How to Overcome Loneliness When Travelling Solo

Solo travel is an amazing experience, giving you the freedom to explore new places, try new things, and fully embrace the present moment. However, there are moments when the solitude can get to you. This guide gives some tips on how to overcome loneliness when travelling solo. 

I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger and solo traveller from England, UK. In this blog, I help people travel solo in Europe. Loneliness is certainly not something any of us want to feel, but inevitably it happens from time to time. Below are some tips to help you overcome loneliness when travelling solo. 

Whether it’s missing loved ones or simply feeling disconnected, loneliness is a natural part of solo travel. But the good news is that it can also be navigated and turned into a positive part of your journey.

If you’re feeling lonely during your solo travels, don’t worry, you’re not alone in feeling this way.

Let’s explore some strategies for staying positive, embracing the quiet moments, and making the most of your solo adventure.

1. Acknowledge your feelings.

The first step in overcoming loneliness while travelling solo is acknowledging how you feel. 

It’s completely normal to experience moments of loneliness, especially when you’re in unfamiliar surroundings and away from the comfort of your home. It’s important to give yourself permission to feel these emotions without guilt or judgment. 

Travelling solo doesn’t mean you need to be constantly happy or “on” all the time. It’s okay to have moments of vulnerability. Acknowledging them is the first step to processing and moving through them.

2. Stay connected with loved ones.

While you’re physically on your own, it doesn’t mean you have to feel emotionally isolated. Thanks to modern technology, staying connected with friends and family back home has never been easier. 

Regular check-ins can help remind you that you’re supported, even if you’re far away. You could schedule regular video calls, share updates and photos, or simply send a message when you’re feeling down.

Another tip is to share your travel experiences with loved ones, even if it’s just in small doses. This not only keeps you connected but also helps you reflect on the positive moments from your trip and feel a sense of comfort from familiar voices.

3. Find ways to socialise with fellow travellers.

One of the most rewarding aspects of solo travel is meeting people from all around the world. If you’re feeling lonely, you could seek out social opportunities with fellow travellers or locals. 

Many solo travellers feel a sense of camaraderie with each other, as they understand the journey you’re on and they’re also on the same journey. 

Here are some ways to make new friends while on the road:

• Stay in hostels: Hostels are often a great place to meet other solo travellers. Many hostels have social spaces, communal kitchens, and organised events or tours that encourage interaction.
• Join group activities: Whether it’s a walking tour, a cooking class, or a local meetup, group activities are a fun way to meet new people and break the monotony.
• Use social platforms: Apps like Meetup or Couchsurfing (for meetups, not necessarily stays) allow you to connect with locals or other travellers who share similar interests.
• Attend local events: Check out local festivals, concerts, or markets. These are the perfect places to immerse yourself in the local culture and strike up a conversation with a fellow traveller or local.

4. Embrace the solitude.

Instead of seeing loneliness as something negative, consider it as a valuable opportunity for personal growth and reflection. 

Being alone gives you time to connect with yourself in ways that can be both peaceful and empowering. You have the space to think, journal, or simply enjoy the world around you in silence.

Take a walk through a beautiful park, sit at a café and watch the world go by, or relax in a museum. Let yourself enjoy the freedom that solo travel provides – the ability to be completely in control of your day and your decisions. 

This might just be me… but I like to remind myself of how annoying my trip would be if there were other people on it with me!

Solitude can offer moments of clarity and self-discovery that might not come in the hustle and bustle of group travel or busy schedules.

5. Practice self-care and mindfulness.

When you feel lonely, it’s especially important to focus on your mental well-being. 

Self-care isn’t just about treating yourself to a nice meal or a pampering experience. It’s also about tuning in to your emotional needs. 

Try incorporating some of the following practices into your solo travel routine:

• Journalling: Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences can help you process emotions and gain clarity.
• Mindfulness: Try mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to calm your mind and centre yourself. Apps like Headspace or Calm can be helpful for guided meditation.
• Exercise: Physical activity is a great way to release endorphins and boost your mood. Whether it’s a long walk, yoga, or a hike in nature, staying active can help you feel more positive.
• Pamper Yourself: If you’re feeling down, sometimes a little self-pampering can help lift your spirits. Treat yourself to a spa day, a nice dinner, or a cosy café visit, anything that makes you feel good.

I like to remind myself of how busy I would be if I were back at home, and how precious having this time to myself really is. 

Before I know it, I’ll be back at work and wishing I was back on vacation again! 

6. Keep your mind busy.

When loneliness strikes, a helpful tactic is to keep your mind engaged with something stimulating. For me, this is the most effective method. 

There are many ways to stay busy and distracted while still being present in your travels.

• Learn a new skill: Take a class in something that interests you. It could be photography, cooking, or a language course, or something else. It’s a great way to pass the time, meet new people, and grow during your travels.
• Read books or listen to podcasts: Dive into a good book, catch up on your favourite podcasts, or listen to audiobooks while you’re on a train or bus (Audible is the best audiobook platform and these are the best audiobooks for solo travellers). 
• Explore a new place: If you’re staying in one place for a while, try visiting a part of the city or town you haven’t explored yet. New sights and experiences can help shift your focus and get you excited again. Book a tour to get insider knowledge from a local tour guide.

7. Take a break when you need it.

Travelling solo can sometimes feel like a non-stop adventure, but it’s important to take breaks when necessary. 

Don’t feel pressured to be constantly “on” or busy. You don’t need to see every attraction or visit every landmark. Sometimes, the most enriching experiences come from simply slowing down and taking it easy.

Consider taking a “chill day”, where you spend time doing nothing but relaxing. Whether that means binge-watching shows, reading, or taking a nap in a peaceful location. Embracing rest when travelling is just as important as the adventurous side of solo travel, and it can help you recharge for the next leg of your journey.

8. Remember: loneliness is temporary.

It’s crucial to remember that loneliness is a temporary feeling, one that will pass as you settle into your journey.

Solo travel is full of highs and lows, and this feeling of isolation is just one phase. It’s a moment to be mindful of, but not to dwell on. 

It always helps me to remember where I am, and the fact I have been wanting this break for ages, wanting to visit this destination for ages, and was thoroughly in need of the time off work. 

As you grow more comfortable with your solo travels, you’ll find that loneliness doesn’t have to take away from the overall joy of the experience.

FAQs: Overcoming Loneliness When Travelling

Below are some frequently asked questions about how to cope with loneliness whilst travelling solo. 

Related reading for overcoming loneliness in travel.

Below are some further posts related to this article on overcoming loneliness when travelling solo.

• Solo Travel: The Benefits of Travelling Alone.
• Solo Travel Myths Debunked: What Travelling Alone is Really Like
• How to Plan Your First Solo Trip: A Beginner’s Guide.
• Empowering Solo Female Travel Quotes to Inspire You.
• 10 Best Audiobooks for Solo Travellers
• Best Solo Travel Apps to Download
• How to Avoid Solo Travel Burnout

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