I cut my two-week Central Europe trip short because the loneliness was unbearable. I’ve been on longer solo trips—India (21 days) and Japan (9 days). This time though, going home felt like the best idea. So I did. In the process, I learned new things about myself and traveling alone.
My friends were supposed to be with me. But because of unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances, their visas didn’t come in time. I hesitated pushing through but I already paid for the airfare, some accommodations, and visa. I didn’t want my money to go to waste.
My itinerary started in Berlin, then Prague, followed by Vienna, then Budapest, and it was supposed to end in Amsterdam. I was already feeling the sadness brewing in Prague. It went full blown in Vienna and eventually I ended my trip from there. I tried to meet people and relax. But I only felt relieved and at peace when I booked my return flight and was on the plane back home.

Tips for introvert travelers prone to loneliness
Exploring new places and cultures should been fun and exciting. But unintentionally traveling on my own and as an introvert entailed being alone with my unpleasant thoughts most of the time. I faced the same dilemma in India, but I didn’t go home early then. The circumstances were a bit different (you’ll find out below).
Do I regret cutting my trip short this time? Not really, but I would do some things different for the next time I’m traveling by myself. Maybe if you’re like me, you can consider the following too!
Aim for shorter trips, seven days maximum
I found that the novelty of being in a new place alone starts to wane out by the time I hit my fifth day of traveling. I’m not sure, perhaps it’s because of overstimulation from all of the newness around me or exhaustion from being in my own bubble.
Pro tip: For next time, even if it’s cost-effective to stay longer (to make the 15+ hours of transit worth it), plan shorter trips so by the time you start to feel lonely (like me by day five), you’ll be already on your way home.
Trim down activities
The tendency for most travelers is squeeze in a lot of activities and sights in a day. This may be counterproductive because it can lead to burnout. In Central Europe, I was hitting 15,000+ steps every day, walking under the heat of the sun, for eight days straight. This was not part of my routine back home so in the end, I got tired and lost the motivation to continue.
Pro tip: Don’t feel bad for not maximizing your time in a new city. It’s alright and even better to take things slow and be in the present 100% rather than to tire yourself out from continuously planning your next move.
Stay in a city for at least three days
Every time I make travel itineraries, I always encounter people who recommend staying in a new place longer than two days. Not only to soak in and get a better feel of the new experience, but also to prevent feeling rushed. I now understand what they mean.
Pro tip: Take it slow! Perhaps spend a day doing all the touristy things. And the next? Just leisurely walk around and chill in a cafe with a view. Don’t feel pressured to see and do everything. I actually wish I didn’t pre-book tickets in Vienna because even though I wanted to take a break, I couldn’t just not show up and waste money like that (which I did anyway to my Budapest and Amsterdam reservations *sigh* lol).
Do things just like being back home
When I started to feel homesick in Hyderabad, I realized that going to malls (plus points for the air conditioning!), visiting Churches (even though I don’t usually go to one anymore), and people watching and reading a book in a cafe—things I normally do back home—helped fight the sadness. I also visited an animal shelter while in Udaipur because why not! Animals make me happy.
Pro tip: Have a day off! You don’t have to be on 24/7 the whole duration of your trip. Take time to recover your energy, process all the newness you encountered, and recharge your mind and body. Volunteer for an organization, spend time with animals, or be close to nature. Nothing is wrong with doing things that make you feel normal and closer to home.
Join a tour
This may seem unnatural for introverts, but I find it helpful to break away from my negative thoughts! I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency to mull over things. Being in my own bubble has its pros and cons. The moment I find myself being consumed by my thoughts, meeting new people while on a tour makes for an effective, quick escape. I did this in Berlin and New Delhi, and I loved both times!
Pro tip: I recommend Airbnb Experiences for this since it’s solo traveler-friendly. You not only save from paying the full price of a group tour, but you also get a more intimate experience with local guides.
Have a goal
Finally, and I think this one is the most important—a goal! I survived 21 days in India because my goal was to see Taj Mahal, and that was scheduled on the second half of my trip. My Central Europe trip was supposed to be a time to spend with my friends and out of all the places that we planned to visit, Berlin was my goal. Unfortunately, Berlin was my first stop. So, for the rest of my trip, on top of being alone, I didn’t have any goal to motivate me.
Pro tip: Pick something, any place or activity, that you’re really keen on visiting or doing, and schedule it towards the end of your trip. You can also schedule things to do based on your interests—be it sports or hobbies. It gives you something personal to hold on to!
It’s OK, You’re OK
Catching the blues while traveling is normal. I’m not alone, you’re not alone. In fact, while on the road feeling extreme sadness, I read a couple of reddit threads to get some advice. 🙂 Here’s one.
Unlike what you see in social media, traveling has its ups and downs. Either way, you will always learn new things—if not about the country and its people, then about yourself—that hopefully will contribute to your growth as an individual.
On my recent unintentional solo trip, I realized that as much as I like being by myself (because I don’t have anyone to mind so I become more observant of my surroundings) and try to be independent and comfortable with frequent loneliness, being with people and forming connections can make the experience better. I learned that lesson, in addition to all the wonderful, historical and cultural places and norms I visited and encountered in Berlin, Prague, and Vienna.
Have you ever felt lonely while traveling alone? I would love to hear your experience!
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