Have you ever solo travelled? What was your experience?

Question

I’ve been thinking a lot about travelling recently and would love to travel to lots of different places. I’m planning a 10 day solo trip to Portugal and was wondering what other people’s experiences are with solo travelling?

I’d be planning on staying in hostels to keep it super cheap in shared dorms. I’m worried I’ll get lonely or feel bored on my own. For context I’m not going solo because I have no friends - I have friends and a boyfriend but holiday times just don’t match up & the people who are free can’t really afford it. I also would quite like to go solo as I feel it’ll be a challenge and maybe help me with my confidence. I’m also an introvert so usually don’t mind being by myself.

I’m also of course worried about safety but have done a lot of research on this!

zeitgeist057 · Accepted Answer

The majority of my travel has been solo (by choice, I also have the option of inviting friends, family, or lovers) and I’ve done A LOT of it (more than 2 dozen countries, over 6 years cumulatively abroad). Highly recommended, 100%.

Have you ever solo travelled? What was your experience?

That said, it’s not for everyone, some people will be bored or scared, the problem with solo travel is the same as the benefit: you are stuck with yourself. That can be an amazing adventure where you get to explore who you really are, or it could be a nightmare of realizing you are without depth.

Solo travel removes the bubble that is created when you travel with another person or group. You are immersed in whatever place you’ve come to, and it’s either engage or be isolated. It pushes you to reach out, and you will almost always be rewarded immensely when you do. Travel teaches so many things, but the lessons can be different for everyone; part of the adventure is learning what travel has in store to teach YOU. I wish you the best, and yes be safe, keep safety in mind always. Be watchful and wary (but also have fun!). Portugal is wonderful and also quite accessible and small. You could go from Porto (north) to Lagos (south) by train in a day. They are both amazing places (I adore Porto especially, don’t miss the “Harry Potter” bookstore.).

I would suggest learning a bit of Portuguese and make opportunities to talk to people. Ask for directions rather than typing in your phone, ask for suggestions on food rather than asking your phone. Try to figure out some language barriers rather than relying on your phone. (See the patter?) the more you engage, the more you will get out of it.

Lisboa (Lisbon) has a super cool aquarium. The train system is a great way to get from city to city and also around in the city (buses are cool too, for off the main strip)

Peter_Penetrator · Accepted Answer

Are you planning this through a travel agency? They are very up to date on ways to stay safe once you get there. One thing to do is to stay in touch a lot back home and keep them up to date on your locations. Nice having smartphones so you can send quick text. One important location to know is locations of US Embassies.

I would love to do the same for the same reason of building confidence.

Traveling alone is quite common and I am sure you can find testimonies online.

Traveling alone is great therapy. Plus, it is sll about you. Where you go, location to go that only interest you once you get to where you wish to visit. If you find an interesting location, you can visit as long as you wish.

With facetime, you can still share your experiences. Find a restaurant, order a glass of wine, have yourself partner sit back home also with a glass of wine with your phone camera to share that experience. Better yet, use a tablet.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I thought it was boring and felt lonely. I had planned to be gone for a few months but went home after a week lol. But I’m introverted and shy so didn’t interact with people to make friends. The hostel was disgusting. It had lots of reviews online and almost all were good but I don’t know how they got those because it was really horrible. Extremely dirty, rooms looked like a run down prison cell, stains and dirt on the bed and bed sheets (looked like they hadn’t been washed for like 5 years), the bathrooms were flooded with like 3 cm water on the floors and the lamps in there didn’t work so couldn’t see anything AND the doors could barely close and they didn’t lock because the handles and door locks were broken. The staff was nice though but like no. I checked out after a few hours and went to an hotel instead. I basically stayed in my hotel room and hotel lobby for the rest of the week because I didn’t feel like going out and doing anything alone. People (well men…) would stare at me like I was an alien as soon as I left the hotel too (I was in asia though). I don’t regret going, it was a good experience and I lost my urge to travel so I could start focus on other things instead. This was obviously just my experience though, other people my love it. I do recommend being extroverted and outgoing though or at least not have any issues to go out and do and experience things alone in a foreign place where you don’t speak the language.

Dinklex3 · Accepted Answer

I’ve just been to Jeju on my own.

It was great, only for 4/5 days. I wish I stayed longer. The locals were super sweet. Some used translations apps to communicate to me and were eager to tell me where I should visit next.

I was never lonely and I was never bored. They loved that I thought their island was beautiful. The trip really did increase my confidence and love for people in general.

OfMiceandMen · Answer

I try to get away on my own at least two to three times a year. I think it is character building.

I am away periodically with work, so I also get some independent travel time in that way.

I enjoy when I get away, it allows you to do what you want during the trip, not having to include other plans by other people.

I've done trips where I drive long distances and stay a week or two and also flown to places like the Caribbean, Mexico, etc.

Lliam · Answer

The only extended solo vacation I ever took was from Los Angeles to Washington DC and surrounding areas (mostly Virginia) for a week.
I planned what I wanted to see ahead of time.
I rented a car once I was there.
It was great because I could do what I wanted to do and go at my own whirlwind pace without anyone slowing me down. I did so many amazing things and saw fantastic stuff.

Aside from some road trips around the western U. S., I had a companion on all my other trips. Some of those trips were in the U. S. and some were to places in Europe and Mexico.

DizzyDesii · Answer

Yes to Vegas and to other states to apartment hunt. Next up, Miami or Dallas, and in the future, New York or Canada. I def prefer to travel solo. But when I go to Bahamas or Australia, I def ain't goin alone

richardcory · Answer

Traveling by yourself can be great - but as others have said, there are some countries where its not safe for a young woman to travel alone. I hate that that is true, but its. Most of Europe is fine.

melanieeeB · Answer

Yeah but more small city trips in Europe itself.
It's a great experience and definitely worth it but I wouldn't recommend traveling alone as a woman to 3rd world countries or countries who disrespects women and where women have no rights.

LaFemmeFatale_1 · Answer

Yep. I traveled solo to Bali, the best trip of my life. I got so many friends there, I have at least 2 people inviting me there every year.

Nikki1989 · Answer

Yes, I backpacked my way around Europe and had an amazing time.

AsaKyo · Answer

No, but I wanna travel solo to Europe Specifically the UK, Netherlands, and maybe Germany or Italy

art84 · Answer

Never have though sounds like fun especially doing what you like to enjoy alone time.

Redstang88 · Answer

Yeah I went to Ireland by myself. Had a blast there, I feel like traveling solo where you don’t speak the language would be a little tougher but it sounds like you’re up for the challenge.

Anonymous · Answer

I have never done it but my heart is to do it. I will do it once in my life

Iron_Man · Answer

No, but I stayed over in Las Vegas by myself an extra day or two I was bored, lonely, and overthinking every situation. I was glad to get back home.

exitseven · Answer

I have travelled by myself before. I enjoyed it but I really did not meet many people.

zagor · Answer

Yes, that is how I've done most of my travel and it was great. Haven't really ramped back up in my travels since Covid.

Degenerate · Answer

Nah I haven't and don't think I ever will. Mostly for the reasons you listed...

Anonymous · Answer

Traveled to India years back after a relationship.
Went okay.
First week was tough.
Then I was enjoying it but looking forward to coming home and starting over.
I think though for a girl you would need to be careful.

Anonymous · Answer

No, but I plan on doing that in the future when I can afford it.

Andres77 · Answer

All over the world, yes

Minahh · Answer

I haven't but it is a huge dream of mine

Have you ever solo travelled? What was your experience?

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