You know what stops most people from traveling alone? It’s not the money thing or the planning thing. It’s the thought of sitting by yourself in a restaurant while everyone else is with their friends and family, laughing and having a good time.
I totally get that fear because I had it too. But after years of solo travel, I can tell you something – being alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely. Not even close.
Let me share what I’ve figured out about staying connected when you’re traveling by yourself, so this guide is all about how to travel solo without feeling lonely. Welcome to SprintWilo, your solo travelling companion.
Table of Contents
Group Tours Are Actually Really Fun
Walking Tours Changed My Mind
Okay, so I used to think group tours were kind of lame. Like something only really touristy people do. But then I tried a free walking tour in Barcelona and it completely changed my perspective.
You just join them, walk around with a group of strangers, learn about the city, and tip the guide whatever you want at the end. Easy. No pressure. And you end up chatting with people naturally because you’re all experiencing the same stuff together, with no hassle.
I’ve met and made friends with people from all over the world on these tours. Sometimes we grab lunch after. Sometimes we just say bye and that’s it. Either way, you spent a few hours not feeling alone, wherever you are around the world.
Day Trips Are Even Better
I’ve had the best conversations with other travelers on the Bus tours and day trips outside the city, and maybe it’s because you’re together for longer, or maybe it’s because smaller groups just feel more relaxed.
I did a wine tour once and ended up spending the whole day with a couple from Germany and a solo traveler from Australia, and we had such a good time that we met up for dinner later that week.
That kind of stuff happens all the time when you put yourself in these group situations.
Book Your Own Sometimes
If you’re on a cruise, yeah, the ship offers excursions at every port. But I actually like booking my own tours sometimes because you get smaller groups and it feels less rushed.
I enjoy the research part too – finding cool local companies, reading reviews, picking something that actually interests me instead of just the standard tourist package.
Plus, smaller groups mean you actually get to know people instead of just being in a crowd of 50 people. So as I mentioned, always try to get connected with fewer, more friendly people.
Just Go Where People Are; Don’t try to spend the whole trip alone
Events and Concerts and Stuff
This sounds obvious, but seriously, just go where people hang out. Local concerts, street festivals, markets, anywhere something is happening.
You don’t even have to talk to anyone if you’re not feeling it. Just being around people doing stuff makes you feel less isolated. And if you want to talk, it’s super easy to turn to someone and say, “This is so cool,” or “Have you tried the food here?” and boom, you’re having a conversation.
Don’t Be Shy About Dancing
Here’s something I noticed – lots of people dance alone and nobody cares. I saw this on a cruise once. There was live music, and the dance floor was packed with people just doing their thing.
Most of them weren’t with partners or groups. They were just out there having fun by themselves. Young people do it, old people do it, everyone does it.
So if you feel like dancing, just go dance. Stop worrying about looking weird because literally nobody is paying attention.
Markets Are the Best
I love markets. Food markets, craft markets, farmer’s markets, whatever. Vendors are usually really chatty, especially if you ask them questions about what they’re selling.
“Where did you get this?”
“How do you make that?”
“What do you recommend?”
Before you know it, they’re telling you about their grandmother’s recipe or the best restaurant in town that tourists don’t know about, and those little conversations add up and make you feel connected to the place.
Locals Actually Want to Help
I know taking Ubers everywhere is easier, but you miss so much when you do that. Public transport is where you meet regular people who actually live in the city.
And here’s the thing – most locals are proud of where they live. If you look a bit confused or you ask them for help, they usually love giving you tips and recommendations.
I’ve had the best conversations on buses and trains. Someone tells me about a neighborhood I should check out, or a restaurant their family has been going to for 30 years, or a festival happening this weekend that’s not in any guidebook.
You just don’t get that in the back of an Uber.
It Makes You Feel Like Less of a Tourist
When you’re on public transport with people who live there, you feel more like you’re part of the city instead of just visiting it. Even if you’re only there for a few days, it changes the whole experience.
So you’ll feel like the people around you treat you like you are one of them, making it more comfortable to be wherever you go.
How to Eat Alone Without Feeling Awkward?
Sit at the Bar, Trust Me
This is the single best tip I can give you about eating alone. Don’t sit at a table. Sit at the bar.
At a table, you’re just sitting there by yourself, scrolling through Instagram while you wait for your food, watching couples and groups around you having conversations. It feels lonely even if the food is good.
But at the bar? Totally different vibe. There’s usually someone next to you, the bartender is right there, people are coming and going, and finally, it’s social without being forced.
I specifically look for restaurants where I can eat at the bar now. And you know what? You don’t even have to order alcohol. Just eat your meal there and you’ll see what I mean.
Try it once and you’ll understand why I recommend this.
If You’re on a Cruise
Most cruise ships have open seating for dinner, where you can sit with different people every night. Do that instead of eating alone in your cabin or at the buffet by yourself.
In that case, some nights you’ll meet really interesting people. Some nights, maybe not so much. But at least you’re having conversations and hearing stories instead of eating in silence.
Talk to the Staff
Waiters, bartenders, hotel workers, coffee shop owners – these people know everything about the area. Ask them where they like to eat, what they do for fun, and what’s good right now.
You get insider tips, and you’re also just having a normal human interaction instead of treating them like robots who bring you food.
It’s Really Just About Starting Conversations
Most People Are Actually Friendly
I used to overthink this so much. Like “How do I start a conversation without being weird?” or “What if they don’t want to talk to me?“
But honestly, most people are pretty friendly if you give them a reason to chat. Compliment something they’re wearing. Ask for directions. Comment on the weather or the view, or whatever is happening around you.
You’re not trying to become best friends. You’re just having a moment of connection with another human, and that’s enough to make you feel less alone.
Other Solo Travelers Are Everywhere
Look around and you’ll see tons of people traveling by themselves. At breakfast in hotels, on tours, taking photos at tourist spots, and sitting in cafes with a book.
They’re probably hoping someone will talk to them, too. Go say hi. Ask where they’re from or where they’re headed next. Solo travelers usually love meeting other solo travelers because we get it.
Write Names Down
This is a small thing, but it helps. When you meet someone cool, write their name down somewhere. In your phone, in a notebook, wherever.
Then if you run into them again on your cruise or at your hostel or whatever, you can be like “Hey Sarah!” instead of “Hey… you.” People really appreciate it when you remember their name, and it makes that second conversation way easier.
Your Mindset Matters a Lot
In all these cases, the first thing that helps or ruins the solo travelling experience is your mindset.
Being Alone Is Pretty Normal, Actually
The more you focus on being alone, the weirder it feels. But if you just look around, you’ll see that tons of people do stuff alone. Go to movies alone, eat alone, travel alone. It’s not some strange thing.
And in travel, especially, people are constantly meeting for a few hours or a few days and then going their separate ways. That’s just how it works, and there’s nothing sad about it.
You Can Do Whatever You Want
The best part about solo travel is that you get to do exactly what you want without checking with anyone else. Want to spend four hours in a museum? Do it. Want to skip the famous thing everyone says you have to see? Skip it.
Once you stop thinking about what you’re missing and start appreciating that freedom, everything changes.
Just Being Around People Helps
Even when I’m not talking to anyone, being in a crowded place makes me feel good. A busy market, a packed train station, a square full of street performers and tourists.
Something about being around other humans just gives you energy. You don’t have to be deep in conversation to feel connected.
What If You’re Shy?
All those things discussed by me, so far, is for the people who has less social anxiety, and are less shy. So, what if you are shy and those things we’ve disucssed does not spply for you?
You Don’t Have to Be Social All the Time
Being introverted or shy doesn’t mean you can’t travel solo. It just means you need to balance things out.
Do something social in the morning, then spend the afternoon alone recharging. Chat with people at dinner, then go back to your room early and read or watch something.
Nobody says you have to be “on” 24/7.
Small Steps Count
You don’t need to have long, deep conversations with everyone you meet. Sometime,s just smiling at someone at breakfast or saying good morning is enough.
Those tiny interactions throughout the day add up. By evening, you realize you’ve talked to a bunch of different people without forcing anything.
It Gets Easier Every Time
The first solo trip might feel uncomfortable, especially when it comes to putting yourself out there and starting conversations. But each time you do it, it gets a little easier.
You figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. You get better at reading situations. You learn when to be social and when to just do your own thing.
My Real Thoughts on This
I’ve been doing solo travel for years now, and honestly, I’m rarely lonely, even when I’m by myself for weeks. There are always ways to connect with people if that’s what you want, and there’s something really nice about having the choice.
Some days I’m in the mood to be social, so I’ll sit at the bar or join a tour or chat with strangers. Other days I want to be in my own head, so I’ll grab takeout and eat in my room or spend the day hiking alone.
That flexibility is what makes solo travel so good.
Yeah, there are moments where being alone feels a bit sad. Usually at dinner or when you see something beautiful and wish someone were there with you. But those moments don’t last lon,g and they’re way outnumbered by all the freedom and adventure and unexpected conversations that come with traveling solo.
If you’re scared of being lonely, I get it. But I promise it’s not as bad as you think. The world is full of friendly people and fellow travelers and chances to connect. You just gotta be open to it.
So go ahead. Book that trip. Travel solo. You won’t be lonely unless you really want to be.
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