Majjas Travel Diary

Will You Actually Get Kidnapped or Just Find Yourself?

So, you’re thinking about solo travel. Maybe you’re dreaming of eating pasta in Rome, hiking a volcano in Guatemala, or just booking a one-way ticket somewhere just because. But then the doubts creep in, you’ve seen Taken one too many times—what if you get kidnapped? What if you’re lonely? What if you sit down for dinner and suddenly realize you have no one to clink glasses with?!

Let’s break it down: solo travel isn’t just about proving to your mom that you won’t be the subject of a Netflix documentary (probably). It’s about freedom, growth, and figuring out how to enjoy your own company (plus meeting some ridiculously cool people along the way).

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1. Will You Actually Get Kidnapped? (Spoiler: “Probably” Not)

Look, the world isn’t a horror movie. But like anywhere, there are sketchy situations you should avoid. A few golden rules:

• Trust your gut. If something feels off, get out. Period.
• Stay aware of your surroundings. Don’t blast music in both ears while walking alone at night (or ever, really—one earbud is your friend).
• Keep friends and family updated. Share your location, send “still alive” selfies, have a “password” that has to be said so they know its you texting if you have to, and maybe don’t post your exact hotel room online. (I don’t post the hotel until AFTER I leave)
• Research local scams. Every place has them—fake taxis, overpriced tours, sketchy “helpful” strangers.

2. But… What About Loneliness?

Yes, it’s true—you’ll have some lonely moments. You’ll miss having someone to share your spontaneous dance moves with or your unreasonably large plate of pasta. It happens. But here’s the thing: solo travel isn’t about being alone 24/7. It’s about finding that balance between independence and connection.

Ways to make solo travel feel less solo:

• Stay in social accommodations. Hostels, co-living spaces, and Couchsurfing aren’t just for broke backpackers—they’re prime spots to meet people. I met my now-bestie in a hostel kitchen in Lisbon while aggressively trying to open a bottle of wine with a shoe (don’t ask).
• Join tours or experiences. Cooking classes, walking tours, group hikes—instant connection with fellow travelers. I literally still keep up with a few travelers I met on a full day tour to Nicaragua from Costa Rica 3 years ago.
• Be open to conversations. That person sitting next to you at the café? They might be your new best friend. I struck up a convo at the rooftop lounge of my hotel because they heard me struggling to ask for hot sauce in Spanish.
• Use travel apps. Bumble BFF, Meetup, or even just local Facebook groups can help you find people on the same vibe. One of my favorite travel moments was when I booked a day tour to Guatapé while traveling solo in Colombia. As soon as I got onto the tour bus, I locked eyes with someone I recognized—it was a person from a Facebook travel group post I had been interacting with! What are the odds? We instantly clicked, spent the day exploring together, and even kept in touch for future travels. {insert pic)

3. Why Solo Travel is Kinda Amazing

Aside from the fact that you get to do whatever you want without compromise (yes to a 3-hour Dali museum visit, no to waking up at 4 AM for sunrise hiking), solo travel teaches you things you didn’t know about yourself:

• You realize you’re way more capable than you thought.
• You learn to enjoy your own company. There’s something kinda magical about solo brunch dates with a book and a strong coffee in a new city.
• You get comfortable making decisions without needing a second opinion. That Colombia trip? I spontaneously booked because I got a google flights notification that the price dropped!
• You meet people you’d never have met otherwise.
• You gain a sense of independence that stays with you long after the trip ends. Once you’ve successfully bartered with a market vendor in Mexico, handling life’s daily struggles just feels easier.

4. Making Friends on the Road Without Being Weird About It

We get it—walking up to strangers and saying “Hi, wanna be friends?” feels weird. But solo travelers get it—they’re also looking for connections.

Natural ways to make travel friends:

• Say yes to group plans. Even if you’re unsure, just go. Worst case? You dip early. Best case? Lifelong memories.
• Use common spaces. Hang out in hostel lounges, coworking cafés, or beach bars—places where people naturally chat.
• Take advantage of solo-friendly activities. Think group day trips, food tours, or even local language classes. I usually use Viator or Expedia for my tours.
• Be approachable. Smile, make eye contact, be open to small talk. (Yes, even if you’re a fellow introvert—fake it ‘til you make it.)
• Volunteer. If you’re looking for a way to meet people and actually get involved in something meaningful while traveling, volunteering through Workaway is a game-changer. You get to work with locals, make new friends, and experience a place like a true insider. Plus, you’re spending time with other volunteers from all over the world, so you’re bound to click with some of them. It’s an awesome way to dive into the culture, do something productive, and build connections that can last way past your trip. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to explore, so it’s the best of both worlds.

Final Thoughts: Should You Do It?

If you’re even thinking about solo travel, the answer is yes. It’s not always easy, but it will be one of the most rewarding things you do.

You (probably) won’t get kidnapped. You will have some awkward solo meals. But you’ll also come back with incredible stories, new friends, and a deeper understanding of yourself. And honestly? That’s worth the occasional weird look when you’re laughing to yourself at a café in Paris.

Now, go book that ticket. ✈️