Solo Travel Loneliness (10 Ways To Overcome It)
You finally dived into the world of solo-travel. After months debating where you should do it or not, you are now in a new place all by yourself. You’re excited for what lies ahead, BUT – you’ve got your first case of solo travel loneliness.
Loneliness is one of the worst feelings for new travellers and even seasoned veterans alike. I remember at the start of my current and first solo-backpacking trip, it was kicking my arse.
I’d come all the way from Australia to Portugal – and there I was, in such a beautiful country yet I was feeling down! Being struck down by a nasty cold didn’t help, but I wasn’t meeting anyone! I couldn’t help but feel like maybe the world of solo travel wasn’t for me.
Thankfully, I pushed through and embraced it. Since then, i’ve met more amazing people than I could have ever imagined at the start and have rarely had moments of loneliness. A world away from what I was feeling in the beginning!
Here are 10 ways to overcome solo travel loneliness that have helped me throughout my travels:
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1. Pick The Right Hostel
If you’re like me, travelling on a budget, hostels are always the best option. They are usually the cheapest option and are a great way to connect with like-minded people!
However, picking the right one really matters. I’ve stayed in 50+ hostels and they can vary HEAPS. Some, you won’t meet anyone and in others, you might find yourself wanting a break from all the socialising!
When searching for hostels on HostelWorld, always look at the reviews. You will get an idea almost straight away about how easy it is to meet people!
Check out my guide on how to choose a hostel!
2. Solo Travel Loneliness Is OK
Naturally, i’m very comfortable on my own. Before embarking on my first trip by myself I thought it would be a breeze. I was so wrong.
My biggest realisation that helped me deal with it was that I wasn’t alone in feeling alone. Once I overcame that first round of solo travel loneliness, I accepted the fact that it will come and go, and is completely normal for me to feel that way.
Embrace it and you will thrive! I promise!
3. Free Walking Tours
The idea of taking a guided tour may not sound like your type of fun, and to be honest, it’s not mine either. I much prefer exploring it by myself in my own time.
However, when I first arrive in a new city, I always take advantage of the free walking tours! Not only do you learn a lot about the place you’re visiting, but it is also a cracking place to meet other solo-travellers.
Ask the staff at your hostel if they have one they recommend. There are usually tours for different age-groups, so make sure you get one with people like you!
4. Call Home Regularly
Something that helps me not feel lonely is calling home regularly! Homesickness and loneliness come hand in hand. Personally, I call my parents once a week to update them on everything and they do they same for me!
5. Look After Yourself
Just because you’re travelling, it doesn’t mean you should neglect your basic needs!
Sure, go to town on those gyros. Party until the early hours of the morning. However, doing it every day and night will take its toll. Get a good night’s sleep and eat healthy! Get some greens into you!
6. Switch Things Up
The beauty of solo travel and often long-term travel is that you’re not always tied down. There is time to switch things up!
After a while, seeing churches that look the same day after day gets mentally draining. You don’t have to keep doing that! Try something different, a different city or country. If you are stuck in one place, try and get out into nature or even take a day trip somewhere interesting!
7. Treat Yourself!
You want to make your money last as long as possible. I get it, I’m a stickler for my budget whilst travelling.
That being said, do yourself a favour and splurge a bit! It can perform miracles with how you’re feeling. Stay in a private room for a couple of days with a comfy bed, have a nice meal instead of cooking constantly and eat heaps of ice cream.
I recently spent 3 nights in an AirBNB in Sibiu, Romania over my birthday and it was great to recharge! I even saw Oppenheimer at the cinema (which I highly recommend).
8. Listen To Podcasts
Whilst music is great, obviously, podcasts can distract you from the loneliness! The human voice is a magical thing, you can feel like you’re a part of the conversation.
I love Hamish & Andy’s podcast on Spotify.
9. Make A Plan
Having some sort of plan is always handy. You don’t have to have the next month planned out to the second, but knowing what you’re going to do the next day will stop you wandering around aimlessly.
This way, you’ll always have something to look forward to!
10. Get Out Of The Hostel!
When you’re dealing with solo travel loneliness, and you can’t meet anyone – get out of the hostel! Sometimes you simply won’t meet people. Whether that be because of the hostel itself or no one wants to chat, it’s okay!
Instead of dwelling in your own misery, get out of the hostel and explore. Go for a walk in the park, grab a coffee and reset.
Final Thoughts On Solo Travel Loneliness
Solo travel has changed my life in the 4 months i’ve been alone on the other side of the world. However, it was never going to be easy battling that feeling of loneliness.
Those first two weeks into my trip were tough. Despite seeing amazing places and generally having a good time, heading back to the hostel always felt quite lonely.
All of a sudden, it all sort of came together. I got over that hurdle and started meeting people no matter where I was! Finally, I was experiencing solo-travel the way I had envisioned.
I guess the slice of wisdom I wish to impart upon you is that you are not alone, even when you are alone. Don’t let it stop you from taking the leap and reaping the rewards!