The Downsides of Solo Travel: What I Learned Traveling Alone

Traveling solo can be an incredible and empowering experience — but it’s not always sunshine and self-discovery.

In the first part of this blog series, I shared the many benefits of traveling alone in Japan. But just like anything in life, solo travel also comes with its fair share of challenges. From loneliness to safety concerns, here are some of the real downsides of solo travel I experienced firsthand.

1. Safety: You’re on High Alert When You’re Alone

Even in a country as safe as Japan, solo travel can make you feel a little vulnerable. You stand out more when you’re alone, and that can attract unwanted attention — even in broad daylight.

One morning, outside what looked like a club in Tokyo, a random woman approached me offering a “massage.” It was only 9 a.m. — and the building was just steps from a police station. It was strange, and honestly, unsettling to be approached like that. There was no one looking out for me, so you always need to have your head on a swivel at all times.

Lesson learned: Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Solo travelers need to stay alert and aware of their surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas.

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2. Loneliness: It Can Sneak Up on You

Sure, solo travel is empowering — you make all the decisions and follow your own schedule. But at the end of the day, it’s still just you. You can call home, share photos on social media, or join a tour group… but none of that replaces having a close friend or travel companion by your side.

Sometimes, I’d see something amazing and instinctively want to turn to someone and say, “Did you see that?!” — only to remember I was alone.

Solo travel can be freeing, but it can also be isolating.

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3. No One to Talk to (When You Really Need It)

After a long day of navigating train stations, exploring temples, and trying new foods, all I wanted was to sit down, have a drink, and talk about it with someone. But there was no one to share those moments with.

Even if locals speak your language, or you know a few key phrases, it’s not the same as being able to fully express yourself or bounce ideas off someone who knows you.

Traveling solo means carrying the emotional load entirely on your own.

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4. It Can Get… Boring

If you’re naturally introverted (like I am most of the time), solo travel can feel a bit monotonous at times. I’m not the type to strike up conversations with strangers at bars or join random group events. So once my day of exploring wrapped up, I often found myself retreating to the hotel room — alone.

Sure, you can read, write, or scroll through your phone. But after a few nights, sitting in silence can start to wear on you. Having that interaction is a great part of travel.

There’s a fine line between peaceful solitude and restless boredom.

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5. No One to Share the Experience With in Real Time

This was one of the hardest parts for me. I saw so many incredible things — from the bright buzz of Shibuya to peaceful temple gardens in Kyoto — and had no one to turn to in the moment.

Yes, I could snap a photo and post it. I could FaceTime family. But there’s something powerful about sharing a moment in person, and when you travel solo, that’s something you sacrifice.

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Final Thoughts: Solo Travel Isn’t Always Easy — and That’s Okay

Solo travel is rewarding. It teaches you resilience, independence, and self-trust. But it also comes with real emotional and social challenges that people don’t always talk about.

If you’re considering a solo trip, go for it — but go in prepared, knowing that not every moment will be picture-perfect. And that’s okay.