Traveling solo: what nobody tells you ✈️

Traveling solo: what nobody tells you ✈️

Traveling solo is trending. We see it every day on social media: freedom, perfect photos, sunsets… and that constant feeling of empowerment. But today I want to talk about solo travel from real experience. Mine. No filters.

I started traveling alone at a very young age. My first solo trip was shortly after I turned 18: Toronto, then France, and finally Italy. The plan was simple: visit friends and family. But something happened in Toronto that, without me knowing it at the time, shaped the way I travel forever. The person who was supposed to host me had other plans… and was leaving the country. She told me only when I arrived at the airport. She gave me a key, a map… and that was it.

Just like that.

And even though it was a shock at the moment, it was probably the best thing that could have happened to me. There was no way back. I had to figure things out. I took the map, went to the subway, found the tourist office… and started discovering the city on my own. Museums, long walks, the CN Tower, the hockey stadium, even a tour to Niagara Falls. It was the middle of winter, so the first thing I did was buy proper clothing. And just like that, without planning it, I learned how to travel alone.

From that moment on, I got used to doing everything by myself. Making decisions, solving problems, moving around without depending on anyone. Even photos were different. In many of them, I wasn’t even in the picture — smartphones and selfies didn’t exist back then. It feels like another era, but it really wasn’t that long ago.

I also remember arriving in Italy to visit my relatives. My aunt was very nervous. She didn’t think I would be able to make it on my own. She wanted to pick me up no matter where I was. The relief on her face when she saw me getting off the train said everything.

For those wondering if traveling solo is possible, the answer is simple: yes, it is. And in many cases, it’s something you should experience at least once. Traveling alone forces you to grow. You learn independence, how to solve problems, how to trust yourself. And above all, it gives you a level of freedom that is hard to find anywhere else.

Now comes the big question: is it dangerous? The honest answer is: it depends. On the destination, your preparation, and your common sense. In general, traveling solo in Europe is quite safe. The same applies to Canada, the United States, and large parts of Latin America. But that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Take care of your belongings, keep your money and cards well organized, and always have a backup plan.

Today, the biggest risk is not your cash — it’s your phone. But even that can be managed: keep physical cards as a backup and use apps that allow you to block everything quickly if needed. It’s also important to stay informed. Asking at a tourist office about safe and unsafe areas can make a big difference, especially in cities where certain neighborhoods are not recommended for tourists, and even less so if you are traveling alone.

Traveling solo is not only about freedom. It also has its less glamorous side. Going out at night can feel more uncomfortable, every decision is yours to make, and if something goes wrong — like a medical situation — you will have to deal with it on your own, possibly in a language you don’t fully speak. And yes, there can be moments of loneliness.

But there is something else people don’t always say: traveling with others isn’t perfect either. Finding the right travel companion is not as easy as it sounds. There are always compromises, small conflicts, and decisions that need to be shared. It’s not always as ideal as it looks.

For those who like the idea but are not fully comfortable yet, there is a great alternative: traveling solo, but in a group. There are excellent options like Wikinger Reisen and Chamäleon Reisen, which offer small group tours (usually up to 12 people) where you can book as a solo traveler but still share the experience with others. And here’s the interesting part: everyone has chosen the same destination, which already creates a natural connection.

  

Traveling solo is not a trend. It’s an experience that changes you. It’s not always comfortable, it’s not always perfect, but it’s real. And it teaches you far more than you might expect.

And if you don’t know where to start, at 5XPLR Handmade Travel we help you find the best way to travel according to your style — whether completely solo or solo within a group. Because in the end, it’s not about how you travel. It’s about the fact that you do.