What People Always Ask Me About Solo Travel – Answered
We were wandering through the souk in Nizwa, Oman, the air thick with frankincense and spices, colors everywhere, voices calling out in Arabic. Our small group tour had scattered, and I found myself walking alongside a lovely woman in her thirties. Somehow, between admiring crafts and navigating the maze of stalls, we started talking about travel, about life, about doing this solo.
When she found out I have teenagers back home, she stopped walking. “I’m so happy I met you,” she said, her eyes brightening. “Now I know I can still adventure when I eventually have a family.” Her words landed somewhere deep. Because it wasn’t the first time I’d heard it.
A year earlier, in gorgeous Mallorca, I’d met another solo traveler in her early thirties at a coliving house. We were about to head out market and cala hopping, and when she learned I have a family, she said almost the exact same thing: “You’re proof this doesn’t end.”
I smiled at both of them, but inside, something shifted. These weren’t just casual comments. They were proof people were seeking; that adventure doesn’t have an expiration date, that family doesn’t mean the end of discovery, that midlife doesn’t mean staying in one place.
And if two women on two different continents and many others needed to hear it, I knew there were thousands more asking the same questions. So here they are—the questions people always ask me about solo travel. Not because I have it all figured out, but because maybe my voice will help you write your own beautiful story.
Don’t You Get Lonely?
This is the number one question, hands down, and the question that makes me smile the most, because I am always eager to answer it.
And here is my honest answer: No. I am in a new city, a new place, where I am privileged enough to write my own story on a blank canvas.
Loneliness? That doesn’t show up. Because when you are solo, you are not alone —you are present with YOU. You notice everything around you. You notice the different smells, the way the sun hits, the sound of the waves against the mighty rocks. You hear all the different conversations in many beautiful languages you do not even understand. You hear the echos of laughter. You make eye contact with strangers who become friends for an afternoon, a hike, a sunset. You take your time to taste food.
There is a difference between solo and loneliness. Solo is intentional — you take the time to plan a trip to see a new slice of the earth. It is space to follow your own rhythm (throw in a few dance moves when you hear the beats of music), to say yes to the trail across the ocean, or the beach or the café without negotiating with anyone else, but you.
When you are solo traveling, you are not running from connection, you are actually opening yourself up to it in the most authentic and simplest way possible.
How Do You Not Panic in a New Place?
I get this one a lot, especially from people who’ve never traveled solo before.
The truth? Preparation makes all the difference.
I do my research. I know where I’m staying, I have a rough plan (I mostly wing it), I’ve read about the culture, I know a few key phrases if I can. I read a few blogs and watch some videos about the place. I tell people where I am. I trust my gut about which streets to walk down and which ones to skip.
But here’s the thing: I also leave room for the unknown (my favorite part). You know why? Because the magic lives in the unplanned moments.
There is a confidence that builds inside you when you navigate a new place on your own. The first time you figure out a bus system in a language you don’t speak? You feel unstoppable. The first time you ask for directions and someone helps you with a smile? You remember that most people are kind — this happens to me quite often, and I am always grateful.
Panic comes from feeling out of control. But solo travel teaches you that you are more capable than you think. You learn to trust yourself, and that trust travels everywhere with you.
How Do You Do It with a Family?
This question always comes with weight. Sometimes it’s curiosity. Sometimes it’s judgment. Sometimes it’s longing. It’s perfectly fine no matter the category this question falls in.
Here is what I honestly know: adventure feeds my soul.
When I adventure, I’m showing my teenagers that everyone has passions. I am teaching them that it’s okay, even necessary to pursue what sets your soul on fire. I am showing them that exploration and adventure aren’t selfish; they are essential.
Do I miss them when I travel? Of course. But I also know that my kids are excited for me and learning independence while I’m gone. And when I come home, I bring back amazing stories, big bear hugs, and pure energy like no other.
I didn’t stop being their parent when I climbed Kilimanjaro. I became someone who shows them what courage looks like, and it is beautiful to watch them start to carve out their own passions.
How Do You Pick Where to Go?
Usually people think there is a complicated system, but honestly? I follow what calls to me.
Sometimes it’s a photo or video that stops me in my tracks. Sometimes, it’s a conversation with a friend or a stranger on my travels.
I also trust the whispers. You know the ones that keep showing up in your mind. These to me are not random, they are invitations to explore.
Here is the biggest secret; there is no such thing as a ‘wrong’ destination. Every place teaches you something. Every place writes a story on your blank canvas. Every exploration gives you exactly what you need, even if you don’t know you need it. I always say that Kilimanjaro still lives in me.
Isn’t It Scary? Isn’t it Dangerous?
I am intentional.
I research safety. I stay aware of my surroundings, and I don’t take unnecessary risks. I listen to locals, trust my instincts and make smart choices.
But here is what I have learned after all these solo adventures; the world is not as dangerous as fear wants you to believe.
Yes, things happen, but crazy things can happen anywhere, including where we live. The most important question isn’t whether risk exists, it’s whether the risk of not living is bigger than the risk of going.
I have wandered Lisbon’s alleys, hiked alone on Seven Hidden Valleys trail, climbed mountains that seemed impossible at first, and danced in cities where I didn’t speak the language. What I have found is: kindness, generosity, people who go out of their way to help, and beauty and serenity that takes your breath away.
Fear is real and fear is loud (we all experience it sometimes), but I promise you that courage is louder and courage is bolder. Fear simply does not want you to experience what is on the other side – boldness, courage, beauty of our earth.
What’s Your Question?
These are questions people ask me. But here is the question I want to ask you – What question comes to mind that is keeping you from your own adventure?
Is it, “What if I panic” or “What will people think” or “What will people from my culture think” or “Am I too busy, too old, or too afraid?”.
Because, this is what I know for sure, the only question that matters is, “What if I don’t go?”
The trails will always be there and the ocean will still be majestic. But time? Time keeps moving.
So grab your hand luggage my friend. Pick a destination that whispers to you.
Come along with me. Let’s dream, explore and wander.
~ Eliza 💛
I hope you always choose an open road to a new adventure.
Comments
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Agnes
This is such a powerful and beautifully written reflection on solo travel. I love how you clearly separate being solo from being lonely — that distinction will resonate with so many people who are curious but hesitant. Your stories from Oman and Mallorca are especially moving, and they gently challenge the idea that adventure has an expiration date or ends once you have a family. The way you explain preparation, trust, and leaving space for the unknown feels honest and reassuring, not idealized. This will give a lot of readers the confidence to start writing their own travel story.
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Eliza
Thank you Agnes. It’s been amazing trying new things, hesitating on some adventures, and meeting amazing people from all over the world :). I’m happy to hear that this will resonate with people.
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Shweta
Such powerful thoughts about solo travel. I travel mostly with my family, but I have started adding Solo Activities like Scuba Diving To enjoy by myself.
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Eliza
Thank you Shweta. I love that! Solo activities are super exciting, and it makes you want to adventure more. Awesome on the scuba diving – that is brave :).
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Bobbie Baggett
I FULLY AGREE WITH THIS! YOU’RE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT THAT THE TEENAGERS ARE WATCHING; I WANT THEM TO BE AWESOME ADULTS ONE DAY TOO AND NOT AFRAID TO TRY “SCARY” THINGS. I ESP LOVED THIS QUOTE “But here is what I have learned after all these solo adventures; the world is not as dangerous as fear wants you to believe.”. BRAVA!
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Eliza
They sure are watching, and I hope they explore this beautiful world. Thanks for the compliment Bobbie :).
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Kitti
I really enjoyed reading your post. Doing plenty of research and preparation is definitely important.
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sonia
Great response on the question of whether solo travel is scary. I also approach this very intentionally, doing my research and staying aware of my Surroundings.