One of the things I love most about solo travelling is the freedom it brings—I can go wherever I want, whenever I want. I don’t have to wait for anyone (which, I’ll admit, I don’t have much patience for), and if I suddenly feel like changing my plans, I can do it without explaining myself to anyone.
Of course, that doesn’t mean I’ve never travelled with others. I’ve had several trips with friends and a partner, but finding someone whose travel style truly matches yours isn’t always easy.
Everyone has different expectations of what a trip should look like. Some people like to sleep in and take things slow, while others want to make the most of every hour. Some prefer a detailed itinerary, while others enjoy being spontaneous and figuring things out as they go. Trying to balance different travel styles when travelling with others can sometimes take the fun out of the experience. That’s why solo travel has always felt like the most natural fit for me.
However, as much as I love it, solo travel isn’t always as perfect as it looks. Behind the beautiful views, café photos, and selfies I share online, there are also moments that feel uncomfortable, frustrating, or even a little scary. And that’s exactly why I’m writing this—to share the side of it you don’t usually see.
✅ The Struggle of Taking Photos
Taking photos while travelling solo is… an experience on its own.
When you travel with someone, it’s easy—you take turns, laugh, retake shots, and help each other find the best angles. But when you’re alone, things get a bit more challenging. You’re working with a timer, a tripod, and a lot of patience.
And you need a bit of thick skin to not care about people watching you.
Sometimes I ask strangers for help. Most are kind, but it’s always a little awkward. I tend to rush my poses because I don’t want to take up too much of their time, so I usually end up with just one or two quick shots.
Most of the time, I rely on selfies or my camera timer. And if you’ve ever used a timer for travel photos, you’ll know how unpredictable it can be—wrong angles, missed timing, or random people suddenly walking into the frame.
And the worst part? Thinking you nailed the shot… only to realise later it’s not what you imagined.
Frustrating? Yes.
✅ Have to Rely on the Kindness of Strangers
Every country has its own culture, beliefs, and language. When you travel somewhere new, everything feels unfamiliar—and that’s where the challenges begin.
- From asking for directions to using public transport or
- Ordering food in a language you don’t speak,
- Even simple things can feel complicated.
As a solo traveller, you will rely on strangers a lot. While many people are genuinely helpful, it’s not always easy. Sometimes they don’t understand English and respond in their own language, leaving you trying to figure things out through Google Translate, hand gestures, or pure instinct.
It can feel confusing, awkward, and sometimes even overwhelming.
Of course, it’s also important to trust your instincts, because not every situation feels safe. But over time, you learn. You adapt. You become braver. Solo travel pushes you to speak up, ask for help, and figure things out on your own, even when it feels uncomfortable. Especially if you’re shy? This part hits hard.
✅ The Physical Exhaustion
Red-eye flights and I have a toxic relationship. They’re cheaper. They save time. And every time I book one, I tell myself:
“Never again.”
…then I do it again.
After landing early in the morning, the exhaustion really hits. I’m running on very little sleep, feeling disoriented, and still having to figure everything out—where to go, how to get there, and what to do next. Even basic things feel harder, like going to the restroom. You can’t just leave your bags behind, and there’s no one to say,
“I’ll watch your bags; go rest for a bit.”
You either carry everything with you or ask a stranger to watch your belongings for a moment, quietly hoping they’re trustworthy.
Most of the time, I don’t look anything like the photos I post online—messy hair, heavy eye bags, and completely drained. Honestly, I look my absolute worst. So yeah, my chances of having a cute airport moment with a handsome stranger? Very low. Haha. 🤣
✅ Safety Is Always on Your Mind
You become more aware. More cautious.
I try not to be overly friendly with strangers—not out of fear, but out of awareness. Still, there have been uncomfortable moments.
In Istanbul, I experienced situations where men followed me and even touched me unexpectedly. Nothing extreme, but enough to remind me to stay careful. While in Georgia, I once sat on a bench eating snacks when a man approached and sat beside me. After a short conversation, he invited me to have dinner at his home. I politely declined and left immediately.
Even in places where I generally feel safe, like Thailand, I still take precautions. For example, I prefer arranging airport transfers through my hotel instead of finding random rides. It costs a little more, but the peace of mind is worth it.
Depending on the country, my comfort level changes. In some places, I feel safe walking alone (even in quiet areas). In others, I’d rather not take any risks and choose to stay in, especially at night.
✅ Loneliness Can Creep In
There are also quiet moments when loneliness gently sneaks in.
Like standing in front of an incredible view or watching the sky change colours at sunset. I don’t feel unhappy in those moments, but I do feel the urge to share them with someone. Someone to turn to and say,
“Look at that. I can’t believe I’m here.”
It also happens in everyday places—like sitting alone in restaurants, cafes, or streets where I’m surrounded by people sharing moments I’m not a part of.
It’s not sadness exactly. More like a soft awareness that some experiences feel different when shared.
✅ No One to Share the Mental Load
When it comes to solo travel, you carry everything on your own. Not just your bags, but every decision too. Big or small, it is yours.
At first, that freedom feels amazing. You can change plans anytime, go wherever you want, and follow your own pace. But after a while, even small decisions start to add up.
Which train should I take? Where should I eat? Should I change my plans or stick with them?
And when things don’t go as planned, it hits a little differently. If you miss a train, get lost, deal with delays, feel unwell, end up in the wrong place, or simply have one of those overwhelming travel days, there’s no one beside you to laugh it off with or help figure things out.
It’s just you.
It sounds simple, but when you’re constantly the only one deciding, it becomes mentally tiring in a way you don’t expect. Having someone by your side can make everything feel a little less stressful and a lot more manageable.
