What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say the words ‘solo travel’ to you? Excitement? Fear? Adventure? Disaster waiting to happen? Longing? Freedom?
All of the above?
I’ve just returned from travelling solo for the first time, and, let me tell you, it was an experience! I saw some truly incredible things and stepped outside of my comfort zone and finally felt like I was doing what I was meant to do. It was the best thing I’ve ever done, and I loved every second of it. So, of course, I have to share five keys things I learnt from the experience with you, in the hopes it’ll inspire you to do some solo travelling of your own!
1. I’m more capable than I thought
If there’s one thing I learnt from my trip it was this: travelling alone brought out the best of me. I can’t remember another time in my life where I’ve been so confident in everything I’m doing (whether that’s setting up a tripod to take photos of myself or familiarising myself with the local buses) or open to new experiences.
Honestly, I was nervous before I left – but I didn’t need to be. Because it all came naturally.
And not just the confidence – this one’s a little niche, but I actually found myself picking up more and more of the language. I completed Spanish as a GCSE and when I was in Palma it all flowed back to me – and it just felt right. There’s no other word for it.
You never know what you can do until you solo travel.
2. You can’t plan everything…
My whole life, I have been a planner. I thrive off organisation – and planning holidays is no exception. Before I’d even left, I’d written up a whole itinerary and list of other activities to tick off and plan once I’d arrived.
But you can’t plan everything – I learnt that the hard way.
There’s so many things that can happen outside of your control. Delayed flights, late buses, lost luggage, transfers that don’t turn up… Yep, there’s a lot that can go wrong. In hindsight, I got off quite lucky with my flight delays – even if I had to change my tickets for that day whilst at the airport. At least I got a full refund!
3. …but some things need to be planned
It goes without saying that some things need to be planned: flights, hotels, major attractions. But that’s not all – some things just make sense to do together.
Take Palma, for example. If you’ve visited previously, you’ll know that Catedral de Mallorca and Palau de l’Almundia (and even Parc de la Mar) are right next to each other, but somehow, I wound up there on two different days. Granted, it was outside of my control – I missed my time slot for Palau de l’Almundia due to a three hour flight delay – but the locations are something to consider in your planning, too.
I also ended up not making the most of my Hop On, Hop Off bus ticket due to poor planning, which is my one regret! I’d really recommend just doing the route the once and getting off whenever you feel like it – I ended up going around twice because I wanted to go to a certain attraction first, when in reality it could’ve waited an extra couple of hours.
4. Sometimes, the best experiences are the impulsive ones
So allow time for them! Two of my favourite experiences whilst away were both things that I hadn’t planned, and I’m so glad I went with the flow a bit to try something new. Both were entirely outside my comfort zone – I think if you told most people I know I let someone draw me they’d laugh in your face – and pushing myself that little bit more was so incredibly rewarding.
Similarly, recognise that, no matter how extensively you research your destination, you won’t know everything – it’s very likely you’ll find somewhere cool to explore whilst you’re there. That’s exactly what happened when I discovered Pueblo Espanol, and it ended up being up there with the highlights of my trip.
5. I’m okay with being alone – in fact, I quite like it
Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve always thought of myself as a people person. But I had so much more fun in those three days than I’ve been having with anyone my own age lately. There’s something so freeing about being able to do whatever you want and not having to worry about anyone else’s preferences. There’s just you and some incredible destination to explore – and it means anything can happen.
So there you have it! Five lessons I learnt the first time I ever solo-travelled. I know I still don’t know everything and I’m so excited to see what I discover next. Travelling solo is definitely the way to go – I think everyone should experience it at least once!
Have you solo-travelled before? Would you ever consider it? Let me know in the comments!
Until the next adventure,
Ceri x
Like this post? Pin it for later!
Across the Great Planes 
very interesting post Ceri, you’ve definitely inspired me to take a solo trip in my future! 😏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, I’m so glad to hear that! Hope you have the best time 🙂
LikeLike
Love these solo travel lessons! My biggest one is traveling solo definitely helps us realize how capable we are. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yes absolutely, when you put yourself out there you really do realise just how strong and capable you are. Thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I absolutely love this post! I’ve always wanted to travel / go on holiday alone. It’s one of my biggest goals so this is hugely inspirational to me. We sound very similar, in that I’m a huge planner as well, so the thought of things going wrong and not to plan is definitely something that scares me when thinking about travelling alone! So lovely to hear you were able to work through that and enjoy travelling solo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw thank you so much! I would really recommend it if you ever get the chance to – I’d be happy to answer any questions. Oh absolutely, at the time I was freaking out but I learnt you just need to take things one step at a time. Thank you so much for reading and leaving such a lovely comment.
LikeLike
Definitely agree with your article. I travelled alone 15 years ago. I went to Australia for 16 months with one night booked somewhere. Yes, I was a bit “scared” and everyone thought I was crazy but it was a great growing lesson! We’re capable of greatness and being alone allows us to know ourselves better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds like such an incredible experience, I’m so jealous! I’d love to do something like that someday – I hope you had the best time. Absolutely, it’s great pushing ourselves because otherwise we’ll never know what we’re capable of! Thank you so much for reading and sharing your experience.
LikeLike
These are valuable lessons. I’m glad you enjoyed traveling alone. It’s a good experience. You learned news things about yourself from it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yes it was honestly incredible, I can’t wait to do it again. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
LikeLike
I would love to have the confidence to travel alone but I’m an anxious person as it is. I have nothing but respect for people who can take themselves away for a weekend by themselves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As an anxious person myself, I do completely get that – it is such a huge step but I have no regrets. One thing which really helped for me was gradually building up to it by doing things like going on day trips alone or going out for something to eat etc. If you ever want to chat please just let me know! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
Lovely message! I’ve travelled solo before and I find it a really rewarding experience!
Corinne x
https://skinnedcartree.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad you’ve had positive experiences too Corinne, it truly is amazing! Thank you so much for reading and commenting x
LikeLike
I love the idea of travelling alone but as someone who struggles with anxiety and has chronic health issues, I don’t think it’s for me right now. But I love reading blogs and watching vlogs of people solo travelling. P.S I love your blog name!
astoldbykirsty.co.uk
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so sad that it’s not accessible to everyone – my mum also suffers from chronic health issues and I know how much she struggles with finding the right travel experience for her. I’m glad you can still find joy from hearing others’ experiences! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
I’m so glad that you learned things about yourself while discovering a new place. As of yet, I haven’t traveled to a new country by myself, but I have traveled within my own country by myself and I loved it. Can’t wait to do more solo travel. Great tips 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was certainly an enlightening experience; I can’t wait to do it again! I hope you enjoy it when you get the chance, I’d love to hear about it. Thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
LikeLike
I don’t know if I could travel alone. I think I would be a bit too scared to do something like this. It sounds like it was a huge learning experience for you. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Lauren
LikeLiked by 1 person
Honestly, I was a little scared too but it was so worth it – although it isn’t for everyone. Do let me know if you want any advice! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
I have never travelled alone, but posts like this make me want to do it at some point in my life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would really recommend it if you ever get the chance! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
My partner is my travel buddy and I can’t imagine exploring somewhere new without him but I love the freedom of being along. Especially when I’m visiting somewhere I’ve already been before ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I totally get that, if I could travel more with my partner then I would but unfortunately his work doesn’t allow that! It can be just as rewarding being alone. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts ❤
LikeLike
This was so inspiring to read – I’ve never been travelling alone before but reading this makes me feel like it would be possible. I feel I might get lonely but I guess keeping busy with activities would prevent that, and of course meeting people along the way! It sounds like you had a lovely adventure, thank you for sharing it with us x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw thank you, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I think for me the loneliest parts were definitely the nights as I wasn’t doing much but I did meet some lovely people whilst I was there. I definitely did! Thank you so much for reading and leaving such a lovely comment x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never traveled alone, I’ve always been too scared lol but good for you! And it looks like you learned so much from doing so!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d really recommend doing it if you ever get the chance – I was a bit scared too but it ended up being amazing! Thank you so much for reading and commmenting.
LikeLike
Love this post! I would love to have the guts to travel alone, even if it was just going up north in my home state for some relaxation. I admire you! Awesome post 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Honestly if you get the chance I’d say go for it, it can be a little scary but it’s so rewarding! Thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing, I did some solo traveling when I went to Singapore 9 years ago, and I want to really do it again, but with anxiety, I have stuck going on days out in the UK at the moment till I get my confidence back, glad you have learned some lessons from your trips 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I completely understand that – I have anxiety too and it can be really tough. I think building up to it is definitely the way to go! Thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
LikeLike