The gift of solo travel is one of the best things a person can give themselves. The benefits are widely touted by folks in the travel community, with the most outstanding being the boost to your personal development. However, there is also a less glamourous side of solo travel that no one talks about.

That’s right. Forget Instagram for a moment and listen up: solo travel is not all a whirlwind of gleeful “living my best life!” moments.

The truth is, there are emotional challenges which we face early on but rarely mention. I imagine that is because between highlighting “the time when I felt like crap on my trip” vs. “check out the spectacular shots I nailed in this location”, we all know which one wins.

But the difficulties you encounter on solo travel contribute to the narrative of a bigger and often exceedingly positive story. They should not be ignored or even shied away from. They form part of the experience and create growth.

I decided to interview some old partners-in-crime in my travel network to get their individual views on this topic. We share with you, without reservation, some of those difficulties.

But don’t be fooled. Nothing mentioned here deters us from our beloved trips of one. Above all, we enjoy solo travel and strongly recommend it.

Here are our candid thoughts.

Independent Happiness

Shannon, New Zealand

“There are definitely so many positives about solo travel but I think the most difficult thing would have to be learning to enjoy your own company because you don’t always have someone with you to share the amazing experience with.“

It is not easy to arrive somewhere and realize that you can explore and pursue activities you love, but not with the people you love. Especially if you typically exist within a big social circle. Adapting to “party of 1” might take time but the great part is: it’s a real confidence booster.

Social Stigma Of Being Alone

Josh, United Kingdom

“There is a stigma attached to being by yourself (i.e. “does this guy not like people?”) You get weird stares from people if you’re in a restaurant eating alone or on a tour alone etc.“

Learning to disregard the awkward looks you get when doing solo activities is part of the gig. It’s a shame when folks pass silly judgment from afar but hey, you’re the lucky one on an adventure!

Around-the-Clock Enthusiasm

Josh, United Kingdom

“Having to make an effort socially the whole time can be a challenge. Part of the fun of travelling is meeting new people, but sometimes you just want to chill with someone you know and not have to ask a new person about their life story.“

It is completely normal to want downtime from the ongoing “so where are you from?” introductory interactions. Rising to the challenge of putting yourself out there is a big accomplishment. It rewards you with the indisputable pleasure of sharing experiences with others. But it doesn’t mean you need to wear your networking hat on a 24/7 basis.

Making That First Move

Anton, Australia 

“You find yourself in all of these new places, sitting in a hostel, on a walking tour, whatever it is, in a space with other people you’ve never met. Do you simply let the moment pass? Or, do you muster up the courage and find an excuse to strike up a conversation? Making the first move can be the most difficult part, but it is also the most rewarding.“

Many of us worry about what others may think if we randomly start talking to them (“will I come across as a weirdo?”) But it is always good to remember this: at the end of the day, what have you got to lose? And thankfully, strangers tend to be more receptive to friendly engagement than we give them credit for!

Saying “Farewell”

Anton, Australia 

“Unfortunately when you are travelling, often friends or lovers you meet are temporary. Both of you are moving to different places at the end of your trips and it can be very difficult to say goodbye.“

If the connection is truly there, make an effort to stay in contact. Who knows where life will lead you? Crossing paths again is not as unlikely as you may think.

“The comfort zone is a psychological state in which one feels familiar, safe, at ease, and secure.

If you always do what is easy and choose the path of least resistance, you never step outside your comfort zone. Great things don’t come from comfort zones.”

Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

And finally here is my own take on the challenges of solo travel:

Special Experiences and Family

“I often find myself wishing my loved ones were standing right next to me to share in special travel moments.

For example, as I hung mid-air in a cable car in the Copper Canyon, Mexico my mind wandered naughtily to my sisters. “How I’d love to have those scaredy-cats riding and rocking with me through this incredible canyon!”

Or, getting flashes of my mother while enjoying a ridiculously tasty dish in Krakow, Poland – Europe’s under-rated foodie paradise. “Wow, Mum would LOVE this. Wish she were here with me to sample some of these selections.”

Going and growing in new places is amazing. But having family around sometimes to share in those moments of discovery and awe would be extra fulfilling.

Now, if only we could convince them to ditch their fears of certain destinations and live it up with us!

Have you noticed a trend in this conversation? Across all of the feedback garnered there has been a consistent factor: the human element.

Whether it be related to family, friends or lovers, we all experience sentimental hurdles that we need to leap over during solo travel.

But the good news is: the opportunity for emotional highs far outweigh the lows. And as we live through the experience, we come out with greater self-discovery and gratitude for the people in our lives.

So at the end of the day, we still say: go for it!