25M, planning my first solo trip

Posted by Admirable-Law-3644@reddit | Shoestring | View on Reddit | 11 comments

Hey everyone.

I’m a 25-year-old male who's been struggling with social isolation and monotony and tend to be pretty introverted. I’ve had enough of it and want to make a change. I want to break out of my comfort zone and embark on my first solo trip. I will be travelling from Iceland, where I currently live.

I’m looking for recommendations that tick these boxes:

•   Easy to Socialize: I’d love a destination where meeting other travelers and locals is natural. I’m planning to stay at a hostel for that social environment.

•   Affordable: I’m looking for a place where my money goes a long way, covering accommodation, food, and activities without breaking the bank.

•   Ideal for a First Solo Trip: Something that’s not too overwhelming, easy to navigate and offers a good balance of cultural exploration and social opportunities. I plan to stay for up to 7 days.

My ultimate goal is to break free from isolation, get out of the comfort zone of home and make new connections. I don't have any specific activities in mind, open to whatever makes me experience something different.

That said, I’m a bit worried that traveling alone might come across as awkward to others. How do you guys navigate that when you’re solo traveling?

Thanks in advance for your help!

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Adventurous-Fix6279@reddit

If you’re open to travel in a week or two across Eu itself we could go together. I am on my first adventure as well

Haunting-pheeb@reddit

I’m currently in South America and I’ve never been anywhere else but I would recommend going around Southeast Asia first I think. I’ve heard from a lot of people that it’s super easy and you can get into the flow of the place easily, of course SA is beautiful but some parts of the journey when you’re on your own can be overwhelming (as someone who also feels a bit isolated and introverted) plus SEA has a big spiritual scene which I think is always fun when you’re struggling with something :)

paul61877@reddit

Lake Atilan in Guatemala is my happy place

very diverse backpacking infrastructure - Basic Spanish is helpful but i live here and speak English 90% of the time. large ex-patriot community - indigenous community is amazing - food is as fresh as you could dream -

AMA

cheekylem0n@reddit

Why do you speak English 90 percent of the time? Is it because you're keeping yourself in the expat bubble?

pretty much & tri+lingual locals always want to improve/practice their English

kamalas-pajamalas@reddit

Thailand!

LongSquirrel8433@reddit

England all the way! Unless you speak another language.

guyfromlr1970@reddit

I went to Playa for 3 weeks and everyday was perfect. Lots of close sidetrips available and beach is perfect

PixelPerfext@reddit

I’ve been solo traveling for years and I can totally relate to what you’re going through but don’t think too much just go out and enjoy the world. A few places I’d recommend - Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Riu De Janeiro, Brazil & Cartagena, Colombia. Budget friendly with affordable food and hostels where you meet others. There are many activities happening through out the day; 365 days a year so I’d browse a few local excursions and events. PS..I’m hoping to travel to travel Iceland later this year. So any tips .?

zoonose99@reddit

The common element wherever you go will be you. Travel isn’t going to give you any new habits, or change your expectations for yourself.

Just getting out there is a worthwhile experience but it’s very easy for people who regard themselves in a certain way (introverted, etc.) to prove to themselves that they really are that way, and their monotonous surroundings are not to blame.

The cheapest way is of course to learn to move thru your own life as someone who is excited about being there.

Beyond that, you can seek out places with a lot of other travelers, many of whom will be on the same identity-driven quest that you’re on. Paradisiacal locations with a lot of natural beauty, structured activities, and international tourists are probably a good start.

Feel free to put my advice to the side and have a transcendental experience, but if you find yourself going somewhere new and experiencing the same you, take heart that this is part of it, too.

ember539@reddit

For your last point, you’ll be surprised, especially if you stay in hostels, just how many people travel alone.

Have you considered a tour group such as Intrepid or G Adventures? This is the shoestring sub and there are certainly cheaper ways to go, but as your biggest concern actually seems to be connection, I think it would be a really good fit for you. Both companies I mentioned have cater to solo travelers and have tours specifically for younger people.