Is It Normal to Feel Lonely When Solo Travelling?
Embracing the quiet moments of solo travel can lead to powerful self-discovery
Solo travel is often painted as the ultimate symbol of freedom and self-discovery. You imagine yourself wandering cobblestone streets at sunrise, sipping coffee in a foreign café, journal in hand, heart full of wanderlust. But what no one tells you? There’s a flip side.
Yes, it’s completely normal to feel lonely when solo travelling.
In fact, loneliness during solo adventures is more common than most travel influencers let on. Whether you’re hiking through Patagonia or navigating the metro in Tokyo, moments of isolation can creep in unexpectedly.
At TravelHubGuard , we believe that understanding the emotional side of travel is just as important as having the right travel insurance.Is it normal to feel lonely when solo travelling?” is a question many adventurers ask — and the answer might surprise you. Because even the most prepared traveler can feel a pang of loneliness when the sun sets and there’s no one to share it with.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- Why loneliness happens during solo travel
- How to cope with loneliness while exploring alone
- The psychological benefits of solo travel
- When to seek support (and when to embrace the silence)
Let’s dive in.
Why Do People Feel Lonely When Solo Travelling?
Loneliness is not the same as being alone. It’s the emotional gap between the connection you desire and the connection you experience. And when you’re solo travelling, that gap can widen — especially if you’re in a new environment with unfamiliar faces and languages.
Here are some common reasons why solo travelers feel lonely:
1. Lack of Familiar Social Cues
When you’re away from your usual social circle, you lose the comfort of shared inside jokes, familiar routines, and the subtle nods of recognition that come with being around people you know.
2. Overstimulation and Isolation
Travel can be overwhelming — new smells, sounds, languages, and cultures. After a day of sensory overload, it’s natural to crave a moment of grounding, which often comes in the form of conversation or companionship.
3. Missed Moments
You might find yourself wanting to share a beautiful view, a funny encounter, or an exciting discovery — but there’s no one there to witness it with you. That sense of missing out on shared joy can trigger loneliness.
4. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Scrolling through social media and seeing friends or family enjoying group experiences can amplify feelings of isolation, even if you chose to travel alone.
Pro Tip: Feeling lonely doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice. It just means you’re human.
How to Cope with Loneliness While Solo Travelling
If you’re wondering, “Is it normal to feel lonely when solo travelling?” — yes, it absolutely is. Here are some effective ways to manage that feeling and enjoy your journey
The good news? Loneliness during solo travel isn’t permanent — and it can even be a gateway to deeper self-awareness and resilience. Here are some practical ways to cope:
1. Lean Into the Experience
Instead of resisting the loneliness, try to understand what it’s telling you. Are you craving connection? Do you need time to reflect? Use this moment to check in with yourself.
2. Stay in Touch with Loved Ones
A quick video call or voice message can bridge the emotional gap. Schedule regular check-ins with friends or family so you feel connected, even from afar.
3. Join Group Tours or Meetups
Many hostels, travel agencies, and local guides offer group tours or meetups for solo travelers. These are great opportunities to meet people who are also navigating solo journeys.
💡 Suggested Activity: Try a local cooking class, walking tour, or volunteer project — these settings naturally encourage interaction.
4. Use Social Travel Apps
Apps like Meetup , Couchsurfing , or NomadX are designed to help travelers connect. You might find a walking buddy, a dinner companion, or even a future travel partner.
5. Journal or Reflect
Writing down your thoughts can help you process emotions and track your personal growth. Plus, it gives you something to look back on later.
6. Embrace the Solitude
Sometimes, loneliness is just quiet time in disguise. Enjoy a book, listen to a podcast, or simply people-watch in a café. Solo travel is a chance to reconnect with yourself.
The Psychological Benefits of Solo Travel
While loneliness can be uncomfortable, solo travel also offers powerful psychological benefits:
1. Increased Self-Confidence
Navigating new places and solving problems on your own builds resilience and self-trust.
2. Improved Decision-Making Skills
When you’re alone, you’re the only one making decisions — and that sharpens your judgment and independence.
3. Greater Self-Awareness
Without the influence of others, you’re more attuned to your preferences, values, and emotional triggers.
4. Freedom to Be Yourself
Solo travel removes the pressure to conform to group dynamics. You can explore at your own pace and truly be present in the moment.
When to Seek Support vs. When to Embrace the Silence
It’s important to distinguish between temporary loneliness and chronic isolation. If your loneliness starts to feel persistent or overwhelming, it may be time to seek support.
When to Seek Help:
- You feel consistently sad or anxious
- You lose interest in activities you usually enjoy
- You’re isolating yourself even from strangers or new acquaintances
If this sounds familiar, consider reaching out to a travel counselor, therapist, or trusted friend. Many travel insurance policies include mental health coverage — something we explore in more depth in our Travel Insurance FAQ .
When to Embrace the Moment:
- Your loneliness comes in waves
- You still enjoy your own company most of the time
- You’re open to meeting people but not desperate for connection
In these cases, loneliness can be a teacher — a chance to grow, reflect, and appreciate your own company.
How Travel Insurance Can Help with Emotional Wellbeing
While travel insurance is often associated with medical emergencies or lost luggage, some policies also offer mental health support, including:
- Access to 24/7 mental health hotlines
- Coverage for emergency counseling
- Teletherapy services while abroad
🛡️ Pro Tip: Always check your policy’s mental health coverage before you travel. At TravelHubGuard, we help you compare policies that include emotional and psychological support.
Need help finding the right plan? Try our Travel Insurance Comparison Tool .
Final Thoughts: Loneliness is Part of the Journey
So, is it normal to feel lonely when solo travelling? Absolutely. But that doesn’t mean you’re failing at solo travel — quite the opposite. Acknowledging and working through loneliness is part of the journey toward self-discovery and growth.
Remember: every traveler feels this way at some point. What matters is how you respond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it normal to feel lonely when solo travelling?Yes, it’s completely normal to feel lonely when solo travelling. Being in unfamiliar environments, missing familiar faces, and experiencing new emotions can all contribute to feelings of loneliness.
How can I deal with loneliness while traveling alone?You can cope with loneliness by staying in touch with loved ones, joining group tours, using social travel apps, journaling, or simply embracing the solitude as a chance for self-reflection.
Does travel insurance cover mental health support?Some travel insurance policies include mental health coverage, such as access to 24/7 counseling, teletherapy, or emergency psychological support. Always review your policy details before purchasing.
What are the benefits of solo travel?Solo travel boosts self-confidence, improves decision-making skills, increases self-awareness, and offers the freedom to explore at your own pace.
When should I seek help for loneliness while traveling?If your loneliness becomes persistent, affects your daily life, or leads to anxiety or depression, it may be time to seek professional help or reach out to a trusted support system.
Call to Action: Compare Policies and Travel with Confidence
Ready to plan your next solo adventure? Make sure you’re covered — not just for medical emergencies, but for your emotional wellbeing too.
Travel is more than just a destination — it’s a journey of growth, discovery, and yes, sometimes a little loneliness. But with the right mindset and the right travel insurance, you’ll be ready for anything.
Meetup.com – For social travel events