I'm well into the second half of my solo grown-up gap year. Before I left, whenever I mentioned that I was going on this adventure, people would always ask me two questions: First, was I inspired by "Emily in Paris"? (Yes.) And second, who was I going with?
Having had a few solo overseas adventures, I want to encourage you to face your fears and go on that bucket list trip, even if you don't have anyone to go with. I promise it will be something that you look back on feeling proud that you've accomplished it.
The first concern people usually have is safety, and I won't sugarcoat it: as a solo traveller, there are countries and places where I've felt safer than others. There are also some countries that I'd love to visit but won't go alone. But all big cities (yes, even Paris) have areas that might not feel safe to explore. You have to be sensible but you can't let fear stop you.
My first piece of advice is to research your accommodation well. One of the benefits of solo travel is the freedom to choose where to save and where to splurge. I always spend more on accommodation to ensure it's convenient and in a good location, saving myself from commuting back to a hotel or apartment in a shady area at night. Depending on where you're travelling, the world outside your hotel can be a little overwhelming—exciting, but overwhelming—so you want to stay somewhere that feels like a sanctuary. This isn't just my advice as someone who spent a significant part of my career marketing hotels; it doesn't always need to be an Aman resort (although I wouldn’t say no), but every time I’ve cut my budget for accommodation, I regret it. Find somewhere else to save.
Travelling solo also requires a degree of self-control. Whether enjoying the nightlife in Paris, exploring the alleys and Izakayas in Tokyo, having cocktails on a beach in Indonesia, or just navigating any new city, it's important to stay aware and ensure you can take care of yourself. You don't need to avoid having fun, but always remember that your safety comes first. If you can do that, you'll be fine.
The best part of embarking on a solo adventure is that you get to decide exactly what you want to see, where you want to go, and how much time and energy you want to invest in each experience—no compromises necessary. Are you a die-hard art enthusiast eager to spend hours admiring Picassos? Go for it. Prefer shopping on 5th Avenue? It’s all yours. Are you an early bird who wants to start the day with a morning run around Hyde Park, or do you like to sleep in and spend the night exploring a bustling night market? Please. A very good friend of mine who’s also on a solo trip around Europe right now somehow ended up on a Private Jet to Ibiza - so you never know what’s going to happen. This is your choose-your-own-adventure.
Travelling on your own isn’t just liberating—it’s an experience we don’t often get in our everyday lives. And you might be surprised to find that it’s actually much less lonely than you’d think. When you’re on your own, you open yourself up to countless opportunities to meet and interact with people from all kinds of backgrounds. In cities like Sydney and Melbourne, our social circles can be pretty tight-knit, and we often stick to familiar routines, avoiding interactions outside of our usual comfort zones. How often do we actually chat with the person sitting next to us at a café or someone we bump into on our daily commute?
According to the Australian Psychological Society, one in four Australians feel lonely, and thirty percent don’t feel part of a close group of friends. For those who struggle with loneliness, travelling solo can change the game. It pushes you to engage with new people and dive into different cultures. Whether it’s a casual conversation with a local café owner, joining a group tour, or sharing a meal with other travellers, it’s a great way to feel connected to the world around you.
You also never know what might come from these interactions. Casual conversations with the person dining at the table next to you or while waiting in line for concert tickets can lead to new friendships and shared experiences throughout your trip. These connections can make your journey even more magical. And, if social anxiety is holding you back, don't worry—some restaurants in Paris pair all solo diners together, essentially forcing you to chat and get to know each other or dine awkwardly without making eye contact or asking your companion to pass the water. Which one would you prefer?
I know how tempting it is to stay within your comfort zone when you’re on your own. I once found dining alone a bit uncomfortable and, frankly, a bit sad—probably a hangover of childhood trauma from moving schools and having no one to sit with at lunch. I’d avoid regular tables, instead choosing counter spots to dodge the awkwardness of being the larry-no-friends amidst couples and groups. But now? I could not care less. No one actually notices if you’re alone and my everyday life is a blur of activity, so the chance to sit at a table with a second glass of wine and watch the world go by feels like its own mini-break. It’s something I’m definitely planning to do more of when I’m back home.
Don’t get me wrong, travelling solo has its challenges. If you’ve ever tried to navigate an airport bathroom cubicle with 70 kg of luggage in tow, you know the struggle. Don’t even get me started on the sheer number of stairs in European train stations but there’s usually a friendly stranger who’s willing to help.
Some parts of this trip would definitely be more enjoyable with friends, a partner, or even with children one day. However, there’s no rule that says you can only visit a place once. If you fall in love with a destination and think others in your life would enjoy it too, you can always return and experience it together. In the meantime, I refuse to miss out on the chance to explore and experience things now while waiting for that time to come around.
Travelling solo comes with challenges, but the freedom to explore, meet interesting people, and dive into new experiences—without needing a travel companion—is well worth it. Don’t let the absence of a buddy hold you back. Embrace the adventure, step out of your comfort zone, and discover the world on your own terms. And remember, it doesn’t have to be a grand, globe-trotting expedition. It could be as simple as a weekend getaway or exploring a new part of your city. You might find that solo travel, in any form, is one of the most unexpectedly wonderful experiences you’ll have.
Cover image via Pinterest.