Solo Travel: Tips To Avoid Feeling Lonely

Traveling alone can be an exhilarating experience, offering opportunities to push yourself, enjoy new freedoms, and discover how capable you are. However, it is natural to feel lonely at times. To combat loneliness, it is important to strike a balance between scheduled activities and spontaneity. Staying in a hostel, joining group tours, and participating in classes or activities can provide opportunities to connect with others. Embracing technology, such as video calls with loved ones or friendship apps, can also help you feel less alone. Additionally, changing your perspective and embracing the perks of solo travel, like eating french fries for breakfast or playing music loudly, can enhance your journey. Remember, feelings of loneliness are temporary, and by taking proactive steps, you can ensure that your solo travels are enriching and fulfilling.

Connect with other travellers and locals

Connecting with other travellers and locals can be a great way to feel less lonely when travelling alone. Here are some tips to help you connect with others while travelling:

Embrace Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a great way to find free accommodation and connect with locals. It is a cultural exchange platform where you can find places to stay with locals, whether it's a spare room or just a spot on their couch. The Couchsurfing app also allows you to connect with locals to grab a coffee, attend events, or visit museums and other attractions. You can join various groups and events on the app, such as language exchanges and traveller meet-ups.

Attend Language Exchanges

Expat communities in most major cities often have language groups that you can join. Attending language exchanges is a great way to connect with locals and other expats, and it provides an opportunity to gain insider tips and advice about the local language and culture. You can also join language groups in your hometown to meet people from different countries and build connections before you travel.

Utilise Social Media and Apps

Social media platforms and apps can be powerful tools for connecting with other travellers and locals. For example, you can use Instagram to discover like-minded locals and learn about responsible travel experiences. Facebook groups can also lead you to local events and spots that provide opportunities for meaningful encounters. Additionally, apps like Bumble BFF allow you to connect with people who share similar interests, making it easier to find companions for coffee, museum visits, or other activities.

Join Meetup Groups

Meetup.com is a website that allows you to find groups based on your interests and connect with like-minded people. Whether you're interested in wine, crafts, business, or any other hobby, you can find relevant meetup groups in your destination city. Interest-based meetups provide a natural conversation starter and make it easier to connect with locals who share your passions.

Stay with Locals

Staying with locals through homestays, bed and breakfasts, or Airbnb can provide excellent opportunities to connect with locals. Being a guest in someone's home often sparks conversations about culture, favourite local spots, and community events. Don't be shy to initiate interactions with your host and their family, and consider inviting them out for a meal or drinks.

Attend Cultural Events and Festivals

Cultural events and festivals are great places to meet locals and immerse yourself in the local culture. Look for small, local festivals designed for the community rather than large tourist-oriented events. These events offer a more authentic experience and provide opportunities to connect with locals who share similar interests.

Call friends and family back home

Calling friends and family back home is a great way to stay connected and combat loneliness when travelling alone. It is a reminder that you can still connect with people even when you are not physically in the same space. While it may intensify feelings of loneliness when you see the life events and milestones you are missing out on, it is still a good way to stay in touch and share your experiences.

Video calls are a great way to bridge the distance and make the world feel smaller. You can also try writing letters or postcards to loved ones, which can be very therapeutic. It helps you feel more present in your reality and can be a great way to express your thoughts and feelings.

If you are feeling lonely, it is important to remember that it is normal to have pangs of loneliness when travelling alone. You can embrace these feelings and give yourself permission to feel different things throughout your journey. It is all about your attitude and having the right mindset.

Before your trip, you can come up with a plan to handle loneliness. This may include bringing journaling prompts, downloading your favourite songs or podcasts, or starting a travel journal to collect mementos and photos. You can also schedule an appointment with a therapist to share your thoughts and feelings about your trip.

Additionally, you can look for opportunities to connect with others while travelling. This may include staying in hostels, joining group tours or activities, or participating in classes or volunteer work.

Take part in group activities

Taking part in group activities is a great way to meet people and connect with others when travelling alone. If you're staying in a hostel, they often host group activities such as family dinners, welcome drinks, walking tours, or pub crawls. These are designed to help you meet people and get to know the city, and they're a great way to beat loneliness and make new friends.

If you're not staying in a hostel, you can still join in on some of their activities. Simply find a hostel near your accommodation and ask if you can join in on their events. You could also book a class or activity, such as a dance class, cooking class, or a guided tour. This is a great way to find people with common interests and beat loneliness.

If you're working while travelling, co-working spaces are a great way to find people with a similar lifestyle. Having something in common is a great icebreaker, and they'll likely be open to socialising further.

• Go to restaurants with communal tables.
• Go to coffee shops and chat with locals.
• Take advantage of the nightlife, such as pubs, concerts, or plays.
• Take a train trip and chat with fellow passengers.
• Take advantage of day tours to meet other travellers.
• Join a Facebook group for expats or travellers in the city you're visiting.
• Use friendship apps such as Bumble BFF or Meetup to meet people with similar interests.

Stay in hostels

Staying in hostels is a great way to meet people when travelling alone. Hostels are designed to be social, with common areas, kitchens, and bars that encourage guests to interact. If you're feeling nervous about staying in a dorm room, you can always book a private room, which will give you more privacy while still allowing you to socialise in the common areas.

When choosing a hostel, look for one that offers activities such as family dinners, welcome drinks, walking tours, or pub crawls. These events are specifically designed to help solo travellers meet each other and get to know the city. Even if you're not staying in the hostel, you may be able to join some of these activities.

If you're looking for a more low-key way to connect with others, consider spending time in the common areas, such as the kitchen or lounge. Many hostels have book exchanges, which can be a great way to strike up a conversation with someone new. You can also look for hostels that cater to specific interests, such as cooking or music, which can help you find like-minded people to connect with.

• Introduce yourself to others and suggest meals or activities together.
• Be mindful of your roommates and keep the noise down, especially when coming home late.
• Respect other people's belongings and privacy.
• Participate in group excursions or day tours offered by the hostel.
• Take advantage of the common areas, such as the kitchen, and strike up conversations with other guests.
• Be open to new experiences and step out of your comfort zone.

By choosing social accommodations like hostels, putting yourself out there, and being mindful of others, you can easily avoid feeling lonely when travelling alone.

Take a class or course

Taking a class or course is a great way to meet people and connect with others when travelling alone. It can be daunting to put yourself out there, but it is a fantastic opportunity to find like-minded individuals and learn something new.

Firstly, you can consider taking a language class. Immersive education is an effective way to learn a new language, and you can sign up for language schools or one-to-one tuition. For example, in Antigua, Guatemala, there are language schools where you can master Spanish, with the option to stay with a local family for further practice. This will also give you the ability to communicate with locals, enhancing your travel experience.

Alternatively, you could take a class that is specific to the location, such as mosaic-making in Barcelona, inspired by Antoni Gaudí's distinctive architecture. You can sign up for a mosaic workshop and create your own souvenir. There are also options for horseback riding in the Azores, painting in Tuscany, or cooking with chillies in Santa Fe, New Mexico. These classes will allow you to connect with others who share your interests and give you a unique experience to remember.

If you are looking for a more social experience, consider taking a dance class, joining a sports team, or participating in an excursion. These activities will allow you to meet people and have fun, all while learning something new. You can also look for group tours or activities offered by hostels, which are designed to help travellers meet others and explore a new city together.

Taking a class or course while travelling alone is a great way to beat loneliness and create meaningful connections. You will likely meet people with similar interests, creating a fantastic opportunity for conversation and friendship. So, whether you are interested in language, art, cooking, or something more active, taking a class can enhance your solo travel experience and provide lasting memories.

Frequently asked questions