Essential Lessons from a Year of Solo Travel

Discover how to travel light and on a budget through the inspiring journey of photographer Kegan Jones, who spent an entire year exploring the world alone.

Kegan Jones, a photographer from San Francisco, managed to travel solo for an entire year while spending just $33 a day.

Traveling is a wonderful experience. With so many incredible places on our planet, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to see even a small fraction of them.

Kegan, a designer and photographer, turned a dream many share into reality by embarking on a year-long solo journey traveling light. He has shared his valuable insights from this adventure, and we’re excited to pass them on to you.

1. People Leave a Lasting Impression, Not Places

Going days or weeks without meaningful interaction makes you crave connection. I’ll never forget spontaneous conversations with a fisherman, a forest ranger, and a stranger in a Thai supermarket.

Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations with strangers. Many are just as curious and eager for adventure. Talking to someone new, even briefly, can be a memorable highlight. Here’s a rule I adopted:

Always be the one to start the conversation.

Following this, I met many wonderful people.

2. Traveling Can Be Affordable

Long-term travel is very different from luxury week-long tours. The goal is to explore the world, not stay in five-star hotels. I kept my accommodation budget around $33 per day.

Midway through my trip, I reduced this to $26 daily by using Airbnb and HostelWorld. When I wanted social interaction, I stayed in hostels; when I preferred solitude, I booked private rooms through Airbnb.

Calculate your home living costs by adding monthly housing and food expenses, then divide by 30. This daily amount is likely enough to travel. You won’t stay in fancy hotels or dine at upscale restaurants, but that’s not necessary.

3. Travel Light

I packed very minimally and chose items carefully. There’s a special feeling in stepping off a plane with just a backpack. I didn’t buy souvenirs simply because I had no extra space. Everything was planned.

This experience helped me overcome materialism, realizing many so-called essential items aren’t truly necessary.

Read Kegan’s article detailing the contents of his backpack for more insights.

4. Solo Travel Isn’t for Everyone

Sometimes, loneliness can be intense. You have a lot of time for self-reflection, which can lead to overthinking. If you’re an introvert, solo travel might suit you well. But if you thrive in lively company and struggle with solitude, this style of travel may not be ideal.

5. Take Your Time

Moving every few days is exhausting. Based on my experience, changing locations every two weeks is optimal. This timeframe allows you to explore sights, connect with locals, and understand the culture. It also gives you time to plan your next steps.

6. Travel Is a Paradox

If you travel to escape your problems, they will follow you. Solo travel can intensify focus on your issues. The paradox is that after extended travel, you may crave routine. Balance between routine and adventure is key.

7. People Are Fundamentally Alike Everywhere

You’d be surprised how similar we all are. Everyone desires love, understanding, and security. I met many people facing big life decisions, like where to live or work, yet none had all the answers.

Some just appear confident, but often they’re figuring things out as they go.

8. Home Can Be Anywhere

You can create a home anywhere on Earth. Over time, you adapt to local cultures and people. It’s entirely possible to fly to a new country, find work, housing, and friends. It’s less daunting than I once thought.

A friend of mine has a theory: the easiest way to relocate is to have either $5,000 saved or five friends in the city.

9. English Is the Global Language

I was surprised by how many people speak English worldwide. In places where it’s less common, I learned key phrases in the local language.

Communication doesn’t always need words. For example, once in Chile, I forgot my phone in a restaurant. By pointing to the table, mimicking a phone to my ear, and shrugging, the waiter quickly returned it.

10. Trust Your Intuition

Eventually, I learned to listen to that small voice inside. In an unfamiliar place with a dead phone, your options are limited. Is this area safe? Am I going the right way? Only intuition can answer.

Intuition is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. It’s a sixth sense that helps you read between the lines.

Completing my journey, I feel incredibly grateful. Our planet is vast and breathtaking. It’s impossible to see all its wonders in one lifetime, but I’ll keep trying and plan my next adventure soon. I encourage you to do the same!

Categories