How to Beat Lonliness While Solo Travelling
Introduction
Solo Travel is one of the best ways to see the world and something I believe everyone should experience at least once in their life. A common fear about travelling solo is that you’ll experience loneliness, which can be the case at times. But solo travel also comes with unique opportunities for connection and socialization. The beauty of solo travel is you get to choose exactly how you want to enjoy your time, whether that’s with others or not. This post will go through how to beat loneliness, how to connect with others and how to transform the idea that being alone has to mean you are lonely.
1. Understand That Loneliness Is Normal
Solo travel can lead us to meeting new people, sparking new connections and enjoying times with new friends but I would be glamorizing it if I said that’s what it was like 24/7. I’m going off of my personal experience as somebody who loves meeting new people but I’m picky with the ones I want to spend my time around. As a solo traveller I’m not afraid to be alone and I enjoy my own company. So I’m selfish with my time and prioritize what I want to do while travelling because I didn’t fly across the world to be on somebody else’s schedule. However, there are times I long for connection and experience loneliness.
I’m also a sober traveller which can feel quite isolating at times, especially when I’m staying in areas of the world where drinking and partying is the norm. But, whatever your situation while travelling just know that loneliness is normal and not something to be ashamed of. Feeling lonely doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for this or you’re doing solo travel ‘wrong’. Let yourself feel what you feel instead of trying to force anything fake.
Long-term solo travel can come with emotional ups and downs which can be frustrating to face all on your own. Planning everything and making a thousand little micro-decisions can leave you feeling exhausted. But, you are such a badass for living the life you’ve dreamed of and you will learn so many life lessons by doing it on your own.
If you are struggling planning and scared of burning out while solo travelling check out my blog post How to Avoid Burnout While Solo Travelling.
2. Create Opportunities for Connection
Hostels
There’s a reason most solo travellers (myself included) stay in hostels. It’s the easiest way to meet people. The simplicity of staying in the same hostel or dorm can give you enough common ground to spark up a conversation with anybody. I book all my hostels through Hostelworld, and always check reviews to find how sociable a hostel is or if there are good spaces to socialise. And I’m not talking just a bar, but a pool, outdoor area, common room, shared kitchen, etc.
Majority of people in hostels are fellow solo travellers who are also seeking connection. Hostels are one of the best ways to meet others and the quickest way to be surrounded by other travellers. Even just one conversation can help alleviate that feeling of loneliness.
Join Walking Tours, Cooking Classes or Group Day Trip
Not only are tours, classes and workshops a great way to learn something new but, they also help you meet other people. Again, doing the same tour or class gives you something in common which can make it easier to break the ice. Also, chances are if you are taking a cooking class for example it’s because you like cooking, food or learning about a new culture so it’s a good way to meet others who share a common interest with you.
Join a Yoga Class or Yoga Retreat
If you’re into yoga, health, wellness, and/or spirtuality it’s great way to meet others who care about those things too. I sound like a broken record but really it’s just all about finding the similarities between you and others to help connect initially. Yoga classes are great if you don’t have the time to commit to a full yoga retreat.
But, Yoga Retreats are one of my personal favourite things to do while travelling solo. I always meet the coolest people and make such genuine connections. You really get immersed in the retreat and make close bonds especially when living in shared spaces. As somebody who’s both attended and worked teaching for a retreat I’ve witnessed it from the other end which was such a magical experience. I always book my retreats with BookYogaRetreats and all of my experiences have been incredible.
One of my favourite yoga retreat centres, True Nature Yoga Retreat in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
You can check out my blog post 10 Alcohol-Free to Try While Travelling to discover other places to meet people.
3. Embrace Sober Socializing
I’m a sober traveller and it’s made my solo travel experiences so much more memorable and special. But, I haven’t always been sober on my solo travel adventures. So, trust me I know how daunting it can feel to do your first big solo adventure with no alcohol! Especially when it’s so normalized to go hand in hand with hostel life and meeting new people. If you’re sober curious or just thinking of ditching the booze for your next trip, go for it! Socializing sober can seem hard to navigate at first but like anything it’s a skill you need to practice. It may feel awkward or uncomfortable at first but it leads to creating genuine connections rooted in something real.
If you want to read more about sober socializing you can check out my blog post How to Make Friends Solo Travelling (Even If You Don’t Drink).
If you are curious about what sober travel is like you can check out my post From FOMO to Freedom: How Sobriety Transformed My Solo Travel Experience.
4. Lean Into Your Solo Time With Intention
Repeat After Me- Being Alone does not equal Loneliness!
Of course loneliness does happen and it’s only normal to feel it at times. But, that does not mean every moment you are spending alone is a time you are lonely. Check in with yourself and how you are feeling throughout the day. If you are seeking time with others do so. But don’t ever feel guilty for not wanting to do that or feeling like enjoying time on your own isn’t okay.
Find solo activities you enjoy like journaling, reading, hiking or relaxing on the beach. While staying in Ko Tao, Thailand solo my evening ritual was to get a non-alcoholic beer from 711 and sit on the beach and journal while witnessing the most incredible sunsets. These times were so special and just allowed me to slow down and reflect. The beauty of solo travel is whatever your thing is you get to do as much of it as you desire. So really spend the time exploring what you love or trying things you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t. Now is the time!
A dreamy sunset on the beach in Ko Tao.
5. Stay Emotionally Connected to Home
We are lucky to live in an era where it’s never been easier to stay connected to our loved ones, no matter where we are in the world. It can be hard balancing a busy schedule and a time difference but making time to talk to your family or friends can be so beneficial and remind us we are loved. Try to schedule regular calls or send messages every so often to check in. But, be sure to find a balance between connecting and becoming emotionally dependent on it. This way you’ll still be enjoying your time on your own.
6. Volunteer or Give Back
Volunteering is an amazing way to help others, make a difference and meet other travellers along the way. I volunteered through WorldPackers at a Hotel/Hostel in Greece doing a little bit of everything. Helping on the olive farm, front desk duty, hosting art classes, helping build furniture, guiding hikes and teaching yoga. I learned so much through that experience and gained lots of new skills.
I also bonded with the other volunteers and made such great relationships from my time volunteering. I highly recommend checking out WorldPackers. You can find volunteer opportunities all over the world that usually offer free accommodation, free meals and free activities while you’re not doing work. WorldPackers is one of the best ways to stay all over the world for little to no money.
Some moments from my World Packers Experience in Corfu, Greece,
7. Remind Yourself Why You Chose This Path
At moments of doubt and loneliness reconnect with your ‘why’ for solo travel. Remember that loneliness is temporary and it can be manageable. Let yourself feel what you’re going through but try not fixate on it. Embrace this chapter of your life and you’ll learn so much about yourself. Nothing comes from being stuck in your comfort zone and growth comes from discomfort! There are other solo travellers struggling too so reach out because you never know what can grow from these connections. Even when you feel your loneliest, you are not alone!
Conclusion
Solo travel can be daunting and lonely but also an incredible journey full of new people, adventures and connections. Loneliness is normal but it is also something we can learn and grow from. Solo travel means freedom and prioritising your wants and needs. It’s so liberating and I’ve learned so much about myself, others and the world the past few years that I’ve gotten out of my comfort zone and into the world. I hope you’re feeling more confident and ready for your solo travel adventure. If you have any tips for solo travellers and battling loneliness I’d love to hear them in the comments!
