Solo Travel

Managing Solo Travel Loneliness

By Feral Travel

May 1, 2026

Closeup of a dock over lake water with trees in the background

Solo travel can be freeing, exciting, and occasionally a little lonely. The loneliness is often part of the experience, not a sign you're doing it wrong.

Being Alone Isn’t the Same as Being Lonely

Loneliness loses its impact if you treat it as a passing feeling, not a sign that things are falling apart. Solo time can be rest, freedom, or just a chance to notice where you are. Sometimes the best move is to embrace the quiet.

Give Yourself Comfort

Eat, sleep, move, read, watch something familiar, or just take the afternoon off. You don't need to declare the trip a failure. Loneliness usually gets louder when you're tired, hungry, overstimulated, or trying too hard to make every hour count.

Put a Little Shape Around the Day

A loose plan, a bit of routine, or one small purpose can keep empty time from turning into an afternoon of spiralling. You don't need a strict schedule. A morning walk, a favourite café, or just one thing to look forward to is enough. Find one thing you want to see, plan how you’ll get there, take a picture when you do.

Be Careful With the Phone

A message or call home can help, but endless scrolling just turns everyone else's highlight reel into proof you're missing out. Use your phone for real connection or comfort, then put it away.

A few other favourite resources on this topic

Want to read more bite-size insights? Check out our Solo Travel Collection.

Want to see everything in one place, sign up free to access the Solo Travel Hub.