What’s the number one thing that holds you back from booking that amazing solo trip? For many people, particularly women, feeling lonely is one of the biggest concerns, and that’s understandable given that humans are social creatures and enjoy sharing experiences with others! So, it’s normal not to feel comfortable when thinking about not having your best friend by your side as you explore a stunning destination. While it’s a valid fear, it doesn’t have to hold you back from planning the adventure of your lifetime!
If you’ve been dreaming about traveling to a specific place, and none of your friends wants to join you, loneliness shouldn’t deter you from turning your dream into a reality! Fortunately, there are different ways you can tackle feeling lonely while solo traveling and instead focus on enjoying your vacation to the fullest. Below, we share 5 tips to help you curb loneliness and empower you to embark on an incredible solo trip! Let’s begin!

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Stay in touch with your family and friends
One of the easiest ways to manage feelings of loneliness when traveling solo is to stay connected with those at home. A phone or video call can immediately remind you that you’re still connected with your loved ones even if you do not share the same physical space. If you’re worried about roaming charges, get the best plan with unlimited data in the UK, and you’ll benefit from fast and reliable Internet and get to talk to your loved ones whenever you want!
You can send them pictures of the attractions you’re seeing and share the experience with them – it may not be the same as having them right there with you, but it can still make a difference when traveling solo.
Stay in a hostel
Booking accommodation in a hostel is a great idea when traveling solo, because it allows you to connect with people. Whether you’ll share a dorm with other individuals or stay in a private room but spend your evenings in the hostel’s common area, a hostel allows you to engage in conversations with others.
When booking this type of accommodation, consider the atmosphere you’re seeking. Are you someone who enjoys partying? Or would you prefer a quiet hostel where you can sleep and relax? Considering this aspect is essential because it will help you find individuals on the same wavelength as you, ensuring you’ll have an enjoyable experience.
Book a group tour
A common pitfall of solo traveling is that you don’t have a travel buddy, but you can sign up for a group tour, which will naturally enable you to hang out with fellow travelers and experience a destination without worrying that you won’t be able to fully enjoy the experience. You can choose from many group travel companies, so we recommend taking the time to research and stick to the ones that are most reputable and will provide you with a top-notch experience you won’t forget.
However, if you’re on a tight budget, a walking tour may be more suitable, as it’s often free and comes with plenty of benefits, allowing you to discover the history of the city you’re visiting and its incredible architecture and even enjoy local food together with other travelers from around the globe. Once you spend the whole day with a group of strangers, chances are you will find someone who will want to join you next time you go out to eat. Or, even better, you may become lifelong travel buddies!
Consider taking a class
Learning something new while traveling makes an excellent experience, but it will also put you in the situation where you get to socialize with people with the same passions and interests as you. Once you’ve decided where you will go on your solo trip, look out for the classes available in the area you would like to join. For instance, if you’re planning to spend a couple of months in South or Central America, why not join a Spanish language class?
Depending on the destination you travel to, there may be different options to try out, such as a cooking class, a class teaching you how to craft beer or gin, and much more! There’s really a world of possibilities out there, and chances are, taking a class will enable you to meet like-minded people and even make new friends along the way!
Don’t be afraid to initiate conversations with people
While they will likely be surrounded by people when traveling solo, the interaction is what will help combat loneliness. Now, you may think to yourself that it’s uncomfortable to start a conversation with someone, but you can see this as a chance to get out of your comfort zone (you will likely thank yourself for doing it!).
This can be as simple as talking to someone who sits at the table next to you or a person who is joining the same class. While “hello” can be a good conversation starter, there are better alternatives that will make a significant interaction – for instance; you can talk about how you’ve gotten into the activity you’re both doing, the recipe you’re trying to cook, and so on. Keep in mind that not everyone will necessarily take your lead and continue talking to you (some people might only answer you and then go back to what they were doing). That’s not something you should take personally because not everyone seeks to interact with others – but there’s a good chance you will find someone who wants to make friends as much as you do, so don’t be afraid to start a conversation!
The bottom line
Solo travel is all about empowerment because it doesn’t require waiting for people to say yes to the adventure you seek or convince them to try an art therapy class. You can do things at your own pace and fill your travel agenda with as many or as little things as you want. It’s all up to you! But, to reap all the incredible benefits of traveling solo, you’ll have to make friends with discomfort -at least at the beginning! The good news is that it will get easier in time, so don’t let your fears hold you back from going on a life-changing trip anymore!