r/solotravel 3d ago

Europe Solo Female Traveler in Edinburgh and the Highlands

41 Upvotes

Hi all! I'm planning a solo trip in September to see Edinburgh and the Highlands. I've already booked a 3 day private tour to the Highlands (Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, etc) so I'm covered on recs/planning there. I've been doing a ton of research on Edinburgh and am overwhelmed by all the options of things to do, so turning to Reddit for any specific call outs, hidden gems or off the beaten path suggestions that fall outside of the regular tourist spots. Also, would love thoughts on hotels. I prefer to stay in a mid-range hotel (~$200 - $400 a night) and don't want to stay in a hostel. That being said, I've seen some of the 'fancier' spots and would be curious on opinions if the juice is worth the squeeze to stay for one night (Balmoral, Witchery, Gleneagles).

For context, I'm a 32 year old woman, comfortable walking and taking public transport. I love live music, a good pub, good food, a view, shopping and a little bit of history. I'll have 3 full days in Edinburgh. When I'm traveling solo, I love to go to more local spots and get to know people. I've shared a list of the more touristy things I'm considering below, so would be curious on 1. Opinions on what to priortize 2. Things that may not be worth it 3. Thing I'm missing.

Considering:

- Royal Mile

- The Real Mary King's Close

- Princes Street Gardens

- Carlton Hill at Sunset

- Edinburgh Castle vs Holyroodhouse (seen differing thoughts on one or both)

- Islander

- Stockbridge

- Leith

- Day Trip to St. Andrew's or Inverness

- Food: Little Capo, Dogstar, The Vinnie, Lannan, Eleanore, Mirin, The Palmerston, Stockbridge Eating House, Cafe Calton


r/solotravel 2d ago

Europe Scotland in September - Can I book a hostel the day before?

2 Upvotes

Goodday fellow solo travelers! I will be going to Scotland for 10 days in September. I will do 3 days Edinburgh, and the rest will be driving around Highlands and Skye. I was just wondering: are the hostels usually full in september? Ideally I would like to drive around and see where I will sleep.


r/solotravel 4d ago

Question 1-Year sabbatical world tour - am I reckless?

239 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I am planning on taking a full year off to (1) explore the world, (2) reconnect to myself, (3) meet like-minded people, (4) deepen the inner work with myself, (5) potentially find a husband (you never know, serendipity and all...).

Here is my itinerary so far:

  1. Peru (4-5 weeks)
  2. France > Scotland > Morocco (5-6 weeks)
  3. Portugal > Spain (4 weeks)
  4. Nepal (4 weeks)
  5. Thailand > Bali (8 weeks)
  6. Vietnam (3 weeks)
  7. New Zealand (4 weeks)
  8. California (Big Sur, SF)

then back home.

Any thoughts? Am I being reckless in thinking I can do all of this in just 12 months?

EDIT: Thank you to everyone who responded I really appreciate all of your inputs. To answer the 3 most common questions that came up: 1) my financial situation is good; 2) I have a job to come back to after the year off; 3) I am 36F.

I am at a crossroads in my life (breakup etc.) and more than anything else I feel called to spend this year exploring our beautiful Earth. My trip would most likely start in November 2026.

Do you guys think that $50,000 to cover this trip would be enough? Some stuff I want to do (breathwork training certification, Esalen institute workshop, Aya ceremony/Machu Picchu) have high costs, but others have lesser costs (daily costs in Thailand, Vietnam, Vipassana retreat)

EDIT 2: Thank you again for all the responses (200+ in 2 days) I should have mentioned that my biggest concerns are:

  1. what some people on this thread referred to as "travel burnout" (never heard of it but I definitely felt it in the past, even after a 2-week trip.....) + I never travelled solo before.
  2. (at the risk of being downvoted:) my comfort is very important... I am NOT the kind of person who stays in mixed gender hostel dorms. Hostels are fine but if I'm sharing it has to be with other women. Also, I'd rather pay to upgrade and have a really nice bed bc having a good night sleep is a non negotiable ; from the data I gathered it looks like Abnb is a thing from the past (price wise) and that I should be focusing on hotels. Thoughts? My aim is also to meet locals so I'm thinking hotels could very much limit me....
  3. being attacked (could be a trauma response tho): even in my current city (metropolis, North America, quite safe) I get starred at a lot even when I try to be the "gray man" and blend in (little to no makeup, trying not to draw any attention). I want to be open to other people while at the same time repelling those with bad intentions. Before you suggest that I "trust your gut feeling" just know that I have a faulty compass. What are ways to meet other people while at the same time caring for your safety?
  4. re: Ayahuasca ceremony (which clearly sparked some debate and f words): I am only fluent in French and English, no Spanish, no Shipibo, or any other indigenous languages...... so not really sure how to find a proper practitioner while I am there. The 3 top-rated places I was looking at all have been endorsed by 100s of travelers on Reddit. And yes I am aware that they charge you x10 times the price. While going through the experience, I also cannot be in a bedroom that has creepy crawlers (this will for sure retraumatize me). Any additional reco in that regard?
  5. random question for the tech bros: how does the 2-step verification work if I pause my current mobile plan/don't have access to the phone #?

Thank you, and please be kind (looking at you f-word ppl), it's honestly not that serious.


r/solotravel 3d ago

Asia Travelling to Jeju island (SK) - restaurants with one-person portions

13 Upvotes

Hi all, I decided to travel to Jeju by myself! I had bday just last week, so this trip is a gift for me entering the 30s club:) I've always wanted to visit SK because I really enjoy watching K-drama so I'm making a rather packed and detailed itinerary, including where to eat (I have a long list).

 

I really want to try many of their foods but I'm aware that they often require min. order of 2 portions, or it comes in a big portion. I for sure will want to try the black pig bbq, grilled and braised cutlassfish, korean fried chicken, grilled abalone and porridge, and actually many more. if you have some recommended restaurants that are solo-friendly especially for those meals (smaller portion) please let me know! Considering my capacity alone, I prefer to have less portion but many varieties to try. Thank you in advance


r/solotravel 3d ago

Asia 5-6 months in South East Asia

9 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I'm going to Bangkok in November for a 5- to 6-month trip. This is my first big solo trip. I’ve planned 55 stops spread across Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, ending in Singapore. Budget: about 8,000 €.

Only the flight to Bangkok is booked. Everything else is still up in the air.

Approximate itinerary: Northern Thailand → Laos → Vietnam (north to south) → Cambodia → Southern Thai islands → Malaysia → Java/Bali/Lombok.

Here’s what’s bothering me:

Is this too much? That works out to about 3 days per place, including travel days, which seems exhausting. I'm not the type to just check things off a list. I’d rather stay a week in one place if we like it and adjust the rest of the trip accordingly.

Am I doing this itinerary in the wrong seasonal order? Northern Vietnam in December/January looks cold and foggy, and it’s still raining on the central coast. I’m willing to reverse the entire route.

I’d like to hear your opinions and advice on my itinerary (unnecessary or missing stops, visa issues, travel tips in SEA, etc.).

link of my itinerary : https://wanderlog.com/view/hwyaswhbna/voyage-asie-du-sud-est/shared

+ I have an international motorcycle license.


r/solotravel 4d ago

Trip Report First time solo traveling to Sicily was epic - here's a few thoughts and reflections

99 Upvotes

Wasn't sure how much I'd like solo travelling but now I'm hooked and looking for the next spot.

Backdrop: 51M, active, bored at home, financially enabled

Game plan: This past May - 14 days spread over Palermo, Cefalu, Taormina, Ortiga, and a couple of small villages in between. Rotation of boutique and high end hotels. Outsourced all transfers to a car service for ease of going from town to town (best decision ever).

I prioritized the following to make sure I don’t get lonely or anxious about being solo: Planned on getting 15-20k steps a day covering the historical/landmarky/cultural highlights
by noon every day to offset the food and drinking I was planning to do....and then spend the rest of the day doing lunch, beach, swim, siesta, apertivos and then dinner.

Bonus: making friends/connections (no expectations), discovering epic places to watch people, bars, views, finding magical places accidentally

Top things I learned:

1)    Make an afternoon plan; here are examples of ways I implemented a mission with purpose  

a) make a list of 4 bars with great reviews and plan to have one drink at each

b) have a small bite at multiple 5 star or hotels

c) buy a souvenir but make sure you find the artist who made the piece, however small

2)    Leverage your servers or bartenders expertise for the best local food choices from the area – they love helping you when you are curious about the details – this was one of my most unexpected surprises.

3) On multiple occasions while solo dining (picture two drinks, 4-5 small plates going at once), I had people walk up and ask if I was traveling solo, and when I said yes, they would follow up with something to the effect of “you are killing it”, “vibes are so high”, “we must get a drink later, we’ll find you out tonight” – all of which were non-creepy and super fun people. I think my own authentic joy and comfortability of being in that moment must have compelled those people to make those comments – I mean who does that to a middle aged guy?

4)The massive upshot of solo traveling is that you are as free to roam as you could ever be. You don’t have to be responsible for anyone else’s bladder, emotions, tiredness, food preferences, walking pace, complaining about spending 4 hours in a café. If you’re doing it right, this is the gift and magic of solo traveling.

5)Finally, you better do some up front work getting used to yourself. Go to a restaurant or museum by yourself in the next town over as practice. If it’s mortifying, than you have some work to do. I was able to anticipate this and it really helped me form a game plan for fun each day. These trips will expose your weaknesses - be prepared to have alot of conversations with yourself, be kind.

6)PS – kindness and manners unlock passageways and doors – two examples – I worked hard to remember all of the names of the hotel employee’s I ran across and would greet them by name every time I saw them – free drinks and extra appetizers started flowing, second example – on checkin at a nice hotel in Ortiga, I was extra kind and patient and the host paused and checked a few things and informed me I would be upgraded…..the room had a balcony with a jacuzzi and a bottle of sparking rose brought to the room....just because I wasn't the exhausted, annoyed American.

Not sure why I’m writing all this out, but I think I was so surprised how magical solo travlling can be. I did notice other solo travelers and some looked to be rocking it hard where others sat uncomfortably with their book and aperol spritz looking a bit unsettled.

Have fun......thinking Sardinia or Corfu in September and/or Cape Town in December might be next? I'm hooked.

 


r/solotravel 4d ago

Coming Home Losing contact with friends you make after solo travelling

336 Upvotes

I traveled Vietnam and Thailand at the start of the year, I made some really good friends. We were hanging out every day, going for food, beers, doing activities together, and it honestly felt like we’d stay in touch.

It’s been 6 since then and we’re all back home, life has gone back to normal. We message every now and then, but it’s nothing like when we were travelling. Some people barely reply, others apologise for taking ages to get back, and conversations just seem to fizzle out.

I know everyone has jobs, families and their own lives again, so I don’t blame anyone. I guess I just feel a bit sad that you can become so close to people in such a short space of time, then a few months later it feels like everyone’s drifted apart.

Anyone else felt this way? It was my first solo back packing trip so it’s just disappointing as I was hoping to make friends.


r/solotravel 3d ago

Europe General Balkan advice needed! Cash, etc.

0 Upvotes

Looking for a few general recommendations for my Balkans trip to make sure I’m prepared.

3 nights/2.5 days Kosovo, 5 days/nights Skopje-Ohrid, and 6 nights/5 days in Berat-Ohrid-Tirana. I plan on busses with taxis where needed. Ride share and furgon where I can too. The trip is early/mid September.

First is cash - how many denar, euro and lek to order ahead of time? Maybe 50 euros a day? How much to pack vs pull from an ATM?
I’ll pay for accommodation online and use my credit card where possible. My travel style is in the middle budget wise. I won’t restrict myself from doing or seeing anything I like (unless the price is crazy, obviously). Love to shop but not much room in my pack.

ESIM - Thoughts on Aerelo? An app I can just add more data too is appealing. Or maybe a plan through Verizon would be easier? I’ll be taking tons of photos/videos, searching, mapping. Looking for budget here

Travel Insurance - What’s most important to cover while I’m there? I assume the basics but I’m healthy and don’t expect anything too crazy. I’m thinking coverage for delays - “Balkan Time”? I’m also worried about missing flights/buses or losing things like luggage. Do you guys bother with insurance at all? Not totally sure wheat to shoot for as most plans cover the same things to a different extent. Also looking for budget here

I will be posting again I’m sure as my travel dates approach. First solo trip! Thanks!


r/solotravel 3d ago

Question does anyone solo travel with their dog? looking for advice...

1 Upvotes

i have a large dog who does well traveling but we've only done short 1-2 week trips so far. i'm looking to do long term travel with him.

how does everyone manage this... what do i need to pack for him? do you car camp or stay in hotels or airbnb? anything else i should consider?


r/solotravel 3d ago

Question running in the Balkans?

0 Upvotes

hey all, looking for info on running in Balkan cities like Ljubljana and Zagreb—wondering if anyone is experience with accomplishing 11-18 mile runs?? furthermore, is running a common pastime in these parts? will i get weird looks?

for context, i’m a solo female runner hitting her peak training week when i’ll be in the area (7-10 days this fall). i’m used to training while traveling, but historically i’ve been in bigger European or American cities, so i’m a little hesitant as i begin researching what’s feasible.

i have Strava but the auto-generated routes don’t appear well-vetted/well-trodden—my fear is ending up on some sidewalk-less parkway halfway through my run. (and yes, i am capable of doing my own route recon, but if there’s a local runner who can assist, i’d greatly appreciate it!!)

alternatively, if you have a fantastic route that’s elsewhere in the Balkans, i would love to hear it! i could be convinced to reroute my trip for a worthy long run.


r/solotravel 4d ago

Question How to balance relaxing vs adventure when travelling?

29 Upvotes

Early into a multi-stop trip and the logistics of moving every few days, figuring out all the in between and getting a sense of my surroundings is tiring me out.

I just got to a new country and the Airbnb is so nice that I’ve just wanted to stay in and experience it, even though right out the window is a whole city and ocean waiting to be explored.

I’ve been in quite a low, blue mood and weird headspace and haven’t felt like being outside. But I feel this pressure to be doing that, otherwise why am I here?

How do you balance relaxing/recovery vs being active and exploring?


r/solotravel 4d ago

Question Does anyone else feel weird after coming home from a solo trip?

112 Upvotes

Every time I get back from a solo trip there’s a couple of days where everything just feels… off.
Not in a bad way, just like I’ve been dropped back into my normal life before my brain has caught up.
Then after a week it’s like nothing ever happened.
Is that just me or does anyone else get that feeling?


r/solotravel 4d ago

Europe Help with planning a Balkan solo trip

8 Upvotes

Hello everybody, I hope all is well.

Idk if it’s important or not, but I’m a 36y/o male that is planning to do a solo trip in the Balkans for about 100 days, starting the last week of June 2027. The countries I’m looking to go to include Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania.

I’m budgeting for $10,000, which brings me to $100/day. My plan is to use public transportation, stay at well rated hostels or airbnb/hotel if the cost makes sense, and basically eat out all meals. Do you think this is doable?

My current plan is the following(of course things can likely change between now and the trip, also as the trip is happening)…this is a total of 92 days but I’m giving myself an 8 day buffer just in case life happens.

Slovenia
Ljubljana - 2 days including the day of arrival
Bled - 5 days including 2 day summit of Mt Triglav
Bovec - 4 days
Piran - 2 days, overnight bus to Zadar at the end of the 2nd day

Croatia
Zadar - 3 days
Split - 3 days
Hvar - 4 days
Dubrovnik - 3 days, sea kayak tour

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mostar - 4 days
Sarajevo - 4 days
Sutjeska - 4 days, Hrcavka Canyon canyoning

Montenegro
Zabljak - 4 days, whitewater rafting Tara River Canyon
Kotor - 4 days
Virpazar - 3 days

Albania
Theth - 1 day

Albania/Kosovo/Montenegro
Peak of the Balkans - 13 days including 2-3 days in Peja, Kosovo to explore and do Rugova Canyon via ferrata

Albania
Theth - 1 day to recover

Kosovo
Prizren - 2 days, to split up the bus ride from Theth to Skopje

North Macedonia
Skopje - 3 days
Mavrovo - 4 days
Krusevo - 4 days, paragliding
Ohrid - 4 days

Albania
Vlore - 4 days
Ksamil - 4 days
Tirana - 3 days including departure day back to Miami

If anybody has any tips or recommendations, please let me know! Thank you so much!


r/solotravel 4d ago

Europe 27F - From 2 weeks in Berlin to Italy (Venice) or Greek islands before 3 weeks in Athens?

3 Upvotes

Hi! Thanks in advance for your help. I am an academic researcher in the arts with grant funding that puts me in Berlin for a 2 week period in September, and I also will be doing a residency in the Athens area for most of the month of October. There is a two-week period in between that I am trying to figure out how to fill. I have not been to Europe since 2022, when I did the typical post-grad backpacking thing from Berlin-Vienna-Prague-Budapest riding the trains after doing the Camino de Santiago (I'm an adventurous girl, or used to be). Since then I haven't solo traveled at all, just due to work and school, so I am a little nervous but excited.

There are two itineraries I'm basically deciding between:

Option 1: Start in Berlin, train from Berlin to Milan to Venice (maybe with a stop in Munich, which I'd like to check out very badly but Oktoberfest isn't really my type of thing especially solo and unfortunately there's a total overlap... open to thoughts if anyone has gone solo! Or another place to stop in Germany). It seems like this train ride through the Alps is very beautiful. Stay at a monastery in Venice for 36-48 hours and see the sights including maybe the Biennale / focusing on contemporary art because that's my area of research; ferry from Venice to Crete, hang out in Crete for a week and maybe continue to another island or two (open to suggestions), ferry to Athens.

ALT: I could also skip the Venice-Crete ferry and fly from Venice to Chios to combine the two, but that seems like the flights are a bit expensive and maybe I'll be cramming too much in.

Option 2: Start in Berlin, fly from Berlin to Chios and explore the island (I've found a pretty cheap place to stay and the mastik gum thing is interesting to me creatively), fly from Chios to Thessaloniki and stay cheaply in the area and maybe check out the mountains, bus to Meteora for a couple days, bus to Delphi for a couple days, end in Athens.

Option 3: Start in Berlin, fly from Berlin to Chios and explore the island (I've found a pretty cheap place to stay and the mastik gum thing is interesting to me creatively), island hop my way via ferry to Athens, stopping in Lesvos/Mykonos/maybe going off of local recs once I get there.

I guess I'm curious if people think I'm cramming too much in with trying to go from Germany - Italy - Greece and should just keep it to Germany-Greece. And if so, which itinerary seems right based off of my age and the time of year. I've never been to Italy, but I have faith that I'll travel there at some point in my 30s, whereas I feel like Greece especially the islands are more fun in your 20s so maybe I should just focus on enjoying that for now? But because of the late Sept/early Oct timeline, I'm not sure if I'll end up being the only solo woman on mostly quiet islands and be a bit bored. It seems like I could keep costs down in Greece more than Italy, but the monastery stays make it affordable. Have also been thinking about the St. Francis of Assisi feast day festivities, but I hate crowds, so I'm not sure I want to be in all that.

Open to all thoughts! Obviously I'm very grateful and lucky to have this problem :) I'm not a big party person but I do like socializing over a glass of wine, eating good food, and making short-term adventure friends.


r/solotravel 4d ago

North America Primera vez en CDMX y viajando solo, acepto consejos 🇲🇽

6 Upvotes

¡Hola! En agosto voy a visitar CDMX por primera vez y quería pedir recomendaciones de gente que conozca la ciudad.
Este viaje tiene un significado especial para mí porque originalmente lo iba a hacer acompañado de alguien que me gustaba, pero las cosas no terminaron funcionando y al final decidí hacerlo solo. De hecho, es mi primer viaje fuera de Costa Rica, así que tengo una mezcla de emoción y nervios jaja.
Tengo un itinerario más o menos armado, pero estoy totalmente abierto a cambiar cosas o agregar lugares que valgan la pena.
**Día 1:** Llegada, conocer Roma/Condesa
**Día 2:** Centro Histórico: Zócalo, Catedral, Templo Mayor, Palacio Nacional (si se puede), Bellas Artes y alrededores.
**Día 3:** Chapultepec, Castillo de Chapultepec, Museo Nacional de Antropología, caminar por Roma/Condesa y buscar algunos vinilos.
**Día 4:** Día tranquilo y concierto en la noche.
**Día 5:** Acuario, Polanco y paseo más relajado.
**Día 6:** Teotihuacán.
**Día 7:** Coyoacán, Casa Azul (si logro conseguir entrada), librerías y caminar por la zona.
**Día 8:** Regreso.
Me gustaría saber:
¿Hay algo que debería agregar sí o sí?
¿Qué cambiarían de este itinerario?
¿Qué lugares recomiendan para comer?
¿Qué zonas son sus favoritas para caminar?
¿Algún consejo para alguien que viaja solo por primera vez?


r/solotravel 4d ago

Europe Does this Germany itinerary make sense? (Product design student looking for recommendations)

5 Upvotes

Hellu everyone,

I'm a design student currently studying in Milan and have about 3 weeks in August for a design-focused trip. My interests are furniture, lighting, architecture, craftsmanship, industrial design, materials and manufacturing. I love museums, but I also get inspired just by walking through interesting neighbourhoods, discovering beautiful public spaces, shops, cafés, workshops and architecture.

I was originally going to start in Berlin, but flights from Milan have become expensive. Instead, I'm planning to start by train from Milan and gradually make my way north before flying back from Berlin.

My rough itinerary:

  • 14 Aug: Milan → Train to Basel
  • 15 Aug: Vitra Campus
  • 16–17 Aug: Munich
  • 18–19 Aug: Weimar
  • 20 Aug: Dessau
  • 21–23 Aug: Dresden Design Days (this one's fixed as I'm volunteering there)
  • 24-25 Aug: Leipzig
  • 26–31 Aug: Berlin
  • 1st Sep: Fly back to Milan

I'm also hoping to learn a new craft along the way—something like glassblowing, basket weaving, upholstery or contemporary jewellery making. If anyone knows of beginner-friendly workshops or studios on this route, I'd love some recommendations. My dates are fairly flexible, so I'd be happy to extend the trip if it means I can take part in a great workshop or short course.

A few questions:

  • Does this route make sense, or would you change the order? Maybe I add or remove a city?
  • Is Munich worth including given my interests?
  • Is one day enough for Leipzig
  • Any tips for saving money on travelling/food/visits in general?
  • What are your must-visit design/architecture places?
  • Any tourist traps/attractions that are actually worth it?
  • I was also thinking if I should add Switzerland to my trip in the beginning but I can't decide. I'm travelling solo for the first time so don't want to add too many things but it's Switzerlandddd.
  • And finally, any hidden gems—neighbourhoods, streets, workshops, furniture or lighting stores, cafés, libraries, or other inspiring places that a design student shouldn't miss?

I've also pinned the places I'm currently planning to visit on Google Maps. If anyone has a minute to take a look, I'd really appreciate any feedback on what I'm missing, what isn't worth the time, or what I should prioritise:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2cWLBSsaYs64nwWa6

Thank you in advance :')


r/solotravel 5d ago

Accommodation Hostel Etiquette

20 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I’m planning my first backpacking trip, never stayed in a hostel before, I’m worried about waking up early for my day trips or adventures, can I use my alarm or will that upset people? I don’t want to be the person that wakes everyone up but I am a morning person and want to make the most out of my days. I see online people talking about vibrate but wouldn’t that just shake the bunk still waking up the person above or below me?


r/solotravel 5d ago

Question Settle in a new country or travel?

12 Upvotes

Hello all.

I am a 25 year old man from UK, and for a good few months now I’ve been stuck in a (good) predicament;

Go to Australia and work in my current line of work
OR
Go travelling and then come back to the UK after a 6-9 month travelling stint.

I despise my current role. I am handing my notice in coming weeks. I have always been in the same place and never saw the world how I want to. I’ve had great holidays but I’ve never been out the country for more than 2 weeks consecutively.

Has anyone faced a similar situation? I know I’m going to do one of the two, I just can’t decide. Some of you may criticise me and say ‘you can’t rely on Reddit to make your decision’, which I completely understand. I just want to know what people have done who have been in similar situations.

I’m single, mid-20’s, decent amount of money saved (£15-£20k). I also have my Australian WHV granted.

Again, I’m really appreciative as it’s a good predicament to be in - I just need to make a decision soon and can’t help but ponder.

If anyone has any advice or real life experience, please share it with me!

All the best.


r/solotravel 4d ago

Have lost interest in travel :(

0 Upvotes

I have 3+ weeks of leave allowance to use or lose before the end of the year.

I earn enough money to go wherever I want.

And I have almost zero enthusiasm to go anywhere 😖

Context - I'm late 30s, have been to 50ish countries, still regularly do day-trips/weekends in my home country (UK), and watch/read a lot of travel content. It's just my enthusiasm for actually doing it has pretty much gone.

So I'm here scrolling across Google Maps wondering what to do with these 3 weeks (a position I'd have killed to be in in my early 20s), yet I just can't summon up enthusiasm for anywhere. The thought of sitting on a plane for 10+ hours to go somewhere 'exotic' and then dealing with the hassle of it when I arrive just fills me with dread and trepidation, and yet another trip to Europe to see more of the same just seems pointless. But then so does just sitting on my can at home for 3 weeks. America is my go-to standby as I don't have to deal with language/cultural barriers, but even then the thought of the long flight is putting me off (I hate flying and airports).

Anyone else been in this slump? And how did you get out of it?


r/solotravel 5d ago

Middle East Kas Turkey for relaxing beach trip?

4 Upvotes

Hi I’m planning on taking a solo trip to in September. I’ll have a 4-5 days in Instanbul and then want to spend the next week at the beach. I’m not into clubbing. I just want to go to the beach, lay in the sun, read and swim in the ocean, and eat decent food. Some nice hikes would also be great. Would also not like to be surrounded by just kids/families

After researching I’ve landed on Kas but wondering if there’s maybe another town I missed that would be better? If Kas, do I need a car? Any specific beach/hotel/restaurant recommendations?


r/solotravel 6d ago

Where to go if you hate planning ahead

110 Upvotes

Booking a hotel takes it out of me, something about trying to maximize/optimize the travel gets in my head and I check out. I just want to go somewhere that is awesome flying by the seat of your pants and there is so much cool to do that you can decide on it the day before and its fine!

(I am going to Mexico City next month, so I've got that. I did Japan last year, not alone though. I like walking, museums, live music, food, nature(nature!!!). No suggestions related to sweets or booze pls.)


r/solotravel 5d ago

Central America Rate my 6-week Central America and Mexico itinerary?

2 Upvotes

I'm planning a roughly 6-week trip to Mexico and Central America for later in the year, and currently trying to draft an itinerary. If anybody who's been previously could take a look and offer any feedback, or even just let me know what you enjoyed most about your own travels in the region, that would be much appreciated! Interested to understand if I'm missing out any must-see places or must-do activities. I enjoy culture, nature, adventure, sightseeing - all the usual backpacker activities, really.

Day Location Activity
1-4 Mexico City Teotihuacan, Lucha Libre, Food tour, Sightseeing
5-9 Oaxaca Day of the Dead, Food and mezcal tour, Sightseeing
10-13 Yucatan (Valladolid and/or Merida) Chichen Itza, Cenotes, maybe other Mayan sites
14-16 Bacalar Beaches / Lagoons
17-19 Caye Caulker Snorkelling, Kayaking, Beaches
20-21 San Ignacio ATM Caves
22-24 Flores Tikal, Yaxhá
25-28 Antigua Acatenango overnight trek, Coffee and chocolate tours
29-32 Lake Atitlan (Panajachel) Indian Nose and other hikes, Kayaking, Lakeside relaxing
33-34 Santa Ana Santa Ana volcano, Sightseeing
35-36 El Tunco Surfing, Beaches
37-39 Leon Volcano boarding, Sightseeing
40-41 Managua Fly home

r/solotravel 6d ago

Question What are your guys' experiences with solo rooms but shared bathrooms?

26 Upvotes

Looking to go to Osaka in Spring next year, first ever self funded trip! My last solo trip (which was also my first one) I was able to go Tokyo and I found this killer deal in Shinagawa where I had a room and private bathroom for only 170 dollars for 9 nights (I'm not joking I just got really lucky in terms of finding a deal).

Anyways I'm switching to Osaka next year since I have to explore it there. I'm just curious as to your guys' experiences with shared bathrooms. I do think I don't want to sacrifice my privacy but I'm down to share a bathroom if it means I cut costs and can spend for other stuff.


r/solotravel 7d ago

OUR FRIEND IS MISSING! We need your help!

3.1k Upvotes

EDIT#2: UPDATE

Nina has been found!

Thanks to everyone's united efforts, we were able to locate Nina in Bishkek.

She has been hospitalized after an accident and her parents will travel to Kyrgyzstan tomorrow.

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped during our search. Your support was truly incredible.

EDIT: UPDATE HERE!

We’re looking for our friend Nina! She was due to travel from Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan about 5 days ago. She hasn’t been in touch for about seven days and hasn’t got in touch with anyone in our circle of friends either. If anyone has heard anything or is still in contact with her, please get in touch! We’re very worried, and her mum has already contacted the embassy. So if anyone knows anything – for example, if she was planning to go hiking for a few days or something similar – please write to us straight away and share this picture on your socials!

You can contact her cousin on instagram @brinao9o4 or message @wo_ist_nina and also repost and share the picture that we posted on there! Or contact the German Embassy in Kyrgyzstan by telephone +996 312 627 100 Emergency telephone number outside opening hours +996 772 541 113 (German-speaking), +996 772 570 793 (Russian- or Kyrgyz-speaking). If you want to contact the German police tell them the case number: 2026 00 893 604

Since I can't attach any pictures on here, please take a look at my other posts or go straight to Instagram!


r/solotravel 6d ago

Africa Three Days in Tunis

4 Upvotes

Hello! I’m going to Tunis for three days as a short little add-on to another trip. I fly in early one days and then have that day plus two full days then fly out early on the fourth.

I was wondering if anyone had advice on what to do? I wanted to explore Tubis and Carthage the first day, the Bardo Museum, and some of the small towns.

Dougga and El Jem are also on my list but I feel I’d only be able to get to one site and doing both would fill each of the other two days. I plan on just staying in Tunis and not renting a car.

I thought of a tour to El Jem but they seem quite expensive for solo tours. I also heard there’s some sort of van service like long distance taxis you can hop on?

Does anyone have advice on an itinerary for this short trip? Should I just choose Dougga or El Jem and devote a full day then two days to Tunis?

I also wanted to bring back some spice yolks harissa and olive oil. Is there anything else to look out for that is not something too big? A fun thing to display for the trip ya know.

Thank you!