🧭 The Solo Trip That Made Me Realize I Don’t Like Being Alone That Much
I had always romanticized solo travel. The idea of waking up in a new city with no plans, sipping coffee by a window, journaling my thoughts, getting lost in art museums or cobbled lanes — it felt like the ultimate declaration of independence. So, when I finally booked my first solo trip — a four-day getaway to a quiet hill town — I was both nervous and excited. This was going to be my moment of self-discovery. Spoiler alert: I did discover something — that I really like being around people.
The journey started strong. I had my playlist, my Kindle, and a camera ready to document every moment. The train ride was peaceful, and I reached my Airborne with the thrill of adventure buzzing in my chest. Day one was lovely: I explored a local market, had lunch at a quiet cafe, and went back to my room to watch the sunset with a cup of tea. I thought, “I could get used to this.”
By day two, the silence got louder. Meals started feeling awkward. I tried sitting at a restaurant with just my journal, but ended up scrolling endlessly on my phone. There was no one to share inside jokes with when I saw something funny. No one to help me decide between two desserts. No “remember this moment” laughter echoing into the air.
I started striking up conversations with strangers — cafe staff, other tourists, auto drivers — not out of curiosity, but because I craved voices around me. I realized how much of my travel joy came from shared experiences: walking side by side, pointing at views, or laughing about things that went wrong. Alone, even the perfect sunset felt... quiet.
The loneliness didn’t hit all at once. It crept in during dinner tables with one chair, long walks without a hand to hold, and evenings where I had no one to talk to about the day. I wasn’t afraid or unsafe — just lonely.
And that’s when it struck me: I love people. I love travelling with friends, family, or even that one chaotic travel buddy who always forgets their ID. I thought solo travel would make me feel free, and in some ways, it did — but it also made me realize how much I value connection.
This doesn’t mean I’ll never travel solo again. I still believe it teaches you a lot — about your habits, your fears, your pace. But I also learned that loving yourself doesn’t mean always loving your own company. And that’s okay.
So yes, I took a solo trip and realized I don’t enjoy solitude as much as I thought I would. Not every realization on the road is profound or poetic. Sometimes, it’s just the quiet truth echoing back to you — that life, and travel, is often better when shared.
Comments
Post a Comment