After Dark: What I Do When I Get Back to the Hotel on a Solo Trip
When I asked a friend what she’d want to know about my solo travels, I expected the usual — favourite spots, must-see places, or how I plan my routes. But instead, she asked something different: "What do you do when you return to the hotel after a day of exploring?"
At first, it caught me off guard. I’d never really thought about that part of the trip. But it’s such a good question—especially for solo travellers.
We usually talk about the places we visit, the photos we take, and the sights we see. But the moments after the sun sets? That quiet time when you're back at your temporary "home"? That’s a whole other side of solo travel.
Before it gets dark
I usually try to be back at my hotel or Airbnb before sundown. Even though I’ve solo-travelled in some of the safest countries - South Korea and Japan - there’s still a natural caution that comes from growing up in a place where walking alone at night isn’t always safe. It’s not about being paranoid—it’s just about being mindful. So, unless I’m already out when night falls, I prefer not to head out again once it’s dark.
Honestly, I’m also just tired by then. I walk a lot during the day, and I’m constantly exposed to new things. That kind of stimulation, while amazing, can be very exhausting.
Settling in: My after-exploring routine
Once I’m back, I unpack anything I bought—usually small things like cute small stuff or snacks. I don’t shop much because I like my money, but I can never resist cute stuff.
Then comes the best part: the shower.
Nothing beats washing off a full day of travel and slipping into something cosy. That’s why I always pack homewear and slippers.
After that, I usually get on my phone or laptop and go through the photos I took that day. I’ll back them up to my hard drive and sometimes even start editing if I have the energy. And probably post some photos too. It’s also a good time to make space for tomorrow’s adventures.
While I do that, I often call family or friends - in SK and JP, with the time difference, it usually lines up well. It helps me feel connected, even when I’m thousands of miles away.
Winding down
Once everything’s backed up and I’ve caught up with people back home, I’ll usually watch something on YouTube or dive into a show. Nothing intense—just something light to help my mind settle.
I’m usually pretty tired by 10:30 or so. Solo travel takes a lot out of you — mentally and physically — so I tend to go to bed earlier than I would at home.
Before I sleep, I check my plan for the next day. This part’s a bit tricky because I sometimes struggle with decisions. There’s just so much I could do, and I want to make the most of it—but not overdo it. Still, it’s nice to go to bed knowing what my morning looks like.
The comfort of familiar routines
I don’t usually film or take photos during this part of the day. It’s not very “Instagrammable,” but it’s real. And because I also live alone back home, the quiet end-of-day routine feels familiar and comforting. It’s my time to recharge and just be.
Solo travel isn’t just about the places you see—it’s about the quiet in-between moments too. And honestly, those cosy evenings after dark? They’re some of my favourite parts.
I’ve realised that these little rituals—showering, sorting photos, calling home—help anchor me no matter where I am in the world. They give me a sense of continuity that makes even the most unfamiliar places feel a bit more like home. And I think that’s the beauty of solo travel: you bring pieces of yourself wherever you go, and they help you feel safe, settled, and strong.
Just so you know: I originally recorded myself talking about this topic and then used ChatGPT to help shape the transcription into something structured for this post. I’ve edited and reviewed everything myself—so what you’re reading is still fully me, just with a little help organizing my thoughts.