Travelling solo can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be lonely. Travel expert Will Sarson has shared his top tips for beating loneliness while travelling alone.
If you’ve ever ventured on a solo journey, you’ll know it’s an extraordinary adventure. Solo travel lets you set your own rhythm, immerse yourself in new cultures, and bond with the locals.
Yet, it can also pose its own set of challenges. Travelling on your own might sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness.
Will Sarson, Travel Expert at Riviera Travel, has shared his six essential tips for overcoming loneliness and maximising the enjoyment of your solo travel escapades. He advised: “Whether it’s friends or family you’re missing, it’s important to know what to do to navigate these feelings to get the most out of your trip.”
His primary advice is to have a plan full of activities – whether that’s a beach day or a guided excursion, reports the Express.
Will explained: “When enjoying a solo holiday, it’s important to plan ahead and arrange enjoyable activities to keep yourself engaged and avoid feelings of loneliness.”
“Smaller tour groups are often a better choice for solo travellers. Many holiday packages are designed with this in mind, ensuring those travelling alone don’t feel overwhelmed or lost in a crowd.”
It’s equally crucial not to shy away from engaging with locals or fellow travellers. Even though it may seem daunting, initiating a conversation is worthwhile – you never know what insights you might gain.
Will remarked: “Taking that first step can increase the chances of establishing strong connections and making lifelong friends.”
Chatting with individuals from diverse countries, backgrounds and cultures can widen your horizons. Solo travel is supposed to be enlightening, and striking up conversations with new people plays a key role in this experience.
Opting for a cruise or group tour tailored for solo voyagers ensures you’ll be among other lone adventurers, offering company when desired or the option to relish solitude.
The evening often poses the greatest challenge to evade feelings of loneliness – spending the day exploring might keep it at bay. To combat feeling down as dusk falls, carving out some quality relaxation time is crucial.
Getting engrossed in an absorbing book or podcast, or taking an evening stroll through the local neighbourhood can be perfect remedies.
Will emphasises: “I believe it’s extremely important to plan for the downtime in the evenings, to avoid long nights with nothing to do – which naturally increases boredom and loneliness.”
For those about to embark on a maiden solo journey and who may harbour some apprehension, Will suggests joining a dedicated tour for solo travellers. He advises: “These trips often include thoughtfully planned itineraries designed to keep solo travellers engaged and connected with others. For example, a welcome dinner on the first night gives travellers a chance to meet fellow solo travellers.”
Gone are the days when solo travellers had to make do with substandard lodgings, with many travel companies now offering spacious rooms or for those on cruises, double cabins that boast all the comforts one would expect on a group or family getaway.
If you find yourself still trying to stave off homesickness after booking a packed itinerary, taking some alone time, joining a tour, or attempting to forge new friendships, there’s no shame in reaching out back home. Will advises: “Checking in while abroad can give people a sense of comfort. Social media can be a great way of keeping in touch while on a solo trip while also allowing friends and family to know you’re safe.”
“It’s not often you get to enjoy a holiday on your own, so my best advice is to embrace it, learn from the experience and do your best to enjoy it! Solo travelling is a fulfilling experience that forces people to cultivate independence and enjoy their own space.”