Solo travel isn’t just about where you go – it’s about the little rituals and freedoms that make the experience uniquely yours.
Solo adventures come with a unique set of perks: the joy of setting your own pace, indulging in personal interests and embracing those small moments solo. And, even when you join a group, these solo escapades can happen in other ways: before or after a tour or solo moments sprinkled throughout the tour.
Certain habits naturally emerge for every seasoned solo traveller – whether it’s picking the perfect plane seat, lingering at a café for hours, or indulging in a spontaneous splurge.
These rituals become part of the journey, turning solo travel into an experience that’s as much about feeling at home with yourself as it is about discovering the world.
Here are some of my favourite solo travel rituals – little joys that remind me why travelling solo can feel like a gift.
Solo Travel Rituals & Perks
- The First Night Ritual. Ordering room service, having a long shower, or simply stretching out in your own space before hitting the streets. There is no need to coordinate with anyone’s preferences – just pure solo bliss. When I join a group, I love the plus of adding an extra night before or after a tour for my own custom discoveries.
- That One Special Splurge. Whether it’s a Michelin-star meal, a scenic hot-air balloon ride, or a boutique hotel upgrade, treating yourself to a standout moment is a solo travel must. They can even extend to something you can’t do at home – one of my favourites – a Turkish or Moroccan Hammam; it’s a birthday suit experience and for anyone more modest, going solo is the ideal way to experience it.
- The Golden Hour Photo Walk. Early mornings or late afternoons are perfect for capturing a city at its best. Solo travellers can take their time, chase the light and linger as long as they like. Have you ever thought of setting a plan for at least one morning to get up early before the hustle and bustle of a city starts? Exploring the streets early can be a truly rewarding treat.
- Dining Without Compromise. Whether you’re looking for a five-course meal or a street food stall, the choice is yours.
- People-Watching as an Art Form. Sitting in a plaza, at a café, or on a park bench, simply observing daily life unfold is an underrated solo pleasure.
- The “Why Not?” Impulse. A last-minute detour, a random local festival, or an unplanned train ride to a nearby town; spontaneity is a solo traveller’s best friend.
- The No-Guilt Early Night (or Late One!). If you want to crash at 8 p.m. or stay out until sunrise, there’s no one to negotiate with – just do what feels right. Even when joining a group tour, you can take on this freedom. You join a group of strangers that quickly become new friends, but without judgment.
- The Solo Stroll Reset. Take an aimless wander with no itinerary and just follow whatever catches your eye. Solo travel is the perfect way to let curiosity lead the way.
- The Self-Appointed Timeout. Finding a quiet spot (a rooftop bar, a library, or a hidden garden) to pause, reflect and soak in the moment, knowing there’s no rush.
Solo travel has a certain magic that isn’t just about where you go but how you experience it. These small rituals – whether planned or spontaneous – are part of what makes travelling alone feel so personal and rewarding.
It’s about tuning into what makes you happy, savouring the freedom of choice and embracing the beauty of the journey on your terms.
Whether you’re a seasoned solo traveller or just starting out, the best part is creating your rituals – those special moments that make the world feel bigger and more intimately yours.
In the end, solo travel isn’t about being alone; it’s about embracing everything that makes the adventure uniquely yours.
