Solo travel offers a unique mix of adventure and self-discovery. With no companions to influence your choices, you’re free to build an experience that’s entirely your own. Whether you’re strolling ancient streets, finding peace on remote trails, or striking up conversations in lively hostels, solo travel has a way of making you feel deeply connected—not just to your surroundings, but also to yourself.
Here’s a guide to some of the most rewarding things to do when you’re hitting the road on your own.
Discover the Heart of a Place Through Its Food
Food can be a doorway to a culture, and solo travel allows you to walk right through it, with no rush. Eating on your own may sound daunting at first, but you’ll find that it often leads to unexpected moments and conversations. Food becomes more than just a meal—it’s an experience and a gateway to understanding the local way of life.
- Explore food markets: Places like La Boqueria in Barcelona or the sprawling streets of Bangkok are perfect for getting lost and sampling little bites here and there. You can go at your own pace, try what you want, and maybe strike up a chat with the vendor.
- Join a cooking class: Imagine learning how to make pasta in a small Italian village or rolling sushi in Tokyo. Cooking classes are ideal for solo travelers; they provide interaction without the pressure to socialize. Plus, you’ll learn a skill you can bring back with you.
- Sit at communal tables: In many places, you’ll find communal seating at restaurants, especially in places like ramen bars in Japan or food halls in New York. These setups make it easy to meet others naturally while enjoying local dishes.
Hiking Trails and Scenic Walks: Time for Reflection and Stunning Views
Solo hiking or scenic walks are perfect for solo travelers seeking a mix of adventure and peace. Walking alone gives you the time and space to fully appreciate the landscape, and you can set your own pace without worrying about anyone else.
- Explore well-known trails: There are many famous trails worldwide that are well-marked and filled with fellow hikers. Trails like the Camino de Santiago in Spain or the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal attract solo travelers from all over, so you’ll never be too isolated but can still enjoy your solitude.
- Urban hikes: Even in bustling cities, there are scenic walks to enjoy. The High Line in New York or the Montjuïc hill in Barcelona both offer fantastic views and are great for solo travelers wanting a mix of nature and urban life.
- Bring a journal: Hiking solo allows time for reflection. Many solo travelers find that bringing a journal along helps them capture thoughts and moments they want to remember.
3. Stay in Hostels or Guesthouses for Instant Community
Staying in hostels is one of the best ways to meet fellow travelers, especially other solo adventurers. Hostels have evolved and are not just for backpackers—they come in all styles and budgets. Many offer private rooms if you want more privacy, along with communal spaces where socializing happens naturally.
- Attend hostel events: Many hostels organize activities like pub crawls, cooking nights, or tours. These events are designed to make meeting others easy, even if you’re more on the introverted side.
- Find guesthouses or small inns: In some regions, like Southeast Asia or Central America, small guesthouses are everywhere. These often have a cozy, family-run vibe, which is inviting for solo travelers.
- Use hostel networks: Platforms like Hostelworld or Hostelbookers have ratings that can help you find the most solo-friendly places.
4. Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours and City Tours
Free walking tours have become popular in most major cities, and they’re fantastic for solo travelers. Not only do they introduce you to the main attractions and local secrets, but they also give you a chance to meet other travelers in a casual setting.
- Get a lay of the land: Walking tours give you a quick introduction to a new city, helping you get familiar with the area and learn the must-see spots and hidden gems.
- Ask questions and get local tips: Guides are typically local and knowledgeable. Use the chance to get recommendations on things only locals know.
- Connect with other solo travelers: You’ll likely be with others who are also new to the city. It’s an easy way to make connections, and who knows, you might find a fellow explorer for the day.
5. Take Public Transport Like a Local
Traveling solo means you’re more open to immersing yourself in the daily life of locals. Public transportation can be intimidating if you’re in an unfamiliar place, but it’s also one of the best ways to observe local routines and discover parts of the city that tourists might miss.
- Try the local trains, buses, or trams: Get familiar with routes and don’t be afraid to hop on and off. Systems like the trams in Lisbon or the bullet trains in Japan can add to your travel experience.
- Visit lesser-known areas: Take the bus or metro to a part of town where locals live and work. This is where you’ll find authentic eateries, parks, and shops.
- Observe everyday life: Watching how locals commute, chat, and interact gives you a more genuine feel of the culture than typical tourist hotspots.
6. Capture Your Journey: Photography, Journaling, and Blogging
When you’re solo, you’re the master of your time, so capture your journey the way you want. Photography, writing, or even video blogging can make your experience richer and give you memories to look back on.
- Take up photography: You don’t need to be a pro to start capturing great travel photos. Solo travel lets you stop wherever you want and take as many photos as you like, without anyone waiting for you.
- Journal your thoughts: Traveling solo brings about introspection. Writing about your experiences can help you process them, and when you look back, your journal becomes a time capsule of your journey.
- Start a travel blog or vlog: Many solo travelers find sharing their experiences online to be rewarding. It doesn’t need to be public; even a private blog can help you remember the small details.
7. Challenge Yourself to Try Something New
Solo travel is a perfect time to step out of your comfort zone. When there’s no one else to influence your choices, you can try things you might not do otherwise.
- Try an adventure sport: If you’re somewhere known for outdoor activities, like bungee jumping in New Zealand or scuba diving in Thailand, give it a go! These moments often turn into some of the best memories.
- Take a language class or workshop: Many destinations offer day workshops or classes—pottery in Morocco, tango in Argentina, or painting in France. Not only will you learn something new, but you might also meet locals and travelers with similar interests.
- Go on a silent retreat or meditation camp: Some solo travelers find incredible peace by spending time in a retreat setting, like a meditation camp in India or a wellness retreat in Bali. These experiences allow you to unwind, reflect, and grow.
Solo travel is all about finding freedom in your journey. It’s not just about sightseeing, but about slowing down, embracing new experiences, and letting go of your comfort zone. Every solo trip is an opportunity to rediscover yourself, even if it’s just for a short time.
So pack your bags, open your mind, and go wherever the road may take you. With every new place you visit, you’ll find another piece of yourself waiting there.
