I thought I'd planned my first solo trip perfectly. After just 3 nights, I was desperate to go home.

"In the summer of 2022, I went to London for my first solo trip to see my favorite artist perform. The concert was amazing, and I enjoyed my itinerary, but I wasn't prepared for how lonely I'd feel. I know now that traveling alone isn't for me, and that's OK - I much prefer to go with friends."

"The idea of solo traveling always seemed like a bit of a nightmare to me. Although I'm independent, I'm not naturally social with strangers, and I don't enjoy going on adventures by myself. It's not the planning that throws me off, but rather the ability to feel OK in the in-between moments when there's no one to talk to or share the day with."

I traveled alone to London in summer 2022 to see my favorite artist perform and planned an itinerary including the O2 Arena concert, a run of Legally Blonde at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, and a visit to the London Zoo. I booked tickets and flights a year in advance and expected excitement rather than nerves. Navigation and logistics were manageable, but prolonged solo moments and lack of social connection made the trip feel lonelier than anticipated. The concert and activities were enjoyable, yet the emotional experience confirmed that solo travel does not suit me and I prefer traveling with friends.

Read at Business Insider