People who travel solo but never feel lonely usually display these 7 behaviors

I used to think solo travel would be the loneliest thing in the world. The idea of wandering through Bangkok’s bustling streets or exploring Vietnam’s hidden temples without a friend by my side seemed daunting, even depressing.

But after my first solo trip through Southeast Asia—hopping between Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand—I realized I had it completely backwards.

The solo travelers I met weren’t lonely at all. In fact, many seemed more connected and content than people I knew back home who were constantly surrounded by others.

What’s their secret?

Well, it turns out that people who thrive on solo adventures have developed specific behaviors that keep loneliness at bay. They’ve cracked the code on turning solitude into connection, uncertainty into opportunity, and unfamiliarity into growth.

Today, we’re diving into the seven key behaviors that separate solo travelers who flourish from those who struggle with isolation.

Let’s explore what makes them tick.

1. They actively engage with strangers

Here’s something I learned pretty quickly in a bustling night market in Ho Chi Minh City: waiting for people to approach you is a recipe for eating dinner alone every night.

The solo travelers who seemed genuinely happy weren’t the ones scrolling their phones at corner tables. They were the ones asking fellow backpackers about their travel routes, complimenting locals on their cooking, or simply striking up conversations with whoever was nearby.

Dale Carnegie nailed it when he said, “You can make more friends in two months by being interested in other people than in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” 

It’s not about being extroverted or charismatic. It’s about genuine curiosity. Ask questions. Show interest. Most people love sharing their stories, especially when you’re genuinely listening.

2. They embrace solitude as fuel for creativity

There’s a massive difference between being lonely and being alone—and successful solo travelers have figured this out.

I remember spending an entire afternoon by myself at a temple in Chiang Mai, just sitting and observing. No podcast, no music, just me and my thoughts. At first, it felt weird. But then something clicked.

Albert Einstein understood this power of solitude. He famously said, “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.” 

Solo travelers who thrive don’t see alone time as something to fill or escape from. They use it to process their experiences, reflect on their journey, and let their minds wander freely.

Whether it’s journaling in a café in Singapore or simply people-watching on a beach in Thailand, they’ve learned that solitude isn’t the enemy of connection—it’s what makes those eventual connections more meaningful.

3. They prioritize face-to-face connections over digital ones

This one hit me hard during my time in Vietnam. I watched so many travelers miss incredible moments because they were too busy documenting everything for Instagram or staying glued to their phones.

The solo travelers who seemed most fulfilled? They put their devices away.

They chose the hostel common room over their private corner. They joined walking tours, cooking classes, or just grabbed a beer with whoever was sitting nearby. They understood that real connection happens when you’re fully present.

Sure, it’s tempting to retreat into the comfort of your phone when you’re feeling awkward or out of place. But those brief moments of discomfort are exactly when the magic happens—when a simple “mind if I sit here?” turns into an unforgettable conversation.

4. They maintain routines that ground them

One thing I noticed about the happiest solo travelers I met was that they weren’t completely winging it. They had small rituals that kept them centered, no matter where they were.

Maybe it was starting every morning with coffee at a local café, finding a park to read in each new city, or always checking out the local markets first thing. These weren’t rigid schedules—they were anchors.

I picked up this habit myself in Thailand. Every morning, I’d find a different street food stall for breakfast and spend 20 minutes people-watching while I ate. It became my grounding ritual, something familiar in an ever-changing environment.

These routines serve a deeper purpose than just structure. They give you something to look forward to each day and create small moments of comfort when everything else feels foreign.

When you’re constantly adapting to new places, currencies, and languages, having a few consistent touchstones prevents that overwhelming feeling that can easily spiral into loneliness.

5. They say yes to unexpected opportunities

The solo travelers who never seemed lonely had one thing in common: they were masters of spontaneity.

I learned this firsthand in Singapore when a random conversation at a hawker center led to an impromptu tour of the city’s hidden street art scene with a local artist. If I’d stuck to my original plan of visiting museums alone, I would have missed one of the best experiences of my trip.

These travelers don’t overthink invitations. Random cooking class? Sure. Last-minute temple visit with strangers from the hostel? Why not. Invitation to join a local family’s dinner? Absolutely.

The fear of the unknown keeps most people in their comfort zones, but successful solo travelers have flipped this script. They see uncertainty as possibility rather than threat.

This doesn’t mean being reckless or ignoring your instincts about safety. It’s about staying open to the unexpected connections and experiences that make solo travel so rewarding.

6. They develop genuine curiosity about local culture

Here’s what separates tourists from travelers: genuine interest in the place they’re visiting, not just the Instagram spots.

The lone travelers who thrived weren’t just checking off bucket list items. They were asking locals about their daily routines, learning basic phrases in the local language, and showing up to cultural events with authentic curiosity.

In Vietnam, I met a woman who spent her mornings learning to make pho from street vendors. Not because she wanted to become a chef, but because she was genuinely fascinated by the stories behind the recipes.

This curiosity becomes a natural conversation starter. When you’re genuinely interested in learning about someone’s culture, they’re usually excited to share. It transforms you from an outsider looking in to someone making real connections.

Plus, this approach makes every interaction more meaningful. You’re not just passing through—you’re actually engaging with the world around you.

7. They practice self-compassion during difficult moments

Let’s be real—even the most successful travelers have moments where loneliness creeps in. The difference is how they handle these feelings.

Instead of spiraling into self-criticism or panic-booking the next flight home, they treat these moments with kindness. They acknowledge that feeling lonely sometimes is completely normal, even when you’re living your dream of traveling the world.

I had one of these moments in a crowded market in Bangkok, feeling completely overwhelmed and disconnected despite being surrounded by thousands of people. Instead of beating myself up about it, I found a quiet café, ordered some tea, and just sat with the feeling.

I’ve heard countless similar stories from others. 

The travelers who handle solo journeys best understand that loneliness is temporary and doesn’t mean they’re doing anything wrong. They might call a friend back home, treat themselves to a nice meal, or simply rest until the feeling passes.

This self-compassion prevents small moments of loneliness from snowballing into travel-ending homesickness.

Final words

Solo travel isn’t about being fearless or extroverted—it’s about developing the right mindset and behaviors to turn potential loneliness into genuine connection.

The travelers I met who truly thrived on their own had learned something most people miss: the best company you can have is yourself when you’re curious, open, and compassionate.

Sure, there will be moments when you’re eating dinner alone or navigating a confusing subway system while everyone around you seems to have someone by their side. That’s part of the journey.

But when you master these seven behaviors, those moments become less frequent and less painful. You start to see them as part of the adventure rather than evidence that something’s wrong.

The world becomes your classroom, every stranger a potential friend, and every challenge an opportunity to prove to yourself just how capable and resilient you really are.

So if you’ve been on the fence about taking that solo trip, remember this: the best travel companion you’ll ever have is the confident, curious version of yourself that emerges when you step out of your comfort zone.

Pack light, stay curious, and trust the journey.