Solo travel is an incredible adventure. You get to explore at your own pace, make spontaneous choices, and fully immerse yourself in new experiences—no compromises, no waiting on anyone, just pure freedom.
I remember my first solo trip—exciting, nerve-wracking, and, at times, a little lonely. There were moments when I’d sit at a café, watching groups of friends laugh together, and wonder if I was missing out. But as the days passed, I realized solo travel wasn’t just about being alone—it was about learning to truly enjoy my own company. If the thought of loneliness has ever made you second-guess a solo trip, this guide will show you how to embrace your own company, stay engaged, and make your journey deeply fulfilling.
Staying social
Solo travel doesn’t mean you have to be alone all the time. In fact, one of the best ways to combat loneliness is by staying socially engaged. Meeting fellow travelers, joining group activities, or striking up a conversation with a local can turn a solo trip into a lively experience. The beauty of solo travel is having complete control over when to embrace solitude and when to surround yourself with company. Ever worried that traveling alone might get a little lonely? The good news is, it doesn’t have to! Here are some of the best ways to stay social and make connections while exploring solo.
1.Stay in a hostel
Hostels are social hubs, making them one of the easiest ways to meet new people. And the best part? You don’t have to stay in a dorm to enjoy the atmosphere—many hostels offer private rooms while still giving access to communal spaces like lounges, bars, and kitchens. Chatting with someone over breakfast, joining a game of pool, or participating in an organized event like a pub crawl or trivia night creates effortless opportunities to make friends.
During my first solo trip, I was hesitant about staying in a hostel, unsure if I’d fit in. But after a casual conversation in the common area turned into an invitation to explore the city with a group of lovely women, I realized how naturally connections can happen. Even if you’re introverted, the relaxed environment makes it easy to strike up conversations with fellow travelers who are also looking to connect.
2.Join a walking tour
Walking tours provide a structured setting to explore a new city and meet other travelers. Most tours encourage interaction, and guides often break the ice by having participants introduce themselves. This naturally leads to conversations as people admire historic sites together or laugh over an interesting local story.
On one of my travels, I joined a walking tour without expecting much, but within minutes, we started chatting about our favorite destinations. By the end of the tour, some of us decided to grab coffee together, turning what started as a casual outing into a great afternoon with new friends.
3.Go to a cooking class
Food has a magical way of bringing people together, and a cooking class is one of the most interactive ways to meet both locals and other visitors. Learning to prepare authentic dishes offers insight into the country’s culinary traditions and culture. Many classes end with everyone gathering around a table to share the meal they’ve prepared, turning it into a social experience as much as a learning one.
When I went to Mombasa, I took part in a cooking class, unsure of what to expect. But as we learned to make traditional Swahili dishes, the kitchen quickly filled with laughter and conversation. By the time we sat down to enjoy the meal, I wasn’t just tasting new flavors—I was sharing stories and laughter with people who had been strangers just a few hours earlier.
Booking directly through a local cooking school or teacher also supports the local economy. And who knows? A cooking class might not just add a new recipe to your skills but also introduce you to a new friend.
Create a solo travel routine
Creating a routine while traveling solo may seem unexpected, but it’s a great way to stay grounded and avoid loneliness. This isn’t about rigid schedules—it’s about building small habits that bring comfort and structure to your day. Starting with a morning walk, grabbing coffee at a local café, or journaling your thoughts can help you feel more connected to yourself and the place you’re in. When I travel alone, I usually take my breakfast at a local restaurant at 7 in the morning—it’s my routine whenever I’m on a trip. It gives me a sense of familiarity in a new place and a quiet moment to plan my day before heading out to explore.
Having a go-to activity, like reading in a park or visiting a museum, gives you something familiar to enjoy in a new environment. When I visited Mombasa, I would go to the beach early in the mornings to document my experiences in my journal. I’d capture everything—the sights, the people, the little moments I wanted to hold on to. Writing there felt effortless, like the words just flowed with the tide. It was my way of slowing down and really soaking in the experience. Wherever I go, I always make time to sit, reflect, and write—it’s how I connect with a place in my own way.
Document your journey
Documenting your journey is more than just capturing memories—it’s a powerful way to connect with your solo adventure on a deeper level. Through photos, videos, or journaling, you can reflect on the moments that shape your travels, from exciting discoveries to quiet reflections. Looking back at these souvenirs allows you to relive the experience and appreciate the personal growth that comes with stepping out on your own.
1. Ticket collage
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Taking public transportation while traveling? Turn your collection of tickets into a creative keepsake!
If you’ve saved ticket stubs from planes, trains, or buses, making a ticket collage is a simple and inexpensive way to document your travels. Grab a piece of poster board or thick paper, arrange the tickets into a colorful mosaic, and glue them down. For extra durability, place your collage in a glass frame to protect it from fading. Over time, this visual representation of your travels will become a unique reminder of the places you’ve been and the journeys you’ve taken.
2. Shadow boxes
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3. "Autograph book" tote bag
This is a travel keepsake that’s both memorable and practical! Bring a plain, light-colored tote bag and a set of fabric markers on your journey. Ask new friends to sign it, doodle on it, or decorate it with charms and pins from souvenir shops. Over time, your tote bag will become a one-of-a-kind reminder of the people and places that made your trip special.
4. Taking videos
Taking videos is one of my favorite ways to document my trips. Videos bring your travel memories to life by capturing not just the sights, but also the sounds, movements, and atmosphere of each destination. It’s not just about still images—it’s about immersing yourself in the moment and being able to replay it later. You don’t need professional equipment—a smartphone or compact camera can record stunning footage. Sharing my videos on platforms like YouTube not only lets me revisit my adventures but also allows me to inspire others to travel. There’s something magical about being able to transport someone else to the same place I visited through the lens.
Solo travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about discovering new sides of yourself. Every step you take, every person you meet, and even the quiet moments of solitude help you grow in ways you might not expect. Make the most of every experience and create memories that will last forever.
If you’re looking for breathtaking destinations that are perfect for solo travelers, these stunning places might inspire your next adventure.
Author bio: Zaituni Amir is a writer who loves all things travel—exploring new destinations, sharing expert tips, and highlighting places worth visiting. Through her writing, she shares detailed guides and practical advice to help readers travel smarter. If it involves travel, she’s either writing about it or finding an excuse to book another trip.
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