The Art of Solo Travelling

Lessons in Growth and Discovery

Solo travel has been long heralded as a transformative rite of passage—a chance to embrace independence, explore new horizons, and build an understanding of the world. With social media platforms teeming with idyllic travel content, particularly post-pandemic, the allure of globetrotting has only grown stronger. However, beneath the filtered snapshots lies a deeper truth: the most meaningful travel experiences often come from the unplanned, imperfect moments.

While embarking on my first solo trip through Europe at 18, I was armed with little more than excitement and naivety. From missed buses to misplaced belongings, every challenge became a lesson in resilience and resourcefulness, shaping the way I approached both travel and life.

Independence: Leaning Into the Unknown

My first day traveling solo provided a crash course in independence. Without a functioning phone or proper directions, I found myself wandering the streets of Lisbon, searching for my hostel as the city celebrated a national holiday. After hours of trial and error, asking strangers for help and receiving misdirection after misdirection, I finally arrived, greeted by staff who had already fielded worried calls from my mother.

This experience, though chaotic, taught me to embrace uncertainty. Sometimes getting lost leads to unexpected discoveries—a charming café, a stunning viewpoint, or a hidden neighbourhood. Preparation is important, of course—like ensuring you have a working phone and avoiding late-night arrivals in unfamiliar places—but there’s value in letting curiosity guide you.

Self-Reliance: Freedom and Responsibility

Solo travel offers unparalleled freedom. The ability to plan your days entirely on your terms fosters self-awareness and independence. For me, it was an empowering experience to decide what to see, where to go, and how to spend my time without external influences.

However, freedom comes with responsibility. Forgetting to book accommodations during peak season can leave you with unusual sleeping arrangements—like the time I spent a chilly night in a backyard hammock because I waited too long to reserve a room. These moments, though uncomfortable, ultimately enhance your appreciation for well-planned comforts and provide stories to tell for years to come.

Privilege and Perspective

Travel has a way of exposing privilege and broadening perspective. Growing up in a peaceful coastal town, I was sheltered from many of the world’s complexities. It wasn’t until I began exploring new cultures and meeting people from different walks of life that I truly grasped the depth of my privilege.

Holding an Australian passport, I’ve had the freedom to explore places without the barriers many others face. These experiences have deepened my understanding of gratitude and cultural diversity, leaving me with a profound respect for the world’s contrasts and the shared humanity that connects us all.

Accountability: Owning Your Experiences

When you travel alone, every decision is yours to make—and every mistake is yours to own. Whether it’s losing a phone, damaging luggage, or simply taking a wrong turn, solo travel forces you to take responsibility for your actions. These moments, while frustrating at the time, are opportunities for growth.

Over time, these experiences become a part of your story. They remind you of your strength, adaptability, and capacity to navigate challenges. And in those rare moments of stillness, you’ll find a connection with yourself that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Solo travel may not look like the polished highlights seen on social media, but its true beauty lies in the moments between the snapshots—the growth, the connections, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re embarking on your first trip or reflecting on past adventures, remember that imperfection is part of the journey, and it’s often where the magic happens.