, sailing trips, or walking tours) let you recharge socially without sacrificing independence. Look for groups capped at 8-12 people. They’re intimate enough for real connections but won’t crowd your itinerary or overwhelm you.
And if you want to find a group with other women traveling alone, search specifically for a “solo female travel group.”
Stay in Social (But Safe) Accommodations
Forget the “lonely but crowded hostel dorm” situation. My rule that I live by now?
After decades of traveling, I’m not afraid to stay in a hostel, but it has to have accommodations that are comfortable, like a private room and private bath. You can still meet people in common areas, but you’re not sacrificing safety or comfort.
Other options:
- Boutique hotels: Look for smaller hotels with communal spaces, like a rooftop bar or regular social events.
- Kindred homeshares: Swap your home for an apartment abroad (you can stay in Paris for $500/week using this!).
- Swap a stay for petsitting: TrustedHousesitters allows you to stay in homes all over the world in exchange for petsitting.
- Small cruises: Think 300-or-less-passenger ships or catamarans where mingling is effortless, but you still have your own space.
Hack the “Loneliness Tax”
Solo travel can be more expensive when you aren’t splitting the bills with someone, but it doesn’t have to. Here are some ways you can offset or even get rid of those extra costs:
- Use credit card points: I haven’t paid for an international flight to Europe in 8 years. Seriously! I am constantly earning and redeeming points and miles with the travel credit cards I use.
- Avoid single supplements: Book tours that pair solo travelers or opt for “no supplement” cruises.
- Share rides: Use apps like BlaBlaCar to split costs with other travelers with similar plans.
Pro Tip: Airline and hotel loyalty programs aren’t as valuable as they used to be, so I recommend focusing on credit cards with flexible rewards. Many let you transfer points to multiple airlines and hotels, rather than being tied to just one brand.
Safety First, Friends Second
As a solo female traveler, safety shapes every decision — but it doesn’t mean hiding in your hotel or not doing the things you really want to do.
When you’re traveling alone as a woman, that sixth sense is on 24/7. You have to change the type of accommodation you’re willing to stay in, the places you’re willing to go, and the types of things you do.
Here are my general safety rules:
- Arrive in daylight: Take a taxi (not public transit) from the airport if you’ve never been there before.
- Share your itinerary: Text your hotel address to a friend and share your overall itinerary, and when anything changes.
- Trust your gut: If a street feels “off,” leave. Find an alternate route or a crowded restaurant.
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Turn Strangers into Travel Buddies
Some of my closest friends started as random encounters! Don’t be afraid to interact with strangers, whether at the dinner table next to you or by searching for them in advance.
Here are some ideas to find and maintain these travel buddies:
- Swap socials on day trips: Met a fellow hiker in New Zealand? Follow each other on Instagram.
- Join FB groups: Search “[Destination] Solo Travelers” for meetups.
- Volunteer: Help at a local farm or festival — it’s bonding gold.
I ended up bungee jumping in Zambia because a random traveler I met said, ‘If you’re going to jump, do the Zambezi Bridge.’ So I did! People say things to me, and I go.
And that’s part of what I love so much about doing this blog and my YouTube videos. I get to be that person for other people! So can you. Keep up with your travel buddies, swapping inspiring stories and building your own travel community.
Embrace the “Alone But Not Lonely” Mindset
Loneliness isn’t a failure — it’s a sign to pivot. And it’s important to know that solo travel loneliness is a completely natural feeling.
Try these strategies to keep from feeling lonely or to turn it around when you feel it coming on:
- Coffee shop mornings: Work remotely while eavesdropping on local chatter.
- Theater performances: Even if it’s another language, shared laughter needs no translation.
- Writing postcards: This is a fun, traditional way to reflect and stay connected. Send it to loved ones or send it to yourself as a future souvenir.
The more you travel solo, the easier it gets. Now, I can hustle a trip and still spend less than most people I know.
So pack your bags, book that food tour, and remember: The world is full of future friends—you just haven’t met them yet!
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