It might be scary to even think about if you have never traveled alone. Budding solo travelers often worry about feeling sad or lonely while on the road. Fortunately, with the right attitude, you’ll enjoy yourself just as much as you do when you have company.
It’s not sad to travel alone, though it can feel scary at first. Solo traveling has the potential to be the most fulfilling thing you’ll ever do for yourself. It’s a perfect opportunity to discover your inner strength and reflect on yourself and your life while enjoying your own company.
In this article, I’ll discuss a few topics related to the question. They include what you can do to avoid being sad when traveling alone and how to remain safe and healthy while on the road.
How To Avoid Being Sad When Traveling Alone
Traveling alone isn’t sad unless you’re unhappy from within. The truth is, sometimes you’ll feel lonely, whether traveling or not. Loneliness is normal, especially when you miss home. Still, you need to beat this loneliness
to enjoy your trip.
Let’s take a look at a few ways you can overcome loneliness while traveling alone.
Meet New People
You can’t meet new people by munching on room service while watching your favorite tv shows. So, try to leave that hotel room and enjoy your new environment. The best thing is to plan places you might want to see in the area you’re visiting.
If not, you can ask for recommendations from locals.
As you go sightseeing, be friendly and chat with people around you. You might even make new friends or meet your soulmate!
Stock Up on Good Songs and TV Shows
Songs and movies offer great entertainment during long flights or bus rides. They help you relax and reduce any form of anxiety. If you’re hiking alone or mountain climbing, you can use music to lift your spirits.
Music is also an excellent way to pass the time when you’re on the road. You can discover more ways to avoid getting bored by reading my guide. [How to Pass Time on a Road Trip By Yourself]
Keep in Touch With Family and Friends
Talking to loved ones is also a great way to avoid loneliness. You can schedule video or voice calls with people back home. The conversations will keep all of you at ease when you know everything is going well. It’s also great to maintain your bond and strengthen your love for the people close to your heart.
Prepare a Plan
Spontaneity is great, but having a plan keeps you on your toes. Therefore, make a list of the places you would want to visit or things you want to do. Planning also helps keep your days occupied with fun activities, whether you’re alone or with a group of people.
For instance, you can join group tours to make it more fun. It’s also exciting to dine in well-known traveler restaurants or clubs instead of ordering room service. Moreover, this is a great way to try the local cuisine and discover what the locals enjoy.
Be Flexible
While working with a plan is excellent, you don’t have to live by every word. You’ll discover other places and activities as you meet new people. Don’t be afraid to try an activity just because it isn’t in your plans.
You don’t have to be on the move to have fun. You can also spend a day snuggled in bed with your favorite book, meditate, soul search, or do whatever works for you.
In fact, slowing down and enjoying your own company helps you stay in touch with your feelings and rejuvenate for the next set of activities.
Staying Safe and Healthy While Traveling Alone
Traveling alone requires extra care since you’ve got no backup—you don’t have a travel buddy to help you in the case of an incident. Therefore you need to avoid trouble and always be alert. Here are some ways to keep safe:
Consider Vaccination
Vaccination helps you stay healthy. This is vital for solo travelers because getting sick in unfamiliar places can be challenging. Therefore, take necessary vaccinations to protect yourself from common infections such as the flu.
Keep in mind that the choice of vaccinations will largely depend on where you’re going.
Blend in as Much as You Can
Scammers, muggers, and thieves always target the new people in town. Unfortunately, they have a good eye for visitors. The best rule of thumb is to blend in and try to look like a local.
Research the areas you intend to visit to avoid getting lost. You can also dress and behave like locals to avoid unnecessary attention. Also, always enquire from trusted individuals when you need help. These individuals include the following:
- Security personnel
- Hotel staff
- Other attendants
Don’t Overindulge
It’s okay to have fun—just remember to set some limits when you’re out on the town. Don’t take too much alcohol, and avoid drinks or food you’re unsure of, especially in clubs or bars. Remember, you’re on your own in case something happens.
Therefore, be cautious and avoid trouble when you suspect it.
Avoid Suspicious Company
Socializing with strangers is okay, but avoid getting too close. Look for these red flags from people you meet:
- Asking personal questions
- Enquiring details about your hotel room
- Borrowing your stuff or money
While this could cost you the chance to form genuine friendships, it could also be a recipe for disaster.
Let your Family and Friends Know Your Whereabouts at all Times
Traveling solo doesn’t mean locking your family out of your trip. Instead, update them constantly on your activities and whereabouts. Let them know when you change towns or hotel rooms. Communicating keeps them at ease and makes it easier to locate you in case of anything.
Work With Official Agents
Ensure you book with recognized agents and tour guides, whether for hotels or activities such as:
- Nature walks
- Hikes
- Group tours
Reputable companies will mostly have discounts and offers. Plus, you won’t run the risk of getting scammed.
Stay on the Safe Side of the Law
Getting in trouble with the authorities can ruin your travel. Therefore, knowing the rules and regulations in the areas you visit is essential. In addition, always have copies of your identification and avoid any illegal activities to be on the safe side of the law.
Key Takeaways
Traveling alone isn’t sad unless you’re running away from something or unhappy from within. Although it might be lonely, you can beat it by:
- Making new friends
- Trying new things
- Planning daily activities
- Listening to music
- Talking to your loved ones back at home
The truth is, it’s difficult to tell exactly how it feels to travel alone since each experience is different. The only way to find out is to get out there and make a solo trip. With the right attitude, you’ll enjoy your own company. However, remember to stay safe and avoid trouble.