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🌟 Hey there, fellow adventurers! I'm Farah, a passionate solo traveller and the heart behind The Egyptian Traveler. Join me on my journey as I explore the wonders of Egypt and beyond, uncovering hidden gems, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable experiences. Whether I'm wandering through ancient ruins, tasting local delicacies, or sharing travel tips, I’m here to inspire you to embark on your own incredible adventures. Let’s make travel fun and full of stories together! 🌍✈️
Solo travel is one of the most transformative experiences you can have. It offers freedom, personal growth, and the opportunity to explore the world on your own terms. But as amazing as it is, it doesn’t come without its challenges. One of the most significant hurdles I encountered was loneliness. As a solo traveller, you often find yourself alone with your thoughts, facing moments of isolation that can test your emotional strength.
Despite these moments of solitude, overcoming loneliness while travelling solo has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. The highs, the lows, and everything in between have shaped me into who I am today. If you’re considering embarking on a solo trip or currently in the middle of one and struggling with loneliness, keep reading. I’m going to share my personal experiences, the challenges I faced, and how I managed to overcome them and embrace the solo travel experience to the fullest.
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Solo Travel: An Adventure That Changes You 🌍💭
When I first set out on my solo journey, I had no idea what to expect. The thought of exploring foreign cities, navigating unfamiliar cultures, and handling everything on my own seemed intimidating. But I knew that this was the kind of adventure that could push me beyond my comfort zone and help me grow in ways I hadn’t yet imagined.
The beauty of solo travel is that it’s your adventure, and you get to call the shots. There’s no need to compromise or consider someone else’s preferences. Every decision—from where you go to what you do—is entirely up to you. This level of independence and freedom is unlike anything else.
But here’s the thing about solo travel: it’s not all about Instagram-worthy moments or perfect itineraries. It’s about self-discovery. You learn so much about yourself during your travels—the way you handle stress, the people you connect with, and how you adapt to new challenges. Through solo travel, I learned to trust myself more deeply and embrace moments of discomfort as opportunities for growth.
And, of course, there’s the loneliness. You can plan your trips to perfection, but no one can prepare you for the emotional rollercoaster of being on the road alone. There are times when loneliness hits harder than you ever expected, but it’s also these moments that teach you resilience and self-reliance.
🚫 Unsure about solo travel myths? Check out 8 Common Solo Travel Myths Debunked You Need to Know to clear up misconceptions and plan worry-free!
For those who’ve experienced loneliness while solo travelling, 🌍💪 what helped you through it? Let’s support each other and share how we’ve handled it in the comments below!

The Lows of My Solo Travels 😞
Lockdown on My Own: The Hardest Test
I’ll never forget the moment when I realised my solo trip was taking an unexpected turn. I started my journey in Spain in January 2020, thinking it was just another exciting adventure. But then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and my trip quickly transformed into an experience unlike any other.
The country went into one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe, and I found myself confined to a small apartment. What was supposed to be a spring break filled with exploration and adventure turned into months of isolation. My interactions with the outside world were limited to phone calls with family and friends.
It was during this period of solitude that I experienced the most profound loneliness I’ve ever felt. There were no cafes to sit in, no streets to stroll down, and no new people to meet. Just four walls and my own thoughts. The loneliness was overwhelming, and it made me question everything. Was this the right decision? Was I truly cut out for solo travel?
The mental strain was real, and my mental health took a hit. I found myself battling feelings of depression and isolation, something I wasn’t prepared for. But here’s the thing: while it was one of the darkest periods of my journey, it also pushed me to find strength I never knew I had. I learned how to manage my emotions, stay connected with loved ones, and find small ways to enjoy my time, even if it was just through a phone call or a self-imposed hobby.
Thinking on My Feet: The Weight of Decision-Making
When you travel alone, every decision is yours to make. It can be a thrilling feeling, but it’s also incredibly heavy. From choosing where to go to figuring out how to get there, the responsibility rests solely on your shoulders. Sometimes, decisions are small—like which restaurant to eat at or which museum to visit—but other times, they can be life-altering.
In those moments when I had to think quickly and act decisively, I felt the weight of each choice. Would I take that late-night train or wait until morning? Should I trust that person who offered to help me with directions, or should I keep walking? These decisions were often made in a split second, and they could either make or break my day—or even my entire trip.
While I loved the freedom to decide for myself, there were times when I doubted my choices. I didn’t have anyone with me to bounce ideas off of, no one to ask for a second opinion. It was all on me. This sense of responsibility forced me to trust my instincts and learn from my mistakes. Even when things didn’t go as planned, I realised that each decision was a step towards becoming more confident in my own abilities.
Feeling Lonely: The Reality of Solitude
Let’s be honest: no matter how much we love our own company, being truly alone in a foreign country can be a tough pill to swallow. There’s a difference between choosing to be alone and being forced into solitude. And when you’re constantly surrounded by unfamiliar faces, places, and experiences, the loneliness can become suffocating.
I’ve always considered myself an introvert, someone who enjoys spending time alone to recharge. But the loneliness that comes with solo travel hits differently. Sure, it’s great when you can sit by yourself in a quiet café and people-watch, but there are also moments when you long for a friendly face to share the experience with.
One of the hardest parts of my solo travels was the lack of meaningful human interaction. Yes, I met plenty of people along the way, but there were times when I wished I had someone to share the special moments with—someone to laugh with, explore with, and reflect on the day’s adventures.
During the lockdown in Spain, this loneliness was amplified. There were days when I simply wanted to hear a friendly voice, even if it was just for a few minutes. There’s a profound difference between enjoying solitude and feeling isolated. And let me tell you, it wasn’t always easy to cope with.
I Got My Own Back: The Self-Reliance Test
When you’re travelling alone, you quickly realise that you’re your own protector. You have to trust people, but you also need to stay cautious. There are moments when you feel uneasy—when something doesn’t quite feel right—and you have to trust your gut. Solo travel constantly tests your ability to stay alert, remain vigilant, and be prepared for anything.
There were times when I felt unsafe, especially when navigating unfamiliar areas late at night or dealing with people who didn’t have the best intentions. But I quickly learned how to assess situations and trust my instincts. Solo travel forces you to become self-reliant in a way that nothing else can. You can’t rely on others to make decisions for you or keep you safe, so you have to develop a strong sense of awareness.
At the same time, solo travel teaches you the importance of balance. You have to be open to the kindness of strangers, but also smart about your surroundings. It’s a delicate balance of trust and caution that becomes second nature as you continue on your journey.
Being Sick: The Lonely Struggle
Getting sick is an inevitable part of travel. Whether it’s a cold, food poisoning, or something else, you’re bound to feel unwell at some point. At home, I’d be able to rely on my family to comfort me and take care of me. But being alone in a foreign country when you’re sick is a whole different ball game.
There were two occasions during my solo travels when I was struck with illness. Both times, I had to navigate the situation on my own—figuring out how to get to a pharmacy, finding somewhere to rest, and ensuring I took care of myself. It was challenging, but it also taught me a lot about self-sufficiency.
Having no one there to make you soup or give you a comforting hug forces you to look after yourself in ways you never thought possible. You become more resilient, more resourceful, and more self-aware of your own needs. While being sick while solo travelling is never ideal, it does teach you to rely on yourself in ways that other situations cannot.
Travel Burnout: The Exhaustion You Don’t Expect
There’s this idea that travel is all about endless exploration, spontaneous adventures, and constant excitement. But in reality, solo travel can also lead to burnout.
Constantly being on the move, planning your next destination, packing, and ensuring everything is in order can be mentally and physically draining. At some point, I reached a stage where the thrill of visiting new places started to wear off. The pressure of always having something planned, always being “on” for new experiences, became exhausting.
The exhaustion from travel burnout was real. It wasn’t about not wanting to travel anymore—it was about needing a break from the whirlwind of it all. And that’s okay. Travel isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the experience. And sometimes, that experience means taking a step back and resting.
🌍 Wondering if solo travel is for introverts? Check out How Solo Travel in Europe Helped Me Overcome My Comfort Zone as an Introvert for inspiring tips and insights!
Struggling with loneliness while travelling solo? 🌍💪 If this post gave you some helpful insights, hit that like button! It helps me know that this kind of content resonates with you.

The Takeaway: Embrace the Experience as a Whole 💡
While solo travel isn’t always picture-perfect, it is an experience that transforms you. There will be moments of loneliness, uncertainty, and self-doubt, but those are the moments that help you grow. Every challenge, every low point, contributes to your journey in ways you may not fully realise until later.
If you’ve never travelled solo before, I encourage you to give it a try. Sure, it’s tough at times, but it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to learn more about yourself, face your fears, and push beyond your limits. You’ll discover strength and resilience you never knew you had, and you’ll come away with memories that last a lifetime.
Travel may not always be easy, but it’s always worth it. And when you look back on your solo adventures, you’ll see that overcoming loneliness was just one small part of the incredible experience that shaped who you are today.
🚫 Avoid common solo travel mishaps! Check out 9 Common Solo Travel Mistakes to Avoid for a Smooth Trip for advice on keeping your journey stress-free!
Have you ever experienced loneliness during solo travel? 🌍💪 How did you cope with it? Drop your thoughts or tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to like this post if it helped you feel more confident in tackling the challenges of solo travel!

Want More Solo Travel Tips?
If you’re considering solo travel but unsure where to start, I’ve written more guides to help you along the way. Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, there’s always something new to learn. Solo travel can seem daunting at first, but once you embrace it, the rewards are limitless. Check out my other blog posts for tips and advice on how to make the most of your solo journey.
Remember, you’re capable of more than you think. Solo travel will push you to your limits, but it will also show you just how much you can handle. Step outside your comfort zone and take that leap—you’ll be amazed at how far it takes you.

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