Ever moved to a new place by yourself? Then you’ve already done a version of solo travel. Moving and traveling solo might seem like two totally different things, but they’ve got more in common than you think. And turns out, some of the best solo travel lessons come from the chaos of moving.
Here are 3 big ones worth keeping in your back pocket.
Pack Like You’ll Have to Carry It All (Because You Will)
When you’re moving house, you quickly realize how much random stuff you’ve been hoarding. That fifth pair of barely-worn shoes? That random gadget you swore you’d use one day? Yeah, they all seem important until you’re dragging five boxes up a flight of stairs in the heat.
Solo travel is the same. If you’re going it alone, you want to pack light and smart. It’s just you out there, and no one’s going to offer to carry your overstuffed suitcase. The lesson from moving? You’ll be happier with fewer things and more freedom. Your shoulders will thank you.
Google Maps Is Great. But So Is Talking to People
When you move to a new area, you rely on Google Maps at first—where’s the nearest grocery store, the laundromat, a decent coffee shop? But eventually, you start asking neighbors or the street food guy who always plays highlife music. That’s when you start to feel like you actually live there.
Same with solo travel. Maps are cool, but sometimes they lead you to tourist traps or places that look better online than in person. The real gems? They come from conversations. Ask locals where they eat. Talk to your hostel receptionist or your Bolt driver. It feels intimidating at first, but it’s worth it. You get better recommendations, richer experiences, and let’s be honest—sometimes you get invited to something wild and unexpected.
You’re Going to Feel Weird… and That’s Fine
Moving is emotional. It’s the chaos of leaving what you know, settling into the unknown, and questioning why everything feels off at first. And even though you’re the one who decided to move, you still feel disoriented, lonely, or just… weird.
That’s solo travel too. One day, you’re living your main character dreams watching a sunset. The next, you’re eating alone at a restaurant wondering if everyone’s staring. The trick is: feel the weirdness, then keep going. You’re adjusting. You’re stretching. And like moving, one day it just clicks; you find your rhythm, your people, your favorite breakfast spot.
So yeah, moving and solo travel? Not so different.
Both are about starting fresh, learning on your feet, and figuring things out as you go. You learn to carry only what matters, ask for help when you need it, and be okay with the wobbly in-between moments!
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