The 5 Things I Didn’t Expect to Learn Traveling Alone as a Guy (That Changed Everything)

So You’re Thinking of Traveling Solo?

Good. You should. I’ll be honest — when I took my first solo trip, I wasn’t “finding myself.” I wasn’t trying to journal under a waterfall. I just needed a reset after a brutal breakup and a job that made me question everything.

But what I got from solo travel was way more than Instagram sunsets and cheap beers.

1. You’re Way More Capable Than You Think

Missed my train in Germany? Fixed it. Lost my luggage in Costa Rica? Figured it out. Got food poisoning in Thailand? Survived (barely).

Every challenge made me realize I’m more resourceful than I give myself credit for. You stop waiting for someone else to handle things — because you’re the guy now.

2. Alone Doesn’t Mean Lonely

Sounds cheesy, but real talk: you actually like being alone when you travel. You wake up when you want. You eat what you want. You don’t have to entertain anyone else or do fake small talk. It’s oddly freeing.

Also, you meet way more people when you’re alone — and the conversations are usually way better than the ones back home at your regular bar.

3. You Stop Trying to Impress People

You’re not trying to be the funniest guy in the group or the one who pays for every round. You’re just you. And it turns out, that guy’s actually pretty cool when he’s not trying so hard.

Solo travel strips away the performance. It’s just you, your backpack, and a whole lot of unexpected humility.

4. You Find New Interests (That Don’t Involve Fantasy Football)

I tried Muay Thai in Thailand. Got into photography in Vietnam. Went on a wine tour in Chile and shockingly liked it. (Don’t tell my friends.)

You start exploring not just the world, but who the hell you actually are. It’s not “cringe.” It’s growth. And growth looks good on you.

5. It’s Addictive… in the Best Way

Once you realize you can hop on a flight and create your own adventure — it’s game over. You stop waiting for life to happen and start creating it on your own terms.

You might even come back with better stories than your married friends. (Okay, you definitely will.)