Traveling alone can be a true gift to yourself — a time for self-discovery, freedom, and spontaneous experiences. But despite the beauty of independence, solo trips can sometimes bring not only inspiration but also loneliness. Especially in moments when you want to share the excitement of an ocean sunset or discuss an unusual dinner at a local café. However, loneliness on the road is not a sentence. The key is to approach it the right way and make the most of the opportunities that travel opens up.
Why Loneliness on the Road Is Not Your Enemy
First of all, it’s important to understand: loneliness and solitude are not the same. The former can be burdensome, the latter — healing. When you travel alone, you’re not obliged to feel lonely. In fact, such trips allow you to listen to yourself without background noise, better sense the rhythm of the city, the smells of the streets, the sounds of nature. It’s a chance to slow down and really understand what you want.
But let’s be honest: sometimes silence becomes too loud. Especially if you’re in a foreign country, don’t speak the language, and don’t know where to start connecting with others. In those moments, it’s crucial not to shut yourself off, but instead, to seek points of contact with the local culture and fellow travelers.
Where to Find People to Befriend
Hostels and Colivings
If you’re looking not just for a roof over your head but for live interaction, consider choosing hostels or coliving spaces. Many of them offer common areas, evening activities, cooking classes, or themed dinners. Even an ordinary breakfast at a long table can turn into an engaging conversation. These places attract people with different backgrounds but a shared mindset: openness to new connections.
Tours and Group Activities
One of the easiest ways to find like-minded people is to join tours, walks, or workshops. In Portugal, group trips to wineries, surfing lessons, and gastronomic tours are especially popular. When you’re doing something fun with others, conversations arise naturally. Often, travelers continue socializing after these activities — dining together, planning new routes, or even staying in touch long-term.
Digital Tools
Modern technology offers many opportunities to connect. Apps like Couchsurfing, Meetup, or even Telegram groups for expats and tourists in specific Portuguese cities can help you find people to meet for coffee or take a short trip with. It’s important to stay open but also alert — always meet in public places.
How Not to Feel Lonely Even If You’re Alone
Sometimes loneliness on the road comes not from a lack of people around, but from an inner feeling of emptiness. In such moments, it’s especially important to remind yourself why you set out on this journey. Start a travel journal to write down your thoughts, emotions, and memorable encounters. Take photos and send them to loved ones. Or just sit quietly with a cup of coffee, watching life go by — and realize there’s a special charm in that too.
Creating small routines can also help: morning walks, evening notes, finding cozy cafés, or reading before bed. These habits add rhythm to your trip and make you feel safe and balanced.
Features of Solo Travel in Portugal
Portugal is an excellent destination for solo travelers. The country is friendly, safe, and full of diverse experiences — from the bustling streets of Lisbon and the romance of Porto to laid-back days on Algarve’s beaches. It’s easy to meet people here: the Portuguese are generally warm, welcoming, and always ready to help. Numerous events — festivals, street concerts, wine fairs — create an atmosphere where loneliness simply doesn’t stand a chance.
Even if you don’t speak Portuguese, basic English phrases will be enough to connect. And if you learn just a few local words — “bom dia,” “obrigado,” or “saúde” — it will surely break the ice.
Conclusion: Solo Travel as a Path to Inner Growth
Solo travel is not just about routes and sights. It is, above all, a dialogue with yourself. It’s a chance to be alone with your thoughts, to face your fears, and to discover yourself in new circumstances. It’s an opportunity to become more confident, calmer, and kinder to yourself. And despite the fear of being alone — to find true friends, interesting conversations, and unexpected connections that can change your worldview.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you should travel solo — the answer is yes. Open yourself up to the new, and the road will surely lead you not only to beautiful places but to truly soulful ones.
