Solo travel sounds like the ultimate dream—freedom, adventure, and total control over your itinerary. But if you’ve ever taken a trip alone, you know the reality isn’t all perfectly curated sunsets and profound self-discovery moments. In fact, most solo travellers are guilty of telling themselves a few… creative truths (A.K.A cheeky lies). Here are some hilarious, relatable lies we tell ourselves when we travel solo.
1. “I’ll Use This Trip to Reflect and Find Myself”
You picture journaling in a flower-filled courtyard, meditating at sunrise, and having epiphanies about life. Instead, you binge half a season of your comfort show in your hostel bunk and scroll Instagram until your phone screams “Time Out!”.
Reality: Self-discovery can wait—sometimes you just need Wi-Fi and snacks.
2. “I’ll Be Fine Without a Backup Plan”
Who needs a backup plan? Not you—until you’re stranded outside a closed museum, missing your train, or caught in a surprise rainstorm with no clue where to go next. Spontaneity sounds great until ‘going with the flow’ turns into ‘wandering in circles’ and panic-Googling ‘best things to do near me.’
Reality: Even free spirits need a Plan B.
3. “I’ll Make Friends Everywhere I Go”
Movies make it look easy—you’ll sit at a cute café, someone will ask to borrow your charger, and next thing you know, you’re hiking volcanoes together at sunrise. In reality, you’ll probably spend the first few days awkwardly smiling at people before hyping yourself up for 20 minutes just to say “Hi” to your dorm mate.
Reality: Making friends is possible… but it’s not always instant magic.
4. “I’ll Stick to My Budget”
You’ve downloaded a budgeting app, promised yourself to only eat street food, and swore off overpriced tours. Then you discover a sunset boat ride, artisan gelato, and that cute market where suddenly you “need” handmade jewellery and a sarong—like…
Reality: Your budget didn’t stand a chance.
5. “I’m Going to Pack Light This Time”
Every solo traveller’s first lie starts before they even leave home. You confidently lay out your clothes thinking you’ll be that minimalist traveller with one sleek backpack—then you convince yourself you need 4 pairs of shoes, 3 just-in-case outfits, and the fancy dinner look for the Michelin-star meal you’re totally going to book (but won’t).
Reality: You’re dragging a suitcase that could double as a small closet.
6. “I’m Totally Comfortable Eating Alone”
Sure, you tell yourself you’re the confident solo diner—until you’re at the table, half-faking texts, half-wondering if everyone thinks you got stood up. Spoiler: They’re too busy eating to care.
Reality: It gets easier, but the first few meals can be… character-building.
7. “I’m Going to Step Out of My Comfort Zone Every Day”
You swear you’ll try everything—new foods, new activities, maybe even paragliding. And yet, by Day 3, you’re a regular at the same café, ordering the same sandwich, with the same seat by the window.
Reality: Comfort zones have a funny way of tagging along.
8. “I Don’t Need That Many Photos”
This trip is all about being present! You’ll only snap a few key photos—until you realise your camera roll has 173 blurry selfies, 47 food pics, and 9 nearly identical sunset shots.
Reality: Documentation is an art—and an obsession.
The Truth About Solo Travel
For all the lies we tell ourselves, solo travel is still one of the most incredible experiences you can have. It’s awkward, hilarious, empowering—and yes, occasionally life-changing.If you’re ready to embrace the chaos and comedy of travelling solo, QVI Vacay has you covered with flexible stays in dreamy destinations—so you can focus on the fun (and fewer lies).
To get started with QVI Vacay, send your sign-up request to help@myqvi.com or reach us at +60386053383.
