Is Solo Travel Really All That? My Honest Take

Okay, so everyone’s raving about solo travel, right? It’s like the ultimate self-discovery experience, the key to unlocking your inner guru, the thing you *have* to do before you turn… well, any age, really. But honestly? My experience wasn’t quite the Instagram-perfect highlight reel I was expecting. It had its moments, sure, but let’s just say it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s kind of like that time I tried making macarons – looked amazing online, total disaster in my kitchen. So, is it worth it? Maybe. Maybe not. Let’s dive in, shall we?

The Allure of Going It Alone: Freedom or Folly?

The promise of solo travel is incredibly seductive, isn’t it? Total freedom. You get to do exactly what *you* want, when *you* want, without having to compromise. Sleep in until noon? Go for it. Spend three hours in a weird museum dedicated to rubber ducks? No one’s gonna judge you. (Okay, *I* might judge you a little, but hey, you’re on your own!). But the reality, at least for me, was a bit more…complicated. That freedom can quickly turn into a paralysing weight of indecision. Where do I eat? Which tour do I take? Am I even going in the right direction? And, honestly, who do I even *ask* for help without feeling like a complete idiot? I mean, I love the idea of being independent and resourceful, but sometimes, you just want someone else to make the darn decisions for you. Plus, there’s the safety aspect, which, as a woman travelling alone, was always at the back of my mind. Maybe I’m just naturally anxious, but I spent a fair amount of time double-checking doors and avoiding dark alleys. So, yeah, freedom is great in theory, but in practice? It can be a little…overwhelming.

My Solo Trip to Lisbon: A Comedy of Errors (and Eclairs)

So, I decided to be brave (or maybe just foolish) and booked a solo trip to Lisbon. I’d seen all the gorgeous pictures online: the colourful buildings, the stunning coastline, the delicious-looking *pasteis de nata*. I pictured myself wandering through charming streets, soaking up the atmosphere, and generally being a sophisticated, worldly traveller. The reality? I got lost approximately 17 times a day. I ordered the wrong thing in restaurants (resulting in one particularly memorable encounter with a plate of snails – ugh, what a mess!). And I spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to figure out the public transport system. Funny thing is, even with all the mishaps, I still managed to have some incredible moments. I stumbled upon a tiny, family-run restaurant serving the most amazing seafood I’ve ever tasted. I watched the sunset over the Tagus River and felt a genuine sense of peace and wonder. And I even managed to master the art of riding the No. 28 tram (after only a few near-death experiences). The eclairs, though… those lived up to the hype! It was a weird mix of frustrating and fantastic, and that’s what made it, well, *real*.

The Loneliness Factor: Is It Just Me?

Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: loneliness. Because let’s be real, spending days on end by yourself can get a little…isolating. I mean, I love my own company as much as the next introvert, but even I started to feel a bit stir-crazy after a while. Who even knows what’s next? I missed having someone to share the experience with, someone to laugh with when I inevitably tripped over a cobblestone street, someone to discuss the merits of different *pasteis de nata* with. I tried to combat the loneliness by striking up conversations with locals, but it’s not quite the same as having a close friend by your side. I also spent an obscene amount of time scrolling through social media, which, I know, is probably the worst thing you can do when you’re feeling lonely. It’s just a reminder of all the people who *aren’t* with you. I ended up downloading a couple of travel apps that were supposed to connect you with other travellers, but honestly, they just felt a bit…forced. Like speed dating for travel buddies. Maybe I just wasn’t using them right.

Would I Do It Again? The Verdict Is…

So, the big question: would I go on another solo trip? Honestly? I’m still not entirely sure. It was definitely an experience, one that pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to rely on myself in ways I never thought possible. But it was also challenging, and at times, quite lonely. Maybe I need to find a better balance between independence and connection. Maybe I need to lower my expectations and accept that things won’t always go according to plan. Maybe I just need to pack more snacks (because seriously, hangry + lost = disaster). But one thing’s for sure: I learned a lot about myself on that trip to Lisbon. I learned that I’m more resilient than I thought I was, that I’m capable of navigating unfamiliar situations (even if it involves getting hopelessly lost), and that I really, really love eclairs. Was I the only one confused by this? So, yeah, maybe solo travel isn’t for everyone. But if you’re curious, and you’re willing to embrace the chaos and the occasional loneliness, then it might just be the adventure of a lifetime. Just don’t forget the map. And the snacks. You can always check out some group tours, too, if the solo part seems too intimidating. It’s a great way to dip your toes in!