There’s something transformative about boarding a plane with nothing but a backpack and your own company. Solo travel isn’t just about ticking off destinations — it’s about learning who you are when no one else is around to define you.

In this edition of Solo Travel Diaries: Lessons Learned from Exploring the World Alone, I’m sharing personal stories, hard-earned tips, and beginner-friendly destinations to help you feel more confident taking the leap.

✈️ Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out the full collection of guides on our Planet Earth Holidays blog.

💬 Why I Chose to Travel Alone

My first solo trip was to Lisbon, Portugal. I was nervous, unsure, and second-guessing everything — from airport logistics to whether eating alone at a restaurant would be awkward. But within 48 hours, I felt a freedom and clarity I’d never experienced before.

I learned how to:

  • Trust my instincts
  • Navigate unfamiliar places
  • Make decisions without second opinions
  • Sit with silence — and enjoy it

Solo travel taught me how to be independent, not just on paper, but in action.

🌍 Top Destinations for First-Time Solo Travelers

Not all destinations are created equal when you’re going solo. Here are some of the best places to start your solo journey:

1. Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹

Why it’s great: Friendly locals, walkable neighborhoods, and vibrant hostels make it perfect for solo travelers.

Highlights:

  • Alfama’s narrow streets and Fado music
  • Sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
  • Day trip to Sintra’s fairytale castles

2. Kyoto, Japan 🇯🇵

Why it’s great: Safe, clean, and serene — ideal if you want a peaceful solo escape.

Highlights:

  • Visiting ancient temples like Kinkaku-ji
  • Enjoying quiet matcha moments in teahouses
  • Exploring bamboo forests in Arashiyama

🧳 Need more ideas? Here’s a helpful round-up of solo travel destinations from Lonely Planet.

3. Chiang Mai, Thailand 🇹🇭

Why it’s great: Super affordable, easy to navigate, and full of fellow solo travelers.

Highlights:

  • Cooking classes with locals
  • Night markets and street food
  • Temples and mountain hikes

4. Reykjavik, Iceland 🇮🇸

Why it’s great: One of the safest places on Earth. Rent a car, explore waterfalls, and soak in geothermal lagoons.

Highlights:

  • Blue Lagoon
  • Northern Lights
  • Golden Circle road trip

✏️ Lessons Learned from Traveling Solo

1. You Will Get Lonely — And That’s Okay

There were moments I felt isolated, especially during long travel days. But I learned to lean into the solitude rather than escape it. Books, journals, and local conversations filled the gaps.

2. You’re More Capable Than You Think

Whether it’s fixing a booking error or getting lost in a metro station, solo travel forces you to adapt. And every challenge builds confidence.

3. Solo ≠ Alone All the Time

Ironically, I met more people traveling solo than I ever did in a group. Hostels, walking tours, cafés, and coworking spaces are hubs for connection.

4. Freedom Is Addictive

Wake up when you want. Eat where you want. Spend three hours in a museum or zero. Solo travel puts you in the driver’s seat.

🧠 Tips for First-Time Solo Travelers

  • Start small: Try a solo weekend trip before going international
  • Stay connected: Buy a local SIM card or eSIM for safety and navigation
  • Pack light: One backpack = more freedom
  • Trust your gut: If something feels off, walk away
  • Book key accommodations in advance: Especially your first night
  • Share your itinerary: Let someone back home know your general plans

✅ Pro Tip: Join local experiences through platforms like Airbnb Experiences or Meetup to find community abroad.

✨ Final Thoughts: Your Solo Chapter Awaits

Solo travel isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. You’ll discover new landscapes and, more importantly, new parts of yourself. Whether you’re watching a sunrise alone in Bali or chatting with strangers in a Tokyo ramen bar, every solo trip becomes a story of growth.

So if you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to go — this is your sign.

🌍 Start writing your own Solo Travel Diary.

👉 For more solo travel stories, destination guides, and packing tips, visit our Planet Earth Holidays blog.