Last year, I spent three days in Lisbon alone. On my second night, I sat at a tiny tapas bar, watching a family laugh over plates of patatas bravas. I had a delicious glass of vinho verde in front of me, but the silence next to me felt heavy. I checked my phone for the tenth time, wishing I had someone to share the moment with. That’s the thing about solo travel—for all its freedom, it can hit you with waves of loneliness when you least expect it.
Why does solo travel loneliness happen?
It’s not just about being alone—it’s about missing the shared joy of discovery. When you see a stunning sunset or taste an amazing meal, your first instinct is to turn to someone and say, “Did you see that?” Without a travel buddy, that moment can feel incomplete. Other times, it’s the small, routine things: figuring out a confusing subway map alone, or eating a meal in a crowded restaurant where everyone else is with company. Unfamiliarity amplifies this—being in a new place where you don’t know anyone can make even small challenges feel overwhelming.
4 ways to turn loneliness around
You don’t have to suffer in silence. Here are four actionable ways to connect and feel more grounded:
1. Join a small group activity
Look for walking tours focused on a niche you love—like street art, food, or history. Small groups (5-10 people) are easier to connect with than large crowds. I once joined a street art tour in Berlin; by the end, we were all grabbing currywurst together and swapping travel stories.
2. Stay in social accommodation
Hostels, guesthouses with common areas, or co-living spaces are perfect for meeting other solo travelers. Many hostels organize free events like pub crawls or cooking nights. Even if you’re not a party person, sitting in a common room with a book can lead to a casual conversation with someone else passing through.
3. Use local meetup apps
Apps like Meetup or Couchsurfing Events let you join local gatherings—from yoga classes to language exchanges. When I was in Tokyo, I joined a tea ceremony meetup; I ended up making a friend who showed me hidden temples off the beaten path.
4. Talk to locals
Strike up a conversation with a café barista, a shop owner, or a taxi driver. Ask for recommendations—people love sharing their favorite spots. In Mexico City, a taco stand owner taught me how to order the perfect al pastor taco and even invited me to a local festival later that week.
Not sure which social accommodation fits your style? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Type | Pros | Cons | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel Dorm | Cheapest option, easy to meet people | Less privacy, potential noise | $10-$30/night |
| Hostel Private Room | Privacy + access to common areas | More expensive than dorms | $30-$60/night |
| Co-living Space | Long-term friendly, community events | Minimum stay often required | $50-$100/night |
| Guesthouse with Common Area | Homey feel, small-scale community | Fewer organized events | $40-$70/night |
“No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” — John Donne
This quote reminds us that connection is part of being human. Even when we’re traveling alone, we don’t have to be isolated. Reaching out to others—whether travelers or locals—can turn a lonely trip into a journey full of meaningful connections.
Common Question
Q: Is it normal to feel lonely while solo traveling?
A: Absolutely. Solo travel pushes you out of your comfort zone, and loneliness is a natural response to that. It doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong—it means you’re growing. The key is to not let it overshadow the freedom and adventure that solo travel offers.
Solo travel is a balance of freedom and connection. The next time you feel lonely, remember that it’s just a moment. Take a deep breath, try one of the tips above, and you might just meet someone who becomes a lifelong friend. After all, the best stories from travel often come from the unexpected connections we make.
